Feline distemper, also known as feline panleukopenia and feline infectious enteritis, is an acute and highly contagious infectious disease of cats. The clinical manifestations are mostly characterized by sudden high fever, intractable vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, circulatory disturbance and sharp leukopenia (not all cases of leukopenia are feline distemper, other diseases can also cause leukopenia, such as feline leukemia). , feline hepatitis, etc.). Under-vaccinated or unvaccinated cats are prone to feline distemper, especially in kittens aged 3-5 months. If a female cat is infected during pregnancy, it will cause stillbirth, miscarriage, and neurological symptoms in newborn kittens. The pathogen is a virus of the family Parvoviridae and the genus Parvovirus. After the virus enters the body, it can survive in the kidney for more than 1 year. Parvovirus can survive in the environment for a longer period of time, but can be inactivated by formalin, sodium hypochlorite (a household disinfectant), or pentaldehyde.

The incubation period of feline distemper is 2-9 days, and the clinical symptoms are related to age and virus virulence.

Most of the kittens have acute onset, the body temperature rises above 40°C, and they vomit. Many cats do not have any symptoms and die suddenly, and some may show symptoms of ataxia.

Most cats older than 6 months have subacute clinical symptoms. The fever firstly reaches about 40°C, then drops to normal temperature after 1-2 days, and the body temperature rises again after 3-4 days, that is, biphasic fever.

Sick cat lacks energy, anorexia, refractory vomiting, yellow-green vomit, viscous secretions in mouth, eyes, and nose, and sticky feces. , blood in the stool, severe dehydration, anemia, and death in severe cases.

Feline distemper is a common disease in cats. In recent years, there are many vaccines to help cats prevent such diseases, but for newly born kittens or cats who are not immune, cat distemper still remains. It is a very common disease. As the temperature gradually rises in spring, cat plague is also around the corner.

I. Prevention of Feline Plague in Spring

In recent years, the number of cat lovers in our country has gradually increased, especially the number of friends who keep purebred cats has increased. In order to quickly, a large number of cats are imported into China from abroad, some of which are imported into China through smuggling channels without quarantine at all, and a considerable number of unhealthy cats come in and seriously threaten domestic cats. This is also the main reason for the frequent occurrence of cat plague in China in recent years.

1. Cat plague is coming

If you find that your cat suddenly loses appetite, loose coat, elevated body temperature, vomits yellow-green fluid, Diarrhea, sometimes blood in the stool, and foul smell, the owner should be alert at this time, your cat may have Feline Distemper, take it to the pet hospital immediately for diagnosis and treatment, and determine whether it is Feline Distemper through blood test.

2. Competing with cat plague for cats

If it is detected early, cat plague may still be cured, except for maintaining the infusion to ensure the energy and energy in the cat's body. In addition to electrolyte balance, injection of cat antiviral serum is the main domestic treatment method.

3. Keep the cat plague out

Feline plague is indeed scary, but it is not impossible to prevent. Feline distemper is mainly transmitted through the digestive tract. The feces, urine and vomit of sick cats contain a large amount of feline distemper virus. After recovery, the feces of sick cats within a few months contain the virus. Regular vaccination every year is the easiest and most effective way to prevent cat plague.

4. Reminder

If you have more than one cat, if you find that one of them may have feline distemper, you should isolate it immediately, and take care of the cat. Fully disinfect the room, and then carefully observe the mental status of other cats. It is best to consult a veterinarian whether to inject serum into other cats to resist the virus.

Pregnant female cats have strong resistance. If they suffer from feline distemper, the medical plan is to keep the big cats and give up the kittens, because the probability of survival of such cubs is very low.

Feline Distemper Vaccine: There are two kinds of domestic and imported types. The domestically produced feline distemper monoclonal antibody is given to kittens at 3 months of age, with two injections at an interval of 20-30 days, and one injection every year thereafter. Imported cat triples are also immune to feline distemper. When injecting the feline plague vaccine, make sure that the cat is healthy before the injection, and do not bathe within 10 days after the injection.

2. Key points for cat maintenance in spring

1. Spring is the best season for cats to mate and breed.

Both male and female cats go out frequently, wandering around to find a good mate. Female cats in estrus are restless, lose their appetite, some roll on the ground, and make louder than usual chirping noises at night, commonly known as cats call spring to recruit male cats. The cats that are usually kept at home are often easily lost at this time, and some accidental injuries are prone to occur. Male cats compete for female cats, often resulting in fights and injuries. Therefore, in the spring should strengthen the custody of cats to prevent cats from escaping. In order to grasp the cat's season well and satisfy the cat's desire for mates, cat owners should help cats find mates and carry out purposeful matching. In this way, the cat can be prevented from escaping and lost, injury can be prevented, and an ideal age can be obtained according to the wishes of the cat owner.

2. The windy and warm spring is also the season for cats to molt.

The cat sheds the thicker winter coat that coats its body in winter and replaces it with the thinner, thinner spring coat. In addition, the temperature is gradually warming, and the cat's skin pores are opened. At this time, the cat should be combed frequently, and the cat's coat and skin should be kept clean. Otherwise, various microorganisms and ectoparasites will breed on the cat's skin, causing itching and inflammation. In addition, cats shed their own coats and dander, especially long-haired breeds cats. Therefore, summer heatstroke is another big threat to cats. To this end, providing cats with a dry, cool, ventilated living environment free from direct sunlight is also an important aspect of cat daily management. If a cat has a sudden onset in hot summer, with a significant increase in body temperature, difficulty in breathing, rapid and weak pulse, and unsteady gait, it should be considered whether it is heatstroke. At this time, the cat must be quickly moved to a ventilated and shaded place, and the cat's body should be wiped with cold water. Ice cubes or ice packs should be placed on the cat's head. Cold water enema can also be used to help cool down.