Feline Distemper Symptoms

General Feline Distemper Symptoms:

Generally, feline distemper symptoms appear to be sub clinical (no visible distemper signs). In most cases, kittens may die without showing any signs and symptoms. Fever is an initial sign of feline distemper; with an elevation of the body temperature to104 – 107 degrees Fahrenheit. When cats are under 1 year of age, they are more likely to get distemper with symptoms such as anorexia (avoidance of food) and depression. During the first 2 days of the disease, distemper symptoms include depression and fever, which is often accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea. The cause of the vomiting has nothing to do with food, and is more a symptoms of the disease.

Severe dehydration is caused by the diarrhea and vomiting. Cats may sit next to their water bowls for hours but do not drink. They may also appear to be depressed. Deviation of body temperature due to dehydration results in hypothermia and in the most terminal of cases, septic shock is possible. Death may occur in kittens in first 5 days of the disease. Death in adult cats is usually due to septic shock or intra vascular coagulation in the blood vessels.

Systemic Feline Distemper Symptoms:

Cats who are under one year of age often have feline distemper symptoms that affect the gastrointestinal system and circulatory system as indicated below. Signs of nervous system problems may also be seen, particularly in kittens. Pregnant queens if are affected, will most likely have severe reproductive complications.

• Gastrointestinal System; Diarrhea and vomiting are two main signs of distemper associated with the gastrointestinal system. Affected cats may vomit due to severe stimulation of the gastric and intestinal epithelial nerves, which are the nerves that line the intestines. Intestinal linings appear hemorrhagic on autopsy, which means an escape of blood from the vessels. Vomiting in feline distemper is not associated with eating or drinking.
  
  Diarrhea results from reduced activity in the intestines and reduced absorption capacity. Anorexia, or avoidance of food, is another symptom associated with problems in the gastrointestinal system. In the initial stages of the disease, cats refuse to each. Cats also experience severe abdominal pain which is found when a veterinarian palpitates (feels) the abdomen. Reduced gastrointestinal activity results in dehydration, which is sometimes a fatal symptom.
  
  
• Circulatory & Lymphatic System; Panleukopenia itself refers to a reduced number of white blood cells (WBC) in the lymphatic tissues, which reduces the effectiveness of the immune system. With reduced immunity, infections, such as bacterial infections and lethargic behavior can set in. Immune system problems can persist during the cats entire life, even after recovery from the panelukopenia infection.
  
  Intravascular coagulation (blood clots) in the last stages of distemper in cats is another symptom associated with the circulatory system. The vascular fluids coagulate in the vessels causing severe blockages and problems in cellular physiology (the way cells function), which leads to death.
  
  
• Nervous and Ophthalmic System; Kitten distemper symptoms may include nervous system problems including a lack of coordination and ataxia (lack of muscle coordination). New born kittens may show a lack of coordination and persistent lifelong nervous system problems. Kittens may develop problems in the retina of the eye. Retinal dysplasia (problem of retinal and photoreceptor cells in the eye) and degeneration is common. This can also become a lifelong problem after healing from the virus itself.
  
  A pregnant queen, if are affected, and then recovers from feline panleukopenia, may still suffer with an abortion and embryonic mummification.

Symptomatic Treatment of Feline Distemper

Severe dehydration is the main concern in feline panleukopenia. It is treated with vigorous intravenous (IV) infusion of a balanced isotonic solution, which may be Ringer’s lactate solution containing calculated potassium supplements. The addition of a 5% glucose and vitamin B complex is highly recommended for hypoglycemia (reduced glucose level in blood) and for physiological enhancement. Oral administration of nutrients and water should be restricted as it may cause vomiting and irreversible cellular damage in gastrointestinal tract.

Anti–emetics or drugs used to control vomiting can be added to the infusion to control vomiting, similarly di-metronedazole is very effective in controlling diarrhea.

Antibiotics are recommended for secondary bacterial infections, but should only be used once dehydration is controlled; gentamycin e.g. should never be administered in dehydrated animals.

There is also a homeopathic remedy available for cats that is specifically formulated for panleukopenia. Panleuk-Free, contains ingredients that target the various problems associated with distemper symptoms including Ferrum phos. (inflammation), Arsen alb. (gastric disorders), Phosphorus (digestive health, exhaustion)and Baptisia (fatigue). Clinical support and additional information is available from the manufacturers site which can be reached via the link above.

References:

The Merck/Merial Manual for Pet Health (Home Edition) 

Veterinary Clinician Manual (Royal Publishers UK. 1994)