Feline Leukemia (FeLV)
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is one of several viruses felines can catch. FeLV is capable of producing a wide variety of associated diseases and symptoms. It is contagious from cat to cat, but usually by saliva or blood. It can be the cause of cancerous and non-cancerous diseases. The disease is able to lie dormant in bone marrow; however, it is not curable. FeLV is diagnosed using a blood test and it can be prevented with vaccination.
Contact us to schedule an appointment for a FeLV vaccination for your cat.
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is an infectious disease that attacks and weakens the animal's immune system. FIV belongs to the same family of viruses as HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and immunodeficiency viruses in other species. An infected feline is more susceptible to infections and diseases that normal healthy cats are not affected by. FIV is not curable. Though eventually fatal, some FIV-positive cats can live for several healthy years. It is transmitted from cat to cat usually by saliva or blood. Outdoor cats that fight often are the most affected. FIV is diagnosed by using a blood test that detects antibodies against the virus in the bloodstream of the cat.
Contact us to schedule an appointment to have your cat tested for FIV.
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is another feline disease that is caused by a virus. This disease is not as well understood as FIV or FeLV. The cause is from a corona virus infection that eventually mutates and becomes fatal. FECV is spread primarily by the fecal-oral route and also through saliva. The virus can live in the environment for 3 to 7 weeks. Although there are blood tests available to detect this virus, the results are often unreliable. The vaccine can also be unreliable and its safety is also in question.