Feline viral immunodeficiency: a diagnosis, not a sentence

Viral immunodeficiency in cats (infectious immunodeficiency virus, FIV, feline immunodeficiency virus, FIV) is a severe, predominantly latent (latent) deadly, incurable infection, which is characterized by serious damage to the entire immune system of animals.

The disease is also known as feline AIDS. It is essentially the feline equivalent of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes the development of AIDS. The disease in cats progresses very slowly, but can complicate the course of other diseases and pathologies.

Symptoms and signs of infection increase gradually and may appear only after several years. In veterinary medicine, in most cases, the immunodeficiency virus is detected in middle-aged, older, and elderly cats that roam freely on the street.

The causative agent of the disease

Feline viral immunodeficiency is caused by a retrovirus belonging to the Retroviridae family, the Lentivirus group. The diameter of the pathogen does not exceed 100-116 nm.

Important! FIV was first isolated in 1987 from a cattery in North Carolina. In a large group of individuals the disease was chronic. Scientists gave the new, previously unknown virus the name T-lymphotropic lentivirus of cats (TLLV), but subsequently, according to the international classification, its name was changed to FIV - feline immunodeficiency virus.

The causative agent of this infection is not resistant to environmental conditions and, under unfavorable conditions, quickly loses its virulence.

• Temperatures of 55-60 degrees lead to its inactivation after 25-35 minutes.
• Higher temperatures and boiling destroy the virus almost instantly.
• At room temperature, FIV remains virulent for three to four days.
• The feline immunodeficiency virus is relatively resistant to ultraviolet radiation.
• Lentiviruses quickly lose their activity when exposed to various disinfectant solutions.
• Esters, alcohol, and aggressive chemical compounds kill dangerous pathogens almost instantly, within three to six minutes.

Antibodies to this virus have been detected in many representatives of the cat family living in zoos and in the natural environment around the world. At the same time, several strains of lentivirus have been isolated from wild cats. Antibody titers vary depending on age, conditions, and environment.

Recent data suggests that the prevalence of FIV in the UK is 13-15% among infected cats, with only 1-3% being latent carriers who do not show major signs of the disease. In America, lentivirus affects approximately 3-6% of animals. It has also been noted that males are more susceptible to feline AIDS.

When conducting diagnostic studies, FIV is detected in the saliva, bloodstream, and other physiological fluids of sick cats. After infection, the lentivirus remains in the body of infected animals for life, since immune antibodies cannot destroy it.

Do animals get AIDS?

It is likely that some people have wondered whether representatives of the fauna can get HIV. And if not, then maybe their body is suffering from a similar infection. It is reliably known that animals do not have HIV. But to this day, scientists have not come to a consensus on where it came from. However, there are different assumptions. One of them suggests that the immunodeficiency virus came to humans through ingestion of contaminated monkey meat. African scientists have discovered a virus that is genetically reminiscent of HIV. It was even called the simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV).

Scientists have conducted a lot of research among different representatives of the animal world, trying to find a similar virus. And it was found in the late 80s of the last century. It was first discovered in rhesus monkeys, and a little later in calves and cats. In different countries, from 15 to 30% of the total number of diseases in cats have been reported. Infection occurs during mating and fights. In most cases, homeless animals become infected. The virus is inactive for some time. The period of infection can also last up to one year. During this time, the structure of the virus changes and it enters the brain of animals. The first signs of the disease appear after a few months. Animals have loose stools, they refuse to eat, and ulcers appear on their bodies.

The retrovirus was not found in dogs. Why, scientists do not yet understand and are working on it. There is an assumption that if the answer to this question is found, perhaps the mysteries associated with HIV infection will be unraveled.

A similar infection was found in cattle. It was discovered in the late sixties of the last century. But scientists showed particular interest in it only after the discovery of HIV. After testing for the presence of the virus in India, scientists found that almost all cows were infected; for every 12 cows, there were only 2 healthy ones. Bovine ID is the name given to the found virus. Since cows are considered sacred animals in this country, scientists believe that the problem will not be easy to solve.

Scientists are also confident that other representatives of the fauna suffer from a disease similar to HIV. They hope to prove this in future studies. As soon as they can identify the retrovirus, scientists will quickly find effective means of combating this terrible disease.

You should know that a person cannot become infected in any way from an animal. The infection simply does not take root in the human body. This has been proven as a result of ongoing research. Therefore, do not be afraid and deny yourself communication with pets and other animals. Scientists believe that it is important to study all modifications of the immunodeficiency virus that occur in nature. This can help a person create an effective medicine.

I recently learned that cats suffer not only from sexually transmitted diseases, but even from AIDS. This diagnosis was made to a friend's cat. Is that possible? We recently picked up a cat on the street, how can we test him for this disease? Thanks in advance for your answer. Best regards, Larisa. Despite the fact that cats are very different from you and me, they also have some diseases that people usually call venereal, for example, chlamydia. There are special vaccinations against feline chlamydia. Just like humans, cats have their own version of what is medically called the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes AIDS, i.e. acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. By analogy with HIV, it is called FIV - feline immunodeficiency virus. It is not at all dangerous for humans, but is very similar to the HIV virus, which is actively used by scientists around the world to develop means of combating human AIDS. I know for sure that such developments are actively underway in Japan, where a vaccine against feline AIDS has already been created. And now, based on it, Japanese scientists and doctors are trying to create a vaccine against the Plague of the 20th century. So our four-legged purring friends may soon bring invaluable help to people. Many people believe that castration and sterilization of cats can reduce the likelihood that your pet will catch a similar problem during the spring adventures. But that's not true! Such an operation is not a method of combating “feline HIV,” since animals can become infected with it through airborne droplets: someone with a weak immune system sniffs or licks someone else’s bowl and gets sick. The best way to diagnose FIV is a blood test, and prevention is to keep the house clean, and if you have taken a new furry friend into your home, then before introducing him to other cats, be sure to get tested and wait for the result.

You can ask your questions to Dmitry Kuklachev about the health, training and education of animals at

To date, there is no consensus on where the human immunodeficiency virus came from. However, there are many theories about its appearance. One of them says that a person developed HIV after he ate a monkey infected with the immunodeficiency virus. Scientists in Africa discovered monkeys that were sick with a virus that is genetically very similar to HIV. This virus is named SIV (simian immunodeficiency virus).

After the HIV outbreak, scientists began to conduct studies on other animals in order to identify a similar virus in them. So in 1985, a similar virus was found in rhesus monkeys, in 1986-1987 - in cats and calves.

According to studies, 15-30% of all cats in various countries are sick with the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Infection mainly occurs through sexual contact and fights, and much more often in stray animals. Just like humans, cats have a period after infection when the virus is not active. It usually lasts a year, during which time the virus mutates, changing its structure and penetrating the animal’s brain. The disease begins to manifest itself after a few months, the animal continues to have loose stools, ulcers appear, and appetite disappears.

Interestingly, dogs do not have the virus that causes immunodeficiency. Why exactly? Scientists are working on this issue. Perhaps by answering this question, the key to solving the problem of HIV in humans will be found.

There are also analogues of HIV in cattle - cows. Such a virus was identified back in 1869. However, the greatest attention to it appeared after the discovery of HIV. Recently in India, where the situation with HIV is very tense and is only getting worse every year, scientists found that 10 out of 12 cows tested positive for bovine immunodeficiency (BID)! But, due to the special religious attitude towards cows in India, solving the problem may be complicated.

Scientists are confident that in some other animals, upon detailed study, analogues of HIV can be found. And the sooner they are identified, the faster humanity can take measures to combat immunodeficiency.

One thing can be said with confidence today: the immunodeficiency virus cannot be transmitted to humans either from domestic animals or from wild animals! Research has shown that, despite the fact that animal immunodeficiency viruses and HIV are related, under no circumstances do they live in the human body.

The immunodeficiency virus is quite common in nature. It is very important to study its various modifications, and then, perhaps, a person will become closer to creating a medicine that can overcome HIV. And, of course, you shouldn’t be afraid of contracting HIV from your pets. Because this is impossible, but you can always get a lot of positive emotions from communicating with them.

AIDS in cats or feline immunodeficiency - Feline Immunodefeciency Virus (FIV)

Dr. Hila Bareket – veterinarian at the Israeli Humane Society

The Humane Society's clinic sees cats every week with severe oral problems and gum disease. It may turn out that these cats simply need a thorough teeth cleaning. But in many cases, gum inflammation, especially in stray cats, can indicate a much more serious problem.

FIV is a virus that is transmitted only from one cat to another and is not contagious to humans or non-felines! It is common mainly among stray cats and occurs most often in males over 5 years of age. This virus is transmitted mainly through bites, blood and saliva, breast milk or sexual intercourse. The virus can be transmitted from an infected cat to her kittens.

When a cat is infected with this virus, symptoms of the disease may not immediately appear. The virus first enters the lymph glands, where it multiplies in the cells of the immune system. Within 4-6 weeks, signs of the disease develop such as fever, depression, decreased appetite and enlarged lymph nodes, which the owners, as a rule, do not pay attention to. The cat generally appears healthy, and its blood produces antibodies to the virus, but at the same time, the virus continues to multiply and destroy cells of the immune system. This process is usually slow and can take from several months to several years. At a certain stage, the cat's immune system becomes extremely weakened and becomes unable to protect the cat from various types of infections that a cat with a healthy immune system, not affected by the immunodeficiency virus, does not become infected with.

As a rule, we are talking about severe chronic diseases in the oral cavity, skin, respiratory and digestive systems, accompanied by bacterial infection and sometimes the development of cancerous tumors. At this stage, the cat is already very sick, depressed, has a high temperature, has no appetite, loses weight and suffers from diarrhea, eye inflammation, nervous symptoms, and as a result dies. A cat suspected of being infected with the immunodeficiency virus can have a blood test done to detect antibodies formed when the virus enters the body. A blood test does not always clearly indicate that a cat is infected with the FIV virus, since there is a vaccine that promotes the production of similar antibodies to the virus. It is possible that the analysis will show the absence of antibodies, despite the fact that the cat is very sick. Sometimes it makes sense to repeat the test after a few weeks, when the level of antibodies in the blood is high enough to make it possible to diagnose the disease. Treatment is usually supportive: - antibiotic against secondary infections, - vitamins, fluids and high nutritional value foods to support immune system cells. To stop the spread of the disease, you need to prevent other cats from becoming infected with the FIV virus, for which the following measures should be taken: protect healthy cats from sick ones and prevent contact or quarrels between a sick cat and other cats, keep a sick cat at home and vaccinate healthy cats against this disease once once a year.

How cats become infected with FIV

Considering that FIV is not resistant to external factors, cats are infected through bites and scratches, since the maximum concentration of lethivirus is contained in the saliva of infected individuals. When bitten, the skin and mucous membranes are damaged, the virus, penetrating the body of healthy cats, begins to multiply quickly.

The infection is transmitted through contact and sexual contact. Infection occurs through direct close contact or mating of healthy and infected animals.

The transplacental (intrauterine) method of infecting cats with the immunodeficiency virus was experimentally confirmed. The infection is also transmitted to newborn kittens through the milk, colostrum, and saliva of an infected mother cat . Congenital feline AIDS appears a few days after the babies are born.

FIV can be transmitted by blood-sucking insects and parasites .
Ticks, fleas, and lice eaters can cause lentiviruses to enter the body of domestic cats, which leads to the development of a dangerous infection. Cases of animal infection following blood transfusion have been reported.

Incubation period (or virus carrier stage)

If the immune system is strong enough, then the immune response, although it does not lead to the destruction of the virus, prevents its active reproduction. The disease may not manifest itself in any way. This stage can last for several years.

The animal becomes a carrier of the infection and can infect its fellow tribesmen. Within 2-5 years, under the influence of the virus, a significant suppression of the immune system occurs, which gives the pathogen the opportunity to become more active. During activation, a further decrease in immunity occurs.

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Who is susceptible to infection?

The feline immunodeficiency virus is widespread. Veterinary services register outbreaks of a deadly infection in all countries of the world. Both wild cats living in cities and rural areas, as well as pets that go outside for walks, can become infected.

According to statistics, stray cats and free-ranging animals are at greatest risk of contracting FIV. Considering that males more often get into fights with their relatives, protecting their territory, cats, unlike cats, are more susceptible to infection. It is also worth noting that animals of older age groups have more aggressive and antisocial behavior, so their risk of infection is higher than that of small kittens or young animals.

Important! A high percentage of cats being infected with feline immunodeficiency is noted in places where these animals gather in large numbers. That is, where cats, living in groups, are in close contact with each other.

If animals, for example, purebred domestic cats, have little contact with their relatives and go for walks under the supervision of their owners, the likelihood of horizontal infection is extremely low.

Severely weakened, emaciated individuals, cats suffering from various chronic, systemic pathologies, uncastrated males, females, pets with a weak immune system are susceptible to infection with the feline immunodeficiency virus.

The risk of contracting this infection increases in nurseries, shelters, and in places where cats are kept in groups with a dense population. If diagnostic measures are neglected and there is no control over the health of animals involved in breeding, the feline AIDS virus is quickly transmitted to other cats from latent carriers.

Prevalence and methods of infection

Most often, the virus occurs in adult and old cats (over 5 years old) that roam freely on the street. Moreover, cats get sick more often than females. Animals protecting their territory are especially prone to infection. The virus occurs in 1-3% of clinically healthy animals and in 9-15% of cats with clinical signs of a disorder in the immune system. The virus is found in the blood, saliva, urine and other body fluids of the animal. The main route of transmission is parenteral (through bites), less often the virus is transmitted transplacentally, during childbirth and with milk from mother cats to kittens.

The saliva of infected cats contains the maximum amount of virus.

The virus is unstable in the external environment and is destroyed under the influence of solar radiation and drying, so its spread in a group of animals occurs only through direct and close contact.

How dangerous is FIV for cats?

The main danger of this infection is that several months or years pass from the moment of infection to the appearance of clinical symptoms. The viral infection has a hidden, latent course, which makes its early diagnosis difficult.

After penetration into the animal’s body, the lentivirus begins active reproduction in the body. The pathogen affects the cells of the immune system, leading to the death of lymphocytes, which negatively affects the general condition of our little brothers.

FIV is a deadly viral infection that will invariably lead to the death of the infected individual.

Therapeutic measures are symptomatic in nature and are aimed at relieving the symptoms of the underlying disease and increasing the immune potential of the infected animal.

Note that due to the polymorphism of clinical manifestations, diagnosis is difficult. Symptoms in FIV-infected animals are similar to those of other infections and diseases. To accurately confirm that a cat is infected with the immunodeficiency virus, a number of complex diagnostic measures and studies are carried out. The tests are expensive and not available in all veterinary clinics and laboratories.

Incubation period (or virus carrier stage)

Rhinotracheitis in cats: symptoms and treatment at home Why is it so important to know everything about FIV in cats, that is, what is it and how does it manifest itself? Because with this disease, an animal can live a long time, and at the same time a full life, but only if treatment is started in time.

And for this you need to know how the incubation period proceeds and what signs it manifests itself. The fact is that the primary stage lasts only about 4-6 weeks, and it is accompanied by clinical symptoms of an acute viral infection. And then there may be a long latent period before new signs appear.

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Is FIV transmitted to humans and other animals?

Considering the similarity between FIV and the HIV virus, owners of furry purrs are interested in the following questions: “Is feline AIDS transmitted to humans?”, “Can you get infected from an infected cat?”, “Is FIV transmitted to dogs and other pets?”

Even if it so happens that your pet is diagnosed with a terrible illness, it has been scientifically proven that the feline AIDS virus is not dangerous to humans and is not transmitted to dogs or other pets.

The causative agent of this infection multiplies and is active only in the body of representatives of the cat family. Therefore, if it happens that your furry pet is diagnosed with a dangerous infection, it is impossible to infect humans or other pets with this disease.

But if there are several cats in the house and one of them is infected with lentivirus, it is possible that all of them will be latent virus carriers, since the animals are in close contact with each other.

Considering that kittens are adopted at two to three months of age, there is a slight risk. However, if cats do not walk on the street, you pay attention to your pets, promptly take the cat to the clinic for preventive diagnostics and tests, and you are confident that other animals are not carriers of FIV, the risk of spreading this disease is not so great.

What is viral immunodeficiency

What is the FIV virus? Information about it first appeared in the 90s of the twentieth century in the USA, when an outbreak of a previously unknown disease occurred in one of the nurseries where cats lived. Today, viral immunodeficiency in cats is a fairly common disease. It is dangerous for animals living anywhere in the world.

The question arises: if the cat and human viruses are identical, is it possible to become infected with HIV through scratches? If you are scratched by an infected cat, do not worry: it does not pose a danger to humans. The disease is not transmitted to humans, since both viruses have the ability to exist only on representatives of their own species (species specific).

A characteristic sign of infection is its slow development and long incubation period. After infection, the cat looks completely healthy for several years, although it is a carrier of the infection and, by releasing the virus, can infect other animals. Adult cats and female cats are susceptible to the disease, although cases of infection in cats are reported somewhat more frequently. In nurseries, animals often become infected from each other.

Of all the biological fluids of the body, saliva contains the largest amount of the virus, so the infection in most cases is transmitted through animal bites. It can be transmitted through sexual contact and by licking each other. A transplacental route of infection is also possible (a kitten becomes infected in utero from a sick mother).

There have been cases of transmission of the virus through breast milk. It is currently unknown whether a cat can become infected through the bites of blood-sucking insects.

The virus is known to be very unstable in the environment. It dies instantly when exposed to ultraviolet radiation, high temperatures and disinfectants. Therefore, direct contact of animals with each other is necessary for infection.

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Symptoms and manifestations of immunodeficiency

The effects of the feline immunodeficiency virus on the cat's body are similar to those of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Initially, after the penetration of a retrovirus, it primarily replicates in the cells of the lymphatic system, disrupting its functioning. The virus multiplies in the lymph nodes.

The action of the retrovirus is aimed at the cellular structures of the immune system. If an infection occurs, the immune system becomes vulnerable to viruses, bacteria, and protozoan parasites.

Against the background of FIV, sick animals often develop secondary infections and systemic diseases. If a cat is infected with FIV and a secondary viral or bacterial disease develops, the effectiveness of antibiotic therapy decreases and the treatment period increases.

Important! The immunodeficiency virus leads to a change in the percentage of CD4 and CD8 lymphocytes in the bloodstream compared to the physiological norm.

Signs of a viral infection are nonspecific. The intensity of their manifestation, the duration of the incubation period, which can last from three to four weeks to one and a half months, depends on the individual, physiological characteristics, age, conditions of the animal, activity and state of the immune system.

The acute stage of the disease gradually turns into a chronic form of the disease, which can last several months or years.

Symptoms and signs of the acute stage of FIV:

• unstable body temperature, hyperthermia;
• anemic mucous membranes;
• depressed state, decreased response to stimuli;
• weakness, drowsiness, apathy;
• loss of appetite, sudden weight loss, exhaustion;
• lymphadenopathy, enlargement, pain of lymph nodes;
• digestive disorders, prolonged diarrhea;
• deterioration of wool;
• lacrimation;
• inflammation of the ear canal;
• disruptions in the functioning of the genitourinary tract;
• difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeat;
• discharge from the nasal passages, eyes;
• allergic rashes, chronic dermatosis.

Important! In cats with immunological problems, autoimmune diseases, as well as in animals suffering from leukemia and other diseases, the symptoms of FIV are more pronounced and intense.

The first signs appear, as a rule, two to four weeks after the pathogen enters the body. Often the symptoms of FIV are similar to those of viral leukemia.

In the acute form of FIV in cats, the temperature rises sharply to 40-41 degrees, after which after a few days it returns to normal limits. Animals quickly get tired and become inactive. Very often, signs of infection are purulent, ulcerative gingivitis, stomatitis, periodontitis of varying degrees of complexity, conjunctivitis, uveitis, keratitis, and other systemic pathologies.

The most common signs of the initial form of FIV are diseases of the oral cavity, respiratory, and gastrointestinal tracts. There are obvious signs of fever and malaise on the face. Animals become apathetic and cease to be actively interested in the world around them. Cats seclude themselves in dark places, are reluctant to make contact with their owners, and refuse active games and favorite treats.

How the disease progresses: stages

There are three stages in total:

• after 4-6 weeks from the moment of infection, the body temperature may rise significantly, and the lymph nodes will enlarge (sometimes purulent skin lesions are noticeable);
• the second stage is a practically asymptomatic period that can even last several years, until veterinarians can name the exact duration and have learned to predict it;
• the third stage is immunological failure, which is associated with the appearance of classic symptoms (they will be discussed below).

The pathogenesis of the disease is due to the sensitivity of certain cells to the virus. These are the so-called T-helpers (lymphocytes), macrophages, monocytes, some cells of the heart and blood vessels. The immunodeficiency virus in cats does not proceed exactly the same as in humans, since the animal’s immunity itself can restrain the development of infection for a long time. And with a mild form of the disease, the pet may have a normal life expectancy, and the owners will not even suspect the presence of a hidden virus.

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Other manifestations of FIV in cats

In infected pets, in addition to a decrease in immune potential, symptoms of secondary, opportunistic infections (demodex, notoedrosis, chlamydia, calcivirus, pneumonia, bronchitis, candidiasis, cystitis, colds) are often noted.

Important! FIV carriers develop monocytosis, thrombocytopenia, acidosis, monocytosis, and acute anemia, which is confirmed by serological studies.

Very often, infected cats show signs of fungal infections and infectious dermatitis. The pet's code is affected by pathogenic fungi.

With this infection, the risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma, lymphosarcoma, and other oncological pathologies increases. It has been established that the feline immunodeficiency virus can provoke neuropathies, but this is not one of the main signs of this disease. In infected cats, the central nervous system is affected and encephalopathy is noted.

Symptoms of viral leukemia in cats

Leukemia in cats is a chronic disease and its course depends on the body’s defense system.

The symptoms of leukemia in cats are not specific; rather, the disease manifests itself through frequently occurring secondary diseases. But there are also characteristic symptoms of leukemia in cats:

• an increase in the animal’s body temperature that is periodic;
• clinical signs - lethargy, drowsiness;
• your pet loses appetite and weight;
• intestinal, skin and respiratory diseases;
• secretion of saliva in large quantities;
• anemia.

Diagnostics

To accurately diagnose VIC, a comprehensive diagnosis is performed. In addition to a general examination, clinical manifestations, and anamnesis data, the epizootological situation in the region regarding this infection is taken into account.

The diagnosis is made based on the results:

• ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). The method is based on thin layer chromatography. Shows the reaction of antigen and antibodies in biomaterials. Conducted using special test systems. The antigen is detected in the bloodstream of infected cats three to four to six weeks after infection.
• Serological studies (general, biochemical blood test). Signs of anemia, a decrease in lymphocytes, changes in the leukocyte formula, and hyperglobulinemia are noted.
• Differential diagnostics, CPR.

If necessary, other physiological fluids (urine, tear secretion, saliva, lymph) are subject to examination. Kittens that were born from an FIV-infected cat should be taken to the veterinary clinic for examination. Babies are tested up to three to five months and then regularly once a year.

Important! If there is a suspicion of FIV infection, in order to get the most detailed picture and not make a mistake in making a diagnosis, studies are carried out no earlier than two to three months from the moment of the suspected infection. Early diagnosis may show an inaccurate, false result due to the lack of production of antibodies to virions that have entered the body.

During postmortem examinations, muscle dystrophy, exhaustion, edema of the lungs and bronchi, and atrophy of some lymph nodes are noted.

Treatment

Unfortunately, at the moment there is practically no treatment for FIV, and this infection is incurable. Therapy and therapeutic measures are primarily aimed at eliminating the main symptoms of secondary diseases and infections, strengthening the immune potential.

In the treatment of FIV-infected cats, specific immunoglobulins, anti-influenza, anti-measles serums, and antiviral drugs (zidovudine) are used. To normalize the animal’s condition, 0.5-1 ml of immunoglobulin is administered intramuscularly or subcutaneously every two to three days. Immunomodulators (interferon, acemannan) have a positive effect, but can cause side effects.

To suppress the activity of pathogenic flora, a course of antibiotic therapy and sulfonamides is prescribed. Broad-spectrum antibiotics or certain drugs that act on specific pathogens are used. The course of treatment is five to seven days. The medications, dosage, and frequency of administration are prescribed by the attending veterinarian.

In some cases, good results are observed after short-term use of corticosteroids, which relieve inflammation, but non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used extremely carefully when treating FIV-infected cats.

To strengthen the immune system, animals are required to be prescribed multivitamin, vitamin-mineral complexes, and homeopathic preparations. Antihistamines (tavegil, suprastin) are prescribed.

How to treat immunodeficiency virus in adult animals

Cats suffering from FIV infection are treated symptomatically, and it is not yet possible to get rid of the virus itself.

Viral immunodeficiency, unfortunately, cannot be cured, but it is possible to maintain a decent life for an animal.

Svetlana Vladimirovna Spiridonova, veterinarian

https://www.zoovet.ru/forum/?tid=7&tem=985123

Many owners of sick cats, after consulting with a veterinarian, decide to support their pets with antiviral drugs. However, not all experts believe that this helps the animal. The fact is that if you start giving your cat medications to boost immunity and then abruptly stop using them, the animal’s body will malfunction. The virus will increase its negative impact on the body, and the cat will become worse. Therefore, if you decide to support your pet with such drugs, then know that this is forever. The following drugs are usually prescribed as such drugs:

• Anti-influenza immunoglobulin (or anti-measles);
• Zidovudine (in parallel with the use of the medicine, you need to monitor your blood condition - take tests every week);
• Virbagen Omega (Feline interferon-w) is a recombinant interferon for cats.

Photo gallery: antiviral drugs to support the cat’s body

Virbagen Omega was developed specifically for animals, so it does not cause any side effects, but some veterinarians consider this drug to be ineffective

Zidovudine (Retrovir) is developed for humans, so it may cause side effects (vomiting, anemia, etc.) in cats.

Medicines that were created to treat people with HIV infection can be expensive (depending on the manufacturer)

In addition to antiviral drugs, immunomodulators and immunostimulants may be prescribed. Their effectiveness in FIV has not been proven, but there is no data on the harm of these drugs. Medicines that support the affected immune system of a cat can fight some secondary infections. Typically, animals are prescribed one of the following immunostimulants:

• Glycopene (available in tablet form, dosage depends on the weight of the animal);
• Anandin (cannot be used to treat cats with renal failure);
• Fosprenil;
• Roncoleukin;
• Ribotan;
• Polyferrin-A;
• LTCI (T-lymphocyte immunostimulator) is considered one of the most effective drugs for FIV.

Photo gallery: immunomodulators and immunostimulants for FIV

Anandin should be used with extreme caution (many side effects)

Polyferrin is a protein preparation of lactoferrin, not sold in every veterinary pharmacy.

Immunodeficiency is the main indicator for taking Ribotan, but the drug can cause an allergic reaction

Fosprenil is one of the most popular immunomodulators for maintaining the immunity of cats.

Roncoleukin is based on a yeast strain, so the active substance can cause allergies

Glycopene must be used regularly; even one missed dose of the medication can lead to “zeroing” the effectiveness

To suppress pathogenic microflora, the veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics:

• ampicillin;
• Ampiox;
• cephalosparin;
• penicillin, etc.

To make the antibiotic more effective, it is sometimes combined with corticosteroids. But there is a caveat: when choosing such drugs, the veterinarian must ensure that the recommended drug does not reduce immunity. In addition, a cat with immunodeficiency may be prescribed antihistamines:

• Diphenhydramine;
• Suprastin;
• Pipolfen;
• Loratadine;
• Tavegil, etc.

Photo gallery: antihistamines for immunodeficiency

Antihistamines can relieve itching, swelling and allergic reactions

Many antihistamines have a sedative and hypnotic effect

Sedatives can relax smooth muscles and relieve pain

Some antihistamines have an antiemetic effect

The immunodeficiency virus suppresses the activity of the bone marrow, which can cause hematological disorders (neutropenia, lymphopenia, anemia, etc.).

When children ask me what anemia is, I explain, as they say, on my fingers. Blood consists of cells of different colors. When there are few red erythrocytes in the blood, anemia (anemia) develops. And when there are not enough white blood cells in the blood - lymphocytes - this is called lymphopenia. With this disease, the body loses its main immune soldiers, because lymphocytes are needed to fight infections. Neutropenia is one of the conditions associated with lymphopenia.

To combat these conditions, the following drugs are prescribed:

• Neupogen, Leucostim, Filgrastim, etc. (for neutropenia);
• Epocrine, Epoetin Beta, Erythrostim, etc. (for anemia).

Photo gallery: drugs prescribed for hematological disorders

The international name of Neupogen and Leucostim is Filgrastim

Recormon and similar products are well tolerated by cats, so they can be used for a long time

An analogue of Epoetin Beta is the drug Epocrin

To correct hematological conditions, you can choose a domestic or imported drug, the difference will only be in the cost of the drug

Blood transfusions are sometimes indicated in the treatment of anemia. This procedure gives a good result, so you can quickly and effectively achieve an increase in red and white blood cells. However, transfusion is not available in every clinic, and this procedure only gives a temporary effect. Foreign blood cells can cause anaphylaxis (a rare type of intolerance) - this phenomenon can kill the cat.

Usually all treatment comes down to taking vitamins and fighting secondary infections. The fact is that antiviral drugs and bone marrow stimulants are not cheap. For example, the price for 1 ampoule of Neupogen can reach 5 thousand rubles, and a package of Erythropoietin can reach 4 thousand rubles. Some drugs are not sold in Russia at all, so loving and desperate cat breeders order imported drugs, which are even more expensive. In addition, veterinarians rarely prescribe such effective remedies, since feline AIDS is not always diagnosed.

But not everything is as sad as it seems. Compared to people who have HIV infection, cats with FIV can survive. Cases of animal deaths from AIDS are rare. The life of domestic animals is much shorter than that of a human, so infected cats do not have time to feel the full impact of the insidious virus. Even if the diagnosis is made at the age of 10 years, and the owner supports his pet with medications and care, the animal can live for another 5–8 years. And the average life expectancy of cats is 15–16 years. Therefore, there is no need to despair and resort to extreme measures. On the contrary, give your pet more attention and care, and he will thank you with a happy purr.

Do kittens get sick and how to treat them?

Kittens can also get AIDS, but this is rare. Since, most likely, the infection occurred from the mother cat, you can initiate an examination of the baby. If your cat feels unwell, and you suspect she has FIV infection, then she and all the kittens should be taken to the veterinarian.

Kitten owners are worried that their little pets may be infected at an early age

Treatment for kittens is the same as for adult animals. The only difference will be in the dosage of the drugs. Firstly, this is due to the fact that in babies the immune system is not fully formed. If from an early age a cat lives entirely on artificially acquired antibodies, then in the future the animal’s body will not be able to independently resist even mild infections. And secondly, many drugs prescribed for FIV are created for treating people, and this is a completely different concentration of active substances.

In the case of immunodeficiency in kittens, everything depends on the veterinarian. The specialist must not only recognize the infection, but also prescribe competent support for the baby’s body. It may also be that FIV infection in a kitten is in a latent state. In this case, you don’t have to stuff the animal with strong drugs. This will require proper care, because the owner will have to protect his pet from viruses and infections. Some cat breeders, when a virus is detected in kittens, think about euthanizing them, but I believe that this is inhumane.

Caring for FIV animals

The prognosis for diagnosing FIV is disappointing and cautious. The infection is incurable, but even if the diagnosis is positive, this is not a reason for euthanasia. Some FIV cats live quite a long time and die of old age. Viral immunodeficiency is not always the main cause of death. Infection only aggravates associated secondary diseases. The life expectancy of cats with FIV depends on age, physiological, individual indicators, conditions of detention and care.

Owners of infected animals should understand that their furry pet needs increased attention and care. Do not forget that a cat is a lifelong carrier of the virus, so it is worth protecting your pet’s communication not only with stray animals, but also with other cats.

At home, it is very important to create optimal living conditions for your cat. Protect your cat from stress, potential carriers of infection. Avoid hypothermia or overheating of your pet. Regulate your level of physical activity.

Strengthen your cat's immunity with special complex supplements and vitamin preparations. Carry out deworming and treatment of the coat against ectoparasites in a timely manner. As for vaccination, infected cats need to be vaccinated extremely rarely and only as indicated by a veterinarian. Inactivated sera and killed vaccines are used. Clinically sick animals are not vaccinated!

If you follow the doctor's recommendations, a pet infected with the immunodeficiency virus can live a happy life for several more years.

Preventive measures against immunodeficiency

There is a vaccine against FIV, but it is used extremely rarely due to the lack of evidence of its effectiveness against all types of the virus.

The main preventive measure to prevent the spread of the immunodeficiency virus in cats continues to be control over their population and maintenance in nurseries, improving the quality of care, and reducing the number of homeless individuals.

Animals, especially kittens, living in a cattery must be kept in proper conditions. Particular attention is paid to cleanliness and disinfection. Overcrowding in closed spaces can lead to an outbreak. If at least one cat is infected, then the probability of infection of other individuals who are in constant contact with the sick animal is very high.

Cats kept in poor conditions, in crowded conditions, are more likely to show aggression, sort things out, and bite. Wounds and saliva that gets into them are a direct source of FIV infection.

Many owners of sick animals, not knowing what to do or how to treat a dangerous disease, decide to have their pet euthanized. Veterinarians assure that there is no need to euthanize a cat, but owners must understand the danger an infected individual poses to other pets living in the house.

For this reason, an infected cat should be isolated, excluded from breeding and sterilized (it should not reproduce). Such measures will prevent the spread of infection.

New cats arriving at the shelter must quarantine for at least 14 days. Isolation will reduce their anger and aggressiveness, and therefore the likelihood of infection. If a cat is diagnosed with FIV after testing, it should also be kept in isolation and tested regularly.

The infection cannot be transmitted through dishes and other hygiene items. Ventilation and treatment of premises, strengthening the immune system of cats by fortifying the body, isolating sick individuals are the main preventive measures.

Prevention

At the moment, FIV is a poorly studied infection, so a preventive vaccine against this infection has not been developed in our country or abroad. It is very important to prevent your pet from contracting a dangerous infection. Monitor the cat’s condition and behavior, strengthen the immune system, and consider the correct diet. If the cat is kept on a natural diet, give fortified food supplements and complex vitamins to strengthen the immune system.

If a cat is walking on the street, we recommend spaying or sterilizing the animal. This will avoid uncontrolled mating and fights between individuals of the same sex. Uncoated males behave more aggressively and are intolerant of their relatives.

Do not neglect vaccinations and deworming. Systematically treat your pet with products against external parasites, regardless of whether the cat walks outside or does not leave the house. If you notice signs of illness, do not delay your visit to the veterinary clinic. Many diseases can be cured only in the early stages of development.

Treatment and prognosis of feline viral leukemia

Leukemia in cats does not have a 100% effective treatment. At the first signs of illness, your pet should be immediately brought for examination. Even if it is possible to identify leukemia in the early stages and begin treatment immediately, full recovery may not occur.

Usually, the animal is treated with antibiotics, anticancer drugs, complexes of vitamins and microelements. Basic treatment regimens:

First of all, the pet is prescribed immunostimulating drugs.

1. Treatment of viral leukemia involves mandatory increased nutrition for the pet. This is especially important for protecting the body. All products must be thermally processed.
2. Sometimes a blood transfusion is given.
3. In the presence of cancer, chemotherapy is used.
4. Once stabilized, the pet will have to undergo therapy for a long time.

With all this, an adult pet, even after recovering, will remain a carrier of the virus. For the entire infectious period, the sick cat will need to be separated from other animals and provided with a separate bowl, tray, and toys.

When treating a kitten, there is a chance for a full recovery, provided that he can endure all the necessary procedures. It is impossible to say exactly how long animals with this diagnosis live.