Feline Immunodeficiency Virus
Is a vaccine available?
A vaccine is available. However, cats receiving this vaccine may test positive for FIV at a later date.
How do you diagnose FIV?
By clinical history, positive ELISA test, and CBC for anemia and lymphopenia.
How long can cats suffer from FIV?
Cats may remain asymptomatic for long periods after infections or may suffer recurring bouts of illness interspersed with periods of relatively good health.W
What are cats with FIV at an increased risk for?
Cats with FIV are at increased risk for chronic renal insufficiency.
What kind of virus is FIV?
FIV is a lentivirus associated with an immunodeficiency disease in domestic cats, which is morphologically & biochemically similar tt HIV virus but is antigentically distinct.
What is another name for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus?
FIV is also called Feline Aids.
I4C about FIV?
FIV poses no health hazard for humans. Infected cats may survive for prolonged periods before experiencing advanced stages. For cats with severe gingivitis and stomatitis, tooth extraction may be needed. Cats are able to eat well even after whole mouth extractions. Keeping your pet indoors will prevent the infection. Keeping cat free from stress and concurrent disease is EXTREMELY important. It is a progressive disease. Average life span from Dx to death is about 5 yrs.
How do you treat FIV?
Keep infected cats indoors. Isolate if aggressive to other cats in the household. Transmission from fomites or casual contact is unlikely.
How do you prevent FIV?
Limit exposure to outdoor cats. Spaying and neutering outdoor cats can limit exposure by decreasing aggressive behaviors.
What kind of cats are most at risk for FIV?
Male, intact cats living outdoors are at greatest risk for FIV infection. Fighting and bite wounds appear to be the major route of transmission. There is little or no sexual transmission in cats.
How are FIV infections acquired?
Most infections are acquired by horizontal transmission among adult cats.
How can neonatal kittens become infected?
Neonatal kittens may become infected thru contact with infected queens, altho plasma antibodies against FIV maybe passed thru colostrum while nursing.
What cures FIV?
No there no cure currently for FIV, however, drug therapy may alleviate symptoms.
How does FIV work in the body?
The virus interacts with lymphocytes and changes their ability to function normally in the immune response process. The resulting lymphopenia, loss of memory cell function, and decrease in antibody production from T-cell stimulated lymphocytes that leaves the cat open for opportunistic infections.
What kinds of stages does FIV have?
There are three stages: acute infection(3-6 months), subclinical infection (months to years) and chronic clinical infection (months to years).
