Feline Panleukopenia
Feline panleukopenia virus
Nota anche come: Feline parvoviral enteritis, Feline distemper
In breve
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 altamente contagioso del gatto; terapie intensive e vaccino salvano vite.
Severe lethargy and dehydration are typical in kittens.
Cos'è?
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.
Cause e fattori di rischio
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.
Segni da osservare
- 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.
Come diagnosticano i veterinari
History + CBC (profound leukopenia). In-clinic fecal parvovirus ELISA (cross-reacts; moderate sensitivity, high specificity). PCR for confirmation. Isolate immediately.
Opzioni di trattamento
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.
Prognosi
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.
Prevenzione
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.
Quando chiamare il veterinario
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.
Fonti
- Internal Medicine, 5th Edition, page 493.
- Small Animal Critical Care Medicine, 2nd Edition, page 562.
My highlights & notes
Segni e sintomi
Come si diagnostica
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- In-house fecal ELISA for CPV
- PCR assay on feces or tissue
Domande frequenti
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
Fonti
- 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
Questo articolo è informativo e non sostituisce il parere veterinario. Se l’animale sta male, consultate un veterinario.
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