Feline Panleukopenia: Symptoms & Causes Explained

Part 1: Causes of Feline Panleukopenia

It is widely believed that feline panleukopenia is primarily transmitted through upper respiratory infections. Infected cats shed the virus in their feces, and the virus can spread to other cats living in the same environment. In rare cases, transmission can occur through mechanical means, such as contaminated clothing, feeding bowls, bedding, humans, or insects. Generally, the virus appears to be quite fragile and has a short survival time in the environment, making it susceptible to most disinfectants.

Feline panleukopenia predominantly affects young adult cats under the age of four or kittens with compromised immune systems. It is particularly prevalent in densely populated cat colonies, where outbreaks can occur rapidly. The onset of the disease can be sudden, more common in kittens, or gradual, lasting for several weeks.

Part 2: Symptoms of Feline Panleukopenia

The early symptoms of feline panleukopenia may not be overtly noticeable. Cats may exhibit a loss of appetite, weight loss, lethargy, and persistent fever.

Later symptoms are more pronounced and can be categorized into two types:

1. Wet Feline Panleukopenia

Within two months of onset, affected cats typically die. There is an accumulation of highprotein exudates in the chest and abdomen. Depending on the amount of fluid, symptoms can range from asymptomatic to wheezing or difficulty breathing. There may be a gradual, painless swelling of the abdomen, which can lead to swelling of the scrotum in male cats. Vomiting or diarrhea may occur. Moderate to severe anemia can be detected during clinical examinations, with the abdomen progressively swelling as the muscles on either side of the spine weaken.

2. Dry Feline Panleukopenia

Dry feline panleukopenia primarily causes organ granulomatous lesions. Cats may experience weight loss, cloudy eyes, miosis in the anterior chamber, pus accumulation, and vision impairment. Some may also exhibit a variety of neurological symptoms, including paralysis of the hindquarters, spasmodic tremors, nystagmus, and personality changes. Lesions can be found in the liver, kidneys, spleen, lungs, omentum, and lymph nodes. Abdominal palpation may reveal mesenteric lymph node enlargement, anemia, and jaundice.

From a clinical standpoint, the mortality rate for cats with this disease is as high as 95%. However, some cats (such as those with a good appetite, no malignant anemia, no leukemia infection, and early dry type) may respond well to medication. For more information on feline panleukopenia, you can read the article "Can Feline Panleukopenia Be Transmitted to Humans?"