Symptoms
Signs of infection are similar to those seen in dogs with a parvovirus infection. After becoming infected, cats stop eating, become depressed and get a fever. Severe vomiting and diarrhea occurs, leading to dehydration and often death. In later stages, the body temperature is below normal. In adults, the disease may be subclinical (show no clinical signs of infection).
Diagnosis
FPV is usually diagnosed on the basis of clinical signs and a CBC (complete blood count), though more specific tests are available. A low white blood cell count (the term panleukopenia, which means that all the white blood cells are decreased in numbers) supports the diagnosis and indicates a suppressed immune system.