As a
personal lover, and an owner of the cutest Siamese cat ever, I was
devastated at the title, and devastation of Feline Leukemia Virus. When I first
read about the FeLV virus, I immediately thought of cancer; however it is not
exactly the same in how it affects our pet felines. First discovered in
the 1960s, feline leukemia virus is a transmittable RNA retrovirus that can
severely inhibit a cat’s immune system. It is one of the most commonly
diagnosed causes of disease and death in domestic cats. (ASPCA) The FeLV virus
is spread through many ways, such as: bodily fluids, including saliva, nasal
secretions, urine, feces and blood. FeLV is most commonly transmitted through direct
contact, mutual grooming, and through sharing litter boxes, food and water
bowls. It can also be passed in utero or through mother’s milk. Outdoor cats
that get into fights with other cats can transmit the disease through bites and
scratches. Nevertheless, healthy cats over three months of age, and vaccinated
for FeLV are highly unlikely to contract the virus from another cat. FeLV
weakens an animal’s immune system and predisposes cats to a variety of
infections and diseases, including anemia, kidney disease and lymphosarcoma, a
highly malignant and fatal cancer of the lymph system. Sadly there is no
cure for FeLV, and it is estimated that less than 20 percent of clinically
infected cats survive more than three years of active infection. In the case of
those cats that develop cancer, chemotherapy can help prolong life, but
treatment often focuses on providing the best quality of life. The only
preventative method is a vaccine, but even this method isn’t 100% full proof,
and a vaccinated cat should still not make contact with an infected.
ASPCA, . "Feline Leukemia Virus." ASPCA.
ASPCA, 03 Jun 2013. Web. 11 Jul 2013. <http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/feline-leukemia-virus>.
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