Leukemia in cats: symptoms and treatment
Fluffy pets are prone to many dangerous diseases, need constant care and attention, after all, only the owner can save his friend from trouble. Cancer has not escaped these lovely pets, and leukemia in cats is a common disease.
types of pathology
Feline leukemia is a so-called leukemia disease, when a huge number of immature ones appear in the vessels, young leukocytes. The causative agent is considered to be a virus, which comes from outside or is in the body of a mustachioed baby, and with weakened immunity begins to progress, embedded in the structure of macromolecules (DNA), changing their program. Since the disease is predisposed to blood, then dangerous cells spread throughout the body, leukemia progresses rapidly.
Where does the virus come from? Sometimes it gets to the animal from the environment, in this case it is clear, that the cat became infected somewhere. Otherwise, the pathogen is formed inside the organs under the influence of adverse, to the end of unexplored factors. The point is, that in a feline organism it is possible to count not less than hundreds of copies of this virus, they are completely safe until then, until they begin to be produced spontaneously and quickly in large quantities. This phenomenon is called chronic leukemia.
Most often, the animal is infected from an external source (usually through blood). The hit virus is unique, as it is able to mix with other diseases, then insidious hybrids are obtained.
The danger lies not only in the very rapid development of the disease - there have been cases, when kittens died a couple of years after birth. And also in the ability to infect others, because the virus is able to pass to other siblings. The pet owner should not worry, since viral leukemia in cats is not transmitted to humans, a four-legged friend with his sores is safe for him. The course of the disease is very severe, the reasons are not fully understood. Diagnosis in the early stages is in most cases incorrect, so it is not always possible to save a pet.
There are three types of leukemia:
- Thoracic cavity. Fluid accumulates in this area, the trachea and esophagus are clogged, leading to suffocation and difficulty breathing.
- Abdominal cavity. Externally resembles a disorder of the digestive tract, when appetite is lost, jaundice begins, dehydration, constipation and rapid weight loss.
- Multifocal. It affects several organs at once, he is the most dangerous, and the treatment is incredibly difficult. The best result is not complete deprivation, but only an opportunity to give the animal a little more time.
There are three other forms of the disease:
- Persistent. The virus suppresses the immune system, she can't handle him. The disease progresses rapidly, which leads to the death of the cat.
- Transient. Occurs in good health, furry friend completely recovers on their own. The virus is observed in his urine or saliva for a couple of months, then it disappears.
- Latent. Associated with lymph node disease, liver, spleen, bone marrow. Subsequently, the disease passes into the blood, its circulation is disturbed.
Causes of the disease
Viral leukemia in cats occurs when infected from the environment. The disease can be transmitted through blood during a fight, saliva (if the animals are fed from one bowl), with mutual courtship, when pets lick each other. Transmission of the virus to kittens from the mother is rare, since a sick cat's milk is usually not infected, but there have been such cases.
Who is at risk? Cats are most susceptible to the disease, which is the result of their behavior.
Scientists have found out, that the leukemia virus also occurs in those cats, living in large companies. Example, if the grandmother-cat from the next apartment keeps two dozen fluffy pets, then do not let your pet to them, after all, some of them are probably already infected.
Similarly, the disease is transmitted by free walking, when the owner releases the cat to run with other cats, hoping, that his furry girlfriend will like it. But danger can lie in wait anywhere, and domestic cats are never vaccinated and clean.
signs of pathology
Viral leukemia in cats has its own symptoms, by which the owner will be able to identify the bad, send the animal for diagnosis and begin treatment:
- In the early stages of the disease does not manifest itself externally, there is only an increased content of white blood cells, as well as the appearance of lymphocytes. The incubation period can last from a month to 6 years.
- The stage of progression is characterized by a number of signs, including loss of appetite, severe exhaustion, rapid fatigue, drowsiness.
- Digestive problems begin, including diarrhea, bloating, constipation.
- A specific cough appears, difficult and difficult breathing.
- There may be an increase in temperature in the cat.
- The pet becomes depressed or irritable, marked uncharacteristic of her behavior.
- Lymph nodes increase in size.
- Dandruff appears, as if the kitten's eyes are wide open.
- Possible discharge from the eyes or nose.
definition of the disease
In the conditions of the house the problem cannot be defined, even qualified veterinarians in the early stages cannot always determine the cause of the disease. If symptoms of viral leukemia have been found in cats, then the diagnosis is as follows:
- Blood test is used, based on its careful study.
- The concentration of leukocytes is determined, the presence of anemia, increase ESR.
- Immunity analysis is also performed for markers of the virus.
- Ultrasound and radiography are used.
- They do a biopsy, laparoscopy, gastroscopic studies.
- Pieces of tissue from cat organs are taken, where the cell is presumably located.
Despite the wide range of diagnostic procedures, the result may not be: tests are negative, the cat is still losing weight, the signs do not pass. In this case, the study is repeated after some time.
Leukemia in cats is a deadly disease, which is almost impossible to cure. The owner can only alleviate the suffering of the pet, prolong his life. Source: Flickr (Danny_VB)
treatment of pathology
After, as the doctor defined the disease, the process of long and difficult treatment of viral leukemia in cats begins. There are two directions: raising immunity and relieving symptoms. Antibiotics and drugs are prescribed to improve the general condition, stabilizing the state of the immune system.
In severe cases, the patient must be hospitalized with subsequent observation in the hospital. Specialists perform blood transfusions, conduct chemotherapy. In this situation, do not use drugs, modeling immunity, in this regard, that they have a detrimental effect on the formation of new cells.
You still can't get rid of the virus, no one has heard of the cure for it so far. Treatment of viral leukemia in cats is aimed only at supporting the body, weakening of the disease, strengthening immunity. As a result, you will be able to give your friend a few years of life. So, hearing a terrible diagnosis, it is not necessary to refuse therapy, as well as to address the issue immediately, to put a cat to sleep or not with viral leukemia. The pet feels the love of the owner and will help you in a difficult struggle.
Measures to prevent pathology
Preventive measures are aimed at that, to avoid possible infection:
- Vaccination is the best remedy. Example, Russian drug Leukocel, which is valid for one year, keeping the cat healthy from the deadly scourge.
- It is necessary to limit any contact with street animals, as well as with those pets, living in large crowds.
- Take care of feline hygiene, wash the litter in time, clean the tray, wash dishes and clothes, then no leukemia in cats will be terrible.
- Monitor your baby's immunity, to do this, add vitamins to a balanced diet, do not allow hypothermia and colds.
- Treat all diseases in time, when alarms appear, see a doctor immediately. Do not carry out any dubious procedures yourself, which your friends advise you, whether treating a cat with vodka for viral leukemia or other drugs without consulting a veterinarian.
Leukemia in cats is a deadly disease, which is almost impossible to cure. The owner can only alleviate the suffering of the pet, prolong his life. Since leukemia is viral in nature, it is much easier to prevent it, preventing contact of the pet with vectors. Remember, that leukemia in cats is very difficult to diagnose, entrust this matter only to professionals.