Definition of Feline Distemper
Feline distemper, also known as feline panleukopenia or feline parvoviral disease (FPV), is a severe and highly contagious disease of cats that affects all body systems containing rapidly dividing cells, especially cells of the digestive system. It is caused by the feline parvovirus and is characterized by the acute onset of vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, depression and commonly death.
How Feline Distemper Affects Cats
At one time, parvoviral distemper in cats was very common. With the development of highly effective vaccines, thankfully this disease is now rare in the United States. Unfortunately, it still crops up in unvaccinated kittens and adult cats, especially those kept in crowded unsanitary conditions. Affected adult cats may show no clinical signs of infection. When present, signs of infection tend to be similar to those seen in dogs with “parvo.” Cats stop eating, become depressed and develop a high fever. Severe vomiting and diarrhea come next, causing progressive dehydration and often death. In addition to attacking the gastrointestinal tract, feline parvovirus also can attack the blood system, nervous system, ophthalmic tissues, reproductive system and lymphatic system. It can attack the fetus during pregnancy, causing complications including fetal death or permanent brain damage in newborn kittens.
Causes of Feline Distemper
Feline panleukopenia is caused by a parvovirus that is quite similar to the parvovirus that causes severe enteritic inflammation and infection in dogs. The feline parvovirus can infect all felines, as well as raccoons, ferrets and mink. The feline parvovirus is shed in all bodily excretions of affected animals for up to 6 weeks and is particularly prominent in feline feces. It is very resistant to most disinfectants and can survive in the environment for years. Cats become infected by exposure to infected feces, salivary secretions or viral particles contained on inanimate objects (shoes, clothing, etc.). The virus can also be transmitted in utero.
Preventing Feline Distemper
Vaccination is highly effective for preventing feline panleukopenia. Both modified live and inactivated vaccines are available, but the modified live (attenuated) vaccines seem to be more effective and produce a more rapid immunologic protection. Both types of vaccines can be given either intranasally or by injection. Pregnant cats and kittens younger than 4 weeks should not be vaccinated with the modified live product due to potentially adverse consequences.
Special Notes
Feline distemper is virtually completely preventable by appropriate routine vaccination of kittens.