• Home
  • About
    • About Us
    • Meet the Team
    • Testimonials
  • Services
  • Online Store
  • Client Resources
    • Clinic Forms
    • Specials/Promos
    • Payment Options
    • Useful Links
    • Boarding
    • Grooming
    • Puppy Information
  • Contact Us
  • 614-888-5170 Request an Appointment
  • Home
  • About
    • About Us
    • Meet the Team
    • Testimonials
  • Services
  • Online Store
  • Client Resources
    • Clinic Forms
    • Specials/Promos
    • Payment Options
    • Useful Links
    • Boarding
    • Grooming
    • Puppy Information
  • Contact Us

Vet Articles

Vet Articles

Vet Articles

Feline Distemper

Feline Distemper

What is Feline Distemper?

Also known as FPV and Feline Panleukopenia, Feline Distemper is a highly contagious viral disease that can be debilitating and even fatal. Kittens aged between 2 and 6 months are the most vulnerable to the disease, followed by pregnant and immune-compromised cats. Surviving FPV comes with immunity to any further infections by the virus.
 

What causes FPV?

The FPV virus is mainly transmitted through direct contact with the blood, feces or urine of an infected cat. It can also be spread by fleas that have been feeding on a contaminated cat. Humans can inadvertently pass FPV after handling the equipment used by contaminated cats if they do not follow proper handwashing protocols. The virus can live on surfaces for up to a year and is resistant to the majority of cleaning products except for household bleach.

FPV attacks the blood cells of an infected cat and in particular those in the bone marrow and intestinal tract. If the infected cat is pregnant, the virus will also attack the stem cells of the unborn kitten. Additionally, FPV makes your pet more vulnerable to other viral and bacterial diseases.
 

Symptoms of FPV

The primary symptoms of FPV include but are not limited to:
 

  • Anemia

  • Dehydration

  • Depression

  • Diarrhea (may be blood-stained)

  • High temperature

  • Loss of appetite

  • Rough coat

  • Vomiting
     

Other symptoms include lack of coordination, hiding away from owners, tucking feet away, or resting the chin on the floor for prolonged periods.

Feline Distemper

Diagnosis

Diagnosing FPV can be tricky as many of the symptoms that present themselves can be indicative of a wide range of illnesses, such as pancreatitis or poisoning. Therefore, it is necessary to perform a combination of tests in order to give an accurate diagnosis.

These tests can include but are not limited to:

  • Biochemical profiling

  • Blood tests

  • Physical examination

  • Urine analysis
     

You will also be asked to provide a comprehensive history of the health of your pet as well as the progression of any symptoms they have displayed. You may also be asked to provide samples of other bodily fluids.
 

Treatment

There is no cure for FPV itself, but it is possible to treat the primary and most life-threatening complications of the virus which is dehydration. Your cat will be immediately started on intravenous fluid therapy to bring their hydration levels up and restore the balance of electrolytes in their system. Antibiotics may also be prescribed in order to prevent the onset of any infections that your cat may be vulnerable to.
​
If treatment begins within the first 48 hours of contracting the virus, the survival rate is substantially higher.
 

Prevention is better than cure!

As with most illnesses, prevention is almost certainly better than cure. Vaccinations against FPV can begin when kittens are around 8 weeks of age. They should then receive booster vaccinations at 12 weeks and 16 weeks.

If you are bringing home an older cat, check with the shelter or current owner when it last had an FPV vaccination. If you have any doubts, consult with your veterinarian to ensure that your pet is on the correct vaccination schedule.
 

Ongoing Care

Cats that are recovering from FPV should be kept in isolation for several weeks with their litter tray, food, and water all nearby. Your cat will also need plenty of love and affection, so ensure that you adhere strictly to thorough hand washing protocols to avoid unintentionally spreading the virus.

Surviving the Feline Distemper means your cat will be immune if it comes into contact with the virus in the future.

Request Appointment Request Appointment
Online Shop Online Shop

Helpful Articles

  • Dogs
    • Canine Distemper
    • Canine Parvovirus
    • Picking Your Perfect Puppy
  • Cats
    • Feline Distemper
    • Picking Your Perfect Cat
  • Health
    • Dental Hygiene and Oral Care
    • Euthanasia
    • Feeding Your Pet
    • Flea Prevention and Care
    • General Pet Safety
    • Heartworm
    • Heat Stroke Awareness
    • Pet Grooming
    • Pet Obesity
    • Recognizing An Ill Pet
    • Seasonal Care
    • Ticks
    • Vaccinations and Examinations
  • General
    • Bringing Your Pet Home
    • Pets and Kids
    • How to Adopt
    • Traveling with Your Pet
    • Training Your Pet
    • Finding A Reputable Breeder
  • Large Animals
    • Equine Castration
    • Equine Dentistry
    • Equine Endoscopy
    • Equine Lameness Evaluation

24 Hour Emergency Service

You may contact:
MedVet Medical & Cancer Center for Pets
​​​​​​​(614) 846-5800

VEG Dublin
(380) 235-6233

TESTIMONIALS

There is no other place in this world that I would take my animals to! the staff here is intelligent, caring, and personalizes every recommendation to your animals specific needs. We have been going here for 20 years and will continue to come here! they are the absolute best.
SN
Sam Nicole
​​​​​​​
span widget
Quality, experienced staff. You can tell not only that these folks love what they do for a living, but that they love your pet as well. Would highly recommend to any pet owner.
MC
Mark C.
​​​​​​​
span widget
I highly recommend Dr. Truesdale and this clinic. I took my cats here for two years, until I moved out of the area and they took great care of them!
NP
Nettie P.
​​​​​​​
span widget
​​​​​​​

Contact Information

2133 W. Dublin-Granville Rd
Worthington, OH 43085

Phone : 614-888-5170
Fax : 614-888-1068
​​​​​​​Mon to Fri: 8:00am - 5:15pm
Sat: 8:00am - 12:00pm
Sun: Closed
span widget

Promotions

© 2025 Linworth Animal Hospital - All Rights Reserved
Sitemap   |  Powered by    powered by Roya.com

Send Us A Message

Form submitted successfully!
You are missing required fields.
Dynamic Error Description
There was an error processing this form.

Request Appointment

Complete the form below and we will get back to you to confirm your schedule.
Form submitted successfully!
You are missing required fields.
Dynamic Error Description
There was an error processing this form.

Login


Forgot Password?

OR

Sign in with Facebook Sign in with Google


Looking to create an account ?
Already have an account? Login

Save Search


Saved Searches

Modal title

One fine body…

Update Profile