Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)

Introduction

The Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, also known as FIV, was discovered in California in 1986. It is transmitted from cat to cat primarily by bites, as the virus is shed in the saliva. Intimate contact through grooming, sharing food etc. does not spread the virus.  This disease is found worldwide. FIV is closely associated with FeLV- you should learn about both diseases if you have a cat.

FIV preferentially infects white blood cells which are an essential part of a cat's immune system. The virus disables or destroys the white blood cells, and leaves its host susceptible to infections. Once a cat is infected with FIV it is infected for life and can transmit the virus if it bites another cat.

Even though this virus acts similar to the AIDS virus in people, humans are not infected with FIV.

Cause

FIV is caused by a retrovirus called the lentivirus. It is similar to the retrovirus that causes FeLV in cats, and causes similar symptoms, particularly suppression of the immune system. It is also similar to the human AIDS virus, and is sometimes referred to as cat AIDS. There is no evidence that people can get AIDS from a cat that has FIV.

Only a small percent of cats in the U.S. are infected with this virus. One of the most prevalent methods of transmission is bite wounds in fighting cats, especially roaming males. Kittens can possibly pick up the virus in the uterus and while nursing.

This virus is easily killed by routine detergents and disinfectants.

Stages

FIV has three clinical stages. The initial acute stage occurs approximately four to six weeks after infection. It may manifest as, but is not limited to, a fever, swollen lymph nodes, a low white cell count or any combination of the above. Most cats survive this phase without treatment. The second phase is a period of relative normalcy lasting months to years. The third stage of the infection results from a progressive destruction of the white blood cells and dysfunction of the immune system.

Symptoms

A variety of clinical syndromes may develop, waxing and waning for years or months until the cat succumbs. The most frequent finding is a chronic oral infection of the gums, cheeks or tongue.

When a cat is presented with gums that look like this it might have this virus and should be tested to know for certain.

 

Cats may also acquire upper respiratory, eye, ear, or skin infections. Some cats may also show vague signs such as lethargy, fever, diarrhea, poor haircoat, weight loss or inappetance and a small percentage may develop cancer. Diseases of internal organs like the liver, kidneys, brain, lung, GI tract, and eyes are also associated with FIV due to it's immunosuppressive nature.

Diagnosis

We diagnose FIV the same way we diagnose every disease, using a thorough approach.

The approach to testing for FIV is similar to that of FeLV, and follows the recommendations of the American Association of Feline Practitioners and Academy of Feline Medicine Advisory Panel. Their testing recommendations are as follows:

The FIV status of every cat should be known

Yearly testing should be performed on every cat that goes outdoors or has exposure to an FIV positive cat

Every sick cat should be tested, regardles of previous test results

Every cat should be tested prior to entering a new household, whether or not they have other cats

When test results are negative but a recent exposure is possible (ex.-a cat that fights and has wounds). These cats should be tested at least 60 days after the last potential exposure to allow time for the cat's immune system to develop antibodies and show up as a positive test.

Our in-house test kit that checks for the FeLV also checks for the FIV virus. It is a screening test for antibodies to the virus. If it comes back positive then a confirmation test called the Western Blot test is needed to verify the diagnosis. On occasion false positives can occur, so this verification test is important. Kittens that have circulating FIV antibodies from nursing their mothers might also test positive. They will return to a negative state several months later, so they should be retested at 60 day intervals to make sure.

If the test comes back negative there is minimal chance a cat has FIV. Since it takes 2-3 months (at least) for antibodies to show up in the bloodstream once a cat gets infected by a bite wound, theoretically it is possible that this is going on when a cat is tested negative. Also, in the later stages of the disease when cats are actually showing severe symptoms the test can be negative. This is because the immune system is so depleted at this point that it can not make adequate antibodies to fight the disease, hence there are no antibodies circulating in the bloodstream for the test to detect.

This same cat was positive on its Western Blot test to confirm that is has FIV. Notice the age of this cat on the top line of the form.

Treatment

There is no medication that will kill this virus. Treatment is aimed at keeping the immune system as strong as possible and utilizing medication as needed. Fortunately, the disease progresses slowly, and cats can remain healthy for several years after being positively diagnoses. FIV positive cats that are not showing any of the associated signs of illness should be examined every 6 months at least. Routine blood panels, worm checks, and urine samples should also be performed every 6 months.

Treatment of FIV revolves around the organ or organs that are most affected. This means we routinely will use antibiotics and immune stimulators. Your doctor will let you know if this applies to your cat. Gum and mouth infections are treated by keeping the teeth clean and the use of oral antibiotics. As with any disease, good nutrition, routine preventive medical care, along with plenty of TLC, are mandatory for a good quality of life. There is no evidence that shows treating cats that are positive for the FIV test, but are not yet showing symptoms, is of any benefit on the health or longevity of these cats.

Since this disease suppresses the immune system in a manner similar to FeLV, therapy is similar. The same caveats apply to both diseases in the use of these medications. Treatment times for both FIV and FeLV cats tends to be longer than cats that don't have these viruses. In addition, the use of human AIDS medications have potential to help, but they have greater side effects and are considered experimental. Also, their cost precludes their use in most budgets.

These cats are also susceptible to food borne bacterial and parasitic diseases due to their immunosuppression, so do not feed them raw or unpasteurized foods.

All FIV positive cats should be kept indoors to prevent transmission to other cats.

Prevention

This virus will not survive long in the environment. Still, keeping your cats environment clean, and routinely using bleach to disinfect feeding bowls etc., makes sense.

Only introduce new kittens into your household if they are healthy, free of internal or external parasites, and are current on their vaccines. The best method of preventing FIV (this also applies to the FeLV) is to prevent exposure in the first place. FIV control is aimed at preventing exposure. It is best to keep cats indoors, neuter male cats to reduce fighting and avoid introducing stray cats into a household without prior FIV testing. Also, one should segregate FIV positive cats from uninfected cats.

A vaccine has recently been developed, and it is too soon to determine how well it works. A major disadvantage to the vaccine is the fact that a cat that gets the vaccine will test positive on the FIV test.

Article courtesy of LBAH