Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV)
FeLV (Feline Leukaemia Virus) has become one of the most important viruses affecting the cat world. At least 10% of the cats in the UK are believed to be carrying the virus. The virus is contagious, spreading between cats by direct contact (mutual grooming, bites, sexual contact etc.) and by indirect contact (food bowls, litter trays etc.). In addition, infected mothers infect their kitten before or after birth.
A large percentage of cats that contract the virus will develop the disease. The disease can take various forms:
- Lymphosarcoma (a glandular cancer)
- Leukaemia (blood cell cancer)
- Anaemia
- Immunosurpression (hence death due to other infections)
- Kidney failure
- Enteritis
Cats that contract the virus and subsequently develop the disease always die, although in some cases survival can be prolonged by chemotherapy.
A major breakthrough in the control of FeLV has been the development of "Leucogen" a vaccine that protects against FeLV. The vaccine is available at Animed and, like the flu/enteritis vaccine, is given as a primary course of two injections, three weeks apart. The vaccine can be given at the same time as flu/enteritis vaccines. The vaccine will not protect cats that are already infected at the time of vaccination. A blood test can be done to identify carriers (infected cats not showing signs of disease) prior to vaccination but this is not essential as vaccination of carriers does no known harm. Widespread vaccination will reduce the level of virus in the cat population making it a safer world for all cats.
Essential fatty acids, particularly the omega-3 fatty acids, drastically reduce the growth of cancer cells by preventing them from dividing. The best source of well-balanced essential fatty acids is flax oil. If supplementing your pet's diet with flax oil, it must be the first cold pressed type, unheated and sold, refrigerated, in dark glass bottles. Always store flax oil in your fridge, and ask for details of how much to give. Do not be afraid to give essential fats to an overweight pet. Provided that they are raw and unprocessed, and given in the recommended amounts, you will not cause weight gain.
A food supplement called Pet Plus is available which delivers high levels of essential fatty acids, antioxidants and phytochemicals, made from raw plant ingredients. It also contains wheatgrass, which is a powerful cancer fighter. It is available from our Arundel Street surgery and for all pets not currently taking this product, I strongly recommend that they go onto it immediately. Combined with the other dietary changes you implement, it will give your pet the best possible chance of fighting the disease.
Clean water to drink
All cancer patients should receive clean, unchlorinated water to drink. Tap water in this area contains high levels of chlorine and should be avoided. Use filtered water wherever possible. Milk is out, it is unnecessary and can feed cancer.
In summary, in addition to surgery, a lot can be done to help your pet and protect him/her in the future. By following the above guidelines, which are all medically proven and backed up by extensive research, you can dramatically improve your pet's chances of recovery and greatly improve quality of life.
FeLV is a different virus to FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) a similarly devastating virus. Infection by FIV, however, along with other cat infections, is made more likely in the presence of FeLV.
In summary we recommend all cats are vaccinated against FeLV. This is a requirement of many catteries.