How to Treat Feline Distemper

Feline distemper has two main methods of treatment in clinical practice: specific treatment and supportive treatment. These two methods are usually used simultaneously. Specific treatment generally involves administering highly immunized serum against feline distemper virus and interferon, while supportive treatment requires the use of medication based on the specific symptoms of the cat. For example, when a cat exhibits symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea, it is necessary to inject medications to stop vomiting and bleeding. If electrolyte imbalance or dehydration occurs, it is necessary to replenish the cat's water intake promptly.

There is no specific drug for feline distemper virus infection in clinical practice, and treatment usually involves symptomatic management along with the use of interferon and feline distemper monoclonal antibodies for antiviral therapy. The specific treatment methods mainly include the following two types.

Specific Treatment

Specific treatment can include administering highly immunized serum against feline distemper virus and interferon under the cat's neck skin. The highly immunized serum provides antibodies to the cat, allowing its immune system to overcome the viral infection, while interferon inhibits virus replication.

Supportive Treatment

Supportive treatment mainly involves addressing specific symptoms of the cat, such as inflammation, preventing dehydration, hemorrhage control, vomiting suppression, energy supplementation, and electrolyte balance.

Note: The mortality rate of feline distemper is relatively high, and prevention is better than cure in clinical practice. If the cat is over two months old and in good health, it is advisable to take the cat to a pet hospital as soon as possible to receive the feline triennial vaccine, which can prevent infection with feline distemper virus.