Survival estimates and outcome predictors for shelter cats with feline panleukopenia virus infection.

OBJECTIVE To determine survival estimates and outcome predictors for shelter cats with feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) infection. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. ANIMALS 177 shelter cats with FPV infection. PROCEDURES Medical records of cats treated for FPV infection from 2011 through 2013 were reviewed to collect information pertaining to signalment; history; results of physical examination, CBC, serum biochemical analysis, and blood gas analysis; and treatments (antimicrobials, antiparasitics, antivirals, antiemetics, analgesics, crystalloid or colloid solutions, and blood products). Survival time and outcome predictors were determined by means of Kaplan-Meier estimation, logistic regression, and mixed-model ANOVA. RESULTS Median survival time after hospital admission was 3 days; 20.3% (36/177) of cats survived to discharge from the hospital. Risk of nonsurvival was greater in cats with (vs without) signs of lethargy, rectal temperature < 37.9°C (I00.2°F), or low body weight at hospital admission. Lower (vs higher) leukocyte count on days 3,4, and 7 of hospitalization, but not at admission, was associated with nonsurvival. Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, antiparasitics, and maropitant but not interferon-ω were associated with survival, whereas glucose infusion was associated with nonsurvival. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested that FPV infection carried a poor prognosis for shelter cats. Several variables measured at admission or during hospitalization were associated with outcome. Remarkably and contrary to the existing literature, leukopenia at admission had no association with outcome, possibly owing to early prevention of complications.

Pathogenic potential of canine parvovirus types 2a and 2c in domestic cats.

The in vivo pathogenicity of canine parvovirus (CPV) type 2c (strain V203) and of CPV type 2a (strain V154) against cats was investigated. Our results indicate that both types of CPV have the potential to induce disease in cats.

Panleukopenia-like syndrome of FeLV caused by co-infection with FeLV and feline panleukopenia virus.

To study the effect of interferon on feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infection, 30 specific pathogen free (SPF) cats were infected with the apathogenic FeLV A Glasgow. Unexpectedly, between 5 and 8 weeks after FeLV infection, all 19 cats with persistent FeLV infection but not the FeLV-negative cats died from a panleukopenia-like syndrome. No feline panleukopenia virus (FPLV) antigen was found in feces by latex agglutination, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or immunoelectron microscopy. No enteropathogenic bacteria were found. Histopathology revealed changes resembling those of FPLV infection such as destruction of crypts and pancytopenia of bone marrow. Neither clinical signs nor seroconversion to FPLV could be induced by transmitting intestinal extracts to two SPF cats. However, FPLV antigen was demonstrated by immunofluorescence assay in intestinal cryostat sections of diseased animals. FPLV could also be demonstrated in intestinal extracts by immunoelectron microscopy, by latex agglutination and ELISA after anti-FPLV antibodies were removed from immune-complexed FPLV by ultracentrifugation over a CsCl gradient at pH 2.0. From these experiments it was concluded that the panleukopenia-like syndrome of FeLV may not be caused by FeLV alone but at least in some cases by co-infection with FeLV and FPLV. In addition, some form of 'cooperation' between FeLV and FPLV must be postulated because neither virus alone induced symptoms.

Use of a feline panleukopenia modified live virus vaccine in cats in the primary-stage of feline immunodeficiency virus infection.

Cats in the primary stage of Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) infection and FIV seronegative cats were vaccinated with a modified live Feline Panleukopenia virus vaccine (FPV-MLV). The FPV-MLV strain was not pathogenic for FIV seronegative cats, whereas in FIV infected cats it produced severe clinical signs, similar to those typically observed in cats naturally infected with field strains of FPV (fever, diarrhoea, leukopenia).

Feline Panleukopenia. I. Pathogenesis in germfree and specific pathogen-free cats.

Germfree and specific pathogen-free cats were inoculated panleukopenia vivus. Total leucocyte counts decreased significantly in both germfree and specific pathogen-free cats. Clinical illness was not seen in any germfree cat. Specific pathogen-free cats had anorexia and slight diarrhea 5-6 days after inoculation. None of the cats died. Both germfree and specific pathogen-free cats had thymic involution. No other gross lesions were seen. Tissues for histological virus isolation and immunofluorescence studies were taken daily from days 2 through 6 after inoculation. Virus-infected cells and lesions of panleukopenia were seen in the small intestine of both germfree and specific pathogen-free cats. The incidence of virus-infected cells and lesions was greater in specific pathogen-free cats than in germfree cats.