What is used to detect feline distemper?

Nowadays, pet hospitals usually use colloidal gold test papers to detect feline distemper virus. The detection process involves collecting eye, nose, and mouth secretions, as well as a small amount of feces, with a cotton swab, and dissolving them in the corresponding diluent. The sample is then absorbed into a corresponding pipette and dropped into the groove of the test paper board, with 3-4 drops being sufficient. The timer starts after sample addition. If two lines appear within 10 minutes, it indicates infection with the feline distemper virus. If only one line appears within 10 minutes, it means that the sample tested does not contain feline distemper virus.

**Why do cats get distemper?

Feline distemper is an acute contact infectious disease caused by a parvovirus. The reasons that cats become infected with feline distemper include: cats that have not been vaccinated or have not received vaccinations on time, and cats with low antibody titers are more susceptible to distemper; cats with incomplete vaccinations or low antibody levels are prone to distemper; cats with long-term poor diet, weakness, and poor resistance are susceptible to distemper; dirty, messy, and humid living environments also make cats more susceptible to distemper; cats that often interact with wild cats or sick cats are easily infected by sick cats.

Feline Distemper Symptoms

The incubation period of feline distemper is 2-9 days, and the clinical symptoms are related to age and virus virulence. Cats with the disease will show signs of lethargy, anorexia, persistent vomiting, yellow-green vomit, and sticky secretions in the mouth, eyes, and nose. When diarrhea occurs, it indicates that the animal is in the late stage of the disease. The stool is bloody, severely dehydrated, anemic, and the condition can be life-threatening in severe cases.

How to Treat Feline Distemper

The main symptoms of feline distemper are vomiting and diarrhea, so drugs should be used according to the symptoms. If there is vomiting, anti-vomiting drugs such as Metoclopramide are needed, along with intestinal anti-inflammatory treatment, such as Cephalexin or Meropenem, which have good anti-inflammatory effects. However, it also depends on which drugs the cat is sensitive to. If the cat has severe vomiting and diarrhea, it requires administration of amino acids and high-energy glucose to support the treatment and alleviate dehydration.