Cat Glandular and Blood Diseases, Anemia and Feline Leukemia
Anemia
This is not a diseases itself, but a related problem were the amount of circulating red blood cells and/or hemoglobin is reduced, as well as the amount of oxygen blood can carry. There are three main causes that can produce this:
- Reduced blood cell production because of poisoning, chronic kidney disease or feline leukemia.
- Destruction of red blood cells due to an infectious feline anemia.
- Loss of blood due to internal or external injury, a bleeding ulcer or tumor, a chronic infection of blood sucking parasites, or ingestion of rat poison that prevents blood clotting.
- Symptoms: include discouragement, lethargy, pale membranes in the eyes and mouth, and loss of appetite.
- Treatment: consult a veterinarian immediately if any symptom of anemia is noticed. A blood analysis will confirm the diagnostic. Treatment will depend on the cause.
Feline Leukemia Virus
This deadly virus often appears in the cat's immune system, lowering its resistance to other infections. It is contagious and spreads through cat’s saliva and blood, usually when they fight, mate or mutually groom. It can also be transmitted to kittens in the womb or through the mothers milk. Young kittens are more susceptible to the infection, although the incubation period of the disease can be up to three years. Some cats get the virus and develop an immunity. A small group become carriers with no symptoms. The less fortunate develop symptoms related to feline leukemia virus.
- Symptoms: include lack of appetite, weight loss, anemia, intermittent fever, difficulty breathing, and enlarged lymphatic glands. Some cats develop malignant tumors.
- Treatment: there is no cure for feline leukemia virus. If your cat has anemia or recurring infections it should have a specific analysis. If the result is positive it should be isolated from other cats until a second analysis is done. If this one is negative it is because the cat developed immunity. If it is still positive, but no symptoms show, there is no reason why it can’t live many more years, but it still harbors the virus and can infect other cats, so it should be isolated. The virus dies quickly outside of the body and disinfectants kill it easily. There is a very effective vaccination for this virus, but it is recommendable to have a blood test done first to determine if the cat is already infected. Any new cat that comes to the house should have a blood test to be sure it is not a carrier.
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