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The Feline Leukemia virus was one of the most common fatal diseases in cats until recently. Now with the aid of vaccination this disease can be prevented. Although the cases have dropped in recent years, it still remains a major cause of death in cats.
Common signs of FeLV include anemia, jaundice, depression, weight loss, decreased appetite, diarrhea or constipation, blood in the stool, enlarged lymph nodes, respiratory distress, decreased stamina, excessive drinking and urination. FeLV also inhibits the ability to fight off infectious disease, so that any severe, chronic illness may lead your veterinarian to test for FeLV.
Most cases are spread through cat fights. If one of the cats in the fight is infected with FeLV, then others that are being bitten by that cat may become infected.
FeLV is passed through the saliva into the bloodstream via puncture wounds. Other less common ways of viral spread are shared food and water bowls, cats grooming each other, and transmission from mother to kittens before birth.
A vaccine to protect cats from the FeLV is available. Although not all cats are totally protected, the vaccine is still strongly recommended for cats that are exposed to other outdoor cats. Over the years there has been decline in the incidence of feline leukemia virus infection and related diseases since vaccine use became widespread and very common. Vaccination is by far the best protection from the disease and to be effective a booster should be given every year.
The vaccine will not help cats that are already infected with FeLV. (They won't be hurt by it either). Vets will recommend pre-vaccination testing for the FeLV for cats with a history of cat fights or fight wounds, cats that have been exposed to FeLV-infected cats, ones from unknown backgrounds (animal shelters, humane societies, or pet shops) and as routine health care, especially in multi-cat households.
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