Introduction
There is no “cure” for feline immunodeficiency virus infection in cats. However, there are treatments and management protocols that can help affected cats live a longer and more comfortable life.
Treating Feline Immunodeficiency Virus
The overriding goal of treating FIV infection is to prevent or resolve the secondary opportunistic infections that can be life-threatening due to the immunocompromised status of infected cats. By the time this disease is diagnosed, the veterinarian will already have performed a thorough physical examination and taken a complete history. A complete blood panel and urinalysis normally will have been conducted as well. Routine annual tests should be performed once a cat has been diagnosed with FIV, and in some cases these tests will be recommended twice a year. The cat’s weight should be carefully monitored, and if the cat begins to lose weight dramatically, nutritional and caloric supplements will be prescribed.
Treating FIV infection first involves treating any secondary infections, which frequently requires antibiotic and/or antifungal therapy. Anti-viral drugs, such as azidothymidine (AZD), have proven helpful to ameliorate the clinical signs of FIV infection and can improve the cat’s quality of life. Owners can help their FIV positive cats live longer, happier lives by feeding them a high-quality diet, keeping their living areas clean, warm and safe and regularly examining them for evidence of any secondary infections, neoplasia or progression of primary disease caused by their immunocompromised state. FIV-positive cats should always be kept indoors to reduce their exposure to infectious agents and to prevent spread of their infection to other cats. They should have free access to fresh water at all times.