FeLV,FIV,FIP

Feline Leukemia (FeLV)

This is caused by highly contagious virus that suppresses the cat's immune system and in many instances causes cancer. It affects cats of all ages and is spread by saliva, urine, feces and blood or cat fights. Unfortunately it can be transmitted to the newborn kittens. It is more prevalent amongst outdoor cats. A few cats recover from a brief infection and develop immunity but if the infection persists, death almost always results. Any cat that is in continuing poor health or which oftenly gets sick may have feline leukemia or even Feline Aids Virus or Feline Immune-Deficiency Virus ( FIV)

However, both viruses can be detected by a simple blood test in about 10 minutes while you wait in the exam room. If the test is positive, that means the virus may be present in the system and the cat should be isolated and later retested. A positive cat can transmit the virus to other cats. Feline Leukemia vaccination is now a common part of cat's preventive health programs and the regular vaccination is the best method of ensuring the health.

Vaccinating a cat without first tested may not help if it is already infected or carrying the virus. On other hand, knowing that your cat is infected, will allow you to provide a better care of your cat and prevent the spread of the disease to the others.

We recommend that you have your cat tested prior to starting FeLV vaccination. Only cats tested negatively be vaccinated. Two initial doses are given three weeks apart, followed by a yearly booster. Getting FIV is more difficult as the virus lives in the blood of the infected cat. It is spread through cat bites or scratches and especially outdoor cats are at higher risk. Some infected cats show no signs of disease, but most have one or more of these symptoms:

Fever, loss of appetite, weight loss, sores in or around mouth area, poor coat condition, swollen lymph nodes, diarrhea or dehydration. Please Call our office for any other health care solutions for your cats at

562-630-2082.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)

It is a contagious virus infection of cats

transmitted by direct contact with infected cats and is one of the leading disease in cats and is not responsive to antibiotic and most of the times is fatal.

It effects in a variety of ways like diarrhea, abdominal swelling, heavy or difficulty in breathing, recurring fever, weight loss, loss of balance or co-ordination and eyes problems.

Kittens and older cats tend to be more susceptible especially in multiple-cat household and that are outdoors and especially the purebreds.

A new FIP vaccine was introduced in 1991. It is administered in two doses intra nasally, and it offers the best protection available against FIP.

GARFIELD ANIMAL HOSPITAL

Affordable Quality Service for Dogs and Cats