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Panleukopenia in Cats

Panleukopenia in Cats

Feline distemper virus, feline parvovirus

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Updated on September 26, 2024
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Reviewed by PetCoach Editorial
Veterinarian
SUMMARY OF CONTENT
Feline panleukopenia is caused by a highly contagious virus that is readily spread between cats, with the potential of causing severe illness or death.
SEVERITY:
Severity is moderate to severe, or may be fatal
  • Time to Cure
    Resolves within days to weeks, but may be terminal
  • Treatment Icon
    Treatable by a veterinarian, by the pet parent
  • Prevention Icon
    Vaccination of kittens at regular intervals is the most important way to protect cats from acquiring
  • Spread Icon
    Transmission is possible between cats
  • Lab Icon
    Diagnosis requires physical exam, lab tests, and x-rays, ultrasound, or bone marrow aspirate in some
VERY COMMON IN
Young, unvaccinated kittens around 3-5 months of age are most commonly affected.

Symptoms & Signs

The symptoms of panleukopenia can be similar to those seen in dogs with parvovirus, including fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures, which is why the disease is sometimes called 'feline distemper' or ‘feline parvovirus’. Many older cats that are exposed to the feline parvovirus (FPV) that causes panleukopenia do not show symptoms when infected. However, young, unvaccinated kittens in particular can become seriously ill. It takes 4-5 days from the time a cat is exposed to FPV until symptoms develop. The onset of clinical signs is generally sudden, and high fevers of 104-107°F, depression, and a loss of appetite are often noted first. Three to four days later, affected cats often begin vomiting and can become severely dehydrated. Diarrhea can also occur and may be bloody. Severely dehydrated cats may hang their heads over the water bowls, but not drink. A cat that becomes severely dehydrated can develop hypothermia (a lower than normal body temperature), become weak or even comatose. Such a cat is very susceptible to developing a secondary bacterial infection in addition to the viral infection. Pregnant cats that become infected with FPV may abort their litters or have stillborn kittens. In some cases, kittens in the infected litter may be born uncoordinated with tremors, especially of the head, resulting in a condition called cerebellar hypoplasia. These nervous system changes occur as the virus affects the cerebellum, which is the part of the brain responsible for coordinating muscle movement. These cats appear to respond appropriately with a normal mentation. As the kittens grow, they may be able to compensate and lead relatively normal lives. Kittens may also be born with abnormalities of the retina of the eye (the back of the eye which receives the light and sends signals to the brain).

Diagnosis

The veterinarian will take into account the medical history, symptoms, physical exam, and laboratory testing in order to make a diagnosis of panleukopenia. On a physical exam, the veterinarian typically observes fever, dehydration, depression, thickened intestines, and enlarged abdominal lymph nodes. The abdomen is often painful. Cats with panleukopenia (which actually means a decrease in all types of white blood cells) will have a low white blood cell count, although this can also be seen in diseases other than panleukopenia. Some cats will also show a decrease in the number of platelets (the blood cells which help form blood clots).Blood chemistry tests are useful in evaluating for signs of organ damage, changes in blood proteins, or electrolytes. Certain values, such as albumin (a blood protein) and potassium, are useful in determining an individual cat’s prognosis. Parvovirus test kits are available to detect the virus in the feces. Recent vaccination against panleukopenia may cause the test to appear falsely positive for up to two weeks after vaccination. Blood tests to look for antibodies to the virus can be performed, but these tests are more commonly used for research than clinical diagnosis. The virus can also be isolated from the feces or urine, but again, this is a time-consuming and expensive test that is typically only performed in research situations.

Causation

Panleukopenia is a severe, highly contagious viral disease of cats, kittens, raccoons, and mink. Feline parvovirus (FPV) causes panleukopenia. FPV tends to invade the cells that are rapidly growing, such as those of the digestive system, bone marrow (which makes blood cells), lymph tissue (which include cells of the immune system), and developing nervous system. This explains the common symptoms of diarrhea, vomiting, and seizures. Feline panleukopenia is widespread in nature, so virtually all cats are exposed to it within their first year of life. Vaccination can prevent the onset of this virus.

Panleukopenia virus is most commonly transmitted when a susceptible cat has contact with the feces or urine of infected cats. Infected cats shed the virus in their feces and urine for up to 6 weeks after they recover, but the height of transmission occurs within the first 1-2 days of clinical signs. Panleukopenia can also be spread by contact with urine- or feces-contaminated items, such as food bowls, water dishes, clothing, shoes, hands, bedding, and litter boxes. Queens (mother cats) can also transmit panleukopenia to kittens during pregnancy, as the virus can cross the uterus.

Treatments

icon AT-HOME CARE
For more mildly affected cats, supportive care at home may be possible. Fluid support under the skin (subcutaneously) is often used to maintain hydration. Supportive medications may also be necessary. A bland diet is typically recommended during treatment.
icon SUPPORTIVE CARE
The treatment for panleukopenia ultimately comes down to supportive care. Fluids are given intravenously or subcutaneously to correct the dehydration. Blood transfusions may be given to severely affected cats. Medication is given to manage a cat’s clinical signs. Once the vomiting has stopped, the cat can be placed on a bland diet with small portions given frequently. For young kittens that did not receive colostrum, injections of antiserum can be helpful after exposure to FPV but has no benefit once clinical signs develop.
icon MEDICATIONS
Medications are given to manage a cat’s clinical signs, since there is no useful antiviral medication for this condition. Anti-nausea medications are given to stop the vomiting. Antibiotics may be administered to protect a severely ill cat from developing a bacterial infection. Injections of B vitamins may also be given.
icon DEVICES
None
icon SURGERY
None
icon SPECIALISTS
General practitioner veterinarians, specialists in veterinary internal medicine, or specialists in veterinary emergency and critical care often manage the treatment of cats affected with panleukopenia.

Cost Of Treatment

Supportive care as an outpatient may range between $400 and $800 depending on severity and size of the cat. If hospitalization and intensive care is required, cost can range between $800 and $1500+ depending on the length of stay.

Recovery

Cats who survive the symptoms of panleukopenia for longer than five days will usually survive, but complete recovery (including the regaining of weight lost) may take several weeks.

Monitoring

During hospitalization and treatment of panleukopenia, frequent blood tests are utilized to monitor for further changes in white blood cells, platelets, blood proteins, and electrolytes. Clinical signs, including hydration status, are useful in determining the ongoing course of treatment.

Prevention

Vaccination of kittens at regular intervals is the most important way to protect cats from acquiring panleukopenia. Killed virus vaccines may be administered to pregnant cats or kittens less than 4 weeks of age if exposure to the panleukopenia virus is likely (e.g. in an animal shelter). The disadvantage to these vaccines is that protection does not take effect until 3 to 7 days after the second vaccination. Modified live vaccines produce more rapid and effective immunity, but a series of at least two vaccinations 2-4 weeks apart should still be given. Pregnant cats and kittens younger than 4 weeks of age should NOT be given a modified live vaccine, as it could cause abortion or damage to the cerebellum of the kitten. The environment of cats with panleukopenia should be considered contaminated with the virus. Feline parvovirus (FPV) is very stable in the environment and can survive for years at room temperature, and even lower temperatures. Common disinfectants do not kill FPV, but contact with a bleach solution of one part bleach to 32 parts water (1/2 cup of bleach to a gallon of water) for 10 minutes will inactivate the virus. This 1:32 dilution of household bleach should be used to disinfect floors, dishes, litter boxes, cages, and other items. A kitten should not be introduced into a cattery or household with other cats unless they have received a series of vaccinations.

Questions about Panleukopenia

I have a cat that as a kitten was very ill. We got him from 7 months old. We knew he’d had cat flu prior to him coming here. He is now nearly 5 yrs old. He picks huge fights with our other cat. He keeps urinating and scratching at doors and windows around the house. We allow him to go out via the cat flap unlimited. What is happening to him

I'm glad to see that Pippin has been neutered because this eliminates that possibility of hormone-fueled behavioral changes and aggression. Behavioral changes in cats can occur at any point in time, and could be related to anxiety or stressful situations (even rearranging furniture or introducing new people to the home can be stressful to cats). Without a lot more information and observing Pippin's behaviors, I can't precisely tell you why these changes are occurring. It may be best to consult a veterinary behaviorist in your home so that they can observe everything firsthand. You can also try using calming pheromone collars or diffusers (Feliway is one example), and discussing the use of anxiety medication with Pippin's vet. I hope that all goes well!

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Hi! My cat was recently diagnosed with diabetes. He’s taking insulin and taking antibiotics for a Uti. It’s been 4 weeks and he wobles when he’s walking. He can’t jump up on the bed like he used to.He’s blood sugar is 250 it’s better than it used to. I don’t understand why he’s so wobbly.

Cats can develop what's called diabetic neuropathy, where their hindlegs become progressively weak. The best thing to do is try to get his diabetes under control as quickly as possible. Here is a link describing the conditon: http://www.diabeticcatcare.com/DCCCOK/Neuropathy.htm

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My senior cat has metastized cancer.17 yrs old. My vet gave her predizone1 and one half tabs a day.i wanted to know if i can just stop the meds.

Is there a reason you want to stop the prednisone? I would recommend not stopping it and if you feel it is better to stop the prednisone then I would recommend weaning off of the prednisone. I would discuss how to wean the prednisone with your veterinarian. Thank you for using Boop by Petco.

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My dog has an ear infection

Sorry to hear Marley isn't doing so well with his ears. It is not possible to tell from tge picture tve exact nature of the irritation but if it is indeed infected (typically red, hot, painful and smelly), he will need prescription medication from his regular vet. In the meantime I recommend gently cleaning tge outer war with cotton wool and a pet safe ear cleaner to reduce the build up of wax/discharge

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My dog vomited a pinkish colour. Does this look like blood vomit? She doesn’t have diarrhoea or anything else. Yesterday i fed her plain chicken with rice.

That is very red vomit, however, this color could be linked to a number of things including blood in the vomit, inflammation of the GI tract, having chewed on a toy this color, eaten a food item this color, or gotten into a plant or other item this color. If the vomiting continues, worsens, or other symptoms appear such as a painful or bloated abdomen, diarrhea or blood in the stool, or severe distress, I would schedule a veterinary appointment right away to rule out more severe issues. In the meantime I would continue the bland diet for 24 hours, and monitor for any additional vomiting or illness symptoms.

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My 3 year old long haired tuxedo female pees just fine in the litter box, but she preferred to poop on the bathroom rug or on the carpet behind the sofa. Then, she will go weeks and everything is fine only start pooping outside the box again. I have 4 litter boxes and 3 cats. I clean all several times a day. She is the youngest. I've put wee wee pads down and she lifts them up and poops under them. Any ideas to help? Thanks!

A good first step, if you haven't already, is to rule out any health issues with your vet such as arthritis that may be causing the accidents. Secondly, making sure none of the other cats are bullying her away from the litter box may also alert you to any issues. Thirdly, a good enzymatic cleaner may help reduce the smell/discourage use of these areas in the future. That said, if you've done the above and the issue is still happening, it's probably time to call in a veterinary or animal behaviorist that can visit in person to see what may be going on. They may be able to check for stressors that could be causing the accidents where they are, look for issues with refusal to defecate in the box, or see if there is a cycle that is happening that is triggering this reaction. From there they may be able to set up a more tailored plan to help reduce the accidents and encourage use of the litter box at all times. If you're in the US, you can use this website to help find someone available in your area: https://www.dacvb.org/page/about

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Disclaimer

The information contained on this page is for educational purposes only. This medication should only be given under the advice of a veterinarian who has examined your pet under the laws applicable to your state of residence.