Panleukopenia

Panleukopenia is a virus that attacks rapidly dividing cells in kittens, usually in the gastrointestinal tract lining, causing ulceration and sloughing of the lining.  This leads to bloody diarrhea, severe dehydration, malnutrition, anemia, and is often fatal.  A decreased white blood cell count further deteriorates the kitten’s system by compromising it’s immune system. The disease is very similar to parvovirus in puppies, but is not the same and can not be transmitted to canines.

Panleukopenia is primarily spread through contact with an infected cats body fluids, feces or fleas. It can also be spread through contact with bedding or food dishes, and can live in the environment for long periods of time. 

If a pregnant cat is exposed to panleukopenia virus, her litter will often be affected with varying degrees of cerebellar hypoplasia (CH), which interferes with the kittens’ motor skills for life.  Vaccination of pregnant cats is not recommended because some vaccines can also cause CH in litters.

Vaccination of kittens follows a similar protocol as in puppies, starting at 6-8 weeks of age and given every 3 weeks until 16 weeks of age.  Adult vaccination is recommended at one year of age and every 3 years thereafter.

Treatment of panleukopenia includes requires hospitalization in most cases - the mortality rate without treatment can be as high as 90%.  Supportive care including intravenous fluid therapy, gi protectants and antibiotic coverage to prevent secondary bacterial infection is generally required in all cases.