A diagnosis of FELV (Feline leukemia virus) in cats can be a scary time as an owner. When your pet is unwell, it can be an extremely worrying and an uncertain time waiting for test results.
In-house testing for FELV allows us here at Pawsome Vets to make quick and informed decisions regarding your cat’s treatment depending on the test result.
Let’s explore 5 essential benefits of in-house FELV testing and why receiving either a positive or negative result can help to protect your cat’s health, as well as giving you peace of mind.
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What Is FELV In Cats?
FELV is a contagious virus that affects a cat’s immune system. This can put them at a high risk when it comes to fighting off infections and diseases due to the immune system not working properly.
Many cats that have FELV can stay healthy for years without showing any signs of illness, but serious health problems can occur at any point.
FELV is mainly spread by infected cats coming into close contact with others. The virus is contracted by sharing food and water bowls, bite wounds or even mutual grooming. Kittens can also become infected from their mother during pregnancy or after birth.
One of the best ways that we can find out whether a cat has FELV is to carry out a diagnostic blood test, as early signs of the virus can be non-existent.
What Are The Symptoms Of FELV In Cats?
Symptoms can vary greatly between cats and it all depends on the overall health of the cat. During the early stages of infection, many cats show little to no symptoms at all.
Symptoms tend to appear over time and can worsen due to the immune system being affected. Common symptoms of FELV can include:
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Pyrexia (fever)
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Pale gums
- Recurrent infections
- Lethargy
In some cases, FELV can lead to more serious conditions such as lymphoma (cancer) or severe immunosuppression.
However, the symptoms above can be due to a variety of problems and it does not necessarily mean that your cat has FELV. A blood test is needed to be able to confirm the diagnosis.
How Can You Test For FELV In Cats?
After a clinical exam, one of our vets will likely recommend a blood test to be performed if they are suspicious of FELV. The most common test is a rapid in-house screening that can give us results within minutes.
The test works by detecting the specific proteins from the FELV virus that can be found in your cat’s bloodstream if they are infected.
In some cases, we may need to send an external blood sample to a laboratory, but often your cat’s symptoms in conjunction with a rapid FELV blood test is enough to confirm the diagnosis.
5 Benefits of In-House FELV Testing
Here at Pawsome Vets, we are committed to offering you the best standard of care that we possibly can. Our rapid FELV testing service allows us to get reliable results quickly and easily.
Benefits of our In-House FELV testing include:
- Fast Results
Performing the test in house allows us to check for FELV and obtain a result within minutes. This means that in many cases, you won’t need to wait days for results from an external laboratory. - Immediate Peace Of Mind
Whether the result is positive or negative, you will know what the next step in the treatment plan will be. This can help with feelings of uncertainty and worry. - Quicker Understanding Of The Condition
Rapid results enable us to quickly put a treatment plan into place. If the result is negative, we can then begin further investigations as to why your cat is experiencing specific symptoms. - Reduced Stress For You And Your Cat
Minimising the waiting time for blood results means one thing. Less anxiety for you as an owner, as well as less stress for your feline friend. - Faster Protection For Other Cats
If your cat is diagnosed with FELV, we can help to reduce the risk of transmission to your other cats or those within the community.
How Long Does It Take For A Cat To Test Positive For FELV?
After a cat has been exposed to the FELV virus, it can take a while before the infection is able to be detected. Usually, 2 – 4 weeks after exposure cats will provide a positive result on in-house testing. In some cases, repeat testing may be required.
With our in-house testing, results are typically available within 10 – 15 minutes. This means that we can advise you of positive or negative results within the appointment or even on the same day.
How Long Do Cats Live With FELV?
A diagnosis of FELV can feel scary initially, but life expectancy can vary between different cats.
Unfortunately, some cats with FELV can only live for a few months, especially if they are significantly ill or have pre-existing health concerns.
However, many cats can live for many years after a diagnosis, especially if the virus is detected early. With supportive care, FELV positive cats can still enjoy a great quality of life.
Can FELV Be Vaccinated Against?
Yes, FELV is avoidable and cats can receive a FELV vaccination. The vaccination cannot treat the disease, but it reduces the risk of the cat becoming infected.
We recommended vaccinating all cats against FELV, even if they are indoor cats. This can provide them cover if a cat was to come into your home, or they were to escape.
We even have a useful healthcare plan, which includes all vaccinations, along with flea and worming treatment. This helps to reduce the cost of preventative healthcare by splitting it over the course of the year.
If you would like more information regarding the FELV vaccination, speak with one of our team on 01623 203529 who can advise you further.
Final Thoughts
Whilst a diagnosis of FELV can feel scary, early detection and quick decision making can make a big difference to your cat’s health.
In-House FELV testing allows our Pawsome team to offer fast, reliable and prompt treatment to your feline friends.
Whether the result is positive or negative, be rest assured that we will provide you with a clear treatment plan and talk you through the next steps.
If you are concerned about your pets health, our team is here to offer advice, help and ongoing support whenever you may need it.
