Leukaemia is a disease of the blood. In this condition, the body cannot limit the production of white blood cells. These are vital to the immune system, but uncontrolled production can damage blood vessels and internal organs. In cats, viral feline leukaemia is transmissible through body fluids via mating or biting, and can be fatal. Diagnosis is made through blood analysis.
There is no treatment available for infected cats, although vaccinations give at 9 and 13 weeks can protect a cat (although they are not 100 percent effective). Some infected cats can recover from exposure to the virus and survive infection, but they are potential carriers and should be isolated or euthanized. There is a possible 3-year incubation period following infection during which the cat may not show any signs of the disease.
The common signs of infection are:
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Emlarged lymph nodes.
- Anaemia
- Dramatic loss of appetite.
- Acute weight loss.
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