Feline Pan Leukopenia Virus Essay

One of the most life-threatening and highly contagious viruses in cats is Feline Pan Leukopenia Virus. It is also known as feline distemper. The virus affects red blood cells, mostly those in the intestinal tract, bone marrow, and the stem cells of developing fetuses. The attacks on the blood cells can lead to the development of anemia and lowering of the immune system. The virus can survive for years in contaminated environments, making it incredibly difficult to get rid of. Kittens between the ages of two to six months, pregnant cats, and immune compromised cats are at the highest risk for severe symptoms. Symptoms of Feline Pan Leukopenia Virus include complete loss of interest in food, diarrhea/ bloody diarrhea, high fever, anemia, rough
The recommended treatments for FPV is to make sure the cat is not dehydrated and is drinking plenty of fluids. Antibiotics to prevent secondary infections are also recommended. Early vaccination is the best way to prevent the virus altogether. To prevent an infected cat from spreading the virus, keep infected cats away from other cats. While the cat is recovering, keeping it away from healthy cats and providing a warm, affectionate environment will help the cat. After the cat comes into contact with surfaces, it is important to clean them with bleach or a strong disinfectant. Replacing all the cat’s belongs with new ones will reduce the spread of the virus. Mothers that have not been vaccinated will have a doubly weakened immune system and may pass it on to the kittens. If the kittens receive the virus, they will likely have severe developmental dysfunctions. After the initial infection, the cat will have immunity to the virus for the rest of its life. It will also not be able to spread the virus to any other cats ever again. Although a dangerous virus, vaccination has severely eradicated it so cats can live a long, healthy
The virus attacks the respiratory system. The respiratory system includes the nose, throat, and lungs. It is often referred to as the “flu” but it is not the same virus as the “stomach flu.” Everyone can be susceptible to the flu, but some people may be more at risk. Young children, pregnant women, people with weakened immune systems, people with chronic illnesses, obese people, and adults older than 65 are the most at risk. The symptoms of the flu include fever, aching muscles, especially in the back, arms, and legs, chills with sweats, headache, dry persistent cough, fatigue and weakness, nasal congestion, and sore throat. Most of the time, the virus will go away on its own. People with a high risk for complications should take antiviral drugs and see a doctor. The virus travels through the air in droplets. If a person with the infection sneezes, coughs, or talks, the virus can travel through the air and infect a healthy person. A person can be contagious with the virus from a day before showing symptoms to five days after symptoms start. If a person has a weakened immune system, they can be contagious for a longer time. They can be contagious for up to ten days after symptoms appear. Treatment for influenza includes bed rest and plenty of fluids. For people with a higher risk for complications, antiviral medications may be prescribed to reduce symptoms and prevent complications for infections. Unfortunately, certain