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Cardiology12 papers

Panleukopenia

Last edited: 4/23/2026

Overview

Feline panleukopenia, caused by feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), is a highly contagious viral disease leading to severe systemic illness characterized by gastrointestinal, hepatic, and myocardial involvement, as evidenced by inclusion bodies in affected tissues 1.

Diagnosis

  • Clinical signs include lethargy, depression, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, and potentially myocarditis 1.
  • Histopathological examination revealing characteristic intranuclear and intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies in tissues such as intestine, liver, and myocardium aids in diagnosis 1.
  • Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing of fecal samples or other tissue samples is highly sensitive and specific for detecting FPV DNA 1.

    • Management

  • Supportive care is crucial, including fluid therapy to combat dehydration, nutritional support, and antiemetic treatment as needed 1.
  • Antibiotics may be administered prophylactically to prevent secondary bacterial infections 1.
  • There is no specific antiviral treatment for FPV; management focuses on mitigating symptoms and complications 1.

    • Special Populations

  • Kittens, especially those under 16 weeks of age, are particularly vulnerable to severe forms of the disease, including myocarditis 1.
  • No specific management differences noted for elderly cats or those with comorbidities based on provided abstracts 1.

    • Key Recommendations

  • Initiate supportive care including fluid resuscitation and nutritional support for all affected cats (Evidence: Expert opinion) 1.
  • Consider prophylactic antibiotic therapy to prevent secondary infections in critically ill patients (Evidence: Expert opinion) 1.
  • Use PCR testing for definitive diagnosis of feline panleukopenia virus infection (Evidence: Moderate) 1.

    • References

    1 Bestetti G, Zwahlen R. Generalized parvovirus infection with inclusion-body myocarditis in two kittens. Journal of comparative pathology 1985. link90043-x)

    Original source

    1. [1]
      Generalized parvovirus infection with inclusion-body myocarditis in two kittens. — Bestetti G, Zwahlen R Journal of comparative pathology (1985)
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