In some cases, isolating the whole virus or detecting DNA of the virus using a test called a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) may be recommended to determine whether FeLV has infected the bone marrow. The majority of cats that test positive by IFA remain infected for life. IFA tests detect the presence of virus particles within white blood cells, usually an indication of a more advanced infection. The indirect immunofluorescent antibody assay (IFA) test is usually sent out to a diagnostic laboratory after a positive ELISA test to confirm FeLV infection and determine whether the cat has reached the later stages of infection. ELISA-type tests detect the presence of free FeLV particles that are commonly found in the bloodstream during both the early and late stages of infection. One of these tests, called an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), is usually performed first as a screening tool, and can be run in a veterinarian's office. Two types of blood tests are commonly used to diagnose FeLV, both of which detect a protein component of the virus called FeLV P27. Seizures, behavior changes, and other neurological disordersĪbortion of kittens or other reproductive failures.Infections of the skin, urinary bladder, and upper respiratory tract Inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) and mouth (stomatitis).Over time, however, (weeks, months, or even years) an infected cat's health may progressively deteriorate or he/she may experience repeating cycles of illness and relative health. These secondary infections are responsible for many of the diseases associated with FeLV.ĭuring the early stages of infection, it is common for cats to exhibit no signs of disease at all. Because of this, common bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and fungi that usually do not affect healthy cats can cause severe illness in FeLV-infected cats. 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. However, even healthy adult cats can become infected if sufficiently exposed.įeLV adversely affects a cat's body in many ways. Kittens are much more susceptible to FeLV infection than are adult cats, and therefore are at the greatest risk of infection if exposed. Such cats include cats living with infected cats or with cats of unknown infection status, cats allowed outdoors unsupervised where they may be bitten by an infected cat, and kittens born to infected mothers. FeLV does not survive long outside a cat's body – probably less than a few hours under normal household conditions.Ĭats at greatest risk of FeLV infection are those that may be exposed to infected cats, either via prolonged close contact or through bite wounds. Transmission can also take place from an infected mother cat to her kittens, either before they are born or while they are nursing. Cat-to-cat transfer of the virus may occur from a bite wound, during mutual grooming, and (rarely) through the shared use of litter boxes and feeding dishes. The virus is shed in saliva, nasal secretions, urine, feces, and milk of infected cats. Fortunately, the prevalence of FeLV in cats has decreased significantly in the past 25 years since the development of an effective vaccine and accurate testing procedures.Ĭats persistently infected with FeLV serve as sources of infection for other cats. Infection rates are significantly higher (up to 30%) in cats that are ill or otherwise at high risk (see below). Feline Vision Problems: A Host of Possible Causesįeline leukemia virus (FeLV) is one of the most common infectious diseases in cats, affecting between 2 and 3% of all cats in the United States.
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