Feline immunodeficiency virus
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), also known as feline AIDS, can affect any cat, indoor or outdoor.
FIV causes a potentially fatal viral disease that interferes with the cat's immune system. Eventually the immune system becomes too weak to fight infections.
FIV is transmitted between cats through blood and saliva, and cats are commonly infected through fighting and biting.
Once infected, cats may seem healthy and signs may not develop for up to seven years. Eventually cats with FIV will show a range of symptoms such as:
- Anorexia (loss of appetite)
- Weight loss
- Depression
- Mouth and gum disease (ulcers, bad breath, tooth loss)
- Persistent diarrhoea, vomiting and anaemia
- Respiratory, urinary and skin infections.
There is no cure for this deadly disease that infects thousands of cats every year. As for the prognosis, a simple blood test is used to diagnose the presence of the feline immunodeficiency virus.
Unfortunately, the FIV virus cannot be killed and there is no cure.
The only way to help keep your feline friend safe is through prevention! A simple FIV test and vaccination is now available to aid in the prevention of infection by FIV.
If you require any further information on FIV or to book an appointment please contact us.
Prevention is the key to helping your furry companion live a happy, healthier life!
|
It is important to note that FIV is a different virus from HIV
and CANNOT be transmitted from cats to humans.
|
Feline immunodeficiency virus
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), also known as feline AIDS, can affect any cat, indoor or outdoor.
FIV causes a potentially fatal viral disease that interferes with the cat's immune system. Eventually the immune system becomes too weak to fight infections.
FIV is transmitted between cats through blood and saliva, and cats are commonly infected through fighting and biting.
Once infected, cats may seem healthy and signs may not develop for up to seven years. Eventually cats with FIV will show a range of symptoms such as:
- Anorexia (loss of appetite)
- Weight loss
- Depression
- Mouth and gum disease (ulcers, bad breath, tooth loss)
- Persistent diarrhoea, vomiting and anaemia
- Respiratory, urinary and skin infections.
There is no cure for this deadly disease that infects thousands of cats every year. As for the prognosis, a simple blood test is used to diagnose the presence of the feline immunodeficiency virus.
Unfortunately, the FIV virus cannot be killed and there is no cure.
The only way to help keep your feline friend safe is through prevention! A simple FIV test and vaccination is now available to aid in the prevention of infection by FIV.
If you require any further information on FIV or to book an appointment please contact us.
Prevention is the key to helping your furry companion live a happy, healthier life!
|
It is important to note that FIV is a different virus from HIV
and CANNOT be transmitted from cats to humans.
|