Panleukopenia

Panleukopenia is an infectious disease which typically affects kittens. It is caused by feline parvovirus. The name “panleukopenia” comes from the depletion of leucocytes (otherwise known as white blood cells) seen with feline parvovirus infection. The virus also attacks the cells of the intestine. Feline panleukopenia can be prevented by regular vaccination.

Cats and kittens can become infected with feline parvovirus after coming into contact with another infected cat, or by touching an item that an infected cat has touched. Feline parvovirus can survive for up to one year at room temperature. Outbreaks in populations of unvaccinated cats can spread rapidly.

Any age of cat can become infected with feline parvovirus, however kittens are most severely affected by the disease. Adult cats with the infection will often show only mild symptoms or no symptoms at all.

Feline parvovirus targets rapidly dividing cells in the body such as the immune cells and cells of the intestine. The most common clinical signs of the disease are rapid-onset vomiting, diarrhoea, depression and anorexia (not eating any food). Affected kittens will commonly hang their head over their food or water bowl but not eat or drink. The disease usually persists for 5-7 days during which kittens will require supportive care. Young kittens are most likely to die from the infection.

It is possible for adult cats to become infected with feline parvovirus whilst pregnant. In early pregnancy this can result in death of the foetus. Infection in late stage pregnancy can cause kittens to be born with a condition of the brain, called cerebellar hypoplasia (also known as wobbly kitten syndrome). Affected kittens will have an uncoordinated walk which will persist for life.

Unvaccinated kittens and cats with a history of exposure to other cats e.g. kittens from a shelter, are most likely to suffer from the disease.

On veterinary clinical examination kittens are severely dehydrated, have a painful abdomen and a high temperature.

Blood tests will reveal a severe depletion in white blood cells. In some cases a test can be performed of the blood or faeces to check for viral antigen (a component of the virus which triggers an immune response in the body).

There is no cure for the disease, treatment involves supportive care and, in some cases, medications to stimulate the immune system. Intravenous fluids are administered to the cat or kitten to re-hydrate them and provide electrolytes lost due to vomiting and diarrhoea. Simple food should be introduced gradually, in some cases cats may require a feeding tube. Antibiotics may be required to prevent secondary infections whilst the white blood cell count is low. Other treatments such as anti-sickness medications and medications to protect the lining of the gut are commonly required. In severe cases of white blood cell depletion a blood transfusion may be necessary. Kittens that overcome the acute stage of the disease tend to recover quickly, however, there is often a high mortality rate, even with treatment.

Feline panleukopenia can be prevented with regular vaccination. Kittens should not mix with other cats until they have received their first vaccination. It is important to follow the vaccination schedule recommended by your vet to ensure your kitten is fully protected from feline parvovirus. This is because maternal antibodies (components of the immune system of the kitten’s mother) can be passed to the kitten whilst they are in the womb and they can persist in the kitten's blood for a few weeks after birth. These antibodies can interfere with vaccination and this is why a second vaccination is usually given 3-4 weeks after the first vaccination once the maternal antibodies have depleted. Repeat vaccination is not usually needed more often than once every three years to maintain 98% protection from infection. The more cats that are vaccinated, the better the population’s immunity, and the less likely it is that vulnerable kittens, immunocompromised cats, and those who have not responded to the vaccine will become ill.