Feline Immunodeficiency Virus

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is a widespread viral infection that attacks the immune system of cats. It is caused by the same family of viruses that triggers AIDS in humans, therefore it is often referred to as Feline AIDS. FIV is transmitted primarily by bite wounds occurring in cat fights. Other interactions such as sharing food and water bowls or grooming each other have not been shown to be significant in transmission. FIV is closely associated with Feline Leukemia (FeLV).

DIAGNOSIS OF FIV

Exposure to FIV can be detected by a simple blood test. A positive test means a cat has been infected with the virus and that it will remain infected for the remainder of its life. A negative result may mean the cat has not been exposed, but false negatives do occur in a few situations.

Adult cats that are exposed to the virus may take up to two years for the test to turn positive. The test may be negative for two years even though the virus is present. In some cats that become terminally ill with FIV, the test will begin to give a negative result. This occurs because antibodies produced against the virus become attached and they bound to a large amount of the virus that is present. Since the test detects antibodies, which are free in circulation, the test may be falsely negative. This is not a normal occurrence, but it does happen.

A majority of kittens that are under four months who test positive, have not been exposed. The test is detecting antibodies that were passed from mother to kitten. The antibodies may persist until the kitten is six months old. Kittens should be retested at six months and if the results are still positive then there is a greater possibility of a true infection. If the result is negative then there is no need to worry.

CLINICAL SIGNS OF FIV

The primary phase, which is during the first two-four months, the feline may show short term signs of malaise, pyrexia (high temperature) and possibly lymph node enlargement. During the second phase the feline recovers from the illnesses suffered during the primary phase and appear to be healthy. When the feline enters the third phase they begin showing signs of other illnesses that are a direct effect of the virus.

The most common illnesses are Gingivitis and Stomatitis. Gingivitis is an infection and inflammation of the gums. Stomatitis is an infection and inflammation of the mouth. Both of these illnesses are present in about half of all cats infected with FIV. Other illnesses include B Cell Lymphomas, chronic or recurrent infections of the skin, urinary, bladder and upper respiratory tract, weight loss and fatigue, seizures, mental deterioration and other neurological disorders. Abortions of the kittens or other reproductive failures have been noted in infected queens.

TREATMENT OF FIV

There is no medication that will kill the virus, therefore treatment is aimed at keeping the immune system as strong as possible and to utilize the medication as needed. Treatment revolves around the organs that are most affected. Antibiotics and immune stimulators are used often. The use of human AIDS medication has a potential to help, but they have greater side effects and they are still considered experimental.

PREVENTION OF FIV

All FIV positive cats should be kept indoors to prevent transmission to other cats. Testing and removal or isolation of infected cats is important in reducing the overall frequency of the disease. It is also important to keep cats from fighting with other cats. Neutering, spaying and keeping cats indoors also lower the risk of an FIV infection. There is a FIV vaccine, but it isn't one hundred percent effective. Cats that are given the vaccine will test positive for FIV .

The disease progresses slowly so cats can remain healthy for several years after being positively diagnosed. FIV positive cats that don't show any signs that are associated with the illness should be examined every six months. Routine blood panels, worm checks and urine samples should also be performed every six months.