The Facts About Feline Distemper

Feline distemper is something that all cat owners should be aware of, as it can be incredibly dangerous to your pet. Feline distemper, or feline panleukpenia as it is also called, is a viral disease, which not only affects cats, but can also be caught and transmitted by mink, otters and raccoons. This article will discuss the symptoms, treatment and prevention of feline distemper.

How do I Know if My Cat has Contracted Feline Distemper?

As any cat owner will know, it can be very difficult to tell when a cat is unwell. Partly because, they can be very changeable in their moods even at the best of times and partly because, they are known for their stoicism.

Subsequently, the symptoms of feline distemper are not dissimilar to the symptoms of other feline diseases. Typically, owners will notice that their cat has lost its appetite and will show no interest in food or water. The cat is likely to suffer from vomiting and diarrhea. This, of course, can lead to dehydration, which can be fatal if not addressed quickly. Additionally, you may notice a hunched posture caused by abdominal pain and a depressive demeanor. Other symptoms include issues with the cat’s haw or third eyelid.

Unsurprisingly, symptoms will differ from one cat to another. Therefore, it is wise to seek veterinary assistance if you concerned by any of the above symptoms. A diagnosis can be made very quickly thanks to a blood test.

What Treatments are Available?

There is no known cure for feline distemper. Therefore, veterinarians supply supportive treatments. In other words, medication is prescribed to deal with the various symptoms of the virus. An infected animal will be placed in a sterile environment to limit the possibility of secondary infection. Medication will be prescribed to suppress the vomiting and diarrhea, and an intravenous drip will be used if necessary.

Essentially, supportive treatment is intended to reduce further complications, thereby allowing the animal’s own immune system to deal with the viral infection.

How to Prevent Feline Distemper

Fortunately, prevention of feline distemper is relatively easy, because there is a vaccine for the disease. It is strongly advised that all cat owners ensure their pets are vaccinated from feline distemper, because it is a particularly robust virus that is easily and quickly transmitted.

Because the virus can survive for months and even years, and is transmitted through contact, the disease can spread incredibly quickly among animals that have not been vaccinated. Cats can contract the disease through sharing a food or water bowl with an infected animal. In addition, cats can transmit the disease through grooming one another. Alternatively, fleas and other parasites can pass the virus from one animal to the next.

Of course, if you have young kittens or cats that are yet to be vaccinated it is important to take precautions as necessary. Therefore, if an animal that may be infected has been in your home or yard, it is wise to disinfect wherever possible (a recommended disinfecting solution is one part bleach to nine parts water). Additionally, due to the fact that animals such as otters, mink and raccoons can carry the disease, it is strongly advised that owners who have not yet had their cats vaccinated keep them indoors.

If you are concerned that your cat may have feline distemper or you would like to learn more about the vaccination, seek the advice of a veterinarian.

Samantha Markham is a professional freelance writer. Currently, she is producing articles for Remmeer.com, a high quality supplier of pet products. Remmeer.com has an array of items for cat owners, including cat frames & photo albums and poignant cat memorial plaques.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/the-facts-about-feline-distemper-1767697.html