Leukemia virus (LKV, FeLV), one of the most common and destructive viruses in cats. It is highly contagious and is transmitted through saliva during fights or licking, feeding. If cats for a long time live in close contact, the virus spreads from one animal to another during mutual courtship. The virus can also be spread through infected urine and blood. Kittens can become infected even before birth through the placenta, during childbirth, when the mother bites the umbilical cord, or during feeding.

Not all cats exposed to the virus become permanently infected. The immune system of 60% of infected cats destroys or inactivates the invading virus. About 30% of infected cats become chronically infected. In 10%, the virus becomes inactivated in some part of the body. This last group the virus may later become active again under the influence of certain drugs, severe stress, or the development of another disease.
Of the 30% of chronically infected cats, about 50% die within 6 months of diagnosis and 80% within three years. Although the remaining 20% ​​will have normal duration life, they will be predisposed to various chronic diseases.

PATHOGENESIS

The spread and clinical manifestations of the disease are closely related to the age and immunity of the cat, as well as to the infecting dose of the virus. The infection is characterized by stages that differ significantly from each other, which determine the clinical picture of the disease and the possible contagiousness (infectiousness) of the affected animal. The disease can go through the entire cycle of pathogenesis or, on the contrary, the virus will be blocked at one of the stages.

An important feature of VLV (as well as other retroviruses) is that it is secreted only by infected cells that are in the stage of division (mitosis). This explains the predominant reproduction of the virus in tissues containing rapidly dividing cells (bone marrow, epithelium of the respiratory and digestive tract).

After entering the body by oral or nasal route, the virus actively multiplies in the tonsils and pharyngeal lymph nodes, from which it spreads to other lymphoid tissues, mainly to the bone marrow. Many cats give immune response, the virus is eliminated (destroyed) and clinical form disease does not develop.

In another case, the virus can persist for a long time in a latent form in bone marrow. Sometimes, under stress, the introduction of glucocorticoids, and even spontaneously, there is an intensive replication of the virus in the bone marrow, and the latent infection passes into the stage of viremia (the appearance of the virus in peripheral blood cells). At this stage, an effective immune response can stop active infection, giving rise to a temporary (2 days to 8 weeks) viremia.

Some cats cannot eliminate the virus, it spreads with blood cells throughout the body, and when it enters the bone marrow, it can affect blood stem cells of any line (myeloid, lymphoid, erythroid). This stage occurs 2-4 weeks after the initial infection and can last for a long time.

FLV-affected stem cells produce infected blood cells, resulting in persistent viremia and clinical picture diseases (leukemia, lymphoma, anemia, etc.). In this case, the virus spreads in the epithelium of the most different systems and organs (upper Airways, nasopharynx and salivary glands, digestive tract, kidneys, bladder), from which it is released into the environment in large quantities and can infect other cats.

SYMPTOMS OF THE VIRUS OF LEUKEMIA

There is no single group of symptoms that characterize FLC - an infection. The virus can destroy the patient's body in three different ways.
1. An uncontrolled increase in the number of cells affected by the virus, which causes tumors (lymphomas) or leukemia (leukemia) of red, white blood or bone marrow cells.
2. Destruction of parental or immature blood cells, which leads to a strong decrease in red, white or thrombogenic blood cells (anemia, leukopenia - a decrease in the number of leukocytes in the blood, thrombocytopenia - a decrease in the number of platelets).
3. Disorder immune system resulting in the development of other life-threatening infections. Diseases commonly associated with FLV infection are manifested by:
- anemia
- cancer
- chronic diseases bodies respiratory system, skin
- chronic infections mouth and gums genitourinary system
- chronic digestive disorders
- reproductive diseases (abortions, stillborn kittens, early (neonatal) death of kittens)
- and others systemic diseases such as feline infectious peritonitis, feline immunodeficiency virus, and toxoplasmosis.

tumor forms.
The main type of tumors associated with FLV infection are lymphomas or lymphosarcomas, which usually develop in the first 5 years of the animal's life. In addition to slight weight loss, lethargy and lack of appetite, specific Clinical signs, which depend on the location of the tumor:
- with the destruction of the bone marrow by lymphoma cells, anemia and neutropenia are noted;
- with damage to the kidneys, they increase in size, develop uremic syndrome, which is manifested by anorexia, weight loss, vomiting and dehydration;
- with eye damage - uveitis and secondary glaucoma;
- in defeat spinal cord acute neurological symptoms occur, in particular paralysis of the pelvic limbs;
- if the lymphomoythymus and anterior lobes of the lung are affected, the animals have difficulty breathing and regurgitation (vomiting) when swallowing solid food. The chest loses elasticity and does not compress when pressed. In pulmonary lymphoma chest cavity often accumulates fluid (hydrothorax or chylothorax);
- with intestinal damage, nodular formations can be detected on palpation, diarrhea and vomiting are also noted.

Leukemias are less common, but they can affect all stem cells.

Non-regenerative diseases are the result of infection of hematopoietic stem cells. Red and white bodies, as well as platelets, are affected. As a result, anemia, forms of pseudopanleukopenia and coagulation disorders develop. The latter can lead to spontaneous bleeding.

Immunosuppression.
In cats with persistent viremia, FLV suppresses the immune system and contributes to the development of other diseases, such as: feline infectious peritonitis, infectious anemia, viral respiratory diseases, toxoplasmosis, chronic cystitis and a number of bacterial infections.

Other forms.
Immune disorders can manifest themselves in the form of immune complexes, leading to glomerulonephritis.
Cats that are in a state of viremia infect embryos by transplantation, which leads to their death. Violations reproductive function in such cats it is further manifested by infertility. If kittens do not die in the uterus, they are born with viremia and die quickly.
Possible development neurological disorders in the form of anisocaria ( different size pupils) or paresis of the limbs.

DIAGNOSTICS

Due to the diversity clinical manifestations in feline leukemia (lymphosarcoma, anemia, reproductive dysfunction, nephritis, various secondary infections, etc.), this disease should be suspected in the presence of any chronic or recurrent disease.

Hematological examination allows to establish a decrease in the absolute number of leukocytes, erythrocytes, the appearance of immature nuclear forms of erythrocytes.

In the development of lymphoma are informative visual methods diagnostics (ultrasound, radiography, MRI).

the "gold standard" in laboratory diagnostics Feline leukemia is the isolation of the virus in the blood serum and the detection of the FLV antigen in neutrophils and platelets by immunofluorescence.

A rapid test for the detection of FLV antigen in blood or serum can be performed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), but a positive result must be confirmed by isolation of the virus from the serum. positive reaction give not only sick, but also asymptomatically infected cats that shed the virus, posing a real threat of infection to animals susceptible to the agent.

To determine the viremia status (acute or chronic), the cat must be retested after 12 weeks.

The first positive result involves isolating the animal pending final results. A test that seems doubtful should be repeated using a fresh sample and an additional test should be performed. laboratory analysis(ELISA, PCR) for confirmation positive test, in particular, if, based on its results, a decision is made on the possible euthanasia of the animal. To additional analyzes it is required to resort also in case of a negative result in the presence of suspicious clinical signs in a cat.

A cat can only be considered as persistently viremic if two tests performed 12 weeks apart give a positive result.

In the absence of severe symptoms, it is not necessary to euthanize a confirmed cat. As an alternative, consider isolating her completely from other cats in the group or transferring her to a new owner who does not have cats.

TREATMENT

Current treatment this disease poorly designed. Cancer caused by these viruses is incurable. Early diagnosis brings relief, but the complete recovery of the sick animal does not occur. AT symptomatic treatment include antibiotics a wide range actions (penicillin, ampicillin, ampioks, etc.), various vitamins and trace elements, as well as anti-cancer drugs. Useful blood transfusion. With effective treatment, cats live longer than without treatment. Sick cats are dangerous to those around them. healthy cats, as they actively secrete the virus. When diagnosing this disease, most veterinarians recommend that owners euthanize a sick animal.

PREVENTION of this infection should include vaccination of cats, timely recognition of the disease and isolation of all virus-positive cats from catteries and places of their group keeping. The current FeLV vaccine is not as effective as the rabies vaccine, but is necessary to protect healthy cats from leukemia.

Kittens born to immunized cats receive colostral immunity from their mother's colostrum. After 6-12 weeks, it weakens, and the kittens become susceptible to the disease and need to be vaccinated.
Before the first vaccination, all kittens undergo an ELISA test. If the result is negative, then the first vaccination is carried out at 12 weeks, and revaccination - after 2-3 weeks. Subsequent revaccinations are carried out annually.
It is necessary to treat the cat room and the owner's apartment with ordinary detergents or bleaches. The feline leukemia virus is not persistent and can be easily killed. Be sure to treat cat's hidden places, which can be stained with feces or saliva of a sick animal.

There is no data on the danger of the FeLV virus to humans. However, under laboratory conditions, the virus replicates in human cells. Theoretically, children and people with immunodeficiency are prone to the disease. Therefore, these categories, like pregnant women, should avoid contact with virus-positive cats.

Furry pets are prone to many dangerous diseases, they need constant care and attention, because only the owner can save his friend from trouble. Oncological diseases have not bypassed these cute pets, and leukemia in cats is a common ailment.

Types of pathology

Feline leukemia is the so-called leukemia disease, when a huge amount of immature, young leukocytes appears in the vessels. The causative agent is considered to be a virus that comes from outside or is in the body of a mustachioed baby, and when immunity is weakened, it begins to progress, integrates into the structure of macromolecules (DNA), changing their program. Since it is the blood that is susceptible to the disease, dangerous cells spread throughout the body, leukemia progresses rapidly.

Where does the pathogen come from? Sometimes it gets to the animal from the external environment, in this case it is clear that the cat has become infected somewhere. In another case, the pathogen is formed inside the organs under the influence of unfavorable, completely unexplored factors. The fact is that at least a hundred copies of this virus can be counted in the cat's body, they are completely safe until they begin to spontaneously and quickly be produced in large quantities. This phenomenon is called chronic leukemia.

Most often, the animal becomes infected from an external source (usually through the 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 brothers. The owner of the animal 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 causes are not fully understood. Diagnosis in the early stages is in most cases erroneous, so it is not always possible to save a pet.

There are three types of leukemia:

1. Thoracic cavity. Fluid accumulates in this area, the trachea and esophagus become clogged, which leads to suffocation and difficulty breathing.
2. Abdominal cavity. Outwardly, it resembles a disorder of the digestive tract, when appetite is lost, jaundice, dehydration, constipation and rapid emaciation begin.
3. Multifocal. It affects several organs at once, it is the most dangerous, and the treatment is incredibly difficult. Most best result- not a complete deliverance, but only an opportunity to give the animal a little more time.

It is customary to distinguish three more forms of the course of the disease:

1. Persistent. The virus suppresses the immune system, it cannot cope with it. The disease progresses rapidly, leading to the death of the cat.
2. Transient. Occurs in good health, the furry friend fully recovers on his own. The virus is noted in his urine or saliva for a couple of months, then it disappears.
3. Latent. Associated with the occurrence of the disease in the lymph nodes, liver, spleen, bone marrow. Over time, the disease passes into the blood, its circulation is disturbed.

Causes of the disease

Viral leukemia in cats occurs when infected from the external environment. The disease can be transmitted through blood during a fight, saliva (if animals eat from the same bowl), with mutual courtship, when pets lick each other. Transmission of the virus to kittens from the mother is rare, since the milk of a sick cat is usually not infected, but such cases have occurred.

Who is at risk? Cats are most susceptible to the disease, which is the result of their behavior.

Scientists have found that the leukemia virus also occurs in those cats that live in large companies. For example, if a cat lady grandmother from a neighboring apartment keeps two dozen furry pets, then do not let your pet near them, because one of them is probably already infected.

Similarly, the disease is transmitted in free range, 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 yard cats are never vaccinated and clean.

Signs of pathology

Viral leukemia in cats has its own symptoms, by which the owner can determine what is wrong, send the animal for diagnosis and begin treatment:

1. In the early stages, the disease does not manifest itself externally, it is noted only increased content white cells in the blood, as well as the appearance of lymphocytes. Incubation period can last from a month to 6 years.
2. The progression stage is characterized by a number of signs, including loss of appetite, severe exhaustion, fatigue, and drowsiness.
3. Digestive problems begin, including diarrhea, bloating, constipation.
4. There is a specific cough, difficult and heavy breathing.
5. Your cat may have a fever.
6. The pet becomes depressed or irritable, unusual behavior is noted.
7. Lymph nodes increase in size.
8. Pop-eyed appears, as if the kitten has bulging eyes.
9. There may be discharge from the eyes or nose.

Definition of an ailment

At home, the problem cannot be determined, even qualified veterinarians in the early stages cannot always find out the cause of the disease. If symptoms of viral leukemia in cats are revealed, then the diagnosis is carried out as follows:

1. A blood test is used, based on a thorough study of it.
2. The concentration of leukocytes, the presence of anemia, an increase in ESR are determined.
3. Immunity is also analyzed for markers of the virus.
4. Applies ultrasound examination and radiography.
5. Do a biopsy, laparoscopy, gastroscopic studies.
6. Pieces of tissue are taken from the cat's organs, where the focus is supposedly located.

Despite the wide range of diagnostic procedures, there may not be a result: the tests are negative, the cat is still emaciated, the signs do not go away. In this case, a re-examination is carried out after a certain time.

Leukemia in cats is deadly dangerous disease which is almost impossible to cure. The owner can only alleviate the suffering of the pet, prolong his life.

Viral lesions of the immune system in cats (as in humans) are among the most serious illnesses with dubious prognosis. In humans, it is acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The two most common diseases in cats are feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Both of them have an overwhelming effect on the organs of hematopoiesis. Today we will talk about feline viral leukemia caused by the oncogenic retrovirus FeLV.

The leukemia virus belongs to the family of retroviruses (RNA containing viruses) that attack vertebrate cells. Having penetrated into the body, it is introduced into the tissues of the bone marrow and violates the genetic code. immune cells- leukocytes. As a result, they can no longer fully perform a protective function. The disease has another name - leukemia, since the number of immature white blood cells pathologically increases in the patient's blood.

The main results of the destructive action of a viral infection are as follows:

1. A blow to immunity leads to a sharp decrease in resistance. Animals often get sick. Any interaction with pathogens can cause unpredictable complications, even death.
2. Immune cells with a broken genetic code are carried by the blood throughout the body. This dramatically increases the likelihood of oncological neoplasms.
3. There is a difficulty in making a diagnosis. The disease begins almost asymptomatically. Immunity deficiency increases gradually. Serious violations appear when the disease is already running. When examining sick animals, doctors cannot always associate the presence of malignant tumors with the action of the virus.
4. With leukemia, the death of a cat usually occurs from a secondary infection that has developed in conditions of weakened immunity. However, there have been cases when, even without a vaccine, the initially strong immune system destroyed the invading virus, and the animal recovered.

Ways of transmission of the virus

The disease is more susceptible to individuals leading a street lifestyle and individuals with weakened immunity. Cats get sick more often than cats. The virus is unstable and can survive in the environment for about two days. In addition, it does not withstand the effects of disinfectants, and is afraid of heating.

The pathogen can be transmitted through close contact of animals, through saliva, blood, breast milk, faeces, urine and feces. A cat can become infected when playing together, through a common bowl, tray, and during sexual intercourse. A transplacental (intrauterine) route of infection is also possible. Blood-sucking insects (such as fleas) can transmit the virus from sick cats to healthy ones. Very often, animals become infected by biting and licking each other.

It is believed that the disease is not transmitted by airborne droplets. The main care must be taken if the pet goes out for a walk and communicates freely with his street counterparts, who may be contagious. It is definitely worth grafting it. But the feline leukemia virus vaccine is also not 100% protective. In addition, weakened animals should not be exposed to the vaccine.

Forms of flow and types of leukemia

After entering the cat's body, the virus begins to multiply in its tissues, after which it spreads along the lymphoid pathways, accumulating in the lymph nodes. At this stage, the disease is reversible, the body can still overcome the infection. When the virus enters the bone marrow and begins its destructive action there, the cat will have almost no chance to recover.

Depending on the state of the animal's immune system, there are several forms of the course of the disease:

1. Transient or temporary. It is typical at the very beginning of the disease, until the virus has reached the bone marrow. Strong immunity forms an effective immune response that destroys the infection. This variant of the development of the disease is relatively rare. From the onset of the disease usually takes no more than two months.
2. Latent or form of hidden carriage. It is also possible subject to the presence of strong immunity. The virus is contained in the tissues, but it cannot multiply and become active. A cat can be a virus carrier for quite a long time - several years. She feels well, but is a source of infection for other animals.
3. Persistent or form of viral replication. Low immunity cannot prevent the penetration of the virus into the bone marrow. Leukocytes carry the virus throughout the body. Its content in the blood is quite high, so the signs of leukemia are gradually increasing. Suffer first gastrointestinal tract, bladder, skin and respiratory system.
4. An atypical body reaction may represent a partially effective immune response. This situation occurs when, against the background of a good immune response of the body, the virus develops in a particular organ.

In addition, there are several types of leukemia, depending on the location of the lesions:

1. Leukemia of the chest. It is characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the area chest. The main symptom is breathing problems.
2. Leukemia abdominal cavity has symptoms similar to those food poisoning or intestinal infection: lack of appetite, weight loss, constipation or diarrhea, vomiting.
3. Multifocal leukemia. It has several places of localization, so its diagnosis causes particular difficulties.

Secondary diseases caused by the virus

Persistent feline leukemia is the most dangerous, as it is characterized by the active progression of the disease. Against the background of this stage, the condition of the animal is rapidly deteriorating. There are a number of secondary diseases that occur as a result of the action of the virus in the body. Each is caused by one of four strains of the virus (A, B, C, or T).

1. Immune suppression is a consequence of all diseases leading to damage to the immune system. The animal becomes susceptible to a variety of viral, bacterial and fungal infections. This condition is present in almost all infected felines.
2. Anemia or a decrease in the number of red blood cells in the blood. Influencing the bone marrow, the virus damages the progenitor cells that produce red blood cells. This disrupts the normal process of hematopoiesis in the body.
3. Neoplasia - pathological process leading to the development of tumors. The cause of these disorders is the incorporation of the leukemia virus into the genetic code of bone marrow cells. Sick animals become very susceptible to cancer. Their probability is increased by 50 times. But this does not always happen, but only in 15 percent of cases.
4. Other diseases. Most of all, the reproductive system of the animal and the skin are subject to the consequences of a viral attack.

Symptoms of the disease

Leukemia always causes in cats a sharp decline immunity. An infected animal is susceptible frequent illnesses, flowing hard and with complications, with a tendency to relapse.

The remaining signs are associated with a secondary infection and depend on its type. Almost always there are such violations:

• frequent rises in temperature;
• loss of interest in outdoor games;
• increased drowsiness;
• poor appetite and refusal to eat;
• frequent colds, problems of the digestive tract;
• very often salivation can be observed, since the virus localized in the salivary glands causes a violation of their functioning;
• swollen lymph nodes;
• pallor of mucous membranes.

Diagnostic methods

Diagnosis of the disease is impossible without a detailed blood test.

1. Polymerase chain reaction(PCR) is a rapid test for the presence of a virus in the bone marrow with a high percentage accuracy.
2. No less useful is an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). This is a rapid test that allows you to determine the presence of virus waste products in the blood.
3. With a doubtful diagnosis, these methods are applied again after a certain period of time.
4. A general blood test will reveal violations of the blood composition, the presence of inflammatory processes in the body.
5. Instrumental examination of organs and systems, including X-ray, ultrasound or MRI, can determine deviations in their work, as well as the presence of tumor processes in the body.

Treatment and prevention

To date, there is no drug that destroys the virus, so the most effective protection against the virus is the vaccination of animals. Kittens are vaccinated once. Adult animals should be vaccinated once a year. At the same time, a test for leukemia is preliminarily done. If the disease is already present, but proceeds in a latent form, then the introduction of a weakened vaccine can lead to the activation of the virus.

Treatment of viral leukemia in cats is to provide them with symptomatic care. But, it must be said that it can also be effective and allows you to postpone the tragic denouement for several years, by maintaining immunity for high level. Its main points are:

1. They begin to treat with the appointment of immunostimulating drugs. Their list is compiled by the doctor, taking into account the patient's condition. To maintain immunity, the same drugs are usually used as in the treatment of HIV infection. It can be Interferon, Azidothymidine (AZT), Raltegravir.
2. High-quality nutritious nutrition is not the least important in maintaining a good immune status of the animal. All products must be subjected to heat treatment in order to eliminate the risk of various pathogens entering the weakened body along with food.

Leukemia in cats has symptoms of secondary diseases, and treatment should be aimed specifically at eliminating them.

1. Blood transfusions and anti-anemic therapy have a good effect.
2. If on the basis of viral leukemia has already developed oncological disease then chemotherapy is used. In many cases, it is possible to suspend the pathological process.
3. When a stable condition is reached, regular visits to the attending physician are necessary. He corrects immunostimulating therapy, makes a test to assess the health of the animal.
4. A sick cat must be kept in a life-long quarantine so that it cannot infect other animals. In turn, she has a risk of receiving a third-party infection from surrounding animals. It is also necessary to keep its place clean, wash the bowl, tray, toys.

Studies have shown that viral leukemia in cats is not transmitted to humans. Human leukemia is non-viral in nature. These are most likely genetic disorders of the chromosomal apparatus, living in areas with increased level radiation.

With the active development of the virus, the prognosis of the disease is unfavorable or cautious. It all depends on how long it will be possible to maintain the immunity of the animal in good condition. But even with the most optimistic forecasts, the maximum survival rate does not exceed four years.

At present, we can do much more to prevent the disease than to treat it. successful treatment. Don't forget about it. Vaccinate your pets on time and do a rapid test for leukemia annually.

The great news is that feline leukemia virus (FLV) is no longer a death sentence. Medicine does not stand still and from the beginning XXI century this pathology is defeated in 70% of cases. But even if for some reason a full recovery does not occur, then the cats stay on maintenance therapy for quite a long time. Subject to systematic control over the condition of the cat, a pet with viral leukemia can live a long and fulfilling life.

Does feline leukemia affect humans?

Scientifically proven in numerous clinical trials that the influence of this viral microorganism does not apply to humans and dogs.

A person can absolutely not worry about their health or the well-being of household members if a leukemia virus is found in a cat's house. This phenomenon is explained very simply and you can be sure of the reliability of such information. The fact is that the body of a cat and a person is fundamentally different, regardless of the similarity of natural physiological processes.

The biological information contained in the feline genome has a unique structure and set of elements. Retroviruses that infect the cells of the cat's body cannot in any way affect a person due to their specific structure. Therefore, the owners of furry pets can be absolutely calm about the risk of infection from their four-legged friend. And without fear of transmission of the feline leukemia virus, provide all the necessary medical assistance to your pet.

More about leukemia in cats

Feline leukemia is a pathological condition characterized by the presence in the bloodstream of a huge number of immature leukocytes. This deviation is also called leukemia. On the this moment it was established that the causative agent of the pathology is an RNA virus belonging to the family of retroviruses. Viral leukemia in cats has carcinogenic properties and belongs to oncogenic oncoviruses, that is, it can turn into cancer.

The effect of a retrovirus on the organism of feline animals was thoroughly studied back in the 60s of the last century. Then the British researcher Jarrett, after conducting a complex of studies, discovered a direct connection between the formation of malignant lymphomas and the presence of an oncogenic leukemia virus in cats. Viral microorganisms of this type are divided into two main categories: exogenous and endogenous.

Exogenous viruses are those that circulate in outer space. Whereas endogenous microorganisms are found in internal environment animal body. It is the second category endogenous viruses) can cause chronic leukemia in cats. The fact is that in the normal genome of cats there are up to 99 types of clones of various microorganisms. Under the influence of some critical factors, retroviruses can spontaneously begin to be produced directly in the body of an animal.

Factors affecting the production of RNA viruses:

• Weakening of the cat's immune system.
• Unsanitary living conditions for a pet.
• Lack of a balanced diet.

But more often, feline leukemia is spread exogenously with crowded content of representatives of this species. The RNA virus enters the external environment with the biological secretions of an infected animal, such as urine, saliva, milk, feces. To the most frequent ways transmission of retroviruses include infection of offspring through the milk of a nursing cat or during mating of pets through sexual contact.

The risk of transmission of feline leukemia virus increases with prolonged and close contact with a sick animal. The fastest way to get FLV into the bloodstream is through the bite of an infected cat. If the pet is constantly in the apartment and does not come into contact with other feline brethren. Then the occurrence of suspicious symptoms, similar to viral leukemia in cats, is most likely to be false.

Symptoms of leukemia in cats

Viral feline leukemia is divided into three stages:

1. The first initial last up to 4 months. VLC at this stage may be suspected by a slight increase in lymph nodes in pet. If you take tests at this moment, they will show the presence of lymphocytes in the blood and an excess of white blood cells. The initial period can last from a month to 5-6 years. After infection of an animal, the development of the disease can follow in three directions:

- In the first variant of leukemia in cats (transient), retroviruses are present in the blood and saliva of the animal for a short time, about 3 months. The immune system of the cat manages to cope with viral infection and the pet makes a full recovery, gaining lifelong immunity against FLV. In this phase, the four-legged furry fellow is not a carrier of the pathogen.

- In the second variant of feline lyukemia (persistent), the RNA virus lingers in saliva and blood for more than 3 months. Pathological condition increases, gradually, in addition to compaction of the lymph nodes, the pet can be seen clearly severe symptoms severe ailments inherent in the second and third stages of pathology. If you skip the initial phase of leukemia in cats, the risks of death increase.

- In the third variant (latent), the feline leukemia virus disappears from the bloodstream after some time and salivary glands infected cat. In this case, the RNA virus persists in the spleen, bone marrow and lymph nodes. It is at this stage in the development of pathology that the animal becomes a carrier of infection. Immunity is gradually suppressed, which leads to the development of secondary diseases such as anemia, peritonitis, toxoplasmosis, lymphosarcoma and other pathologies.

1. The progressive stage reveals itself as a whole symptomatic complex. You can suspect leukemia in a cat by loss of habitual appetite, drowsiness, lethargy, apathy and fatigue. On the part of the digestive tract, signs such as diarrhea, constipation, and bloating appear. At this stage, the condition of the animal can still be maintained with appropriate therapy.
2. In severe form of leukemia in cats pathological symptoms intensify and are joined by such serious manifestations as fever, breathing becomes difficult. The lymph nodes reach a decent size, and the cat may also develop bulging eyes, there are outflows from the nose and eyes. This stage is considered critical, treatment may give positive results, but the animal is unlikely to live long.

Summing up, it is worth noting that the diagnosis of viral lyukemia in cats (FeLV), depending on the stage of the pathology, should not be a cause for panic. With proper care and provision of timely medical care, the cat will not even notice that he is sick. You will have to systematically take tests, take immunostimulants and other drugs prescribed veterinarian. And, of course, the owner's love and sincere warmth towards a four-legged friend can work wonders.

Furry pets are exposed to many dangerous diseases, they need constant attention and care, since only the owner can save his four-legged friend. Oncological diseases of these cute pets have not been spared, and feline viral leukemia is a common disease.

Leukemia in cats: general information

Leukemia or leukemia in cats and cats is a disease of viral etiology. The representative of this infection belongs to the general group of retroviruses. The feline leukemia virus was first isolated in 1965 by the popular researcher W. Jarrett from England, he was able to isolate the viral representative from animal tissues. Since that time, painstaking and long work has been carried out in the study of FeLV.

When ingested, feline leukemia infects bone marrow tissue and genetically alters the structure of new nascent immune bodies. As a result, not only the useful activity of the hematopoietic system decreases, but also the formation of functionally and morphologically modified immune cells (lymphocytes) and white blood cells occurs. Therefore, leukemia in cats characterized by such pathological indicators:

- this is the so-called leukemia disease, when blood vessels form a large number of young and immature leukocytes. The causative agent is considered to be a virus that comes from outside or is in the body of an animal, and during the weakening of immunity it progresses, begins to integrate into the structure of macromolecules (DNA), changing their program. Since it is the blood that is exposed to the disease, the affected cells spread rapidly throughout the body, and leukemia begins to progress.

Where does the pathogen come from? In some cases, he gets to the cat from environment, in this case it is clear that the animal has become infected somewhere. Sometimes the pathogen develops inside the organs Under the influence negative factors which have not been fully explored. It's just that in the body of a cat you can count at least one hundred copies of this virus, they are completely safe until such time as they begin to be quickly and spontaneously produced in significant quantities. This phenomenon called chronic leukemia.

As a rule, a cat becomes infected from an external source (most often through the blood). The infiltrated virus is unique because it can mix with other diseases, in which case dangerous hybrids are obtained.

The danger lies not only in the rather rapid development of the disease - there have been cases when the animals died a few years after birth. And also in the likelihood of infecting others, since the virus can pass to other brothers. The owner of the cat does not need to worry, since feline viral leukemia is not transmitted to humans, a four-legged pet with its diseases is safe for him. The passage of the disease is quite severe, the causes are not fully understood. Diagnosis in the early stages is most often erroneous, so it is not always possible to save the animal.

There are three types of leukemia:

It is also customary to allocate and three types of disease progression:

• Latent. Associated with the appearance of the disease in the liver, lymph nodes, bone marrow, spleen. After a while, the virus passes into the blood, its circulation is disturbed.
• Transient. Appears during good condition health, the cat recovers completely on its own. The virus is noted in the saliva or urine of the animal for several months, then it disappears.
• Persistent. The virus suppresses the immune system, which cannot cope with it. The disease progresses rapidly, it leads to the death of the animal.

Causes of the disease

In cats, viral leukemia can appear during infection from the environment. The disease during a fight can be transmitted through blood, with mutual courtship, when animals lick each other, saliva (when cats eat from the same bowl). Infection of kittens with the virus from the mother is quite rare, since the milk of a sick cat, as a rule, is not infected, but these cases have been noted.

Which animal is at risk? Most often, cats are exposed to the disease, this is the result of their behavior.

Scientists have proven that the leukemia virus also appears in those animals that live in large companies. For example, when a grandmother-cat lady keeps a dozen fluffy pets from a neighboring apartment, do not let your pet near them, as one of them is already infected.

The disease can also be transmitted and during free range, when the owner lets the animal out for a walk with other cats. At the same time, danger can lie in wait anywhere, and street cats are never clean and vaccinated.

In cats, viral leukemia has certain signs by which the owner can identify something is wrong, send the animal for diagnosis and treatment:

At home, the disease cannot be determined, even experienced veterinarians in the early stages cannot always determine the cause of the disease. When the signs of viral leukemia in cats were determined, then the diagnosis is made in the following way:

Despite the large list of diagnostic procedures, the result may not be determined: tests may be negative, signs don't go away, the animal is still emaciated. In this case, a re-examination is performed after a while.

Treatment of the disease

Then, when the veterinarian has identified the disease, the process of severe and prolonged treatment of viral leukemia in cats begins. There are several directions: removing symptoms and raising immunity. To improve the general condition, antibiotics and drugs are prescribed that stabilize the state of immunity.

AT difficult situations may require hospitalization of the animal with further observation in the hospital. Veterinarians perform chemotherapy, perform blood transfusion . In this case do not use drugs that simulate immunity, as they negatively affect the appearance of new cells.

All the same, it will not be possible to get rid of the virus, a remedy for it has not yet been found. Treatment of viral leukemia in cats is aimed only at strengthening the immune system, weakening the disease, maintaining the body. As a result, you can give your animal a couple of years of life. That's why, hearing a terrible diagnosis, you do not need to refuse treatment, and also immediately decide whether to euthanize an animal with viral leukemia or not. The cat feels the love of its owner and will help you in a difficult struggle.

Preventive measures are aimed at preventing possible infection:

Leukemia is fatal in cats a dangerous disease that is almost impossible to cure. The owner can only prolong the life of the pet and alleviate its suffering. Since leukemia has a viral etiology, it is much easier to prevent it by avoiding contact of the cat with carriers. Do not forget, that leukemia is quite difficult to diagnose It is best to entrust this matter only to specialists.