If there is a disease that is especially dangerous for cats, that is the one caused by the feline immunideficiency virus or FIV. And it is that if we never have to let time pass to "see if it heals itself", with this not only is it not something that should be done, but it is that if we think that the animal is going to recover we are very wrong . In fact, what could happen is that we lose it.
The feline is resistant, but it is a living being that becomes ill and sometimes needs veterinary help. That's why I'm going to tell you what are the causes of feline immundeficiency virus.
Table of Contents
What is the VIF?
The feline immunodeficiency virus is a lentivirus that only affects cats; that is it is not contagious to humans since the feline AIDS virus is different from the one that attacks people. But otherwise they are very similar: the VIF destroys the animal's immune system, which makes you vulnerable to other diseases or infections.
In addition, is chronic and causes progressive deterioration of immune function of the feline. But if it is detected early it can be controlled well.
What are the causes?
A healthy cat can end up sick if it is infected, but only if it has not been vaccinated and / or if it already has a weak immune system. For this reason, it is important to make sure that the vaccine is given as a puppy.
How is it spread?
Feline aids transmitted from cat to cat through bites, but also from mother cats to their children who are pregnant or nursing. It is not known whether parasites such as fleas or ticks act as transmitters, although this possibility is not ruled out.
What are the symptoms and how is it diagnosed?
Symptoms are as follows:
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Gingivitis
- Stomatitis
- Recurrent infections
- Weight loss
- Mental impairment
- Abortions and fertility problems
- Dull coat
- Inflammation of the connective tissue
Once we suspect that the cat is sick, you have to take him to the vet for an immunodeficiency test and a blood test.
How is it treated?
There is no cure, so the treatment is based on strengthening the animal's defenses with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory drugs. In addition, it should be given a diet high in calories to avoid weight loss.
Can it be prevented?
Not 100%, but get the FIV vaccine being a puppy (and his reinforcements a year), prevent him from going out on the street y castrating him reduces the risk of contagion.
I hope it has been useful to you.