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Question about Feline Distemper?

post #1 of 6
9/20/11 at 11:06pm
Thread Starter 
Hi everyone, I'm new to this forum. I have a bunch of questions about feline distemper and I thought maybe some of you might have some good advice for me

Here's what happened: Last week we adopted a kitten from an animal shelter and a few days after we brought him home he died of feline distemper (we called the shelter and found out that his litter mates also died of the disease on the same day). It was so sad

We have a six year old male cat that came in contact with this kitten while it was here. He's been vaccinated for distemper, recently in fact, a little over a month ago and before that too. But, my question is, could he still get the distemper?
We are in the process of disinfecting anything we can with bleach, especially the bathroom where the kitten stayed most of the time. But what about the things that can't be disinfected with bleach, like carpets, furniture, and hard wood floors? What should we disinfect those with?

Also, we're planning on getting another kitten in the next month or so, will it be safe for another kitten if everything is disinfected and it has it's first vaccinations?

Thanks for any help, it's very much appreciated
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post #2 of 6
9/21/11 at 12:52am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hobocat View Post
Hi everyone, I'm new to this forum. I have a bunch of questions about feline distemper and I thought maybe some of you might have some good advice for me

Here's what happened: Last week we adopted a kitten from an animal shelter and a few days after we brought him home he died of feline distemper (we called the shelter and found out that his litter mates also died of the disease on the same day). It was so sad

We have a six year old male cat that came in contact with this kitten while it was here. He's been vaccinated for distemper, recently in fact, a little over a month ago and before that too. But, my question is, could he still get the distemper?
We are in the process of disinfecting anything we can with bleach, especially the bathroom where the kitten stayed most of the time. But what about the things that can't be disinfected with bleach, like carpets, furniture, and hard wood floors? What should we disinfect those with?

Also, we're planning on getting another kitten in the next month or so, will it be safe for another kitten if everything is disinfected and it has it's first vaccinations?

Thanks for any help, it's very much appreciated
Well first of all I am very sorry for the loss of your kitten . I do wish the shelter staff would have told you about the kittens litter mates dying of distemper. It is also very important the shelter staff has testing done on kittens for distemper before placing them up for adoption. Please make sure the next kitten you adopt has been tested for distemper .

Okay with all the cleaning you are doing and waiting a month or so your new kitten will likely be fine being around the items the other kitten was on/near.

Even though the virus itself can live for a very long time (up to a year I believe) in the environment. Almost all cats in a shelter/indoor-outdoor cats are/have been exposed to the virus. It only causes a problem when the cat/kittens immune system can not "fight off the virus".

It is more common for the virus kill young cats/kittens. So your older cat already has some natural immunity. Plus getting the vaccine makes it unlikely he will become ill.

But if you are concerned speak to a licensed veterinarian you trust. Hope that was somewhat helpful. If you need any clarification please ask .
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post #3 of 6
9/21/11 at 8:01am
Is there really a test for Panleukopenia? I've never heard of a routine test for it, just the one they run when it's suspected in a sick cat. Probably most shelters can't afford to test all kittens. And would the cat test positive if he wasn't showing symptoms yet?

I'm sorry to hear about your kitten . I think that if you're going to bring a new kitten in, you should wait until he's had at least 2 sets of vaccines, and is somewhat older (12 weeks +). A baby kitten's immune system wouldn't be strong enough yet. I agree that your older kitty should be fine.
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post #4 of 6
9/21/11 at 8:24am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Willowy View Post
Is there really a test for Panleukopenia? I've never heard of a routine test for it, just the one they run when it's suspected in a sick cat. Probably most shelters can't afford to test all kittens. And would the cat test positive if he wasn't showing symptoms yet?
There two forms of "testing" for Panleukopenia in my experience.

One is a young kitten/cat with some of/all of these clinical signs: diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration and, fever. Along with LOW leukocyte (white blood cell) count. The lack of leukocytes can be found if the veterinarian looks under a microscope at a blood sample.

Another far simpler way to test for Panleukopenia is to use the Parvo test for canines that is present in most veterinarians offices. Yes it is a different virus and species but it still works.

Here are some websites for you to look at: http://www.2ndchance.info/panleukopenia.htm, http://www.2ndchance.info/panleuk-Abd-Eldaim2009.pdf .
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post #5 of 6
9/21/11 at 2:40pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks for the information, it really puts my mind at ease ^^ We will definitely make sure that our next kitten is older and has his first shots before we bring him home. But that won't be for another month, or whenever our vet brings in another litter of kittens

Thanks again,

Hobo and Shannon
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post #6 of 6
9/21/11 at 3:05pm
I very strongly to encourage you to get an adult, or at least an older kitten. Younger kittens (under 4 months or so) have less immunity to distemper. Be sure they've had a FULL series of distemper shots.
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