Feline leukemia virus (Cat leukemia):
Feline leukemia virus is second only to trauma as the leading cause of death in cats, killing 85% of persistently infected felines within three years of diagnosis. The virus commonly causes anemia or lymphoma, but because it suppresses the immune system, it can also predispose cats to deadly infections.
Cat leukemia is usually contracted from cat-to-cat transmission (e.g., bites, close contact, grooming and sharing dishes or litter pans). It can also be transmitted to a kitten at birth or through the mother's milk. Kittens are much more susceptible to the virus, as are males and cats that have outdoor access. The disease is often spread by apparently healthy cats, so even if a cat appears healthy, it may be infected and able to transmit the virus.

Symptoms:
i) Anemia
ii) Lethargy
iii) Progressive weight loss
iv) Susceptibility to infection
v) Persistent diarrhea
vi) Infections of the external ear and skin and poor coat condition
vii) Fever (seen in about 50 percent of cases)
viii) Wobbly, uncoordinated or drunken-appearing gait or movement
ix) Inflammation of the nose, the cornea, or the moist tissues of the eye
x) Inflammation of the gums and/or mouth tissues (gingivitis/stomatitis)
xi) Lymphoma (the most common FeLV-associated cancer)
xii)Fibro sarcomas (cancer that develops from fibrous tissue)

Treatment:
There is presently no cure for feline leukemia. Secondary diseases can be treated as they appear. however, prognosis is grave for cats with bone marrow compromise or widespread lymphoma.

Prevention:
Keeping infected cats separated (and quarantining them) is the only way to 100 percent prevent cat leukemia in healthy cats. There is a vaccine against Feline leukemia; however, it is important to test your cat before initial vaccination, as he may already be infected. Even if you intend for your new kitten to be strictly indoors, most veterinarians will recommend including the FeLV vaccine in his kitten booster series. Cats can escape from the house and lifestyles change. It is important for your cat’s health that he be protected, and the vaccine poses very minimal risk.
A cat with feline leukemia should be kept strictly indoors and away from uninfected cats.

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