The main symptoms and methods of treating leukemia in cats

Feline leukemia is one of the most dangerous incurable retroviral diseases of cats, which is dormant (hidden, sluggish) and does not manifest itself until the beginning of the terminal phase. Together with infectious peritonitis and immunodeficiency in cats, leukemia is included in the ominous list of “tri-fatal” infections, characterized by high contagiousness and lethality.

Other names for leukemia in cats are VLK, FeLV, blood cancer, leukemia, viral leukemia, Leucaemia viralis, lymphosarcoma, hemoblastosis.

Why is it dangerous to neglect treatment for leukemia?

Lack of treatment is fraught with the development of the disease and its accompanying pathologies, which lead to death. An animal that does not receive veterinary care develops:

• anemia;
• spontaneous bleeding;
• chronic cystitis;
• constant low-grade fever;
• bacterial infections;
• viral respiratory diseases;
• peritonitis;
• ascites;
• toxoplasmosis;
• autoimmune glomerulonephritis;
• stillbirth;
• damage to the mammary glands in females;
• miscarriages;
• fetal resorption and fading kitten syndrome;
• sarcoma of the lymphatic system.

A pregnant cat with leukemia will give birth to already infected kittens, which usually do not survive due to the body’s lack of strength to fight the virus. Therefore, cattery owners should definitely examine their cats.

Helping your pet at home

Prescriptions from a veterinarian are followed at home, and caring for an infected or sick cat is also very important.

First aid for a pet

First aid for a pet consists of taking it to a veterinarian and conducting a comprehensive examination, since both viral leukemia itself and the diseases that develop against its background need quick and accurate diagnosis. It is desirable that the clinic has accumulated experience in managing such patients.

If a cat is suspected of leukemia, it is necessary to urgently take it to the clinic

Caring for an Infected Cat

If the cat is infected but clinically healthy, then:

• Twice a year, for the purpose of prevention, take the cat to the veterinarian; during examinations, the following must be carried out: control weighing of the cat, followed by comparison of the results over time, since weight loss may indicate the onset of the disease;
• a complete examination of the animal, paying special attention to the lymph nodes, eyes and mouth;

If a cat develops signs of illness, then some of the treatment measures, for example, taking pills, intramuscular injections, washing the eyes, applying ointments, are carried out at home.

Medicines that are used to improve the cat's condition

For symptomatic treatment of feline viral leukemia, drugs from different therapeutic groups are used.

Table: drugs for symptomatic treatment of viral leukemia

Photo gallery: medications to improve the condition of an animal with viral leukemia

Sinulox for cats is an effective bactericidal agent, an antibiotic of the penicillin group

Ciprovet is an antibacterial drug that is used to treat various infections in cats.

Doxycycline is a semisynthetic antibiotic of the tetracycline group with a broad spectrum of action.

Metrogyl Denta is an over-the-counter drug in gel form, an antibiotic used for infectious and inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity.

Vincristine is a cytostatic agent (suppresses tumor growth)

Cyclophosphamide is an antitumor drug

Features of treatment of pregnant cats and kittens

The course of pregnancy in a sick cat is hopeless, since fetuses are reabsorbed, abortions occur, kittens born die in the first few days of life, and the cat develops infertility. Infected and sick animals are sterilized and are no longer suitable for breeding. Treatment of a sick pregnant cat is solely in the interests of the cat, carrying out the entire range of symptomatic and supportive therapy in accordance with its condition.

Which cats can get leukemia?

All cats are at risk. Stray animals, domestic animals, young and old, purebred and mixed-breed animals are susceptible to the disease.

Why, then, are they not all carriers of the virus? The fact is that the virus is quite unstable to external influences. In the external environment, it most often dies within a couple of days. It is dangerous from sunlight, ultraviolet rays, low and high temperatures. It is vulnerable to disinfectants and alcohol-containing products. Nevertheless, it is incorrect to even talk about the relative safety of animals.

Reference! Cats, due to their lifestyle, are more often susceptible to the disease (fights, including for the right to mate with a cat in heat).

What is leukemia (FeLV)

Viral malignant disease of the circulatory system of the cat family - FeLV. Otherwise it is referred to as cancer or a malignant tumor that can be transmitted to other species and destroy the weakest animals with immunity.

Feline leukemia virus (FLV) belongs to the same group as HIV. Causes serious complications and exposes the body to weak protection against other diseases due to weakened immunity:

• viral, bacterial, fungal, parasitic infections;
• tumors;
• bone marrow diseases.

A cell infected with a retrovirus.
The dangerous effect of the virus awakens long after infection, cannot be treated, but can be prevented through vaccination.

In the external environment, the virus loses resistance and dies after two days. It is vulnerable to sunlight, low or high temperatures, ultraviolet rays, and is defenseless against disinfectants and substances containing alcohol.

FeLV provokes the appearance of malignant tumors, which leads to death

Methods of transmission of the virus

The virus is highly contagious - the ability of the infection to be transmitted from sick animals to healthy ones. It is transmitted from a sick animal to a healthy one under the following conditions:

• contact with the host’s saliva, urine, feces, or secretions from his nose or eyes;
• biting during a fight or play;
• through shared dishes, toys, beds;
• sexually;
• in utero from mother to kittens (as a rule, such babies do not survive);
• through flea bites;
• at an exhibition when using common things or being close to a sick colleague;
• after the owner visits the house where the leukemic cat lives, or a shelter, without changing clothes;
• in a clinic where instruments and tables are not thoroughly sanitized after each patient.

The greatest prevalence of hemoblastosis is observed in crowded cat prides, in so-called granny apartments, in shelters, as well as in basements where homeless individuals live.

Detailed lecture from a veterinarian about leukemia in cats:

How does feline leukemia manifest?

The decrease in the immunity of infected animals occurs gradually and asymptomatically.

Cat owners may not realize for years that their pet is dangerously ill.

Clinical signs of leukemia in cats do not appear immediately; they are diverse and resemble other pathological conditions.

Symptoms of viral leukemia:

• Weakness, increased fatigue, drowsiness;
• Lethargy, refusal of active games with the owner and relatives.
• Frequent long-term diseases of viral and bacterial nature. Relapses.
• Loss of appetite, exhaustion, refusal to eat.
• Enlarged and painful lymph nodes.
• Frequent alternation of periods of excitement with a depressed state.
• Fever. Increased body temperature above 40°C.
• Anemia.
• Pale mucous membranes.
• Jaundice.
• Gastrointestinal disorders: diarrhea, nausea, vomiting.
• Deterioration of coat condition, loss of shine.
• Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath.
• Loss of coordination of movements, muscle spasms.
• Increased salivation, stomatitis.
• Purulent discharge from the nose and eyes.
• Convulsions, seizures, fainting.
• Anisocoria – different pupil sizes.
• Reproductive problems: infertility, miscarriages.
• Tachycardia.
• Swelling of the limbs.

Important!

This dangerous disease can only be diagnosed in a clinic based on the results of laboratory tests. Don't put off visiting the veterinarian!

What causes the development of leukemia and what is its danger

The causative agent of the disease is an RNA-containing oncogenic retrovirus, which invades blood cells and destroys their genetic code. The Latin name is Feline leukemia virus. It was identified by scientists in Glasgow in 1964. Scientists have established a connection between cases of cancer of the blood and lymphatic system in cats with the detection of strains of this virus in their blood.

The virus is dangerous due to its oncogenicity and changes in blood composition, reducing the resistance of the cat’s body, and provoking secondary diseases. It begins its activity in the tonsils and lymphatic tissues of the nasopharynx, gradually spreading to the lymph, circulatory system, and brain.

Immune deficiency increases unnoticed. When the process spreads to the bone marrow, it is too late to fight, since the affected bone marrow produces more and more replicas of the virus along with blood cells, and leukocytosis progresses. Death usually occurs from diseases associated with hemoblastosis.

Pathogenic effect of the FeLV virus

The leukemia virus belongs to the family of retroviruses (RNA viruses) that attack vertebrate cells. Having penetrated the body, it penetrates into the bone marrow tissue and disrupts the genetic code of immune cells - leukocytes. As a result, they can no longer fully perform their protective function. The disease has another name - leukemia, since the number of immature white blood cells in the patient's blood increases pathologically.

The main results of the destructive effect of a viral infection are as follows:

1. A blow to the immune system leads to a sharp decrease in resistance. Animals often get sick. Any interaction with pathogens can cause unpredictable complications, including death.
2. Immune cells with a disrupted genetic code are carried throughout the body by blood. This dramatically increases the likelihood of cancer.
3. There is a difficulty in making a diagnosis. The disease begins almost asymptomatically. Immune deficiency increases gradually. Serious disorders appear when the disease is already advanced. When examining sick animals, doctors cannot always associate the presence of malignant tumors with the effect of the virus.
4. With leukemia, the death of a cat usually occurs from a secondary infection that develops in conditions of weakened immunity. At the same time, there were cases when, even without the introduction of a vaccine, the initially strong immune system destroyed the invading virus, and the animal recovered.

Symptoms of leukemia in cats

The disease is insidious in that it does not appear immediately, but when the number of leukocytes in the blood exceeds acceptable limits. In this case, helping your pet is very difficult, if possible at all.

Therefore, it is necessary to show your furry puppy to the veterinarian twice a year so as not to miss the first symptoms of the disease.

VLK in cats manifests itself with the following symptoms:

• drowsiness;
• lack of interest in games;
• frequent rises in temperature;
• loss of appetite;
• lethargy;
• salivation;
• frequent colds, cystitis;
• digestive problems;
• enlarged lymph nodes;
• discharge from the eyes and nose;
• bulging eyes;
• pallor of mucous membranes.

The symptoms are nonspecific, and the owner will not be able to independently figure out what is bothering his pet. By self-medicating, you can waste time and ultimately lose your pet.

Symptoms of the disease

Leukemia always causes a sharp decrease in immunity in cats. An infected animal is susceptible to frequent illnesses that are severe and have complications that tend to recur.

The remaining symptoms are associated with secondary infection and depend on its type. The following violations are almost always observed:

• frequent rises in temperature;
• loss of interest in outdoor games;
• increased drowsiness;
• poor appetite and refusal to eat;
• frequent colds, gastrointestinal problems;
• very often drooling can be observed, since the virus localized in the salivary glands causes disruption of their functioning;
• swollen lymph nodes;
• pallor of the mucous membranes.

Life expectancy of a cat after infection

How long a cat can live after contracting viral leukemia depends on its immunity. Typically, it takes 3 to 10 years from infection to death. The incubation period ranges from four days to eight months.

Unfortunately, 90% of infected animals die in the 4th year of the disease. This high mortality rate is due to the fact that obvious symptoms appear 3 years after the cat is infected.

With good care, the animal remains a carrier of the infection for a long time, but does not get sick, and clinical signs of the virus do not appear. However, carrying the virus poses a danger to other cats.

Vaccination

Vaccination is the best and most effective way to protect your pet from a terrible and deadly disease. Before the vaccine, it is necessary to carry out a test for carriage of the virus. If it is negative, then vaccinations are given annually from the age of two months. This method of protection helps increase resistance to infection and has a cumulative effect.

Vaccinating a cat against FeLV

The drug is a substance containing living and dead particles of the virus - Purevax.

A timely visit to a doctor for diagnosis of the disease will not protect the cat from a full recovery, but it will prolong its life and prevent the progressive development of the disease.

Can a person get infected from a cat?

Numerous studies prove that it is impossible to become infected with leukemia from cats . In the human body there is nothing for it to “catch onto”, since the DNA of a cat and a person do not have identical areas vulnerable to the virus. In addition, human leukemia has a completely different, non-viral nature.

Feline leukemia is not dangerous for dogs either.

Therefore, you should not be afraid to take such an animal into your home as your only pet or in the company of a carrier of the same virus.

Contact

The most common route of transmission of a viral agent from one animal to another is contact.

Infection occurs during fights between relatives. The blood and saliva of the infected opponent enters the wound surface.

The cause of infection can be close contact between cats - mutual licking, touching noselobes to each other.

But the main type of contact transmission of the pathogen is through bites and scratches.

Types and forms of leukemia

An animal may have one or more retrovirus strains: A, B, C or T.

Depending on the state of immunity, leukemia in cats can occur in several forms:

• Transient (temporary). The initial period of the disease, until leukemia affects the bone marrow. At this stage, in rare cases, a strong immune system can develop a powerful response and destroy the pathogen completely. Such an animal receives lifelong immunity against viral leukemia. Typically, no more than two months pass from the onset of the disease, and these cats do not become a source of danger to others.
• Latent . This variety can occur when the immune system is strong. Replications of the virus are already present in the tissue structure, but the infection cannot multiply and become active. The animal remains a carrier, it may feel great, however, it poses a danger to healthy fellow tribesmen.
• A persistent or replication form of a viral organism. The weakened immune system no longer resists the penetration of the virus into the bone marrow structure. Signs of leukemia increase, primarily anemia. Particular harm is caused to the gastrointestinal tract, skin, bladder, and respiratory system.

Leukemia can be differentiated by type of localization:

• Thoracic leukemia is characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the chest area, due to which the animal becomes increasingly suffocated. Differential analysis with the wet form of viral peritonitis is required due to the similarity of symptoms;
• abdominal is characterized by damage to the gastrointestinal tract and resembles an intestinal disorder or jaundice; constipation, dehydration, and cachexia also develop;
• multifocal affects several organs at once and has a very poor prognosis due to the difficulty of diagnosis.

Medical care for leukemia

Our clinic does not treat viral patients, since this requires the presence of a viral hospital, because an infected pet poses a threat to other patients.

In virus hospitals, symptomatic treatment is provided: if possible, concomitant diseases are eliminated to help the pet’s immunity better cope with the viral load; Prescribe vitamins and supportive therapy.

Diagnostics

In order to confirm or exclude viral leukemia, and if confirmed, determine its type and form, the veterinarian performs a series of tests:

• clinical blood test - to determine the level of leukocytes in the blood, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, the presence of anemia;
• PCR - polymerase chain reaction - study of peripheral blood;
• immunofluorescence blood test , which allows you to detect antibodies to the virus and determine its type;
• ELISA is an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay that detects the presence of antibodies and antigens to the virus in the blood.

Attention! If, while symptoms persist, all tests for VLK are negative, it is too early to calm down. It is necessary to retake them after three months and conduct a differentiated study, since the same symptoms may indicate completely different diseases.

Today, veterinary clinics are increasingly doing rapid tests for leukemia ; they provide a high degree of reliability, but it is better to play it safe and conduct a comprehensive analysis.

It also doesn’t hurt to conduct ultrasound and x-ray studies, which can help identify the presence of malignant neoplasms and see abnormalities in the functioning of internal organs.

In some cases, the following are recommended for diagnosis:

• biopsy;
• colonoscopy;
• gastroscopy;
• laparoscopy.

These are invasive or minimally invasive tests and are done under general or local anesthesia.

Consequences of infection with feline leukemia virus

The disease is practically incurable.

As a result of infection, the following changes occur in the body:

• weakened immunity, which provokes a variety of pathologies;
• a quarter of animals develop anemia;
• neoplasia;
• skin diseases and pathologies of the reproductive system.

As a result of persistent struggle, the animal most often dies within 4-5 years. In most cases from secondary diseases.

Therefore, it is important to ensure that the cat does not become infected.

To do this, vaccinate your cat annually, limit contact with unknown cats and cats, and regularly undergo a rapid test for leukemia.

Treatment of viral leukemia

It is not yet possible to completely cure a cat from leukemia. But timely symptomatic therapy will significantly alleviate the pet’s condition and prolong its life. The selection of drugs is carried out by a veterinarian strictly individually, depending on the condition, tests and symptoms of the patient.

Modern veterinary science suggests acting in two directions in cases of deteriorating health:

1. Stimulation and strengthening of the animal's immunity . The following proven drugs are used:

• Raltegravir.
• Feliferon.
• Interferon.
• AZT.

Antibiotics and vitamin complexes are also used.

1. Symptomatic therapy:

• with the help of medications, symptoms of diseases developing due to decreased immunity and inhibition of hematopoiesis are relieved;
• a good but temporary effect is achieved by blood transfusion , this procedure will have to be repeated every 2 weeks; if oncology is diagnosed, chemotherapy (in particular, Vincristine), usually in this way it is possible to stop the pathological process.

In addition, owners will have to reconsider their approach to feeding their pet. Food must be complete and of high quality, heat-treated to prevent germs, bacteria and other pathogens from entering the weakened body of a pet.

A cat diagnosed with viral leukemia will have to be kept in quarantine for life , contact with other cats must be prevented, and its bed, dishes, toys, and litter tray must be kept clean. If there are other cats in the house, then after contact with the carrier you need to thoroughly wash your hands and, if possible, change clothes. It is useful to regularly quartz the room in which the carrier cat lives (during quartzing, the animal must be removed from the room).

Important! Remember that euthanizing a cat is a last resort. Never give up in the fight against the disease, even without resorting to treatment.

Routes of infection

It is worth noting right away that only cats can become infected with leukemia. This virus is not dangerous for humans and other pets. Therefore, you can safely care for the animal.

A kitten can become infected with leukemia through saliva, blood, breast milk, urine and feces. Contacts with an infected animal during mating, fights, joint games, through a common bowl or tray will serve this purpose. Blood-sucking insects can also transmit the virus - from a sick cat to a healthy one.

Favorable conditions for the development of viral leukemia are present among unscrupulous scammers - “breeders” who only care about profit from the sale of kittens. There, sanitary rules of keeping are violated, there is a large overcrowding of animals - all this contributes to the spread of the virus. Therefore, if you are concerned about the health of cats, never deal with such scammers.

Read about how to recognize a divorcee: Beware, scammers! Razedentsy and bird markets

Prevention

You should not allow your pet to come into contact with stray and unexamined fellow pets, place it in dubious pet hotels and in unverified foster care, or use other people’s toys, trays, treats, food, bowls, beds, or medicines.

After the death of the previous cat from leukemia, it is recommended to get a new companion no earlier than 2 days after the death of the sick cat and only after cleaning the apartment. It is better to purchase new bowls and trays.

But the best way to protect your pet from viral leukemia is timely vaccination , which must be preceded by a carrier test. Kittens are vaccinated at the age of 2 months and repeat this procedure annually. The vaccine does not kill the infection, but increases the body's resistance to the virus and has a cumulative effect. Therefore, it is important not to forget to vaccinate your pet.

Viral leukemia is one of the most dangerous pathologies in cats. The prognosis for the disease is unfavorable, but still, in our time, lymphosarcoma is not a death sentence, so it is important to recognize VLK at the initial stages of development using comprehensive diagnostics. A timely visit to a specialist will help improve the quality of life of your furry cat and extend his days. To prevent infection, it is necessary to follow preventive measures and pay attention to the general condition of the animal.

Risk group

Cats at risk:

• after surgery or a visit to the clinical table without treatment;
• not vaccinated and not protected from flea bites;
• those exposed to mating with cats that have not been tested for viruses;
• often on the street;
• animals in a shelter or left for foster care;
• a pregnant cat passes the virus to her kittens or through feeding.

If a pet is not at risk, this does not guarantee its complete protection from a dangerous disease. The disease begins asymptomatically, so any of the symptoms listed in this article should be noticed and verified with a special test.

Diagnosis

Before starting treatment, you need to undergo a thorough diagnosis. It is worth noting that even with certain symptoms, it is impossible to determine leukemia yourself. Even experienced doctors at the beginning of the development of the disease cannot determine the exact cause. If symptoms appear, the following measures are used for diagnosis :

• Blood is taken for analysis and detailed study.
• The level of leukocytes and anemia are determined.
• Additionally, it examines the cat’s immunity, which makes it possible to display virus markers.
• Ultrasound and radiography are used.
• A biopsy, gastroscopy and other examination methods are performed.
• Tissue samples are taken from various internal organs of the cat where the virus is believed to be concentrated.

Despite the symptoms and a range of diagnostic techniques, leukemia cannot always be identified. There may be no test results, the tests come out negative, and the pet will feel the same symptoms as before. In this case, you need to re-diagnosis in a few days or weeks.

Leukemia in animals is a very dangerous disease, in some cases with invisible symptoms. Treatment of the pathology is very difficult, and death often occurs. Animal owners can only alleviate the condition, relieve negative symptoms, and slightly increase life expectancy.

© shutterstock

Epizootology

The source of infection is sick animals. Animals aged 4-7 years most often become ill. Animal secretions and excreta contaminated with the virus (saliva, colostrum, milk, placenta), when entering care facilities, can serve as a route of infection. The virus is also carried by insects.

A huge role in infection is played by genetic and phenotypic predisposition to the disease, as well as the immune status of the body.

Leukemia often occurs in a latent form. Under the influence of various factors, the virus is activated and causes the proliferation of leukocytes. In the initial period, there is an increase in white blood cells (leukocytosis). The blood picture changes towards an increase in immature cells. The virus is localized in the lymphatic system and regional lymph nodes enlarge.

Possible complications and consequences for the animal

There is an opinion among veterinarians and farmers that leukemia definitely leads to the death of the animal. Yes, this is true, because until today not a single effective vaccine has been developed, although research has been carried out repeatedly over many decades. Therefore, when one individual is infected, the farm owner must take care of the rest of the livestock.