Fighting Panleukopenia
Image credit: Heidi Schnarr
A few weeks ago, I received a number of cats on a transport from another rescue. One was a litter of five black cats who were originally an owner surrender. The cats had not been vaccinated (or, I suspect, otherwise much cared for) by their previous owner. They are actually from two litters born weeks apart and are now about six months old. They were very shy and scared and not eager for human interaction.
A few days after they arrived and letting them settle in, I pulled one cat out and found it was very lethargic, skinny, and had a very sore bottom. A friend took it to the vet for me as soon as we could get it in the next morning. Unfortunately this kitten had very little chance of survival and it was recommended that we euthanize the kitten. The total vet services for this kitten were over $600. The vet suspected Panleukopenia, also called feline distemper (what most cats are vaccinated for). She took blood from the kitten so that we could possibly learn more to help save the rest of the litter, and then we made the always very difficult decision to euthanize. We put the other four on an antibiotic and I immediately moved them in their kennels into the laundry room to isolate as much as possible from the other cats. I named them all because I felt sad the first one had died without a name.
After a few days of antibiotics, the tiniest cat remaining started breathing rapidly. Pneumonia was suspected, and I put that kitten on a stronger antibiotic. The vet also supplied me with some fluids to give at home. It’s a hard thing to sit alone at 11pm after a long day and hold a cat you aren’t sure will make it. I wanted them to experience all the love they deserved in whatever time of life they had left. Sometimes I couldn’t get all the subq fluid in the first time as the cats were wiggly and not used to human interaction.
I am happy to report that all four kittens have pulled through, gained weight, are eating well, and their stools are returning to normal. Panleukopenia is very contagious—it can be passed on from your clothing, shoes, water bowls and dishes and of course fecal matter. Several other cats in my household developed what appeared as a kitty cold (all have been vaccinated though I had some young kittens here who had not completed their course). There were nights when I worried, and one who had just returned from a spay stopped eating. I fed that one some kitten glop and baby chicken food by syringe. It is now eating normally and moving much more comfortably so I am hoping it was just pain from the surgery. I am relieved that all the cats and kittens in my care are going to make it.
I have ordered a cleaning spray that can be used on everything including fabrics and will kill panleuk. For the next several weeks at least, I cannot have any unvaccinated animals in my house. As everyone here is doing better, the little kittens will be adopted out this week and one adult is going out into foster, I can help by taking fully vaccinated adults who need out of a shelter environment. So I am pulling four cats from shelters who have some form of special needs—one is shy, one is scared, one is overweight, and one has a UTI. :) I suspect my other house cats will help with socializing these guys and maybe playing with the one that needs to lose weight.
The panleuk litter will get neutered and spayed within the next few weeks, and then be available for adoption. Your donations can help defray vet costs and ensure I can continue to provide the best care for the cats and kittens. The one with a urinary tract infection will require a special diet until that is cleared up. Thank you to everyone who volunteers: transports, fosters, donates, and shares the website. I also appreciate my local vet more than I can say.