Yes — feline panleukopenia and feline distemper are the same disease. The terms are used interchangeably to describe a highly contagious and often fatal viral illness in cats caused by the feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), which is a parvovirus.
🐾 Key Facts
- Same disease, different names:
- Feline panleukopenia is the scientific name.
- Feline distemper is the common name used by pet owners and veterinarians.
- Cause: Feline parvovirus (FPV), closely related to canine parvovirus.
- Affected systems: Gastrointestinal tract, bone marrow, and immune system.
- Severity: Often fatal in kittens and unvaccinated cats; sudden death can occur.
- Transmission: Through contact with infected cats, bodily fluids, contaminated objects (bowls, litter boxes), or even human hands and clothing.
- Prevention: Vaccination is highly effective and essential for protection.
🔬 Symptoms
- High fever
- Lethargy and depression
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting and diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
- Severe dehydration
- Sudden death in kittens