Feline Panleukopenia Virus (Distemper) in Cats

The symptoms of FPV vary widely depending on the age of onset.

• Infection of a fetus during the first 21 days of gestation can lead to abortion.
• Fetal infection after 21 days of gestation leads to cerebellar hypoplasia, due to the virus targeting the rapidly dividing cells in the brain. Kittens born with cerebellar hypoplasia show symptoms such as uncoordinated movement (ataxia) and seizures. These kittens often have life-long neurologic deficits.
• Kittens infected under three weeks of age dcan develop cerebellar hypoplasia, with ataxia and seizures, or die suddenly.
• Older kittens/adult cats typically develop gastrointestinal disease or immune system depletion with symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, fever, lethargy, and pale gums.

FPV is a serious, highly contagious condition with a high mortality rate. Cats showing symptoms of FPV require emergency veterinary treatment. Vaccination is highly effective and readily available. Clinical disease in vaccinated animals is very rare.

Cats that contract FPV should be isolated from other cats. Any surfaces exposed to positive cats are infectious for a year after the last confirmed case. Bleach is an effective disinfectant against FPV, however many surfaces (such as porous surfaces or soil) may not be adequately cleaned. Therefore, any new cats introduced to the environment must be current on FPV vaccination to prevent infection.

FPV is shed in the feces of infected cats. The virus is stable in the environment for up to a year. Most transmission to cats occurs through contacting contaminated objects, rather than direct contact between animals. Once a cat is infected, the virus primarily targets the gastrointestinal tract and the immune system, causing serious, life-threatening disease.

Investigation of FPV includes:

• Physical examination
• Blood work
• Laboratory testing - demonstration of viral antigen in the feces

Treatment of FPV focuses on supportive treatment, including:

• Fluid therapy
• Correction of electrolyte and glucose imbalances
• Assisted feeding to maintain nutrition
• Antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infections
• Anti-nausea medications
• Medications to protect the gastrointestinal tract
• Blood transfusions

Medication to enhance the immune response to FPV may be trialed, although their efficacy has not been proven

The prognosis for FPV infection is poor. 25-75% of cases are fatal, despite supportive care in hospital. Cats that recover often show reduced or resolved symptoms within 5-7 days. Most cats surviving gastrointestinal or immune system disease have minimal long-term effects after recovery.

Infection in kittens less than 3 weeks old are fatal in 90% of cases. Cases that survive often result in lifelong disability such as ataxia, due to malformation of the cerebellum.

FPV is highly contagious and is spread readily between unvaccinated cats.

Vaccination is effective at preventing transmission and symptoms of FPV. Most vaccination protocols recommend vaccination at 6 weeks, then every 3-4 weeks until 16-20 weeks of age. After completing the kitten vaccines, a booster is administered at 1 year, then every 3 years for the remainder of life.

Widespread vaccination means that FPV is rare. Most cases of FPV are found in groups of unvaccinated cats.

Treatment of FPV involves:

• Supportive care
• Treatment of secondary bacterial infections
• Medication to enhance to viral immune response