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Diagnosing FeLV
As a cat caretaker you will not be able to self-diagnose FeLV. It is a
complicated disease made more complicated by the fact that it suppresses
the cat's immune system, thereby increasing the effect of other
illnesses that are allowed to develop and which have their own symptoms.
However, it is said by vets that about 25% of all sick cats seen by
vets have FeLV. That information is a diagnostic tool. FeLV is
reponsible for other cat diseases. It is the 2nd most common cause of
cat deaths after injury (trauma).
The first signs occur 2-6 weeks after exposure. The initial illness
last from 2-16 weeks.
The difficulty is that the signs of FeLV initially are "non-specific".
In layman's language they are unclear and don't point to this disease.
Signs include fever, apathy, loss of appetite and a loss of weight.
The cat might vomit.
There may be diarrhea or constipation.
The cat's mucous membranes might be pale indicating anemia. Mucous
membranes can be seen in the mouth.
The disease developes in various ways. Cats with "persistent viremia"
(the virus is in the bloodstream) allow other diseases to develop with
a wide range of symptoms causing a complexity that requires the
attentions of a good vet.
I am sure vets may misdiagnose! If the initial signs as metioned are
present this has to be a visit to the vet as soon as possible.
Vets employ two types of blood test to diagnose FeLV.
Sources
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