Test descrption :
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a lentivirus that affects cats worldwide. From 2.5% up to 4.4% of cats worldwide are infected with FIV. It is transmitted from cat to cat primarily by bites and scratches, as the virus is shed in the saliva. Intimate contact through grooming, sharing food etc., does not spread the virus. FIV preferentially infects white blood cells which are an essential part of a cat’s immune system. The virus disables or destroys the white blood cells, and leaves its host susceptible to infections. Once a cat is infected with FIV it is infected for life and can transmit the virus if it bites another cat. FIV has three clinical stages. The initial acute stage occurs approximately four to six weeks after infection. It may manifest as, but is not limited to, a fever, swollen lymph nodes, a low white cell count or any combination of the above. Most cats survive this phase without treatment. The second phase is a period of relative normalcy lasting months to years. The third stage of the infection results from a progressive destruction of the white blood cells and dysfunction of the immune system. A variety of clinical syndromes may develop, waxing and waning for years or months until the cat succumbs. The most frequent finding is a chronic oral infection of the gums, cheeks or tongue. Cats may also acquire upper respiratory, eye, ear, or skin infections. Some cats may also show vague signs such as lethargy, fever, diarrhoea, poor hair coat,weight loss or inappetance and a small percentage may develop cancer. Diseases of internal organs like the liver, kidneys, brain, lung and eyes are also associated with FIV due to its immunosuppressive nature.
Enquiry
