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Feline distemper (panleukopenia) is a highly contagious viral disease. Althugh it occurs most often in kittens under 6 months of age, cats of any age may become infected. The death rate is highest in young kittens and old cats.
Signs develop 2 to 3 days after exposure to the virus. The disease runs its course in 2 to 14 days. Severe diarrhea is the most consistent sign of the disease, but fever, lack of appetite, vomiting, dehydration, and profound depression are also common. Affected cats often develop secondary pneumonia because the virus severely depresses the cats resistance to other illness.
Cta become infected by direct contact with an infected cat or its bodily secreations, especially feces. The virus survivies in the environment for long periods, so a cat may become infected merely by visiting an area where an infected cat has been. Cta that contract the virus during pregnancy pass it to their kittens in the uterus. These kittens may be born with a brain defect.
All kittens should be vaccinated for panleukopenia.
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