| Introduction
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is one of the most common infectious diseases in cats. It was first discovered in cats with a form of leukemia. In addition to leukemia, affected cats can develop anemia (a low red blood cell level), cancers, and/or suppression of the immune system. |
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Transmission and Pathogenesis
FeLV belongs to the genus Gammaretrovirus of the family Retroviridae. FeLV is one of the most common infectious diseases in cats. It is usually spread by casual contact with salivary secretions, such as through licking, mutual grooming, and shared food and water dishes. As a result, FeLV is also known as the “friendly” cat disease.
Cats typically acquire FeLV via the oronasal route. After infection, the virus starts initially to replicate in the local lymphoid tissue in the oropharyngeal area. It then spreads via infected monocytes and lymphocytes into the periphery. The virus can infect the bone marrow during this primary viremia. After bone marrow infection, a secondary viremia can occur, with FeLV-containing leukocytes and platelets appearing in the blood. The virus is shed in saliva, nasal secretions, urine, feces, and milk of infected cats. |
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One of three things can happen once a cat contracts FeLV: abortive infection, regressive infection, and progressive infection.
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Clinical signs
FeLV adversely affects a cat's body in many ways. It is the most common cause of cancer in cats, may cause various blood disorders, and may lead to a state of immune deficiency that hinders a cat's ability to protect itself against other infections. During the early stages of infection, it is common for cats to exhibit no signs of disease at all. Over time, an infected cat's health may progressively deteriorate or the cat may experience repeating cycles of illness and relative health.
Cats infected with FeLV may exhibit one or more of the following symptoms:
Pale gums and other mucus membranes
Enlarged lymph nodes
Bladder, skin, or upper respiratory infections
Weight loss and/or loss of appetite
Poor coat condition
Progressive weakness and lethargy
Fever
Diarrhea
Breathing difficulty
Reproductive problems like sterility in unspayed female cats
Stomatitis – Oral disease that includes ulceration of gingiva
Diagnosis
Three types of tests are commonly used to diagnose FeLV:
1. ELISA or rapid test: These two tests detect the p27 core protein of FeLV in the bloodstream.
2. Indirect immunofluorescent antibody assay (IFA) test: IFA detect the viral particles within white blood cells.
3. Real-time PCR or real-time reverse-transcription PCR: Real-time PCR detect the proviral DNA, and reverse-transcription PCR detect the FeLV RNA.
Note
Bioguard’s Qmini PCR can detect FeLV RNA in 90 minutes at your clinics using EDTA-blood as samples."
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Webinar: Diagnosis and treatment of Canine Chronic Hepatitis
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A free online class brought to you by Bioguard
Get familiar with canine chronic hepatitis. Sponsored by Bioguard Corporation and presented by Dr. Hung-Shi Chio, this is the next webinar you don't want to miss it.
Access to the on-demand recording is FREE
Obtain a CERTIFICATE of attendance
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Chronic hepatitis (CH) is characterized by hepatocellular apoptosis or necrosis, a variable mononuclear or mixed inflammatory cell infiltrate, regeneration, and fibrosis. The diagnosis and treatment of CH in the dog is a complex process that requires integration of clinical presentation with clinical pathology, diagnostic imaging, and hepatic biopsy. This webinar will include review, diagnosis and treatment of this disease.
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Dr. Hung-Shi Chiou graduated from the National Taiwan University in Taiwan, obtaining his master’s degree in veterinary pathology. He is a board-certified veterinarian and veterinary pathologist in Taiwan with expertise in diagnostic pathology, surgical pathology, and lab animal pathology
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