Posts tagged "FIV"

Feline AIDS is a potentially deadly disease that afflicts the immune system of household cats. As part of a Paw Nation series providing background about the medical problems your pet may suffer, we spoke to Dr. Louise Murray, Vice President of ASPCA's Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital in New York City, to get some insights about the condition. You should always consult your veterinarian before giving medication or supplements to your pet.

What are the signs that my cat has feline AIDS?
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is the virus that causes feline AIDS. FIV-positive cats may not demonstrate visible signs to their owners. Some symptoms may include problems with the oral cavity -- such as dental disease that is more severe than you would expect for the cat's age. Gingivitis is a common problem with FIV-positive cats, meaning they will have very inflamed gums. Some cats with more advanced cases of FIV may have unexplained weight loss and may develop infections.

Pet vaccination can be a confusing subject for even the most conscientious pet owner. Should you vaccinate your cat? How can shots protect your kitty's health? To get the expert scoop on the subject, Paw Nation spoke with veterinarians Kristen Nelson, author of "Coated with Fur: A Vet's Life," and Christine Bellezza, co-director of the Feline Health Center at Cornell University.

When and why should pet owners vaccinate their cats?
The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) recommends that kittens start getting their shots at around 6 to 8 weeks of age, the time when the immunity they received from their mothers starts to wane. "It's important to vaccinate cats because the viruses that we're vaccinating against are very prevalent in the environment," Bellezza says. "Cats that aren't vaccinated are very much at risk."

Despite that high risk, not all cat owners follow the guidelines.

"Unfortunately, there is a lot of incorrect information on the Internet related to vaccinations," says Dr. Nelson. "As a result, I have observed an increase in the number of people who refuse vaccinations for their pets. Now I am beginning to see an increase in the number of animals who contract these diseases."

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) are phrases that every cat owner dreads -- and for good reason. The diseases are deadly, and treatments for either of them are limited. That may soon change.

Missouri-based company ProLabs has recently launched a drug to fight these devastating infections. It's the first treatment for the diseases to have been granted a conditional license by the USDA.

Veterinarian and consultant for the Cornell Feline Health Center Christine Bellezza told Paw Nation that FeLV and FIV are related but distinct diseases. "They both affect the immune system, but in slightly different ways."

Both infections suppress a cat's immune response and impair the ability to fight off diseases. As a result, infected cats often pick up a parade of viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Blood disorders, such as life-threatening anemia, are common in cats with FeLV or FIV, and the viruses can also cause various types of cancer. In fact, feline leukemia is the most common cause of cancer in cats.

FIV is spread from cat to cat mostly through bite wounds and intercourse (another reason to spay and neuter!). FeLV passes from cat to cat much more casually -- infected kitties can pass the virus to their playmates through grooming and by sharing a litter box or food dish. Kittens are especially susceptible to contracting the virus.