What Is Feline Leukemia?

Feline leukemia is a viral infection caused by FeLV that weakens a cat's immune system, making them more susceptible to other diseases like anemia, infections, and cancer. The virus spreads through saliva, blood, and grooming, and affected cats may test positive within months, with some becoming lifelong carriers.

Cats infected with FeLV often suffer from recurrent health issues due to their weakened immune systems. Common symptoms include weight loss, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and pale gums from anemia. At Hero Veterinary, we use advanced diagnostic tools like ELISA and IFA blood tests to diagnose FeLV early. With early detection and management, the progression of the disease can be slowed. Without proper care, however, up to 90% of infected cats may succumb within three years.

Diagnosing feline leukemia begins with an ELISA test to detect viral antigens in the blood. Additional tests like PCR or IFA are used to confirm the diagnosis. If the initial test is negative, it is recommended to retest after 30 days, as early infection may not be detectable.

Accurate diagnosis requires comprehensive screening at clinics like Hero Veterinary, which uses advanced diagnostic tools. While snap tests catch up to 85% of cases, further analysis—such as bone marrow tests—helps confirm regressive carriers. False negatives can occur in early stages, so it is essential to pair the test with physical exams to check for symptoms like swollen lymph nodes or anemia. Hero Veterinary's extensive global network ensures fast, reliable results for accurate diagnoses.

While no cure exists for FeLV, treatment focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life. This includes antibiotics to treat secondary infections, fluids to prevent dehydration, and blood transfusions for severe anemia. For lymphoma cases, chemotherapy may be administered, and antivirals like interferon are sometimes used. At Hero Veterinary, our multimodal approach involves a combination of therapies that can help extend the median survival time for FeLV-positive cats to 1-2 years. Our expert team develops individualized care plans that include appetite stimulants, nutritional support, and pain management. Emerging therapies, such as immunomodulators, can also help reduce viral loads, especially in regressive infections.