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What is the difference between FIV and feline leukemia?

What is the difference between FIV and feline leukemia?

The Difference Between FIV and FELV Feline Leukemia infection is caused by the feline leukemia virus. Transmitted from one cat to another via saliva, FELV can be the outcome after a fight involving deep bite wounds. Unlike FIV, FELV can be passed during allogrooming and shared food/water bowls.

How common is FeLV in stray cats?

Of the 246 cats tested, 161 (65%) were male and 85 (35%) were female. Seroprevalence for FIV was 23% in the urban strays, 5% in the feral cat colony, and 5.9% in the client-owned cats. Ten cats (4%) were also positive for Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) antigen, including 2 cats coinfected with FeLV and FIV.

How can you determine if a cat has FeLV and FIV?

Diagnosis of FeLV and FIV Both FeLV and FIV can be diagnosed with a blood test that detects the FIV antibody and FeLV antigen circulating in the blood. “The blood test, used for both FeLV and FIV, can be performed in the veterinary office and deliver results in about 10 minutes,” Dr. Reinhart explains.

Why are some shelters no longer testing all cats for FeLV and FIV?

False sense of security. Although chances are that a cat testing negative is truly negative (due to low prevalence of the disease), some cats may have been exposed prior to intake and could develop FeLV or FIV after adoption.

Is there a vaccine for FIV or FeLV?

This is known as abortive infection. FeLV has a vaccine in use. FIV also has a vaccine but it was discontinued in the U.S. and Canada in 2015.

How can you tell if a stray cat has feline leukemia?

Signs that a cat has FeLV include:

  1. Loss of appetite.
  2. Weight loss.
  3. Poor coat condition.
  4. Persistent fever.
  5. Inflammation of the gums and mouth.
  6. Skin, urinary, and upper respiratory tract infections.
  7. Persistent diarrhea.
  8. Seizures, behavior changes, and other neurological disorders.

What is worse FeLV or FIV?

Feline Leukemia (FeLV) is much more devastating than FIV. This is because FeLV typically results in cancer (e.g., lymphoma), leukemia (e.g., cancer of the bone marrow or circulating white and red blood cells), and severe bone marrow suppression (e.g. anemia) in young cats.

Is FIV vaccine still available?

There is currently no vaccine commercially available in North America to protect against FIV, so the best way to reduce risk is to limit contact with cats who may be infected with the disease by keeping cats indoors and testing all cats within the household.