Feline Distemper
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As always, Prevention is key.
Vaccines that contain FPV only provide some protection to cats against disease caused by CPV, but it has been suggested by some authorities that inclusion of CPV-2c in feline vaccines would broaden and improve the degree of protection provided (Merck Manuals, 2013). There is no means of control in wildlife populations other than the vaccination of susceptible domestic species to decrease the number of potential hosts (Michigan, 2015). Feline Distemper is very resistant; it can persist for 1 yr at room temperature in the environment, if protected in organic material (Merck Manuals, 2013).
A clean environment is
a healthy environment.
The virus responsible for feline distemper can be destroyed by exposure to a 1:32 dilution of household bleach (6% aqueous sodium hypochlorite), 4% formaldehyde, and 1% glutaraldehyde for 10 min at room temperature. Peroxygen disinfectants are also highly effective (Merk Manual, 2013).
Caring for a cat this is infected with feline distemper.
No treatment other than supportive care and prevention of secondary bacterial infection exists for feline distemper (Michigan, 2015). Successful treatment of acute cases requires vigorous fluid therapy and supportive nursing care in the isolation unit. Electrolyte disturbances (eg, hypokalemia), hypoglycemia, hypoproteinemia, anemia, and opportunistic secondary infections often develop in severely affected cats. Anticipation of these possibilities, close monitoring, and prompt intervention are likely to improve outcome (Merck Manuals, 2013).
References:
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Michigan.gov: Michigan Department of Natural Resources:c2015 [cited 2015 November 2] Available from: http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/1,1607,7-153-10370_12150_12220-26505--,00.html
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Merckvetmanuals.com. Merck Manuals. c2013 [cited October 19, 2015] Available from: http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/generalized_conditions/feline_panleukopenia/overview_of_feline_panleukopenia.html