Feline Immunodeficiency Virus and Infectious Feline Anemia
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus
Feline immunodeficiency Virus is similar to HIV, the cause of AIDS in humans, but only affects cats and cant be transmitted to humans. The virus is fragile and dies quickly outside the body, so it can not be transmitted indirectly. It is transmitted mainly by bite wounds, so it is more common in male cats than females and, specially, in street cats that fight regularly. Like feline leukemia virus, the virus attacks the immune system.
- Symptoms: are similar to feline leukemia virus. This virus is particularly associated with chronic gingivitis. Many positive cats can remain healthy for years before any secondary infections appear.
- Treatment: any cat which suffers recurrent infections should have a blood test to determine if it suffers from feline immunodeficiency virus. There is no vaccination or cure, treatment is purely for support. Daisy oil has beneficial effects. An infected cat, who is aggressive, is a serious threat to other cats and should be isolated. All cats who are new to the household should have specific analysis done.
Infectious Feline Anemia
This sickness is caused by an infectious parasite in the blood, which damages the cats red blood cells and causes severe anemia. It is believed that it is transmitted by blood sucking insects, such as flees, ticks and mosquitoes.
- Symptoms: include lethargy, weight loss and pale gums.
- Treatment: a blood test will confirm infectious feline anemia. Treatment includes antibiotics, iron supplements and in severe cases, blood transfusions.
Hyperthyroidism
It is a condition common in old cats, caused by excessively active thyroid glands. Hyperthyroidism puts extra strain on the heart and kidneys, which can eventually be deadly.
- Symptoms: at first they are very subtle, but with time you will notice a gain in appetite and thirst, hyperactivity, weight loss, rapid heart beat, and a dull coat of fur.
- Treatment: it is diagnosed through a blood test or by feeling the thyroid glands on the back of the neck. The gland can be reduced in size through surgery, but the condition can reappear in a few years. If the cat is too old to go through an operation, drugs can be administered to reduce the production of thyroid hormone. Some specialized veterinary centers can combat the condition using radioactive iodine injections to destroy abnormal thyroid tissue. Some cats respond well to homeopathic treatment.
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