Feline parvovirus – infection, symptoms and treatment

He is known as feline parvovirus is a virus that causes feline panleucopenia. This disease is quite serious and if left untreated it can end your cat’s life in a short time. It affects cats of all ages and is very contagious.

It is important to know the symptoms and above all to protect your cat with vaccination, since it is the only method of prevention. Very small or unvaccinated kittens should avoid contact with other cats until they have all their vaccinations in order not to be infected with any of the most common diseases in cats.

In this article we will tell you all about the feline parvovirus, so you can recognize the symptoms and act correctly before an infection.

What is feline parvovirus?

El feline parvovirus it is a virus that causes the call feline panleucopenia. It is a highly contagious disease and very dangerous for cats. It has also been known as infectious feline enteritis, feline fever or feline ataxia.

The virus is present in the air, in the environment. That is why all cats at some point in their life will be exposed to it. It is important to vaccinate our cat against this disease, it is very serious and can cause death. Do not miss our article in which we show you the calendar of vaccines for cats that you must follow.

The incubation period of the parvo virus in cats is of 3-6 days and, later, the disease will progress during 5-7 days more progressively worsening. A rapid diagnosis is essential to combat it.

Parvovirus affects the normal division of cells, causing damage to the bone marrow and intestines. It impairs the immune system, causing a decrease in the number of white blood cells, essential for a response against the disease. Red blood cells also descend causing anemia and weakness.

Feline parvovirus infection

Sick cats should be kept isolated, as they are highly contagious. Their feces, urine, secretions and even fleas contain the virus.

As we have said before, the virus is in the environment. Although the cat is already cured everything that has come in contact with it is infected. In addition, the virus is very resistant and can remain in the environment for months. In this way, they should be clean all utensils of the infected cat: the sandbox, toys and all the areas where you like to lie down. You can use bleach diluted in water or consult your veterinarian about professional disinfectants.

The feline parvovirus does not affect the human being, but we must take hygiene to eliminate the virus from the environment. It is advisable to keep young, sick or unvaccinated cats away from strange cats or that have overcome the disease a few months before.

The best way to avoid infections is prevention. Vaccine your cat against the parvovirus.

Symptoms of feline panleukopenia

The symptom more frequent of parvovirus in cats are:

• Fever
• Vomiting
• Decay, fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Bloody stools
• Anemia

Vomiting and diarrhea can be very severe and dehydrate your kitten very quickly. It is essential to act as soon as possible and take our cat to the veterinarian as soon as we observe the first symptoms. Although it is not unusual for a cat to vomit at any given time, feline panleukopenia is characterized by constant vomiting and for a considerable weakness.

Treatment of feline panleukopenia

As with other diseases of viral origin, there is no specific treatment for the feline parvovirus. It can not be cured, only alleviate the symptoms and fight dehydration so that the cat overcomes the disease by itself.

Very young kittens or with an advanced state of the pathology have a very low survival rate. As soon as you observe symptoms typical of the disease, go immediately to your veterinarian.

Normally, the hospitalization of the cat to provide you with the proper treatment. Dehydration and lack of nutrients will be combated and, most importantly, the spread of other diseases will be avoided. In addition, your body temperature will be controlled.

Since the feline parvovirus affects the immune system, infected cats are more likely to contract other bacterial or viral infections. Therefore, we insist on going to the veterinarian, as well as taking extreme precautions to prevent the state of the disease from worsening.

When your cat comes home, have a warm and comfortable place for him and give him lots of pampering until he recovers. Once your feline has overcome the disease it will become immune to it. But remember to clean all your things to avoid contagion from other cats.

This article is merely informative, in .com we do not have the faculty to prescribe veterinary treatments or make any kind of diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian in case of any type of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to Feline parvovirus – infection, symptoms and treatment, we recommend that you enter in our section of viral diseases.