Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)

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Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)

By: Dr. Debra Primovic

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Section: Overview

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a viral infection that attacks the immune system of cats. It is also known as Feline acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (Feline AIDS) and commonly referred to by the letters "F-I-V". The immunodeficiency caused by the virus can promote a variety of symptoms including: infections caused by the poorly functioning immune system, anemia and low blood-cell counts, infections of the gums and mouth, cancer or neurologic disease.

FIV is a retrovirus similar to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV also known as AIDS). FIV is not contagious to people; it is an infectious disease spread from cat to cat, primarily by biting and scratch wounds. FIV has been found in the mother's milk and can be transmitted from mother to kitten. Experimentally, FIV can also be transmitted through semen however this is not thought to be a significant method of transmission in nature.

Transmission among household cats through normal contact is thought to be unlikely. Outdoor and male cats are predisposed.

FIV has three stages of infection. They include an acute phase associated with various symptoms, which includes infections, fever and lymph node (gland) enlargement. The second phase is called the subclinical phase, which lasts from months to years, during which time many cats appear healthy. The third phase is chronic infection, also known as the terminal phase, which is associated with deterioration of the immune function and that predisposes cats to a variety of infections.

Infection is thought to involve between one and 14 percent of the cat population. Co-infection with feline leukemia virus (FeLV) can occur.

What to Watch For

Many cats are diagnosed on a routine blood screening and are asymptomatic. If the FIV is causing active infections, sign will vary depending on the secondary problem caused. Nonspecific signs of lethargy, anorexia, weight loss, depression or those associated with an infection can be seen. Infections can occur to any site including the skin, respiratory tract, neurologic system, eyes, mouth, and/or intestines.

Diagnosis

Veterinary care should include diagnostic tests and subsequent treatments. Diagnostic tests are needed to recognize FIV and exclude other diseases. Tests may include:

Complete medical history and physical examination

Blood test called the Enzyme-lined immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test should be done. The ELISA detects anti-FIV antibodies in the serum or saliva.

Results can be difficult to interpret in cats less than six months of age because some cats may still carry antibodies from their mother that is positive for FIV without actually being infected. These antibodies are generally gone from kitten by 6-months of age.

These tests will also be positive if the cat has been vaccinated for FIV. For this reason, only unvaccinated cats should be tested and every cat should be tested before the first FIV vaccination.

All positive test results should be confirmed with a second test called the Western blot or Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. Feline leukemia testing should also be completed to determine if this infection also exists.

Treatment

There has been no proven cure for FIV infection, several treatment options, supportive care, and symptomatic therapies are important, including:

Antibiotics for bacterial infections

Nutritional support

Parasite control

Keeping the cat indoors and isolated from other cats

Biopsy and removal of tumors

Home Care

Administer prescribed medications and monitor your cat's general activity level, body weight, appetite and attitude. Provide quality nutrition and schedule veterinary visits to monitor the condition.

Keep all FIV infected cats indoors to decrease exposure to other cats. It is ideal to isolate FIV infected cats from negative cats, however, as mentioned earlier transmission among household cats through normal contact is thought to be unlikely although it is possible.

For cats with FIV, preventative health care and dental care with antibiotic coverage prior to the procedure is often recommended in infected cats. Vaccination for other diseases should be discussed with your veterinarian. If yearly vaccinations are given, only killed vaccines, which are vaccines made up of killed virus, as opposed to other types where live virus may have been modified, should be utilized to protect a potentially inadequate immune system in infected cats.

Preventative Care

Feline immunodeficiency virus is an infectious disease that can be prevented primarily by eliminating interactions with infected cats. Keeping your cat indoors is the most effective way to prevent FIV. Test all new cats prior to bringing them into your home and exposing them to your other cats. Recently, a vaccine has been developed that can help reduce the risk of acquiring FIV in at-risk cats. This is most beneficial in indoor/outdoor cats, outdoor cats or cats exposed to many new cats.

Other prevention methods include to neuter males (to minimize or prevent fighting). It is also recommended to isolate, test and treat infected cats.

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