Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)

Thid disease is caused by a retrovirus and its mode of action is synonymous to that caused by Human HIV, leading to immunosuppression and exposure to a wide range of infections.

Transmission

The main source of infection is from FIV positive cats through saliva. The route of infection is injection of the virus into the skin or blood stream of the susceptible cat when bitten, especially during fights.

Venereal transmission has so far not been proven

Clinical signs

Clinical signs are varied.

There may be unexplained fever, lethargy, anorexia and anaemia.
Enlarged lymph nodes
Chronic bacterial infections in the mouth or lungs. Also Chronic diarrhoea.
Various cancers due to immunosupression
Change in behaviour and sometimes epileptic fits

Because of the vague clinical signs, FIV should be suspected in cats with a long history of unexplained illness that does not respond to normal treatments.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of FIV is relatively easy, using a small amount of blood which can be tested here at the surgery.

Prognosis

After initial infection, cats can live up to many years before clinical signs appear. Once this happens though, unfortunately prognosis is poor.

Treatment

Any bacterial infections can usually be treated with antibiotics and in some cases an anti viral drug can be used.

Control

There is no vaccination available against FIV.  Neutering of male and female cats will help to prevent roaming and territorial behaviour.

Cats should be kept indoors at night to reduce incidences of fights.

Any cat diagnosed with FIV should be kept indoors for the duration of its life to prevent spreading the infection to other cats.