Feline Panleukopenia
Feline panleukopenia virus
Aussi appelé: Feline parvoviral enteritis, Feline distemper
En bref
Feline panleukopenia is a highly contagious, life-threatening viral disease that attacks a cat's bone marrow and intestines. Understanding its symptoms, rapid diagnosis, and intensive supportive care is critical for survival.

TL;DR. Parvovirus très contagieux du chat; soins intensifs et vaccination sauvent des vies.
Severe lethargy and dehydration are typical in kittens.
Qu'est-ce que c'est ?
FPV (parvovirus; also called feline distemper) destroys rapidly dividing cells in bone marrow and intestinal crypts. Result: severe leukopenia plus gut barrier failure and sepsis risk. Extremely stable in the environment.
Causes et facteurs de risque
Feline panleukopenia virus; some canine parvovirus variants can infect cats. Fecal-oral and fomite spread. Survives months to a year on surfaces; needs bleach ~1:30. Highest risk: young, unvaccinated kittens after maternal antibody fade.
Signes à surveiller
- Leukopenia (cardinal, on CBC)
- Vomiting, anorexia, dehydration, fever then possible hypothermia, severe lethargy (common)
- Diarrhea (may be bloody), thrombocytopenia, hypoalbuminemia, hypokalemia (occasional)
- In utero: cerebellar hypoplasia in kittens (rare presentation of prenatal infection)

Skin-tent testing helps assess dehydration.
Comment les vétérinaires diagnostiquent
History + CBC (profound leukopenia). In-clinic fecal parvovirus ELISA (cross-reacts; moderate sensitivity, high specificity). PCR for confirmation. Isolate immediately.
Options de traitement
No specific antiviral. Intensive isolation support: IV fluids/electrolytes, nutrition, broad-spectrum antibiotics against bacterial translocation, plasma if severe hypoalbuminemia. Early aggressive care improves survival.
Pronostic
Guarded. Roughly half may survive with intensive care in published series; survivors of first ~5 days often recover with lasting immunity. Severe leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, hypoalbuminemia, hypokalemia worsen outlook.
Prévention
Core vaccination past 12 weeks of age (kitten series + boosters). Disinfect with bleach 1:30; discard non-bleachable items after an outbreak. Quarantine new cats ~2 weeks.
Quand appeler le vétérinaire
Level-5 emergency for any unvaccinated cat/kitten with persistent vomiting, extreme lethargy, refusal to eat/drink, bloody diarrhea, high fever or sudden coldness. Do not wait.
Sources
- Internal Medicine, 5th Edition, page 493.
- Small Animal Critical Care Medicine, 2nd Edition, page 562.
My highlights & notes
Signes et symptômes
Comment c’est diagnostiqué
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- In-house fecal ELISA for CPV
- PCR assay on feces or tissue
Questions fréquentes
What is Feline Panleukopenia?
Feline panleukopenia is a highly contagious, life-threatening viral disease that attacks a cat's bone marrow and intestines. Understanding its symptoms, rapid diagnosis, and intensive supportive care is critical for survival.
What are the symptoms of Feline Panleukopenia?
leukopenia、Loss of appetite、Dehydration、Fever、Lethargy、Vomiting (throwing up)、Diarrhoea、Low blood albumin
How is Feline Panleukopenia diagnosed?
Complete Blood Count (CBC)、In-house fecal ELISA for CPV、PCR assay on feces or tissue
Sources
- Internal Medicine 5th · p. 493
- Small Animal Critical Care Medicine, 2nd Edition (VetBooks.ir) · p. 562
- Small Animal Critical Care Medicine, 2nd Edition (VetBooks.ir) · p. 562
Cet article est informatif et ne remplace pas un avis vétérinaire. Si votre animal est malade, consultez un vétérinaire.
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