Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is a viral disease that affects cats worldwide. It’s a complex and potentially life-threatening condition that can impact any system in your cat’s body.
What are the symptoms of FIV?
FIV can cause a wide range of symptoms, including:
- Respiratory issues: chronic nasal discharge, trouble breathing, and increased respiratory rate
- Gastrointestinal problems: severe gingivitis, ulcers in the mouth and tongue, chronic vomiting, and diarrhea
- Neurological issues: seizures, aggression, and fever of unknown origin
- Weight loss and poor overall health
How is FIV transmitted?
FIV is primarily spread through cat bites and fights. Outdoor cats and those living in multi-cat households are more likely to contract the disease. Male cats are also more prone to FIV.
Diagnosing FIV
Diagnosing FIV can be challenging, as the symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases. Your veterinarian may recommend a range of diagnostic tests, including:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC) to detect anemia, infection, or bleeding disorders
- Chemistry tests to evaluate liver and kidney function
- Urinalysis to check for kidney disease, infection, or cancer
- Infectious disease titer screens to rule out other diseases
- X-rays to evaluate the chest and abdomen for tumors or other diseases
FIV Treatment & management
While there is no cure for FIV, treatment focuses on managing secondary diseases and symptoms. This may include:
- Antibiotic and antifungal medication to treat secondary infections
- Fluid therapy to manage dehydration
- Blood or plasma transfusions to replace blood cell losses
- Immunomodulatory drugs to slow the progression of the disease
Caring for your FIV-positive cat
If your cat is diagnosed with FIV, it’s essential to take steps to prevent transmission to other cats. This includes keeping your cat indoors and away from other cats.
By understanding FIV and working closely with your veterinarian, you can help manage your cat’s symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Contact us
If you have any questions or concerns about FIV or would like to learn more about our veterinary services, please don’t hesitate to contact us here.