Feline panleukopenia virus causes a devastating, often fatal disease in cats, particularly kittens, by destroying rapidly dividing cells including those of the intestinal lining and bone marrow.
Feline panleukopenia causes extreme suffering. The destruction of intestinal epithelium causes hemorrhagic diarrhea and the loss of the gut's protective barrier, allowing bacteria to enter the bloodstream causing sepsis. The white blood cell destruction leaves cats utterly unable to fight infection. Kittens with panleukopenia may go from healthy to moribund within 24 hours. The suffering during active disease is intense - vomiting, diarrhea, pain, profound weakness, and fever. Many kittens die despite aggressive treatment. The environmental stability of the virus means that shelters and catteries can become contaminated and cause repeated outbreaks. Vaccination provides excellent protection, making every unvaccinated cat's panleukopenia death preventable.