Cats, Diseases of cats, Internal Diseases of Cats, Today's News

Feline FIV and AIDS

184 Comments

FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) is prevalent in Australian cats but testing positive for FIV is not the same as having feline AIDS.

Feline AIDS describes the terminal stages of disease which may not occur for many years – or at all! A positive FIV test means that your cat has been infected by the virus.

 

Are my family at risk?

 

No. Although FIV belongs to the same family of viruses as HIV in people, it only infects cats. There is no risk of cross infection of either virus between species.

 

Are other cats in the household likely to be infected?

 

The virus is shed in the saliva of infected cats and spread by biting. Cats with a history of cat bite abscesses are more likely to test positive for FIV.

Spread between cats in a household is unlikely unless they fight. Normal social interactions such as grooming rarely transmit FIV.

The best way to minimise the chances of FIV infection is to confine uninfected cats indoors away from aggressive cats.

 

How is FIV diagnosed?

FIV is diagnosed with a blood test at the surgery which detects an immune response (antibodies) to the virus. If this test is positive your cat is infected.

Kittens with immunity passed on from their mother may test positive until 4 months of age. If a young kitten tests positive we retest them at six months of age.

Will my cat recover?

Once a cat is infected with the virus it remains infected for the rest of its life but not all infected cats  become ill.

 

What diseases does FIV cause?

Like HIV, FIV suppresses the body’s defences so that the cat is vulnerable to diseases it would normally  defeat. The cat is vulnerable to chronic or recurrent infections that fail to respond to regular treatment.

These include:

  1. Inflammation of the mouth and tongue leading to appetite loss, drooling and mouth pain
  2. Weight loss
  3. Poor appetite
  4. Fever
  5. Signs of brain dysfunction such as aggression, unequal pupils, convulsions and behavioural changes
  6. Swollen lymph glands
  7. Unusual infections like toxoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, chronic flu, pneumonia, skin disease
  8. Tumours especially those of the lymph system

The non specific signs of weight loss, poor appetite and fever occur in many diseases of cats and are usually unrelated to FIV. Cats with FIV are more likely to suffer from these signs and diseases more often and  be less able to throw them off even with treatment.

FIV positive cats have a shorter life expectancy on average than FIV negative cats.

Is there any treatment?

 

Secondary infections with bacteria or fungi are treated with antibiotics and anti-fungals but no specific treatment for the virus is available. Trials with anti-HIV drugs such as AZT have reduced mouth inflammation in affected cats but the cost and availability of AZT makes its use in general practice difficult at present.

Anti-inflammatory treatment reduces mouth inflammation and peps up the appetite in many cats.

 

Should I have my cat euthanased?

 

Certainly not on the basis of a positive FIV test!  Like humans with HIV, cats with FIV appear healthy and happy for a long time before getting sick.

On the other hand if your cat has succumbed to multiple infections, is no longer responsive to treatment or is suffering from a chronically painful mouth then euthanasia is the kindest solution.

 

How can I help my cat?

 

Confinement indoors of an FIV positive cat  reduces the risk of infection with other agents. It also reduces the risk of transmission of the virus to other cats.

A good quality, highly palatable diet as well as worming every 3 months and at least annual health checks will enhance the disease free period.

Infections require prompt and aggressive treatment.

 

How do we prevent FIV infection?

 

Desexing and confinement indoors, especially at night, reduces fighting and therefore the risk of infection. We recommend vaccination with FIV vaccine for all cats with access to the outdoors. Cats older than 6 months of age are tested for FIV before the first vaccination. A series of three primary vaccinations is given 2-4 weeks apart and then a booster is given annually.

 

184 thoughts on “Feline FIV and AIDS”

  1. Thanks , I’ve just been searching for information approximately this subject for ages and yours is the greatest I have discovered till now. However, what concerning the conclusion? Are you sure about the supply?

  2. Hi there everyone, it’s my first visit at this web
    site, and piece of writing is truly fruitful in favor of me, keep up posting
    such articles or reviews.

  3. I appreciate how you broke down this complex topic into manageable pieces. Your clear explanations and real-life examples made it so much easier to understand.

  4. Thank you for this informative and engaging article. The examples you’ve provided make it much easier to understand the concepts you’re discussing.

  8. Thank you for this informative and engaging article. The examples you’ve provided make it much easier to understand the concepts you’re discussing.

  12. Hi, Neat post. There’s a problem with your site in internet explorer, would test this?IE still is the market leader and a big portion of people will miss your great writing because of this problem.

  13. I’d also like to convey that most of those who find themselves without health insurance usually are students, self-employed and those that are laid-off. More than half of those uninsured are really under the age of Thirty five. They do not come to feel they are wanting health insurance since they’re young plus healthy. Their own income is generally spent on homes, food, along with entertainment. Many people that do go to work either entire or not professional are not presented insurance by way of their work so they head out without because of the rising tariff of health insurance in the us. Thanks for the suggestions you share through this site.

  14. Hey! Do you know if they make any plugins to assist with SEO? I’m trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very good success. If you know of any please share. Thanks!

  22. Thank you for your post. I really enjoyed reading it, especially because it addressed my issue. It helped me a lot and I hope it will also help others.

  25. You rocked this subject and have astounding insights. I also work hard in putting together great content about Cosmetics, feel free to visit UQ5

  31. Thank you for your post. I really enjoyed reading it, especially because it addressed my issue. It helped me a lot and I hope it will also help others.

  37. Thank you for your post. I really enjoyed reading it, especially because it addressed my issue. It helped me a lot and I hope it will also help others.

  42. Thank you for your post. I really enjoyed reading it, especially because it addressed my issue. It helped me a lot and I hope it will also help others.

  43. You helped me a lot with this post. I love the subject and I hope you continue to write excellent articles like this.

  45. Thanks for posting. I really enjoyed reading it, especially because it addressed my problem. It helped me a lot and I hope it will help others too.

  62. Thanks for posting. I really enjoyed reading it, especially because it addressed my problem. It helped me a lot and I hope it will help others too.

  66. Good web site! I truly love how it is easy on my eyes and the data are well written. I am wondering how I could be notified whenever a new post has been made. I’ve subscribed to your RSS which must do the trick! Have a nice day!

  84. Thank you for your post. I really enjoyed reading it, especially because it addressed my issue. It helped me a lot and I hope it will also help others.

  88. The root of your writing whilst appearing agreeable at first, did not work very well with me after some time. Somewhere throughout the sentences you actually managed to make me a believer but just for a very short while. I nevertheless have got a problem with your leaps in logic and one might do nicely to fill in those breaks. When you can accomplish that, I could definitely end up being fascinated.

  90. Great beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your web site, how could i subscribe for a blog site? The account helped me a acceptable deal. I had been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright clear concept

  98. Hey there! I’m at work surfing around your blog from my new iphone 3gs! Just wanted to say I love reading your blog and look forward to all your posts! Keep up the outstanding work!

  100. Hi there, You’ve performed an incredible job. I抣l definitely digg it and individually suggest to my friends. I am sure they will be benefited from this site.

  101. Its like you learn my mind! You appear to know so much approximately this, such as you wrote the guide in it or something. I think that you simply could do with a few percent to force the message home a little bit, however other than that, this is wonderful blog. An excellent read. I’ll certainly be back.

  102. Hi there just wanted to give you a brief heads up and let you know a few of the images aren’t loading correctly. I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it in two different internet browsers and both show the same results.

  103. I’m truly enjoying the design and layout of your site. It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more pleasant for me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a developer to create your theme? Outstanding work!

  104. Hey there would you mind stating which blog platform you’re working with? I’m going to start my own blog in the near future but I’m having a tough time deciding between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal. The reason I ask is because your design seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for something completely unique. P.S Apologies for getting off-topic but I had to ask!

  105. whoah this blog is magnificent i love reading your posts. Keep up the great work! You know, a lot of people are hunting around for this information, you could help them greatly.

  106. Thanks for your helpful post. Through the years, I have come to be able to understand that the particular symptoms of mesothelioma are caused by the build up of fluid between your lining of your lung and the chest muscles cavity. The illness may start inside chest vicinity and distribute to other parts of the body. Other symptoms of pleural mesothelioma cancer include weight reduction, severe inhaling trouble, nausea, difficulty ingesting, and puffiness of the face and neck areas. It ought to be noted that some people with the disease will not experience virtually any serious indications at all.

  107. It’s perfect time to make some plans for the long run and it is time to be happy. I have read this post and if I may I want to suggest you few attention-grabbing issues or suggestions. Perhaps you could write next articles regarding this article. I desire to read more things about it!

  109. It抯 actually a cool and helpful piece of information. I am glad that you simply shared this helpful info with us. Please keep us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.

  110. It抯 actually a nice and helpful piece of info. I am glad that you shared this useful info with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.

  111. Good day! This is my first comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and say I truly enjoy reading your posts. Can you suggest any other blogs/websites/forums that cover the same topics? Thanks for your time!

  112. I also believe that mesothelioma is a unusual form of many forms of cancer that is commonly found in those people previously exposed to asbestos. Cancerous tissues form within the mesothelium, which is a protective lining that covers the majority of the body’s body organs. These cells normally form inside lining in the lungs, tummy, or the sac which actually encircles one’s heart. Thanks for expressing your ideas.

  113. Hello! I simply wish to give an enormous thumbs up for the nice info you have here on this post. I will likely be coming back to your blog for extra soon.

  114. Nice post. I be taught one thing tougher on different blogs everyday. It’s going to all the time be stimulating to read content from other writers and apply slightly one thing from their store. I抎 want to use some with the content material on my blog whether you don抰 mind. Natually I抣l give you a hyperlink in your net blog. Thanks for sharing.

  115. Hello there, I found your site via Google while looking for a related topic, your website came up, it looks good. I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.

  116. My husband and i were now fortunate when Albert managed to complete his studies out of the precious recommendations he was given while using the web page. It is now and again perplexing to simply choose to be giving out ideas which often other people could have been making money from. We really know we now have the writer to give thanks to for this. The main explanations you’ve made, the straightforward blog menu, the friendships you make it easier to create – it’s got many exceptional, and it is making our son and us consider that that article is interesting, and that’s incredibly essential. Thank you for the whole thing!

  117. Hey There. I found your weblog using msn. That is an extremely neatly written article. I抣l make sure to bookmark it and come back to read extra of your helpful info. Thanks for the post. I抣l definitely comeback.

  118. Wonderful work! This is the type of information that should be shared around the net. Shame on Google for not positioning this post higher! Come on over and visit my site . Thanks =)

  120. I have discovered some points through your blog post post. One other point I would like to mention is that there are various games on the market designed specifically for preschool age small children. They consist of pattern acceptance, colors, family pets, and forms. These generally focus on familiarization as an alternative to memorization. This will keep little kids engaged without experiencing like they are studying. Thanks

  121. I have read some good stuff here. Definitely worth bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how much effort you put to create such a wonderful informative website.

  122. You made some first rate points there. I regarded on the web for the difficulty and located most individuals will go along with along with your website.

  123. Awsome article and right to the point. I am not sure if this is in fact the best place to ask but do you folks have any ideea where to get some professional writers? Thx 🙂

  124. A lot of thanks for all of your effort on this blog. My mother delights in working on research and it is easy to see why. Most of us hear all concerning the compelling tactic you deliver insightful tricks on the blog and in addition invigorate participation from other ones about this concern so my princess is in fact understanding a whole lot. Take pleasure in the rest of the new year. You have been performing a great job.

  130. ) Jeg vil besøge igen, da jeg har bogmærket det. Penge og frihed er den bedste måde at ændre sig på, må du være rig og

  131. at web, except I know I am getting familiarity all the time by reading thes pleasant posts.|Fantastic post. I will also be handling some of these problems.|Hello, I think this is a great blog. I happened onto it;) I have bookmarked it and will check it out again. The best way to change is via wealth and independence. May you prosper and never stop mentoring others.|I was overjoyed to find this website. I must express my gratitude for your time because this was an amazing read! I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, and I’ve bookmarked your blog so I can check out fresh content in the future.|Hi there! If I shared your blog with my Facebook group, would that be okay? I believe there are a lot of people who would truly value your article.|منشور رائع. سأتعامل مع بعض هذه|

  132. Excellent post with lots of actionable advice! The examples provided make it easy to understand. This article is a treasure trove of information! I enjoyed reading this and learned something new. Thanks for taking the time to put this together! I’m bookmarking this for future reference. I’m definitely going to share this with my friends. I appreciate the detailed information shared here. I’ve been searching for information like this for a while.

  133. ) Znovu ho navštívím, protože jsem si ho poznamenal. Peníze a svoboda je nejlepší způsob, jak se změnit, ať jste bohatí a

  134. It contains fastidious material.|I think the admin of this website is actually working hard in favor of his site,

  138. Nice blog here! Also your site loads up very fast! What host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host? I wish my web site loaded up as fast as yours lol

  143. nenarazili jste někdy na problémy s plagorismem nebo porušováním autorských práv? Moje webové stránky mají spoustu unikátního obsahu, který jsem vytvořil.

  152. When I originally commented I clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get four emails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove me from that service? Thanks!

  153. Thanks for sharing superb informations. Your web-site is very cool. I’m impressed by the details that you have on this web site. It reveals how nicely you understand this subject. Bookmarked this web page, will come back for more articles. You, my friend, ROCK! I found just the information I already searched everywhere and just couldn’t come across. What a perfect site.

  157. When I originally commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get three emails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove people from that service? Bless you!

  161. Greetings from Los angeles! I’m bored to tears at work so I decided to browse your site on my iphone during lunch break. I enjoy the information you present here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home. I’m amazed at how quick your blog loaded on my mobile .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyhow, very good blog!

  162. This design is incredible! You definitely know how to keep a reader amused. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Great job. I really loved what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!

  167. This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I have joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your great post. Also, I have shared your website in my social networks!

  170. Hi i am kavin, its my frst tiume to commenting
    anyplace, when i read this piuece of writing i thohght i could
    alsoo create coomment ddue tto this brilliant piece of writing. https://aticfzco.ae/examine-o-site-de-apostas-20bet-o-app-que-oferece-uma-experiencia-desportiva-incomparavel-para-os-amantes-do-jogo-com-uma-variedade-de-competicoes-e-palpites/

  178. We stumbled over here coming from a different web page and thought I may as well check things out. I like what I see so now i am following you. Look forward to exploring your web page for a second time.

  184. My spouse and i got very joyous when John could finish off his investigations with the precious recommendations he gained in your blog. It is now and again perplexing to simply be giving for free facts which often the others could have been selling. And we also recognize we’ve got you to thank for that. All the illustrations you’ve made, the straightforward blog menu, the friendships you aid to create – it is most great, and it’s really making our son in addition to the family reason why that content is exciting, and that is seriously essential. Thank you for all!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *