Not all feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infected cats are the same. There are different stages of infection, different outcomes, and different disease manifestations. Some infected cats will go on to live a nearly normal lifespan while others may die within months to a few years.
Learn about the veterinary topic of Feline Leukemia Virus Disease. Find specific details on this topic and related topics from the MSD Vet Manual.
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Unfortunately, many FeLV-infected cats are not diagnosed until after they have lived with other cats. In such cases, all other cats in the household should be tested for FeLV.
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Cats with progressive FeLV infection are clinically and epidemiologically the most important ones to identify. These cats shed high numbers of FeLV particles and pose an infection risk to other cats. They should be kept separated from FeLV-naive companions, regardless of the health status of the FeLV-infected cat.
Furthermore, visual representations like the one above help us fully grasp the concept of Reciprocal Allelic Exclusion In Feline Leukemia.
To determine a cats FeLV infection status, following an initial FeLV positive test result, submit an EDTA whole blood specimen to IDEXX Reference Laboratories for the FeLV Antigen by ELISA with FeLV Quant RealPCRTM Test panel.
Cats with progressive FeLV infection have a decreased life expectancy, but they can be asymptomatic and have a good quality of life for many years. Cats with progressive FeLV infection and FeLV-associated lymphoma or bone marrow suppression have a grave prognosis.
