Feline leukemia virus (FeLV)

This viral infection affects the cat's immune-response system.

Symptoms
Lethargy, high temperature, lack of appetite and enlarged lymph nodes in the neck area, in the 'armpits' and in the groin area.

Treatment
There is no cure for FeLV. Many cats infected with the disease will make a reasonable recovery naturally, but will then become carriers, spreading the
condition to all other cats with which they come into contact. If you have more than one cat in your home, the vet may recommend that the infected cat is euthanized in order to limit the risk of the infection spreading to other cats. If you have just one cat, you must not allow him to go outside, where he may come into contact with, and therefore infect, other cats in your neighbourhood. Some owners prefer not to risk their cat infecting others, so choose to have him euthanized. There is a vaccine available for this condition, and owners are advised to have their cat vaccinated on a regular basis.

Causes
A virus (feline coronavirus) which is passed from one infected cat to another by direct or indirect contact.

What to do
Isolate infected cats and seek urgent veterinary advice.


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