What is Panleukopenia (a.k.a. “kitty distemper”)?
A…Panleukopenia is a potentially fatal feline disorder (caused by the parvo virus). The distemper (parvo, fvrcp) vaccine guards against the virus and it is crucial to complete the series to ensure your kitty is inoculated fully. While at Last Chance your kitty received at least one vaccination in the series. Symptoms can include lethargy (lack of energy), diarrhea, vomiting, high temperature, dehydration and anorexia. The virus is especially hard on the very young and the very old and has a very high mortality rate. Although all kitties available for adoption appear healthy, as with any cat there is a chance they have been exposed to a variety of viruses. Because the virus is particularly common in shelters it is crucial that your kitty be seen by a vet within 3 days of adoption and monitored closely at home to insure their health is progressing the way it should. Contact your primary care vet for additional information.
