Homeopathic Remedy for Cat Panleukopenia

Feline panleukopenia, also called cat distemper, feline parvovirus and FPV, is a highly infectious, life-threatening viral disease. According to Dr. Lila Miller, D.V.M., on the Petfinder.com website, mortality rates for cats with panleukopenia are estimated at close to 90 percent. Cats that survive usually do so due to good supportive care. If your cat has feline panleukopenia, he needs to be treated by a medical veterinarian. Some owners turn to homeopathic medicine to relieve their cat's symptoms; consult with your veterinarian to see if this is an option for your cat.

  1. Panleukopenia Features

    • Although panleukopenia is more common in kittens, it can strike unvaccinated cats of any age. Symptoms include vomiting, fever, loss of appetite, diarrhea, nasal discharge and dehydration. The disease can be spread by contact with the urine or feces of an infected cat, but close contact is not always necessary for transmission; cats can also contract panleukopenia from food bowls, infected bedding or the hands or clothing of people who have handled an infected cat. It can also be passed from mothers to kittens. There is no cure for panleukopenia, but veterinarians treat symptoms with IV fluids, antiseizure medications, antibiotics for secondary infections and medication to relieve vomiting.

    Homeopathic Remedies

    • Homeopathic veterinary medicine attempts to trigger your cat's immune system and healing response using the principle of "like cures like"; your cat will be given infinitesimal amounts of substances that, in larger doses, would cause the same symptoms in a healthy feline. Although homeopathic medicines can be made from harmful--even toxic--substances, they are so thoroughly diluted that they are considered safe.

      For example, a homeopathic veterinarian may give your cat arsenica alba, made from arsenic, in order to to relive vomiting and dehydration--the same symptoms that a large dose of arsenic would cause in a healthy cat. Other homeopathic remedies she may try include bryonia, made from the root of the wild hops plant, to support healthy breathing and control your cat's coughing; and echinacea purpurea, to enhance systemic immune response. The vet may also recommend phosphorus, or calcium phosphate, to help with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, as well as baptisia, made from wild indigo and used homeopathically for fevers and as an immune-system stimulant. He may also advise ferrum phosphoricum, a biochemic tissue salt derived from iron phosphate, to reduce inflammation and facilitate healing.

    Tips and Precautions

    • Give your cat good supporting care by keeping her in a warm, quiet area, and feeding her palatable, easily digestible foods in small amounts. Feeding your cat by hand can motivate her to eat more. Stimulate her immune system by petting her, holding her and cuddling her. Make sure you disinfect your hands and change your clothes if you are going to be in contact with any other cats. Never stop or reduce your cat's prescription medicines--even if she appears better--unless your veterinarian tells you to. Homeopathic medicine is meant as a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical veterinary care.