When a cat is presented with gums that look like this it might have this virus and should be tested to know for certain.
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. Even though this virus acts similar to the AIDS virus in people, humans are not infected with FIV.
FIV preferentially infects white blood cells which are an essential part of a cat's immune system. The virus disables or destroys the white 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.
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.
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, 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 its immunosuppressive nature.
Our in-house test kit that checks for the FeLV also checks for the FIV virus. It is a screening test for the virus. If it comes back positive then a confirmatory test called the Western Blot test is needed to verify the diagnosis.
This same cat was postive on its Western Blot test to confirm that is has FIV.
Kittens less than 6 months of age that test positive for antibodies to the virus should be retested at 12 months of age since the antibodies they receive from their mother can interfere with the test, and give a false positive.
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.
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 attention, are mandatory for a good quality of life.
The best method of preventing FIV (this also applies to the FeLV) is to prevent exposure in the first place. Since there is no vaccine available at this time, 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.
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