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| | ==Description== | | ==Description== |
| − | '''Feline Parvovirus''', is from the family Parvoviridae, and is also known as '''feline infectious enteritis''' (FIE) or '''feline panleukopenia'''. It is a non-enveloped virus, capable of persisting for long periods of time in the enviroment.
| + | Feline panleucopenia is a viral infection of cats caused by feline parvovirus (FPV). Feline parvovirus is a small, non-enveloped, single-stranded DNA virus of one serotype only, that is closely related to canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2). In order to replicate, FPV must infect dividing cells, and so tissues with a high mitotic rate undergo actue cytolysis. FPV is very stable in the environment and may survive for years on infected premises. It is also highly contagious. |
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| − | It infects the lymph nodes of the oropharynx and the nasopharynx, and the spreads to other tissues. It infects and kills actively replicating cells. Kittens are most susceptible, but unvaccinated older cats can also become infected.
| + | Feline panleucopenia takes its name from the severe depletion of leucocytes thats results from FPV infection. As well as targeting immune cells, FPV destroys the cells of the intestinal crypts causing enteritis, villous atrophy and malabsorption. ''In utero'' infection of foetuses can occur, leading to foetal death, resorption, mummification, abortion or stillbirth. In neonatal kitten the retinal cells of the eye and the granular cells of the epithelium are rapidly dividing. Infection of these by FPV causes permanent retinal dysplasia and cerebellar hypoplasia. |
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| − | Feline Parvovirus kills the stem cells of the villi. The villi tip cells turnover normally but are not being replaced, leading to stunted villi and malabsorption.
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| − | Clinical signs include pyrexia, severe enteritis (often bloody), dehydration, leukopenia, and anemia.
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| − | Severe [[Control of Feeding - Anatomy & Physiology#The Vomit Reflex|vomiting]] and [[Diarrhoea|diarrhoea]] may also occur. This is often thin, watery and foul-smelling, but may also be blood-tinged.
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| − | Neonatal kittens less than 2 weeks show cerebellar hypoplasia. This leads to problems with coordination and balance.
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| − | The virus targets rapidly dividing cells: lymph nodes, bone marrow, crypts of small intestine. The breakdown of lymphoid tissue leads to a decreased white blood cell count, and destruction of lymphoid and myeloid stem cells.
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| − | Animals who have contracted the virus usually die despite treatment, due to the extensive dehydration.
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| − | Infection may be via '''direct contact''' or by '''fomites'''. Subclinical infection may also occur. | |
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| | ==Signalment== | | ==Signalment== |