Condition6 connections · 1 source

Feline Panleukopenia

A highly contagious, often fatal parvovirus infection of cats. Destroys white blood cells (panleukopenia) and intestinal lining. Vaccination is highly effective and considered core for all cats. Mortality in untreated kittens approaches 90%.

Key Facts

Caused by feline parvovirus — related to canine parvovirus
Extremely stable in environment — survives a year indoors; killed by 1:32 bleach dilution
Targets rapidly dividing cells: bone marrow (white blood cells) and intestinal lining
Signs: fever, appetite loss, vomiting, severe diarrhea, dehydration
Panleukopenia = almost no white blood cells on CBC — nearly diagnostic
Can kill before GI signs even begin in severe cases
Kittens surviving first 5 days likely to recover
Infection during pregnancy causes cerebellar hypoplasia ("wobbly cats")
Recovered cats shed virus for 6 weeks; gain lifetime immunity
Core vaccine (FVRCP) — start at 6-8 weeks, boosters every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks
Canine parvovirus SNAP test can detect feline panleukopenia in stool