by CeeGunn

Created on: January 14, 2009

Feline Immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a retrovirus that infects cats. It attacks the immune system much like HIV does in humans. An infected cat is unable to fight off any diseases, including cancer and bacterial infections. Because of this, the symptoms of FIV infection are extremely varied. If you cat presents with any of these symptoms, schedule a visit with your veterinarian.

SYMPTOMS OF FIV INFECTION

Chronic open sores in and around the mouth is a symptom in about half of FIV-infected cats. The cat may have difficulty eating or refuse to eat, they may have pain when touched on the face, and they may have bad breath.

About a third of FIV-infected cats will develop some type of respiratory disease. The symptoms will be much like a cold in a human; coughing, sneezing, and discharge from the nose and eyes. In more severe cases, the cat could have difficulty breathing.

Some other symptoms that may present in cats infected with feline immunodeficiency virus are diarrhea, skin infections, and ear infections. The cat may have enlarged lymph nodes that can be felt as lumps under the skin of the armpits. There may be changes in behavior such as excessive meowing, not using the litter box, or inappropriate aggression.

Any cat demostrating the above conditions should be taken to the vet for a check-up. The vet can perform a test for FIV as well as other feline diseases.

TREATMENT OF FIV INFECTION

There are no drugs that can be used to effectively destroy the feline immunovirus. However, FIV-positive cats can live for many years with proper care.

The main treatment for FIV infected cats is to fight the secondary infections that are a result of this virus shutting down the cat's immune system. The cat should remain indoors and not be exposed to excess stress. It is preferable that the cat not interact with other cats, not only to protect the other cats from infection by FIV but also to prevent the FIV-positive cat from contracting a secondary infection.

Cats with FIV will need to be treated according to the secondary disease they are demonstrating. For example, respiratory infections can be treated with antibiotics, eye infections can be treated with eye drops, cancer can be treated with chemotherapy.

It is important that the FIV infected cat receive proper nutrition and care to ensure quality of life. The cat may need to be put on a special food in order to retain the most nutrients, especially if the cat is having diarrhea. If the cat is refusing to eat, try tempting him or her with the smelliest soft food you can find. Fresh water should always be available and the cat should be monitored to ensure it does not get dehydrated.

An FIV-positive cat needs love and attention just as much as any other cat, if not more. Be sure to pet your cat today.

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