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Veterinary Manual

Find information on animal health topics, written for the veterinary professional.

Feline Panleukopenia

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Feline Panleukopenia

By Otto M. Radostits, CM, DVM, MSc, DACVIM (Deceased), Professor Emeritus, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan
Max J. Appel, DMV, PhD,
David A. Ashford, DVM, MPH, DSc, Assistant Area Director, International Services, APHIS, USDA
Stephen C. Barr, BVSc, MVS, PhD, DACVIM, Professor of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University
J. P. Dubey, MVSc, PhD, Microbiologist, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, USDA
Paul Ettestad, DVM, MS, State Public Health Veterinarian, Epidemiology and Response Division, New Mexico Department of Health
Craig E. Greene, DVM, MS, Professor, Department of Small Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia
Delores E. Hill, PhD, Parasitologist, U.S. Department of Agriculture
Johnny D. Hoskins, DVM, PhD,
Eugene D. Janzen, DVM, MVS, Professor, Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary
Jodie Low Choy, BVSc, BVMS, IVAS Cert,
Dennis W. Macy, MS, DACVIM, Professor of Medicine and Oncology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences,Colorado State University
Dudley L. McCaw, DVM, DACVIM (Small Animal, Oncology), Professor, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University
Barton W. Rohrbach, VMD, MPH, DACVPM, Associate Professor, Department of Comparative Medicine, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Tennessee
J. Glenn Songer, PhD, Professor, Department of Veterinary Science and Microbiology, University of Arizona
Richard A. Squires, BVSc (Hons), PhD, DVR, DACVIM, DECVIM-CA, GCertEd, MRCVS, Head of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, James Cook University
Bert E. Stromberg, PhD, Professor, Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota
Joseph Taboada, DVM, DACVIM, Professor and Associate Dean, Office of Student and Academic Affairs, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University
Charles O. Thoen, DVM, PhD, Professor, Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University
John F. Timoney, MVB, PhD, Dsc, MRCVS, Keeneland Chair of Infectious Diseases, Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky
Ian Tizard, BVMS, PhD, DACVM, University Distinguished Professor of Immunology; Director, Richard M. Schubot Exotic Bird Health Center, Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M; University

Also see professional content regarding feline panleukopenia.

Feline panleukopenia (also called feline infectious enteritis or feline distemper) is a highly contagious, sometimes fatal, viral disease of cats. Kittens are affected most severely. Feline panleukopenia virus, the parvovirus that causes this disease, occurs worldwide and can persist for more than a year in the environment unless potent disinfectants are used to inactivate it. The term “panleukopenia” refers to an abnormally low level of white blood cells. This disorder is now seen only infrequently by veterinarians, presumably as a consequence of the widespread use of vaccines. However, infection rates remain high in unvaccinated cat populations, and the disease is occasionally seen in vaccinated, pedigreed kittens that have been exposed to high amounts of the virus.

During the initial phase of the illness, virus is abundant in all secretions and excretions of infected cats including saliva, tears, urine, and feces. The virus can be shed in the feces of survivors for up to 6 weeks after recovery. Cats are infected through the mouth and nose by exposure to infected animals, their secretions, or inanimate objects harboring the virus. Most free-roaming cats are exposed to the virus during their first year of life. Those that develop low grade infection or survive short-term illness mount a long-lasting, protective immune response.

In pregnant queens, the virus may spread across the placenta to cause fetal mummification, abortion, or stillbirth. Rarely, infection of kittens in the period just after birth may destroy the lining of the cerebellum, leading to incomplete development of the brain, problems with physical coordination, and tremors.

Most cats infected with the panleukopenia virus show no signs of infection. Those that become ill are usually less than 1 year old. Severe infection may cause death with little or no warning. Short-term infection causes fever, depression, and loss of appetite after an incubation period of 2 to 7 days. Vomiting usually develops 1 to 2 days after the onset of fever. Diarrhea may occur but is not always present. Extreme dehydration develops rapidly in severe cases. Affected cats may sit for hours at their water bowl, although they may not drink much. The duration of illness is seldom more than 5 to 7 days. Kittens under 5 months of age are most likely to die from panleukopenia virus infection.

Your veterinarian will diagnose this disease based on the signs and laboratory tests. Successful treatment of severe cases requires intravenous fluids and supportive care. Electrolyte (salt) imbalances, low blood sugar, low levels of protein in the blood, anemia, and secondary infections often develop in severely affected cats.

Vaccines that provide solid, long-lasting immunity are available. The first vaccination for kittens is usually given at 6 to 9 weeks of age. Your veterinarian will make a recommendation for additional vaccinations based on the health of your cat and your cat’s risk of exposure to the virus.

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