Feline distemper is commonly called panleukopenia. This disease is very serious and usually proves to be fatal. Household cats rarely contract this disease since they tend to be vaccinated against it. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about distemper in felines.
Cause
This virus is commonly found in the wild. Cats can become infected by coming into contact with infected urine. It takes approximately six weeks for cats to stop shedding the virus in their urine and stool after contracting it. The virus can also be harbored in litter boxes, clothing, food dishes, and bedding.
Signs
Feline distemper causes an assortment of symptoms. They include seizures, diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. It’s also common for cats to stop eating. After contracting the virus, felines start to exhibit these symptoms after about five days.
Treatment
This disease can easily be fatal to kittens and younger cats. Supportive care is the main course of treatment. Dehydration is a common problem, so intravenous fluids are given to combat it. If the case is severe enough, your cat may even need a blood transfusion. Antibiotics may also be given to deal with secondary bacterial infections.
Prevention
It takes years for the virus that causes this disease to die in the environment. It can also survive many common disinfectants. If the virus is exposed to a solution of bleach and water for more than ten minutes, it will be strong enough to kill it. Cats who have been given their regular shots will be protected from this disease.
Felines can be affected by many different cat diseases. Learning about these conditions will help you get your cat treated quickly in case he does fall ill. So, head over to common-cat-diseases.com today to learn about some of these conditions.
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