Symptoms of Feline Panleukopenia: Key Indicators Explai

Characteristics of the Disease

This illness affects cats of various breeds and ages, with a higher infection rate observed in cats between 6 months and 2 years old. The disease primarily manifests through the gastrointestinal tract, and insects can also serve as vectors for transmission.

Clinical Symptoms

1. Diaphoretic (Wet) Form:

In the initial stages, affected cats may exhibit a body temperature of 39.741.1°C, depression, reduced appetite, weight loss, and an increased white blood cell count. After 16 weeks, the abdomen may swell (often mistakenly thought to be pregnancy in female cats), and upon reaching a significant size, it can release up to 1000 milliliters of fluid. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, anemia, and exhaustion.

2. Nondiaphoretic (Dry) Form:

Cats with this form do not show signs of ascites. When the virus affects the eyes, it leads to corneal edema, presence of precipitates, red aqueous humor, fibrous protein clots in the anterior chamber, inflammation of the iris and ciliary body, and detachment of the retina. Central nervous system involvement can cause motor disorders, ataxia, back sensitivity, and spasms. Liver damage may result in enlargement, jaundice, and kidney failure with swelling.

Pathological Changes:

The abdomen may contain fluid that is transparent or slightly yellow, sometimes resembling egg white, and it will coagulate upon contact with air. The peritoneum appears cloudy and granular, roughened, and covered with fibrous protein. The liver, spleen, and kidneys also have a fibrous protein coating. The liver surface may have necrotic spots 13 millimeters in diameter, with the necrotic areas extending into the parenchyma. In nondiaphoretic cases, central nervous system involvement is present without ascites, brain edema, or kidney irregularities. The liver may have necrotic areas.

Differential Diagnosis:

1. Feline Infectious Peritonitis vs. Feline Toxoplasmosis:

Both diseases present with high body temperature (above 40°C), anorexia, anemia, abdominal distension, and difficulty breathing, along with iritis. The distinction lies in the fact that feline toxoplasmosis is caused by Toxoplasma gondii, which leads to a wobbly gait, tremors, runny nose, coughing, and sometimes vomiting. Urinalysis shows increased bilirubin (++), biliverdin (+++), and a decrease in white blood cell count. Postmortem examination reveals hemorrhages in the hind limbs, underbelly, and auricles, pulmonary edema with scattered nodules. Smears show Toxoplasma upon Giemsa staining.

2. Feline Infectious Peritonitis vs. Feline Leukemia:

Both diseases present with high body temperature, depression, decreased appetite, and anemia. The difference is that cats with leukemia have enlarged lymph nodes, liver, and spleen, with petechiae on mucous membranes and skin, and a large amount of fluid in the chest. Cytology shows an abundance of immature lymphocytes.

3. Feline Infectious Peritonitis (Diaphoretic Type) vs. Feline Liver Fluke Disease:

Both diseases present with decreased appetite, anemia, abdominal distension, and ascites. The distinction is that feline liver fluke disease does not typically cause high fever and diarrhea. Fecal examination reveals fluke eggs; palpation shows liver enlargement, and postmortem examination reveals nodules on the liver surface.

Advice:

A preliminary diagnosis can be made based on the epidemiological characteristics, clinical diagnosis, and pathological changes. Laboratory tests are necessary for confirmation.

Preventive Measures:

As there is no effective vaccine available, prevention involves strengthening management, ensuring proper disinfection, and preventing infection.

Treatment:

The treatment principle is to enhance the body's resistance and provide symptomatic therapy.

Interferon: Cats should receive 20,000 units per kilogram of body weight, administered orally or subcutaneously, once daily.

Prednisone: Cats should be given 24 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, taken orally, once or twice daily, in combination with cyclophosphamide.

Cyclophosphamide: Cats should receive 2 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, taken orally, once daily, for 4 days a week, in combination with prednisone.

Busulfan: Cats should be given 0.5 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, taken orally, twice to three times a week.

Ampicillin: Cats should receive 2030 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, taken orally, twice or three times daily; or 1020 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, administered subcutaneously, intramuscularly, or intravenously, twice or three times daily.

Suprax (Amoxicillin and Clavulanate Potassium Suspension): Dogs and cats should receive 0.1 milliliters per kilogram of body weight, administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly, once daily.