Effective Treatment & Care Tips for Feline Distemper
Characterized by high fever, vomiting, severely reduced white blood cell counts, and enteritis, this clinical condition presents with the following symptoms:
The incubation period typically lasts for 4 to 5 days, with the disease manifesting in three distinct types upon onset.
The most acute type is often asymptomatic, with cats suddenly dying without any warning. The acute type presents with atypical symptoms and usually results in death within 24 hours. The subacute type, however, is more insidious, with affected cats showing signs of fatigue, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and the passage of bloody, watery stools. Their body temperature may rise to over 41°C, only to drop back to normal after 24 hours, only to rise again after 2 to 4 days (manifesting a biphasic fever pattern). Later stages are marked by severe dehydration and weakness, often leading to death shortly after the second temperature spike.
Routine blood tests reveal a decrease in white blood cell counts, with more significant reductions indicating a poorer prognosis. Postmortem examination may show varying degrees of congestion or bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, edema, and coverage by fibrinous exudates. The mesenteric lymph nodes may be enlarged, with a marbled appearance of alternating red and white on sectioning. The liver, kidneys, and other solid organs may show congestion or bleeding. The bone marrow of long bones may appear gelatinous. Characteristic inclusion bodies of varying sizes can be found in multiple cell types.
Vaccination is the most effective method for preventing feline panleukopenia. Both attenuated and inactivated vaccines are effective, but the attenuated vaccine provides protection more rapidly. Puppies should be vaccinated at 12 weeks of age to overcome maternal antibody interference. Routine vaccination is generally carried out at 8 to 9 weeks of age, followed by boosters every 2 to 4 weeks until 12 to 14 weeks of age. At least two doses of the attenuated vaccine and three doses of the inactivated vaccine are required, with annual boosters recommended thereafter.
In Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM), the injection of Xianxinlian injection into the Houpai point can be used. Chinese patent medicines such as Huoxiang Zhengqi Water, Pingwei San, and Zhili Liquid can be chosen to regulate gastrointestinal function. Additionally, Shengmai Drink can be used to replenish nutrients and body fluids.
Herbal formulas can also be employed: a mixture of 10g of Wu Yao, 10g of Lianqiao, and 10g of Jinyinhua, boiled together and allowed the cat to drink the resulting liquid, to be administered for 5 consecutive days. Alternatively, a blend of 15g each of Huanglian, Huangbai, Sanzhen, Daqingye, Banbianlian, Dahuang, and Bai Tou Weng, boiled three times, mixed together, and combined with 10g of finely ground peanut skin, to be administered twice daily, for 2 to 3 days.
