This chronic disease is caused by the virus and when the immunity of the animal decreases, it begins to manifest itself. At the same time, tumor centers and anemia with immunodeficiency are actively developing.
Viral leukemia in cats
This virus was isolated relatively recently in 1964. Only from that time did they begin to study it and look for ways to treat the animal. A peculiarity of the retrovirus is its ability to create its DNA copies and integrate them into the chromosomes of cells that have been infected. Leukemia in cats is not transmitted to humans, but for other individuals the infected animal can be dangerous.
Leukemia in cats is manifested in completely different ways. Sometimes this disease is confused with others. Among the symptoms of leukemia in cats are the following:
- anemia;
- infectious peritonitis;
- carcinoma of the mammary glands in cats;
- quite often the animal becomes sluggish and inactive;
- problems with digestion may start;
- among the symptoms of leukemia in cats, there is an increase in the spleen, kidneys;
- signs of acute form of leukemia in cats can be feverish condition of the pet.
Most often with this diagnosis, the animal exhibits changes in the kidneys, liver, lymph nodes and spleen.
Viral leukemia in cats-treatment
The first thing to remember for all owners of cats - increased alertness for any chronic disease of the pet with a recurring form. In addition, viral leukemia in cats is not so easy to diagnose. Sometimes simple laboratory tests are not enough. We have to resort to the help of equipment for diagnosis.
Forecasts for the animal are disappointing, but it is impossible to talk only about the lethal outcome. Although completely cure this virus does not work, the pet can live a rather long life. As a rule, specialists use an integrated approach
Sometimes resort to antibiotics if there is a bacterial infection of a secondary nature. In severe forms of anemia, fast, but not for long, the transfusion of blood will help the animal to stand on its feet.
As prevention of leukemia in cats are vaccinations . Most often, veterinarians offer leukocel vaccine containing inactivated viruses of hepatitis A, B, and C. After the administration of the drug, stable immunity is formed within three weeks, it persists for up to a year.