Doerr Animal Clinic - [Newsletter]


	Doerr Animal Clinic 2050 Herr Lane Louisville, Ky. 40222 (1) Phone (502) 425-1275 Fax (502) 425-8387

What you should know about Feline AIDS. (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV))

FELINE AIDS¶¶What is Feline AIDS?¶Feline AIDS is caused by infection with Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). FIV causes a potentially fatal viral disease that interferes with the immune system of a cat. The virus lives in the blood of the infected cat and is carried in their system throughtout their life. Infected cats may expose healthy cats with which they come in contact, most often by biting. Cats infected with FIV may remain healthy for up to 10 years. While some infected cats show no sign of disease, others may display such initial symptons as...¶¶ fever¶ loss of appetite¶ diarrhea¶ lethargy¶ swolen lymph nodes.¶¶As the disease progresses, symptons may occur such as...¶¶ weight loss¶ sores in and around the mouth¶ eye lesions¶ poor hair coat¶ chronic infections.¶¶Eventually, the immune system becomes too weak to fight off other infections or diseases. As a result, the cat will die from one of these subsequent infections.¶¶How prevalent is Feline AIDS?¶¶Up to one in twelve cats in the United States tests positive for the disease.(1) Actual infection rate can be higher in unhealthy cats. Outdoor cats are at the highest risk of disease. About 15³³ of cats that test positive for Feline Leukemia (FeLV) also test positive for FIV.¶¶How is the disease contracted?¶¶FIV is spread from cat to cat primarily through bite wounds, as the virus is shed in high levels through saliva. Outdoor cats are at higher risk for contracting the disease. The spread of FIV through watering bowls or grooming is unlikely. An actual bite would in an integral part of the disease transmission. Although rare, it is possible for a mother to pass the infection on to her unborn fetus.¶¶What can I do to prevent feline AIDS?¶¶Vaccincation is the best way to prevent the disease in at-risk cats. If your cat is vaccinated for leukemia because it has contact with other cats, you should also consider its risk factors for feline AIDS. There is no treatment or cure for an FIV infected cat. A vaccine is available that can aid in the prevention of infection by FIV. Talk with us about the best vaccination program for your cat.¶Along with vaccination, other health management measures include...¶¶ limiting exposure of indoor cats to outdoor¶ cats¶ using caution when introducing a new cat to¶ a multi-cat household¶ having the new cat tested prior to joining¶ the household¶ isolating an aggressive cat from other cats.¶¶We have a new vaccine that will aid in the provention of infection with FIV. A series of three doses, two to three weeks apart are necessary. ¶¶(1) JAVMA, Vol. 218, No. 8, April 15, 2001. ²²Feline practioners recommed new FIV and FeLV testing guidelines, initiate public awareness campaign.²²

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