Is distemper possible in cats? It turns out it is. Distemper is a common viral disease in cats. It usually results in death. The disease is resistant to both low and high temperatures. The scientific name for this disease is panleukopenia or viral enteritis. It is caused by a paravirus.
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Risk group
Clinically healthy animals under 6 years of age are least at risk of contracting distemper, as statistics show.
Over time, the animal's body's defenses become depleted, which is why cats aged 6–8 years are most often at risk of developing the disease. This group also includes young cats (up to 12 months)At this time, the animal's body is still weak and unable to defend itself against the distemper virus.
A cat infected during pregnancy produces non-viable offspring. Distemper can cause fetal resorption, mummification, and miscarriage.
Diagnosis of feline distemper
Only a veterinarian can diagnose the disease. This involves taking samples of the cat's feces, urine, and blood. Sometimes, a nasopharyngeal swab is also tested. Incidentally, A stool test can show the presence of the virus already on the first day of infection. Therefore, if you have any concerns about your cat's health, experts recommend contacting a veterinarian immediately.
How does panleukopenia manifest itself in cats?
This passes fairly quickly. Distemper and its symptoms come in several different forms:
- Subacute;
- Spicy;
- Super sharp or lightning fast.
Distemper typically develops rapidly in young cats. Symptoms typically include weakness:
- The animal's body begins to tremble, and the cat itself refuses to drink or eat.
- The cat's fur instantly becomes matted and dirty.
- If the virus has penetrated the nervous system, the cat begins to rush around, is afraid of light and hides.
- There is a feeling that the animal is struck by rabies.
- Without reacting to any stimuli, the cat lies down almost constantly.
These are the first signs of distemper. In chronic cases in cats the progression of the disease can cause foul-smelling bloody diarrhea and vomiting of yellow foamThe fulminant form of the disease requires prompt veterinary attention within one to two hours.
Acute feline distemper
Acute distemper in cats is typical for adult cats. In the initial stage, the cat eats nothing, lies almost constantly, and is unresponsive to the outside world. Light-colored diarrhea and green or yellow vomiting appear.After a few days, vomiting may contain blood.
If the disease complicates the cardiovascular system, wheezing and a dry cough may develop. The animal breathes with its mouth open. Discharge from the eyes and nose may develop. The nose becomes hot and the eyes red. Purple spots and often purulent areas appear on the skin. The cat experiences intense thirst, but is unable to quench it due to spasms in the throat.
It's almost impossible to overcome distemper at home without veterinary care. But if a miracle does happen, the cat develops immunity. If the pet has survived for 3-4 days, then the chances of recovery are quite high.Distemper often occurs asymptomatically, and the animal dies within 2-3 days. Therefore, don't expect a miraculous cure; seek veterinary help immediately.
Subacute feline distemper
Subacute form of this disease Typical for adult animals with strong immune systems, and sometimes also for vaccinated cats and elderly clinically healthy animals. However, there may be exceptions to this rule.
In the subacute form, the disease in cats lasts 1–3 weeks. The symptoms are not as pronounced, and the success rate—recovery—is quite high.
How to cure feline distemper?
Today, almost any animal is at risk of contracting an infection such as distemper. However, there is no special magic cure. Treatment for distemper is prescribed only by a veterinarian. and only after a thorough examination of the cat. Taking into account the symptoms and the severity of the disease, the doctor will select an individualized course of treatment.
Without specialized training, you shouldn't self-medicate, relying solely on information from various sources. This can cause the body to react in the opposite way. Treatment of distemper may require the administration of medications via an IV dripTo restore cellular balance, treat intoxication and dehydration, medications containing salt, various antibiotics and vitamins, and agents with increased glucose levels are used.
Antihistamines provide vascular and cardiac support and pain relief. Immune-boosting medications are also used. Sometimes there may be cases when bowel lavage helps to overcome the disease.The course lasts 1–2 weeks. Treatment time will depend on the animal's condition.
It's important to complete the full course of treatment prescribed by your veterinarian, even if your cat appears healthy at first glance. Treatment must be carried out under veterinarian supervision so that adjustments can be made promptly if necessary.
How to behave during treatment?
During treatment, the room should be constantly ventilated. During this time, it is recommended to move the cat to another room. the room needs to be disinfected with a sodium hypochlorite solution or an ultraviolet lamp, do not scold the cat for uncontrolled vomiting and defecation, but clean everything up immediately.
If necessary, you will need to clean the muzzle, nose, and eyes of viral discharge from the infection using a gauze swab treated with a preparation recommended by the veterinarian. The temperature in the room where the sick animal is located must not be too low. and not too high. In other words, the room must be warm.
It is also necessary to avoid direct sunlight and carry out wet cleaning periodically. You can't force-feed or water a cat.The animal will begin to eat food on its own when its body begins to recover.
During treatment, it's best to feed your cat light food. Avoid overloading your cat with heavy meals. Feed small portions 4-5 times a day. You can offer your cat low-fat meat broth., cottage cheese, or yogurt. After a few days, you can give your cat white sea fish and lean meat, cut into small pieces.
Vegetables, greens, and cereals are strictly prohibited for cats. Food must be at room temperature. After recovery, it is recommended to feed your cat a dietary diet for three months.
Treatment objectives
Since a cure for distemper has not yet been invented, the main goal of treatment is to prevent a sharp decline in immunity. The veterinarian is trying prevent the spread of infection and the addition of bacterial diseasesMaintaining electrolyte balance and combating dehydration with IVs is also crucial. Treatment to support immunity involves medications and antibiotics.
How to prevent feline distemper?
How to care for your pet and behave properly? How to treat distemper in cats? To avoid these questions from bothering you, The easiest way to prevent the disease from occurring is toA special product can help with this. Its effectiveness lasts for one year and protects cats from many infectious diseases. After that, a booster dose is required.
Kittens especially need protection from infectious diseases, since their immune system is quite weak. KittensIt is necessary to vaccinate twice in the first year, starting at 2 monthsThe first vaccination is recommended at 2 months, and the next at 3 months. It is important to wait no more than 3 weeks between vaccinations.
For adults over one year old, one annual vaccination is sufficient. Combined vaccines from domestic and international manufacturers are now available. The cat owner independently selects the most suitable drugThe most important thing to remember is that deworming, treatment for worms, and other parasites is necessary before vaccination. Worms weaken the animal, which can lead to negative consequences after vaccination.
Folk remedy with vodka
There's a folk remedy for treating distemper at the first sign of it. The key is to correctly identify the symptoms of distemper in cats and avoid confusing them with other illnesses. It is advisable to have a veterinarian diagnose panleukopenia.In other words, there are other diseases that raise suspicion that your pet has distemper.
No veterinarian will prescribe vodka for treating this condition in cats, although this method is quite popular among the public. Judging by reviews, this treatment option has a beneficial effect.
Should you consult a veterinarian with distemper symptoms or treat your cat with vodka? It's up to the owner to decide. Self-medication is not recommended. It is best to consult a professional doctor.Because it's not entirely clear what the consequences of such experiments are. Moreover, it's possible to misdiagnose and treat the cat for the wrong condition.
