Feline leukemia virus is a retrovirus that infects cats. FeLV can be transmitted from infected cats when the transfer of saliva or nasal secretions is involved.
As a cat parent, hearing the words feline leukemia can be frightening. This serious viral infection harms cats worldwide, affecting between 2-3% of all cats in the U.S. 1. This deadly virus doesnt just make cats sick it affects their immune system and can shorten their lives.
Treatment options for feline leukemia Some cats with leukemia are seriously ill and die quickly, but many live for several years after being diagnosed. Death is usually caused by a secondary infection because these cats are not able to fight off bacteria and viruses.
Diagnosis and Treatment. Veterinarians diagnose Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) through blood tests that detect the presence of the virus. These tests can identify cats infected with FeLV, even if they show no clinical signs.
There is no specific treatment or cure of Feline Leukemia Virus. The treatment is aimed at helped patients with secondary infections and to control these secondary infections. This can be completed by using antibiotics or other treatments to help the immune system.
Figure 1 Feline friendly handling techniques should be used for every interaction with cats. This will ensure optimal healthcare by reducing the cats stress, improving personnel safety and providing a positive outcome for the patient, client and veterinary team.
