What is feline leukemia in cats?

FeLV is a highly contagious retrovirus that causes more cat deaths than any other organism. Affected cats are at risk for secondary diseases, including anemia, neurologic disorders, reproductive problems, liver disease, mouth inflammation, and a suppressed immune system. FeLV is the most common cause of lymphoma cancer in cats. Young cats, cats who live primarily outdoors, unneutered male cats, and unvaccinated cats who have underlying medical problems are most at risk for contracting FeLV although any cat can be affected. FeLV is easily transmitted through close social contact with an infected cat who can shed the virus through saliva, blood, urine, feces, nasal secretions, and milk. Common transmission methods include: 

• Bite wound from an infected cat
• Mutual grooming 
• Exposure to an unvaccinated outdoor cat
• Sharing food or water bowls
• Sharing a litter box
• Blood transfusion from an infected cat
• In-utero infection of a fetus from an FeLV-positive mother
• Kittens nursing from an infected mother
• Crowded catteries or shelters with poor ventilation 

Feline leukemia signs in cats

Some cats may not show signs after FeLV exposure, and more than 70% resist infection and clear the virus on their own. Cats who appear healthy after FeLV exposure can still spread the virus. Illness signs are highly variable and may not appear for weeks, months, or years following exposure. Signs include: 

• Loss of appetite 
• Vomiting and diarrhea 
• Dull hair coat
• Weight loss
• Pale gums
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Persistent fever
• Lethargy and weakness
• Inflammation of the gums and mouth (i.e., stomatitis or oral ulcers)
• Seizures or other neurologic disorders 
• Difficulty breathing 

Diagnosis and treatment of cats with feline leukemia 

Your cat needs a veterinary examination if they are showing FeLV infection signs which are similar to many other disease processes. Ensure you inform your veterinarian if your cat has been outdoors, bitten by another cat, or has interacted with a potentially infected kitten or adult cat. FeLV is diagnosed with a simple blood test that takes only a few minutes. Your veterinarian may recommend other diagnostic tests to check for secondary infections or an associated disease including blood tests to evaluate organ function and X-rays to examine your cat’s organ structure. 

An FeLV infection has no cure, and most cats will succumb to FeLV-associated illness once infected. However, many infected cats can enjoy a high quality of life for several years with regular veterinary care. FeLV-infected cats are more at risk for secondary bacterial infections and may require antibiotics as well as additional treatments that may include:

• Blood transfusion for anemia
• Chemotherapy for FeLV-associated cancer
• Immunotherapy medication 
• Dental extractions and regular dental cleanings
• Intravenous fluid therapy 

Payment options for a cat’s feline leukemia treatment 

Cats who are diagnosed with FeLV will require life-long veterinary care with regular check-ups to ensure they enjoy a high quality of life. Cats who develop FeLV-associated diseases like cancer may require extended hospital stays for treatment and stabilization which can be expensive. Several financial options are available to cover treatment costs. Consider purchasing a health insurance plan like Trupanion when your cat is young to ensure funds are available for such long-term care. Other options including Care Credit and Scratch Pay are available, and they allow payments to be spread out over longer periods with delayed interest rates in some cases. You can also invest in a pet health savings account to ensure funds are available for your pet’s health care. 

Feline leukemia prevention in cats 

An FeLV diagnosis can be devastating for cat owners but a vaccine is available for cats who have not previously been exposed to the virus. The American Association of Feline Practitioners recommends that most kittens receive two vaccinations plus a booster at 12 months of age. Your veterinarian will determine if your cat is a good candidate for the FeLV vaccine.

Ensure you bring your newly adopted kitten for a veterinary examination and FeLV testing before introducing them to other feline family members. Several blood tests during your kitten’s first six months may be required to ensure they are FeLV-negative. Other prevention methods include: 

• Keeping your cat indoors to prevent exposure
• Scheduling regular veterinary check-ups
• Avoiding contact with unvaccinated cats
• Scheduling twice yearly or more frequent veterinary visits for FeLV-positive cats to manage secondary infections or diseases
• Avoiding bringing new cats into a home with an FeLV-positive cat

Ask your family veterinarian to determine if your cat is a good FeLV vaccination candidate. If your cat shows any FeLV signs after hours bring them to Animal Emergency Care for immediate care. #AECprevents

Sources: 

https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951934

https://www.merckvetmanual.com/cat-owners/disorders-affecting-multiple-body-systems-of-cats/feline-leukemia-virus-felv

https://www.merckvetmanual.com/generalized-conditions/feline-leukemia-virus-and-related-diseases/feline-leukemia-virus-and-related-diseases-in-cats-overview

https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-leukemia-virus

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What is Lyme disease in pets?

Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness named after the town of Lyme, Connecticut where it was first identified in the 1970s. The disease is caused by the worm-like spiral-shaped bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi which requires a mammalian host to mature and spread. The bacterium cannot survive outside a host so environmental spread is not a concern. Four tick species are known to carry the Lyme disease organism with the small deer tick the most common. This disease can affect any mammal but is most commonly reported in dogs, horses, and humans who have spent time in wooded or grassy areas near rivers, lakes, or oceans. Infection occurs when a tick attaches for a blood meal, although the tick must remain on the host for more than 24 hours to allow time for the bacterium to migrate through the tick into the bloodstream. Your pet’s risk of contracting this disease is higher in the Northeastern U.S. areas and Northern California. However, pets who have been exposed to ticks in any region including Bellingham are at risk. 

Lyme disease signs in pets

Clinical Lyme disease is not common in pets, unlike humans, and 90% of infected pets will not show any disease signs. The disease is rarely reported in cats. Signs typically do not occur for weeks or months after infection. Signs may include:

• Fever
• Decreased appetite
• Lameness
• Joint swelling
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Decreased activity or lethargy

Some pets, although rarely, may experience a complicated case of Lyme disease infection caused by bacteria present in their kidneys. Signs may include:

• Increased thirst and urination
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Weight loss
• Blindness
• Heart murmur
• Low blood pressure 

Lyme Disease diagnosis and treatment in pets

Bring your pet for a veterinary examination if you notice any Lyme disease signs. Disease diagnosis in your pet is challenging because the signs are similar to other tick-borne illnesses. Ensure your veterinarian knows that you have noticed ticks on your pet, have traveled to an area where Lyme disease is prevalent, or have been hiking in a wooded area. Your veterinarian may recommend a specialized blood test to check for an infection if they suspect this disease is affecting your pet. Additional diagnostic tests may include blood work to check for infection and overall organ health, and imaging such as X-rays to examine your pet’s joints for other causes. Lyme disease is rarely fatal to pets but early detection will ensure a more positive treatment outcome. Pets with uncomplicated Lyme disease will not require a hospital stay, and will be prescribed a one-month course of antibiotics. Other treatments may include:

• Pain medication  
• Immunosuppressive medications for complicated forms of the disease
• Blood and urine tests to monitor kidney health
• Blood pressure monitoring 

Payment options for Lyme disease treatment in pets 

Pets undergoing treatment will likely require several follow-up appointments, and severe cases may require an extended hospital stay. This long-term care can result in a large veterinary bill. Fortunately several payment options are available to cover treatment costs including pet health insurance like Trupanion. Trupanion will pay your veterinary clinic directly which eliminates the need to submit paperwork and wait for your reimbursement. Other payment options include pet health savings accounts, Care Credit, Scratch Pay, and short-term loans.

Lyme disease prevention in pets 

Veterinary-prescribed tick prevention products are the safest and most cost-effective way to prevent Lyme disease in your pet. Always check the Centers for Disease Control Lyme disease case map, if you are planning to travel with your pet. Other prevention measures include:

• Checking yourself and your pet for ticks after time in the woods
• Keeping lawn areas well maintained
• Keeping shrubs away from your home
• Discussing whether your pet needs the Lyme vaccine with your veterinarian

Early diagnosis and treatment are key to a positive outcome for Lyme disease treatment in your pet. Immediately contact your family veterinarian if your pet is showing signs of this disease, or bring them to our Animal Emergency Care office if they become ill after hours. #AEC prevents

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