Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Although drug cocktails are currently helping humans with HIV from
developing full-blown AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome),
we have not yet made the same strides in veterinary medicine. The
good news is that FIV in cats usually does not progress to a debilitat-
ing, life-threatening condition.
How Cats Get Infected
FIV is another virus that is passed by direct cat-to-cat contact. It is most
commonly transmitted during cat fights when cats bite one another.
Not surprisingly, the highest incidence of FIV is found in stray, intact
male cats. It is rare for kittens to be infected with FIV, but it has been
documented. Most veterinarians are not worried about FIV in kittens
under the age of six months.
Diagnosing FIV
Good tests are available for detecting FIV in cats. Tests done in a vet-
erinary clinic can be completed in about 10 minutes, and the incidence
of false positives is lower than that for FeLV. If a cat fits the demographic
profile—outdoor and male—then a positive test is most likely truly
positive. One of the most popular in-clinic tests checks for FeLV and
FIV at the same time.To confirm a positive test, a test called a western
blot can be sent out to a lab.
Whereas FeLV makes cats very sick, FIV is comparatively subtle.
This is because cats have a relatively short life span, and it usually takes
many years for the virus to create life-threatening immune suppression.
Cats are diagnosed with FIV when they are tested as new additions to
a home or if a general blood panel is run that includes viral tests. FIV
is not typically suspected as a primary disease.
The Impact of FIV
FIV does not cause cancer the way FeLV can, but it does suppress a cat's
immune system. It usually is not a fatal disease, and there are few exter-
nal clinical signs. I have often been surprised when doing full blood
panels on cats as old as 18 years and to find a positive FIV test.
Cats infected with FIV will have a harder time fighting other infec-
tions. They need more supportive care and a longer course of antibiotics
when they have bacterial infections.They can handle anesthesia if needed,
and they can tolerate other routine health care. It is important to extend
treatments beyond normal durations when dealing with FIV-positive cats.
