Cat Leukemia in the North Country

A feline epidemic is silently taking the lives of many North Country pets

Story and photos by Ariana Cohn

Despite the negative criticism that comes with runny noses, sore throats, and headaches, humans have an advantage when it comes to knowing and being able to express that their immune systems are weak. But how does an animal, which cannot express their distress, and what happens when it is too late to detect their immune deficiencies?

"It’s a death sentence"

"It’s a death sentence," said Dr. Craig Russell of the Peru Veterinary Hospital, in reference to the recent epidemic of Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV). The virus has been infecting one out of every ten cats of the North Country, as well as all of America, leaving felines weak, unhealthily thin, and on a waiting list to die. "Once symptoms arise, there is nothing we can do," Russell said.

What is FeLV?

"Basically it just depresses their bodies"

FeLV, similar to FIV (Feline Immuno-Deficiency Virus) is a species-specific virus which suppresses a cat’s immune system, leaving it vulnerable to other diseases and bacterial infections. The reason it is labeled as feline leukemia is that this particular strand of virus may only be found in cats, although indoor cats are not typically exposed. "Basically it just depresses their bodies," Russell said. It is both highly infectious and contagious. FeLV occurs when a massive destruction of the feline’s T-cells occurs, causing lymphoma and lymphocytic cancer in the lymph

nodes and blood. When a stray cat carrying the disease is brought into a household with other non-infected cats, the virus is easily spread through saliva, licking each other, and exposure to urine.

"The [main] problem with FeLV is that it is so easily transmitted," Russell said. It is spread from cat to cat, primarily through saliva, feces, urine, and nasal secretions. "They can give it to each other by eating out of the same bowl," he said. This makes stray, or social cats particularly susceptible. Pregnant cats can also pass the virus to her kittens through breast milk.

Signs of FeLV

Some common symptoms of FeLV are diarrhea, fever and enlarged lymph nodes. According to Dr. Jaclyn Bentley, veterinarian of Champlain Veterinary Services, "[Symptoms include] everything from non-clinical signs to respiratory signs, anemia, and gastrointestinal problems. (FeLV) affects the bone marrow so it can affect many systems." The leading sign of FeLV is dramatic weight loss. Russell described that there is also the possibility of an A-symptomatic cat who has tested positive for FeLV, who is not showing signs of the virus. Since symptoms are not always prevalent, it is especially important for all cats to be tested before they are brought into the home.

What Can Be Done?

Dr. Russell emphasized that more cat owners should take advantage of vaccine clinics. The FeLV vaccine stimulates the cat’s immune system, and kills the virus before it comes in contact with the rest of the systems. With any human vaccine, a killed portion of the virus is used in the vaccination. "By introducing a portion of the killed virus, the body is able to see it and produce an antibody," Russell said.

But the vaccine is not a life-saver.

"The vaccine prevents the disease, but does not treat it," Bentley said. Russell also confirmed that there is no cure. Prevention is the only way a cat will not be infected, which is why Russell, Bentley, and many other veterinarians promote the vaccine while the felines are kittens. "We give kittens the vaccine with other yearly vaccinations," Bentley said. Russell makes having the discussion about FeLV, in which he makes a recommendation that it is administered, to owners a part of his check-up procedure. "I record the date that we have the discussion, so that later on they can’t say I didn’t tell them," Russell said.

"Before you bring it into the house, and fall in love with it, have it tested so that you can prevent your family from being harmed"

Whether doctors talk about FeLV vaccines with owners or not, some owners simply choose not to have it done. "Whereas the rabies vaccine is mandated by law, the FeLV vaccine is not," Russell said.

Russell also made note that if the cat is, in fact, positive for FeLV, owners should not simply let them out of the house to run free, as they can become a public health concern.

The most important factor when dealing with the virus and its vaccinations is timing. By getting the feline vaccinated when it is a kitten, the disease will be prevented, and therefore be helpful in calming the now-growing epidemic. Russell added, "Before you bring it into the house, and fall in love with it, have it tested so that you can prevent your family from being harmed."

Have you had your cat tested for FeLV?

Common Cat Diseases to Look For

Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Diseases
Basically, this is asthma for a cat. It is labeled asthma because a cat with this disease shows symptoms similar to human asthma. It occurs when the lung airways are blocked by excess mucus, and the muscles go into spasm. Signs are coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath during any physical movement. Medications that dilate the airways, as well as antihistamines are available if a cat is diagnosed.

Feline Renal Failure
This disease occurs when the kidneys cannot clear the blood of bodily toxins, including a bi-product of protein metabolism and creatinine. During renal failure, there is an excess level of these toxins, and other blood components rise and fall accordingly. The disease can be tested and monitored through urinalysis. Kidney transplants are available in 10 clinics throughout the country.

Coccidiosis
Coccidiosis is a bacterial infection on the cat’s intestine of the organisms Coccidia. Coccidia are microscopic parasites, which invade and eat at the feline’s intestines causing a watery diarrhea. This can be a life-threatening illness.

Once inside the host, the organisms continue to feed and reproduce in intestinal cells until the cells bursts and then fills the entire intestine with many deadly organisms. As the intestine begins to lose its capacity to function, diarrhea becomes the result. Coccidiosis can be tested throughout routine fecal exams. While there is no cure that will kill the Coccidia, there are medicines available that will prevent them from reproducing.