Feline Panleukopenia

Feline panleukopenia is a highly contagious viral disease, which is sometimes called feline distemper.  Panleukopenia survives in the environment for a long time; therefore a cat may become infected just by visiting a place where an infected cat has been.  It is passed through direct contact with an infected cat’s bodily fluids; blood, urine, and especially feces.  It can also be carried by fleas.  Clinical signs generally develop within two to five days after exposure.

All ages and breeds of cats are susceptible to contacting panleukopenia.  Older cats, unvaccinated cats, and young kittens are the most commonly afflicted with this disease.  Death is very prevalent, with the highest mortality rate seen in young kittens.  Pregnant cats with panleukopenia can pass the disease to kittens in the uterus.  Kittens with panleukopenia are often born with brain damage.

Severe diarrhea is the most common symptom associated with feline panleukopenia.  Other signs include bacterial infections, dehydration, depression, fever, lack of appetite, and severe vomiting.  It is very common for infected cats to develop secondary pneumonia.  Panleukopenia virus suppresses the production of white blood cells, compromising a cat’s immune system.