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I hope you find this article about lymphoma both interesting and helpful.

PREVALENCE AND INCIDENCE

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is found in 5-10% of ill cats in the US; it is more likely to occur in older cats. Male cats, especially free-roaming outdoor cats, account for up to 75% of all FIV infected cats. This virus is also called feline AIDS because it behaves similarly to the human AIDS virus. While transmission occurs between cats, there is no evidence of spread to humans, dogs or other animals.

The virus is transmitted through saliva from fighting, biting and mutual grooming and generally requires prolonged exposure for transmission. Direct contact is required, and the virus is short-lived outside the body in the environment so that it is easily eliminated with most disinfectants.

Spread of FIV from a positive cat to others in the same household happens infrequently. Nonetheless, introduction of a FIV-positive cat into a household of healthy pets is not advised. Isolation of a FIV-positive cat in a multi-cat household is recommended but may not always be feasible. Keeping a FIV-positive cat indoors will help limit spread of the virus to other cats and help protect that individual from exposure to other cat's diseases and bites.

FIV TESTING

Detection of an infected cat is done by testing for antibodies in blood or saliva. Cats that test positive should be re-tested to confirm the diagnosis. This is especially important with kittens since if they test positive, they may be truly positive for FIV or they may transiently test positive from maternal antibodies and thus, test negative later.

Negative results to the FIV test means- 1) the cat has had no significant exposure to FIV or 2) the cat may have an early FIV infection (before antibody production) or 3) the cat is infected with FIV but since the virus has suppressed the body's immune system, no antibodies have been produced.

Positive results to the FIV test means that they have antibodies to the FIV virus. Adult cats that are FIV positive will remain so for life. Kittens less than 6 months of age that test positive may have only been exposed to the virus but may not actually be infected with the virus. For this reason, later re-testing (ideally, in 4-6 months) is recommended once the maternal antibodies have cleared.

"Healthy" FIV-positive cats

Some cats are infected with FIV but may not show signs of being ill. They are "asymptomatic" but are still at risk for secondary infections and are contagious to other cats. They can live a good quality of life but are at risk for developing FIV-related diseases during their lifetime.

Sick FIV-positive cats

When they are ill, they can develop chronic viral, bacterial, fungal and protozoal infections that can affect the cats' eyes, respiratory or neurological systems. Oral and periodontal disease, associated with severe inflammation of the gums and mouth, is common with FIV. Cancer such as lymphoma and leukemia can be associated with FIV infection. All these can debilitate the cat and reduce its quality of life.

TREATMENT AND PREVENTION

There is no specific treatment for FIV. Anti-viral drugs have not been successful in eliminating the virus. In some cats, immuno-modulating medications such as interferon have been helpful to improve the FIV positive cat's quality of life. Treatment is aimed at managing the complications of FIV infection; antibiotics can be given to control the secondary bacterial infections, and chemotherapy can be given to manage cancer.

Recently, a vaccine has been made for FIV. There are concerns about the vaccine's ability to protect against all strains of FIV so that vaccination must be considered according to the individual's risk factor. Once vaccinated, a cat will test positive for FIV since the blood test detects antibodies and cannot differentiate between a FIV-vaccinated cat and a FIV-infected cat.

Prevention is done by spaying/neutering and keeping cats indoors to minimize interactions with other cats such as cat fights and sharing food bowls.

If you have any questions regarding this disease and its treatment, don't hesitate to contact your veterinarian.

The above is general veterinary information. Do not begin any course of treatment without consulting your regular veterinarian. All animals should be examined at least once every 12 months.


About the Author
Linda Mar Veterinary Hospital and its cat-only affiliate, Coastal Cat Clinic, are small animal practices located in Pacifica, California. To find a veterinarian or to learn more about the vet clinic and our staff, visit:[http://lindamarvet.com/]

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