Feline leukemia virus is a retrovirus that infects cats. FeLV can be transmitted from infected cats when the transfer of saliva or nasal secretions is involved.
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is one of the most common and important infectious diseases in cats, affecting between 2-3% of all cats in the United States and Canada. Infection rates are significantly higher (up to 30%) in cats that are ill or otherwise at high risk (see below).
Feline leukemia (or FeLV) is the leading viral killer of cats. It weakens the immune system, increases susceptibility to other diseases, causes blood disorders and is the most common cause of cancer in cats.
Furthermore, visual representations like the one above help us fully grasp the concept of Feline Leukemia Symptoms In Older Cats With Compulsive Self-Mutilation.
Complete guide to Leukemia in cats. Learn about causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and prevention for this feline health condition.
"The Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) usually affects young cats or kittens. Since the mid 1980's it has been prevented with a vaccine. There is no known treatment for Feline Leukemia. Symptoms gradually appear as the immune system weakens such as lymphoma (neoplastic disease).
Cats with leukemia may exhibit symptoms such as loss of appetite, weight loss, lethargy, swollen lymph nodes, anemia, infections, easy bruising, or bleeding. These symptoms can vary greatly in severity and may not all be present in every cat with leukemia.
