Feline immunodeficiency Virus

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Treatment
There is no cure for FIV. Since most FIV-infected cats die from secondary infections, one of the best things pet owners can do is to take measures to prevent secondary infections. Pet owners should protect a FIV-positive cat from exposure to infectious agents (i.e., bacteria, parasites) by keeping the cat

• away from other cats,
• indoors, and
• vaccinated against other viral diseases.

Medications
Many of the opportunistic infections that accompany FIV can be treated with antibacterial and antifungal medications, but as FIV progresses, the infections become more difficult to treat. Pet owners should be aware that antimicrobial drugs may be only moderately successful and must be used continuously to prevent new infections.

Most antiviral drugs are not effective at fighting FIV, although an immunomodulatory drug (a type of antiviral drug that targets the immune system) like interferon may help alleviate symptoms.

Some medications used to treat certain conditions in FIV-negative cats should not be used to treat FIV-positive cats because of potential complications. These include systemic corticosteroids, which can further weaken the immune system, and griseofulvin (a systemic antifungal medication), that can induce severe neutropenia (abnormal decrease in the number of circulating neutrophils, a type of white blood cell).

Third-Stage Therapies
Cats in the third stage of disease may require intravenous fluid therapy, blood transfusions, or high-calorie dietary supplements. Pet owners should discuss these options with their veterinarian.

Prevention

There is a vaccine to help prevent FIV infection; however, use of the vaccine is somewhat controversial. Other ways to help prevent transmission of FIV include the following:

• Neuter male cats. Neutered males are less aggressive and free roaming than non-neutered males, and their risk of contracting FIV is lower.
• Keep cats indoors at night.
• Report stray cats to the local animal shelter or animal control agency.

Feline immunodeficiency Virus Resources

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