My kittens and cats just died these few days 
. What caused it was this disease
called distemper that brought by virus. Please read more about this
disease so you can prevent your cats to get infected by this
virus.
Feline Panleukopenia
(FP)
Over the years feline panleukopenia (FP) has been known by a
variety of names; feline distemper, infectious enteritis, cat
fever, cat typhoid, and several others. FP is a highly contagious virus disease that occurs
wherever there are cats. Cats at any age may be stricken.
Young kittens, sick cats, and indoor cats that have not been given
boosters recently are most susceptible; older cats are more likely
to have acquired an immunity and, therefore, are infected less
frequently. Urban areas are most likely to see outbreaks of FP
during the warmer months. The virus has appeared in all parts of
the United States and most countries of the world. Kennels, pet
shops, bording facilities, cat shows, breeding facilities, humane
shelters, and other areas where groups of cats are quartered appear
to be the main reservoirs of FP today. Dogs are not susceptible to
feline panleukopenia. Canine distemper is a different disease
caused by another virus. Neither disease is transmissible to man.
FP virus is passed from cat to cat by
direct contact. Infection occurs when contact is made with the
blood, urine, fecal material, nasal secretions, and even fleas of
infected cats In most cases, recovered cats do not transmit the
infection. A healthy cat can also become infected without coming in
direct contact with an infected cat. Bedding, cages, food dishes,
and the hands or clothing of handlers may harbor and transmit the
virus. The FP virus is very stable. It is resistant to many
chemicals and may remain infectious at room temperature for as long
as one year. Short of raising a cat in total isolation, it is
nearly impossible to prevent exposure..
Clinical Signs
Signs of FP can vary in severity from very mild to extreme. The
many signs are not always typical and many owners may even believe
that their cat has been poisoned or has swallowed a foreign object.
Because of this fact, treatment may be delayed or neglected.
The first signs a owner might notice are
generalized depression, loss of appetite, high fever, lethargy,
vomiting, dehydration, and hanging over the water dish. The course
of the disease may be short and explosive. Advanced cases,
when discovered, may cause death within hours. Normally, the
sickness may go on for three or four days after the first elevation
of body temperature. Fever will fluctuate during the illness and
abruptly fall to subnormal levels shortly before death. Other signs
in later stages may be diarrhea, anemia, and persistent vomiting.
FP is so prevalent and the signs so varied that any sick cat should
be taken to a veterinarian for a definite diagnosis.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based upon vaccination history, history of exposure,
symptoms found on clinical examination, and blood testing to rule
out the presence of other diseases such as feline leukemia virus,
feline immunodeficiency virus, or feline infectious peritonitis
virus.
Treatment
The veterinarian will attempt to combat extreme dehydration,
provide nutrients, prevent secondary infection with antibiotics,
and provide support as deemed necessary depending upon the severity
of the disease. If the cat survives for 48 hours, its chances for
recovery are much better. Pregnant females that contract the
disease, even in its mildest form, may give birth to kittens with
mild to severe brain damage. Strict isolation is essential. The
area where the cat is kept should be warm, free of drafts and very
clean. Cats may lose the will to live; so frequent petting, hand
feeding, providing warmth, and good nursing care by the owner is
essential.The prognosis for kittens less than 8 weeks old is poor.
Older cats have greater chance of survival if adequate treatment is
provided early in the course of the disease. Treatment is limited
to supportive therapy to help the patient gain and retain
sufficient strength to combat the virus with its own immune system.
There are no antibiotics that can kill
the virus. Other cats that may have been in close
association with the infected animal should be carefully
examined.
Prevention
FP is controlled in several ways. Cats that survive a natural
infection usually develop sufficient, active immunity to protect
them for the rest of their lives. Mild cases may go unnoticed and
also produce immunity. It is also possible for kittens to receive
immunity from their mother through the transfer of antibody through
the blood when in utero or through the milk while nursing. This
passive immunity from the mother is temporary and its effectiveness
varies in proportion to the level of antibody in the mother's body.
The immunity diminishes rapidly and is not considered effective
after 8 weeks of age. Vaccines offer the
safest protection. Most vaccines are made from live viruses treated
to destroy their ability to cause disease. They stimulate the cat's
body to produce protective antibodies against the virus to prevent
infection by natural, disease causing viruses. The vaccines are
very effective but are preventative, not curative. They must
be administered before the cat is exposed and infected to be
effective. Most young kittens receive their first vaccination
between 6 and 8 weeks of age, or as soon as they are taken from
their mother. The vaccination must be boosted again at 12 weeks,
and 16 weeks of age. Vaccination must be repeated annually as a
booster to maintain effective immunity. Specific vaccination
schedules vary dependent on many factors, such as the disease
incidence in the area, age and health of the cat, etc. The pet
owner should consult a veterinarian for advice on the correct
schedule for each cat.
Only a healthy pet is a happy companion. To assure your pet's daily
well-being requires regular care and close attention to any hint of
ill health. The American Veterinary Medical Association therefore
suggests that you consult your veterinarian if you pet shows any of
the following signs:
* Abnormal behavior or lethargy.
* Abnormal discharges from the nose, eyes, or other body
openings.
* Abnormal lumps, limping, or difficulty getting up or lying
down.
* Loss of appetite, marked weight losses or gains, or excessive or
decreased water consumption. Difficult, abnormal, or uncontrolled
waste elimination.
* Excessive head shaking, scratching, and licking or biting any
part of the body.
* Dandruff, loss of hair, open sores, and a ragged or dull coat.
Foul breath or excessive tarter deposits on teeth.
*Blood from anywhere that is not considered normal (ie females in
heat, etc).
PS : Mod, can u please make this thread
sticky ? So if others have any info on cat's disease to share, they
can post it here. U also can always edit my post n add if there's
more info. Thank you.
