how to treat distemper in cats at home

These kittens are born with a syndrome called feline cerebellar ataxia, and their movement is accompanied by severe tremors (shaking). It can survive at freezing temperatures and room temperatures, and it can also survive the use of certain disinfectants, including iodine and alcohol. Death. Veterinary care focuses instead on alleviating symptoms, providing supportive care, and preventing secondary infections. A physical examination will provide the vet with information about the nature and severity of the cat's symptoms. However, this disease was once a leading cause of feline death, and the effects can still be seen devastating unvaccinated cats, which is why its critical to vaccinate yours.. Feline panleukopenia (FP) is a highly contagious viral disease of cats caused by the feline parvovirus. There are many diseases that start with lethargy as the first sign and progress to dehydration and GI signs. In addition, cats with distemper are likely to develop respiratory infections, which antibiotics can treat. Distemper: A severe disease that may cause permanent brain damage. Prognosis decreases for cats with low protein levels, low temperatures, thin body conditions, and/or severely low white blood cells on bloodwork. Antibiotics are usually given by injection as the gut is compromised by the sickness and diarrhea. Those infected in the later stages of pregnancy tend to develop cerebellar hypoplasia but can live happy lives with normal survival times, depending on the severity of the neurological signs. Runny nose Your cat may have a hard time breathing due to a runny nose. The names feline distemper and feline parvoshould not be confused with canine distemper or canine parvo although their names are similar, they are caused by different viruses. Treatment focuses on correcting dehydration, providing nutrients, and preventing secondary infection. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM. Research source Stay current on important veterinary news, AVMA activities, and member services. The first visible signs an owner might notice include generalized depression, loss of appetite, high fever, lethargy, vomiting, severe diarrhea, nasal discharge, and dehydration. It appears most commonly in kittens, who can be exposed to it while still in their infected mother's womb, and in vulnerable unvaccinated adult cats such as those who live inferal coloniesor whose immune systems are compromised. The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Feline Panleukopenia Virus, otherwise known as Feline Distemper, is a highly contagious, life-threatening infectious disease in cats. It is difficult to know if a cat has a fever at home, but the vet will usually confirm a high fever as well. They can also be more severely affected., This disease affects the intestinal lining and white blood cells. What Is Distemper? While it is life-threatening, cats who survive will become immune to a subsequent infection., The number of deaths related to feline distemper has decreased over the years, thanks to advancements in veterinary medicine and effective vaccinations. It has also been called cat fever, cat plague, feline agranulocytosis, and feline infectious enteritis. X These types of cells can be found in many places, including bone marrow, the intestinal tract, skin, and the stem cells of a developing fetus. It can be deadly and may require intensive hospitalization. There is no cure for feline distemper, but early diagnosis and treatment can improve the chances of survival. So, it can easily be picked up on your shoes or clothing and brought indoors to your cat. However, some countries have regulations where vaccination use is only licensed for kittens over 8 to 9 weeks old., Cats who are currently being treated for feline distemper should be isolated from other cats, and this isolation should last for several weeks. Intravenous fluids: Aggressive intravenous fluids can help counteract dehydration. Panleukopenia is considered one of the deadliest cat diseases in the unvaccinated cat population. Since feline panleukopenia is hardy and can remain in the affected environment for a long time, all cages, food/water bowls, toys and bedding should be replaced or thoroughly disinfected. Infected kittens progress from lethargic and depressed to severely dehydrated and sick fairly quickly. A thorough medical history can be helpful with diagnosis, especially if your cat was recently adopted, has been outdoors frequently, is unvaccinated, and/or has been around other cats. Get the latest updates on your choice of veterinary topics delivered straight to your inbox. The disease affects the blood cells in the intestinal tract, bone marrow, and stem cells. Dr. Katie Grzybreceived her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Ross University in 2009. If you have multiple cats in your house it is most likely that they are all infected if one is infected. Recovering cats must be provided a quiet, warm place to rest. It can survive at freezing temperatures and room temperatures, and it can also survive the use of certain disinfectants, including iodine and alcohol. Owners should be careful to thoroughly wash hands and remember that the disease is easily spread and remains on surfaces for long periods of time. It is also called panleukopenia as it affects the bone marrow and causes low white blood cell counts. The disease is also called feline distemper or feline parvo. They will likely keep the cat in the clinic for a day or two to observe and treat any new symptoms. In adult cats, signs may be mild and may go unnoticed. In fact, it's thought that almost all domestic cats are exposed to the virus during their lives. By using our site, you agree to our. Although antibiotics do not kill the virus, they are often necessary because infected cats are at a higher risk of bacterial infections because their immune systems are not fully functioning (due to the decreased white blood cells) and because bacteria from the damaged gut may enter the cats bloodstream and cause infection. Reduced white blood cells may point to a feline distemper infection., Currently, there is no cure for feline distemper or specific treatments for this disease. Keep track of product alerts for pet foods, animal feed, and products used by veterinarians or animal owners. Feline distemper is extremely contagious, both from other infected cats, humans who have encountered infected cats, and/or the environment. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. The disease affects the blood cells in the intestinal tract, bone marrow, and stem cells. She continued her clinical training at Sign up for weekly pet health tips and insights from our veterinarians. Sick cats may sit for long periods of time in front of their water bowls but not drink much water. The treatment will be unique to your cat and its needs. Antibiotic therapy is often instituted to help control any secondary bacterial infections due to low white blood cell counts. "Feline distemper (aka feline panleukopenia) is a highly contagious and life-threatening viral infection caused by parvovirus," Wooten says. It has also been called cat fever, cat plague, feline agranulocytosis, and feline infectious enteritis., Regardless of what you call it, though, it is a highly contagious disease spread among cats and found practically everywhere in the environment. If a cat recovers from feline panleukopenia, there is usually no permanent damage to their organs, and they develop lifelong immunity to the virus. Luckily, there is a vaccine for feline panleukopenia virus, and it is part of the core vaccine series for cats. Similar to the human flu virus, distemper strains vary from year to year. 2 Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, fever, low white blood cell count, and dehydration. Kittens infected in the womb during the late stages of pregnancy may develop cerebellar hypoplasia once born, a condition where the virus affects the formation of a part of the brain called the cerebellum. Prevention is vital to your cats health. The worst part of owning a cat may well be lugging home the giant box of kitty litter from the, Blue Buffalo Cat Food Review Summary Introduction to Blue Buffalo Cat Food Many pet owners might be surprised to learn, As well as their elegant body shape, large ears, and charismatic personalities, Siamese cats are famed for their pointed coat. Panleukopenia is considered one of the deadliest cat diseases in the unvaccinated cat population. Yes, if treated in the initial stages of the infection. Protect yourself and your pet. These cells are important to the immune system and are used to fight infection. A thorough medical history can be helpful with diagnosis, especially if your cat was recently adopted, has been outdoors frequently, is unvaccinated, and/or has been around other cats. To ensure safety, unvaccinated cats should not be placed in an environment frequented by a cat with suspected feline panleukopenia. Distemper doesn't just affect dogs. Yes, lifelong immunity develops if the cat is treated in the initial stages of infection and responds well to therapies. If your cat is very sick, you may have to approve emergency treatment, including intravenous fluids and plasma or blood transfusions. My sister adopted a year old cat from a cat shelter a week ago today. Indeed, some people will refer to this disease as Feline Parvovirus. In some cats, the fever will come and go during the illness and abruptly fall to lower-than-normal levels shortly before death. Additionally, your cat may seem uncoordinated, and they may display odd behaviors such as hiding from you and resting their chin on the floor. 1. There is also a PCR or antigen test that can be performed on the feces to confirm an infection. Humans can also transmit the disease if they handle an infected cat and then come into contact with an unvaccinated cat prior to washing their hands or changing their clothes., Typically, an infected cat will spread the virus for up to two days after infection. Feline Panleukopenia Virus, otherwise known as Feline Distemper, is a highly contagious, life-threatening infectious disease in cats. Without examining Martin I cannot say what the specific cause of the symptoms are, you should visit a Veterinarian for an examination to be on the safe side if there is no improvement; diarrhoea and weight loss may be attributable to many different conditions which may include infections, parasites, foreign objects, poisoning, stress, dietary changes among other conditions. Because the virus impedes the immune system kittens are often susceptible to secondary infections, so they can easily be infected with other viruses or bacteria. % of people told us that this article helped them. Veterinary reviewed by: Dr. Linda Simon, MVB MRCVS. Identifying the Signs of Feline Distemper, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/95\/Treat-Feline-Panleukopenia-%28Distemper%29-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Treat-Feline-Panleukopenia-%28Distemper%29-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/95\/Treat-Feline-Panleukopenia-%28Distemper%29-Step-1.jpg\/aid7657707-v4-728px-Treat-Feline-Panleukopenia-%28Distemper%29-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"