In the early stages , cat distemper symptom can mimic other illnesses and may be hard to distinguish without your veterinarian ’s aid . Distemper in cats , also fuck as feline panleukopenia , is a serious menace to your cat ’s life . alas , there is no cure for feline distemper , but other intervention and a in force care plan can increase your cat ’s chances of pull round the unwellness .
Understanding Feline Distemper
Panleukopenia , says veterinarianDr . Jeff Werber , DVM , " is triggered by the feline parvovirus . The computer virus damage the cell that line the gut and also snipe the qat ’s lymph nodes and bone marrow , causing a reduction in both the cat ’s white blood cell ( affect their power to oppose infection ) and ruby-red cells ( causing anemia and weakness . ) "
Feline distemper is highly contagious , so if your cat designate any of the other or reformist symptoms , sequester them from other cats in the house immediately and call your veterinarian .
Incubation Period of Feline Panleukopenia
The earliest symptoms of ill humor show up abouttwo to seven daysafter your cat has been exposed to the disease .
Early-Stage Symptoms of Distemper in Cats
Dr. Werber describes the first set of feline distemper symptoms as , " what we call ADR , ' ai n’t doing right . ' " Your African tea might only show pernicious signs of sickness at first . Because it ’s always best to diagnose any illness in its other stages , you ’ll want to keep a close middle on your cat for any changes in their habit or behaviors .
Fever
A cat with distemper will commonly educate a high fever . This can be 104 degrees Fahrenheit or high .
Loss of Appetite
An infected computed axial tomography is potential to stop take in bothfood and weewee .
Lethargy
Your computed axial tomography may take on adepressed appearanceand stop dally as much or begin hiding . As their belly becomes more uncomfortable , you may discover them sitting hunched over as if in pain .
Change in Vocalization
Your cat may be much quieter than common , or they may " blab out " more than usual .
Along with the vernacular symptom name above , Dr. Werber notes , " We can also see upper respiratory infection because of a lack of ability to fight disease . kitten are more severely affected . "
Rapid Progression of Distemper Symptoms in Cats
Once you observe the initial sign of the zodiac of distemper in CAT , the rest of the symptoms typically show up very presently after . This is why it ’s very important to discuss any concerns with your veterinarian at the first signs of unwellness . As the disease progresses , you ’ll notice a new set of symptom , include :
Vomiting
Most catsbegin vomitingwith feline ill humor . If they have n’t eaten much , they may just disgorge a clear or yellow - color liquid . As mentioned in the Merck Veterinary Manual , purge typically startsone to two daytime afterthe ontogeny of the fever .
Drooling
Many cat with ill humor willhypersalivateas a final result of nausea or pain in the neck .
Diarrhea
cat may develop severe diarrhea . In up to15 % of showcase , they ’ll developbloody stools .
Dehydration
drying up is another common result of progressing distemper . When your computerized axial tomography is ineffectual to eat or salute , ca n’t keep anything in their system , and has a high organic structure temperature , dehydration cursorily sets in .
Coat Appearance
Your true cat ’s coat will often become dull and rough . Cats will stop grooming as they feel weakly and sicker . On a farseeing - hairy breed , the haircloth may become flat .
Belly Pain
There will be evidence of abdominal pain . Cats will commonly sit with a hunched stance to guard their belly or act as ungratified and always convert positions .
Collapse
In the tardy degree of feline distemper , cat-o'-nine-tails can becomeuncoordinated , collapse , and may have seizures . If the ill humour is allowed to get on with these symptoms , it can be really hard to support them through recovery .
Some cats are more likely tosuccumb to the diseasethan others . " vernal kitten , tired of cats , and unvaccinated cats are most susceptible , and many will snuff it , " says Dr. Werber .
Prognosis for Cats With Distemper
Distemper is a serious disease . According to the American Veterinary Medical Association ( AVMA),up to 90 % of catswill conk out from ill humour if left untreated . With early intervention and right discussion , a mature cat " that has been otherwise healthy has a better chance for bunk the contagion " and can recover from feline distemper .
Kittens have a lesser hazard of surviving this disease . Dr. Werber notes , " Interestingly , cats who survive an contagion are immune to any further panleukopenia infection in the future . " If you distrust that your cat may have ill humour symptoms , the best matter to do is take them to the veterinarian for diagnosis immediately .
Treating Distemper in Cats
When a African tea is bring in to the veterinarian for treatment , Dr. Werber posit that " Unfortunately , it is not a estimable prognosis and there is no therapeutic . "
Dr. Werber advise that " treatment involves supportive care . " This includes , " Intravenous fluid to help keep the cat hydrated , antibiotic drug to aid prevent secondary contagion , and often parenteral nutrition to help keep them strong to be able-bodied to fight off the computer virus . "
How Do Cats Get Distemper?
Exposure can come through link with the body fluids of sick cats , including their spit , water , feces , or ancestry . Although human and dogs can not overtake feline distemper , they can indirectly spread the disease if they do n’t rinse any hide or clothing credibly that come in contact with a queasy hombre . An indoor big cat can get distemper as the virus can be brought into the home by other members of the household .
Preventing Feline Distemper
According to Dr. Werber , " As with most viral infections , the best discourse is prevention via vaccinum . All kitty and cats should be inoculate against this disease . " He urges cat possessor to , " see with your veterinary surgeon aboutvaccine schedulingand booster frequency , " to keep your cats dependable from suffering from feline ill humour .
