FELINE LEUKEMIA VIRUS: SURVEY OF THE PROFILE OF ANIMALS TREATED AT A PRIVATE VETERINARY HOSPITAL IN PORTO ALEGRE FROM MAY 2023 TO MAY 2024.
The feline leukemia virus is one of the most prevalent infectious diseases among felines worldwide. Infection with the virus is more prevalent in male cats that have not been neutered, have no defined breed, live outdoors or have access to the street, live in places with a high feline population density, come from regions with a high incidence of the virus or cohabit with infected animals without being vaccinated against the virus. It is diagnosed by detecting the virus from the p27 antigen using rapid tests, also known as Point-of-Care (PoC) tests, or through the PCR technique, which will detect the provirus. Clinical signs vary greatly in cats, the most common being dyspnea, lethargy, anorexia, weight loss, fever, gingivitis-stomatitis and non-healing abscesses. The diseases most associated with progressive infection by the virus include tumors, especially lymphoma; bone marrow suppression, such as anemia; and immunosuppression, leading to chronic and recurrent infections. There is a lack of data on treatments for infected cats, especially with regard to antiretroviral drugs and immunomodulators. The management of these cats focuses on health prevention, identification and immediate treatment of diseases, as well as limiting the spread of infection, and it is extremely important to stage the stage of infection that each cat is in, in order to maintain a good quality of life and appropriate clinical management for these animals. The aim of this study was to carry out a retrospective study of felines diagnosed with feline leukemia virus at a private veterinary hospital in Porto Alegre, based on data collected between May 2023 and May 2024. Breed, age, gender, reasons for consultation, diagnosis used, vaccination status and clinical findings of the affected felines were checked in the records. 14 animals were diagnosed during this period.
FELINE LEUKEMIA VIRUS: SURVEY OF THE PROFILE OF ANIMALS TREATED AT A PRIVATE VETERINARY HOSPITAL IN PORTO ALEGRE FROM MAY 2023 TO MAY 2024.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.973532517021
Palavras-chave: infectious disease; retrovirus; cats; felv; immunosuppression
Keywords: infectious disease; retrovirus; cats; felv; immunosuppression
Abstract:
The feline leukemia virus is one of the most prevalent infectious diseases among felines worldwide. Infection with the virus is more prevalent in male cats that have not been neutered, have no defined breed, live outdoors or have access to the street, live in places with a high feline population density, come from regions with a high incidence of the virus or cohabit with infected animals without being vaccinated against the virus. It is diagnosed by detecting the virus from the p27 antigen using rapid tests, also known as Point-of-Care (PoC) tests, or through the PCR technique, which will detect the provirus. Clinical signs vary greatly in cats, the most common being dyspnea, lethargy, anorexia, weight loss, fever, gingivitis-stomatitis and non-healing abscesses. The diseases most associated with progressive infection by the virus include tumors, especially lymphoma; bone marrow suppression, such as anemia; and immunosuppression, leading to chronic and recurrent infections. There is a lack of data on treatments for infected cats, especially with regard to antiretroviral drugs and immunomodulators. The management of these cats focuses on health prevention, identification and immediate treatment of diseases, as well as limiting the spread of infection, and it is extremely important to stage the stage of infection that each cat is in, in order to maintain a good quality of life and appropriate clinical management for these animals. The aim of this study was to carry out a retrospective study of felines diagnosed with feline leukemia virus at a private veterinary hospital in Porto Alegre, based on data collected between May 2023 and May 2024. Breed, age, gender, reasons for consultation, diagnosis used, vaccination status and clinical findings of the affected felines were checked in the records. 14 animals were diagnosed during this period.
- Ana Cristina Pacheco de Araújo
- Dayanne Pires da Silva
