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Parasitic diseases in rabbits: the commonest threats and how to prevent them
Coccidiosis, encephalitozoonosis, ear mange and cheyletiellosis are the parasitic diseases pet rabbits meet most often, and they can go unnoticed for a long time. We explain how they are diagnosed in the laboratory, how they are treated, and which hygiene, quarantine and feeding rules keep infection at bay.
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How to protect your dog’s paws in winter
Frost, ice and road salt leave a dog's pads irritated, cracked and sometimes frostbitten every winter. We explain how to pick a route and a protective wax before the walk, how to rinse and dry the paws properly once you are home, and which signs mean it is time to call the veterinary clinic.
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Horner’s syndrome in dogs and cats: signs, causes, diagnosis and treatment
A drooping eyelid, a smaller pupil and a visible third eyelid on one side add up to Horner's syndrome. It is not painful in itself and does not harm sight, but it often signals another, more serious condition underneath. We explain the causes, the diagnostic steps, the pharmacological tests and the treatment options.
FeLV in Cats: What Is It?
What is FeLV?
Feline Leukemia Virus is one of the most common viral diseases in cats. It affects cats only; other species cannot catch it. It is often seen in cats living in large groups, such as feral colonies. The disease cannot be cured, but cats can live with it and function much like healthy cats.
How can a cat catch FeLV?
Only cats that have not been vaccinated against the disease and have been in contact with a carrier of the virus can become infected!
Infection usually happens through direct contact between two cats. The virus spreads most readily through saliva and respiratory secretions. An infected mother can also pass the virus on to her kittens.
Unfortunately, the virus survives in the environment for a long time, so infection can also occur indirectly, for example through shared food bowls.
To protect your cat from leukaemia, keep up with regular vaccinations and avoid contact with other cats that could potentially test positive for the virus.
What are the symptoms of feline leukaemia?
A cat carrying the leukaemia virus may show no signs of illness at all and behave like a perfectly healthy cat. In some cats, the disease begins with very general symptoms that worsen over time. These cats may show:
How is FeLV treated in cats?
The disease is incurable: veterinary medicine has not yet found a cure, so therapy focuses on managing the symptoms. This approach can make day-to-day life considerably easier for the cat.
Many owners of cats with leukaemia choose a tailored diet to strengthen their pet’s body. Keeping stress to a minimum matters a great deal too, so any changes at home should be introduced gradually.
A cat with FeLV needs regular check-ups so that its condition can be monitored continuously.
How do you care for a cat with leukaemia?
One of the most important rules for cats with leukaemia is that an infected cat must not be allowed outdoors. Free-roaming cats can infect other cats, and the disease will spread through the neighbourhood.
Before any veterinary procedure, the vet should be told that the cat carries the virus. This is particularly important when it comes to vaccinations.