Feline immunodeficiency virus

FIV integrates into the DNA of the animal's cells, leading to lifelong carriage and chronic infection. It targets immune system cells – primarily T-lymphocytes, macrophages, and monocytes – which gradually weakens the body's protective functions. This increases susceptibility to bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. In later stages, it can lead to tumor development and severe infectious diseases.

The main route of transmission is through infected saliva or blood during deep bites, which often occur during fights. Sometimes a single bite is enough, but more often, multiple bites are required for transmission.
Contact through shared care items or housing is considered low-risk for infection transmission.

The main and largest category at high risk of FIV infection is stray or free-roaming cats that compete with each other for food, territory, and mating. Unneutered male cats that show aggression deserve special attention.
Crowded housing conditions – such as in shelters or catteries – create ideal conditions for virus outbreaks and circulation. The risk of infection increases sharply when animals experience stress in these settings.
Among household pets, animals at risk include those without regular parasite treatments, with weakened immune systems and unbalanced diets, as well as donor animals.

Feline immunodeficiency virus is insidious because symptoms may be completely absent for a long time. The disease develops slowly, passing through several stages:

1. Acute stage: may go unnoticed. Possible short-term fever, swollen lymph nodes, diarrhea, anemia, and dermatitis.
2. Asymptomatic (latent) stage: the virus "sleeps" in the body. This is the longest and often least noticeable stage. The cat appears healthy, which makes timely detection of the disease difficult. This phase can last from several months up to 3-5 years. Duration depends on the virus type and pathogenicity, as well as the cat's age and immune status.
3. Terminal stage. The immune system gradually becomes unable to protect the body. Various viral and bacterial diseases (calicivirus, chlamydiosis, etc.), parasitic infections, inflammatory processes in the mouth (stomatitis, gingivitis), neurological disorders, and malignant tumors may develop.

• Chronic stomatitis and gingivitis (gum inflammation and damage to tooth roots)
• Persistent rhinitis and conjunctivitis; pneumonia is very rare
• Gastrointestinal disorders
• Kidney damage
• Slow-healing wounds and skin lesions typical of fungal and bacterial infections. During this period, conditions like demodicosis, dermatophytosis, toxoplasmosis, and others may become prominent
• Neurological signs (seizures, unsteady gait, behavior changes)
• Lethargy, loss of appetite, weight loss
• Fever
• Autoimmune conditions such as myelodysplasia (bone marrow changes that suppress blood cell production and may lead to cancer)

A diagnosis of Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is made comprehensively. The veterinarian considers the animal's history, clinical signs, and laboratory test results.

The main diagnostic method is detecting antibodies to Feline Immunodeficiency Virus in the animal's blood serum. This is typically done using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), though sometimes more precise PCR diagnostics are required.

Complete elimination (removal) of the virus from the body is not possible. An infected cat will remain a carrier of the virus for life.

Therefore, treatment of FIV in cats mainly focuses on managing and preventing secondary infections, improving the pet's quality of life, and extending its lifespan.

Such therapy includes:

• Antiviral products to control Feline Immunodeficiency Virus replication.
• Antibiotic therapy to manage complications. Veterinarians have various products at their disposal, including a range of effective products from NITA-FARM:
• Azitronit Solutab – an azithromycin-based product
• Synuxol-Nita – contains amoxicillin and clavulanic acid
• Amoxicillin 150 for dogs and cats – amoxicillin trihydrate
• Symptomatic treatment: anti-inflammatory products for stomatitis management, immunomodulators, and infusion therapy.

The prognosis for animals infected with Feline Immunodeficiency Virus is unfavorable. According to research data, about 18% of cats die within 5 years after infection, 18% develop a severe complicated form of the disease, and more than 50% remain asymptomatic for at least 2 years.
However, with a responsible owner and proper veterinary care, cats with FIV can live a long life – 5-10 years or more after diagnosis.

Most preventive measures focus on reducing the risk of infection:

• Prevent free roaming and contact with stray animals
• Isolate FIV-positive cats from healthy animals
• Neuter healthy male cats to reduce fighting and roaming tendencies; spay/neuter infected cats to prevent transmission to kittens
• Quarantine new animals in the household with mandatory FIV testing
• Exercise caution during breeding of pedigree animals
• Maintain strict sanitary and hygiene standards in shelters and catteries
• Ensure regular parasite control and scheduled vaccinations for all household animals – Milmax-Nita provides effective parasite protection for your pet from NITA-FARM (helps protect against a wide range of parasites)
• Annual preventive health check-ups for pets

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