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Gastrointestinal · Cats

Feline Panleukopenia

Feline Panleukopenia (Feline parvovirus, FPV, Feline distemper) is a gastrointestinal condition of cats. Key signs are sudden anorexia and lethargy, fever followed by hypothermia and vomiting (frequent); diagnosis rests on CBC: profound leukopenia with neutropenia and lymphopenia and Faecal parvovirus antigen ELISA. High mortality in unvaccinated kittens without treatment; guarded-to-good with intensive care.

At a glance

Species
Cats
Body system
Gastrointestinal
Also known as
Feline parvovirus, FPV, Feline distemper, Feline infectious enteritis

Key clinical signs

  • Sudden anorexia and lethargy
  • Fever followed by hypothermia
  • Vomiting (frequent)
  • Diarrhoea (may be bloody)
  • Severe dehydration
  • Marked leukopenia / panleukopenia

Other signs

  • Cerebellar hypoplasia in kittens infected in utero (incoordination)
  • Sudden death in unvaccinated kittens
  • Hypoproteinaemia

Differential diagnoses

  • Feline infectious peritonitis (effusive form)
  • Salmonellosis
  • GI foreign body / linear FB
  • Toxin ingestion
  • Severe roundworm burden (kittens)

Diagnosis

  • CBC: profound leukopenia (<2,000/μL) with neutropenia and lymphopenia
  • Faecal parvovirus antigen ELISA (canine snap tests cross-react)
  • PCR on faeces or whole blood

Treatment outline

Aggressive IV fluid therapy with electrolyte correction; broad-spectrum antibiotics for translocation prevention; antiemetics; nutritional support; consider plasma/colloid for hypoalbuminaemia. Vaccination (core) is highly protective.

An outline, not a prescription. Check each drug’s dose for the species, the patient and the product in the drug calculator before use.

Prognosis

High mortality in unvaccinated kittens without treatment; guarded-to-good with intensive care. Cerebellar hypoplasia is irreversible but compatible with life.

Frequently asked questions

What are the signs of feline panleukopenia in cats?

Sudden anorexia and lethargy, fever followed by hypothermia, vomiting (frequent), diarrhoea (may be bloody), severe dehydration and marked leukopenia / panleukopenia. Less specific signs include cerebellar hypoplasia in kittens infected in utero (incoordination), sudden death in unvaccinated kittens and hypoproteinaemia.

How is feline panleukopenia diagnosed?

CBC: profound leukopenia (<2,000/μL) with neutropenia and lymphopenia, Faecal parvovirus antigen ELISA (canine snap tests cross-react) and PCR on faeces or whole blood. Differentials to rule out include feline infectious peritonitis (effusive form), salmonellosis, gi foreign body / linear fb and toxin ingestion.

How is feline panleukopenia treated?

Aggressive IV fluid therapy with electrolyte correction; broad-spectrum antibiotics for translocation prevention; antiemetics; nutritional support; consider plasma/colloid for hypoalbuminaemia. Vaccination (core) is highly protective.

What is the prognosis for feline panleukopenia?

High mortality in unvaccinated kittens without treatment; guarded-to-good with intensive care. Cerebellar hypoplasia is irreversible but compatible with life.

Sources

  • Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th edition

Last reviewed · VetMasterJi