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Enfermedades felinas
Feline Herpesvirus (FHV-1)
🐱 What You Need to Know
💡 Exposición y transmisión:
Alrededor del 90 % de los gatos están expuestos al FHV.
Se transmite a través de la saliva, las secreciones oculares o nasales.
Período de incubación: 2-5 días (los gatos son contagiosos incluso antes de que aparezcan los síntomas).
La fase activa de la enfermedad dura entre 10 y 20 días.
⚠️ Signos comunes de FHV:
Estornudos, secreción nasal
Letargo, fiebre, pérdida de apetito.
Inflamación/úlceras cutáneas (dermatitis)
Problemas oculares: parpadeo excesivo/entrecerrar los ojos
Puede provocar queratitis eosinofílica: inflamación crónica de la córnea.
🧬 Efectos a largo plazo:
No hay cura: el virus permanece en el organismo del gato de por vida.
Puede permanecer inactivo y reactivarse durante situaciones estresantes (por ejemplo, internados, viajes, nuevas mascotas).
💊 Opciones de tratamiento:
No hay cura, pero los síntomas pueden controlarse.
Antivirales o esteroides para los brotes
La L-lisina (suplemento de aminoácidos) puede ayudar a prevenir los brotes.
Se necesitarán medicamentos de por vida si se desarrolla queratitis eosinofílica.
🛡️ Prevención:
La vacunación no previene completamente la infección, pero reduce su gravedad.
Gatitos: comenzar alrededor de las 8 semanas, 2-3 vacunas.
Refuerzos: al cabo de 1 año, y luego cada 1-3 años.
Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is a virus that affects a cat’s immune system. It is often compared to HIV in humans because both viruses weaken the body’s ability to fight infection. However, FIV only affects cats and cannot be passed to people or other animals.
FIV is found worldwide and is one of the most common infectious diseases affecting cats.
When a cat becomes infected with FIV, the virus attacks the immune system. This can make it harder for the cat to fight off infections and illnesses. However, many FIV-positive cats remain healthy for years and can enjoy a normal quality of life.
¿Cómo se transmite el VIH felino?
The most common way FIV is spread is through deep bite wounds from an infected cat. For this reason, unneutered male cats that roam and fight are at the highest risk.
FIV is not usually spread through:
- Sharing food or water bowls
- Sharing litter trays
- Sleeping together
- Mutual grooming
- Casual contact between friendly cats
In rare cases, an infected mother cat may pass the virus to her kittens.
What are the signs of FIV?
Many cats show no signs of illness for months or even years after becoming infected.
As the virus gradually affects the immune system, some cats may develop:
- Recurring infections
- Poor wound healing
- Dental and gum disease
- Skin problems
- Eye infections
- Weight loss
- Persistent fever
- Behavioural or neurological changes
It is important to remember that these problems are often caused by secondary infections taking advantage of a weakened immune system, rather than by the virus itself.
How is FIV diagnosed?
FIV is usually diagnosed with a simple blood test that looks for antibodies to the virus.
A positive result means the cat has been exposed to FIV and is likely infected. Occasionally, further testing may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis.
Cats that are at risk of exposure, such as outdoor cats or cats with a history of fighting, should be tested regularly.
Can FIV be treated?
There is currently no cure for FIV. However, many FIV-positive cats can live long, comfortable lives with appropriate care.
Good management includes:
- Keeping the cat indoors or in a secure environment
- Providing a balanced diet
- Regular veterinary health checks
- Prompt treatment of any infections or illnesses
- Routine vaccinations and parasite control as recommended by your vet
Recent studies suggest that many FIV-positive cats can have life expectancies similar to those of uninfected cats, provided they receive good care and are not also infected with Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV).
Can FIV-positive cats live with other cats?
Because FIV is mainly spread through serious bite wounds, the risk of transmission between cats living peacefully together is very low. Many FIV-positive cats successfully share homes with FIV-negative cats without passing on the virus.
Each household is different, so owners should discuss their situation with their veterinarian before introducing cats.
Should an FIV-positive cat be adopted?
Absolutely.
Unfortunately, FIV-positive cats are often overlooked in shelters because people fear the diagnosis. In reality, many FIV-positive cats live happy, affectionate lives for many years.
With proper care, regular veterinary attention, and a safe home environment, an FIV-positive cat can make a wonderful companion.
FIV and human health
FIV cannot infect humans.
Although FIV is similar to HIV in the way it affects the immune system, it is a species-specific virus that only infects cats. There is no evidence that FIV can be transmitted to people.
Key points to remember
- FIV is a virus that weakens a cat’s immune system.
- It is mainly spread through deep bite wounds.
- It is not usually spread by sharing food bowls, litter trays, or through normal social contact.
- Many FIV-positive cats remain healthy for years.
- There is no cure, but good care can allow affected cats to live long and happy lives.
- FIV cannot be passed to humans.
Mitos comunes: ¡desmentidos!
Mito
Verdad
El VIH felino es una sentencia de muerte. ❌ Falso
Los gatos FIV+ pueden vivir tanto como otros gatos con los cuidados adecuados. ✅ Verdadero
El FIV es muy contagioso. ❌ Falso
El FIV se transmite principalmente a través de mordeduras profundas, no por contacto casual. ✅ Verdadero
Los gatos FIV+ no pueden vivir con otros gatos. ❌ No necesariamente.
Los gatos FIV+ pueden convivir pacíficamente con gatos FIV- si se llevan bien y no pelean. ✅ Verdadero
El FIV se transmite a través de los comederos o el aseo. ❌ Falso.
El FIV no se transmite al compartir comida, agua o al acicalarse. ✅ Verdadero
