Treatments for Feline Leukemia and Anemia

Feline leukemia is a retrovirus that is transmitted through saliva or nasal secretions among cats. The illness presents a variety of symptoms, the first of which are often loss of appetite and anemia. The first vaccine became available in 1985. Anemia, a lack of red blood cells, is a serious roadblock with treatment, and must be dealt with before handling the leukemia.

  1. Lymphocyte T-Cell Immune Modulator

    • Lymphocyte T-Cell Immune Modulator is one treatment for feline leukemia and also alleviates some associated symptoms, including anemia. The treatment regulates lymphocyte production and increases the numbers of healthy lymphocytes. The treatment is injected under the skin and given once a week for four weeks. The following doses are usually administered on a monthly basis, and vary on the cat's response to the first round. In studies, response time was as little as a few weeks, but varies depending the cat's health and immune system.

    Interferon

    • Interferon is a drug with anti-tumor effects. The drug is given orally for seven days every other week and is usually administered for the rest of the cat's life. The drug is most effective when the animal is older than nine weeks, and treatment must begin while the cat is still in the nonlethal stages. The drug can be purchased from a veterinarian, and dosages vary depending on body weight.

    Anemia Treatment

    • Anemia is a deficiency of red blood cells, causing the body to receive a reduced amount of oxygen. It is a common side effect of feline leukemia, and the effects of long-lasting anemia include heart and brain damage as well as damage to other vital organs. If left untreated and severe enough, the condition can cause death. The disorder can make treatment of the leukemia less effective, and should be treated with or prior to any other medications being administered. Several options are available, including blood transfusions for acutely ill animals or use of antibiotics and glucocorticoid steroid such as prednisolone.