Feline Leukemia Cat Gum Disease

Although a cat in this state may show no signs of illness for several years felv related diseases such as anemia skin diseases and leukemia typically develop within two to three years.

Feline leukemia cat gum disease. If the infection is chronic it may cause bacterial infections in the blood which eventually leads to the damage of organs. Feline leukemia virus felv is one of the most common infectious diseases in cats affecting between 2 and 3 of all cats in the united states. The most commonly known causes of feline gingivitis are feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukemia. Asking questions such as this one what are the signs of feline leukemia is a sign that you as a cat owner have some fears your cat is sick and have this disease.

Infection rates are significantly higher up to 30 in cats that are ill or otherwise at high risk see below. Cat periodontal disease or gum disease in cats is an inflammation of some or all of a tooth s deep supporting structures. Periodontal disease is a gum disease that is common among cats. Some cats acquire this infection at a very young age by being born to an felv infected female cat others contract this disease through direct contact with saliva from an infected cat.

Diagnosis of the feline leukemia virus is complicated because there are several stages of the disease and because every cat handles the infection differently. Cats with progressive felv infection shed the virus in their bodily secretions including saliva and can infect other cats. Feline leukemia virus felv is second only to trauma as the leading cause of death in cats killing 85 of persistently infected felines within three years of diagnosis the virus commonly causes anemia or lymphoma but because it suppresses the immune system it can also predispose cats to deadly infections. When plaque formed from saliva and bacteria inside the mouth is left untreated it turns into a yellow layer known as tartar.

Feline gingivitis is a condition that causes inflammation of the gums and tooth problems in cats. Feline leukemia virus infection felv in cats. This viral infection is responsible for too many deaths in household cats affecting all breeds. It is one of the most common diseases in cats today.

For most cats a blood test will be conducted to detect the disease but for others bone marrow must be examined to confirm the infection. Feline leukemia virus felv is a disease that impairs the cat s immune system and can cause cancer. If food particles and bacteria are allowed to accumulate along a cat s gumline it can form plaque which when combined with saliva and minerals will transform into.