Cat瘟: Will It Always Cause Fever? How to Handle Cat瘟 Fe
Is Fever a Definite Symptom of Feline Panleukopenia?
Feline panleukopenia, commonly known as cat distemper, typically begins with a fever (ranging from 40° to 41.7°C), accompanied by lethargy, a lack of vitality, and a loss of appetite. Vomiting usually occurs 1 to 2 days after the onset of fever. Symptoms can vary greatly after 2 to 3 days, including a sharp drop in white blood cells, frequent vomiting, profuse watery (or bloody) diarrhea, severe dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances. If the body temperature falls below normal, it often leads to death, with a mortality rate of 25% to 75%. Therefore, if your cat has a severe fever, it's crucial to consider the possibility of feline panleukopenia, and if diagnosed, immediate veterinary care is essential.
What to Do If Your Cat Has Feline Panleukopenia and a Fever?
Cats with feline panleukopenia can recover, especially if treated early, with older cats having a better chance of survival. Since there are no medications that can kill the virus, intensive care and supportive treatment are necessary until the cat's own body and immune system can fight the virus (usually within 5 to 7 days). Without this supportive care, up to 90% of cats with feline panleukopenia (FP) may die due to dehydration, secondary bacterial sepsis, and endotoxemia.
In simpler terms, it's not possible to directly kill the virus with medication; the cat's immune system must combat it. The immune system requires 5 to 7 days to produce enough antibodies to fight off the virus. The key to treatment is to sustain the cat's life and allow its immune system to work, which typically only requires patience for 5 to 7 days! Otherwise, the cat may die before the immune system can respond to the feline panleukopenia virus.
When dealing with a cat's fever due to feline panleukopenia, it's vital not to delay. If you suspect your cat has the disease, it's best to seek veterinary care immediately or consult with an online veterinarian for a more secure course of action.
