Cat diagnosed with 'HIV' in Nairobi

A pet has been found infected with a cat-version of AIDS, a virus that weakens their immune system leaving them vulnerable to opportunistic infections. The owner took the cat for a check-up after it lost a lot of weight and lacked energy.

The cat was said to have exhibited gradual weight loss and lethargy when its owner took it to the vet.
Blood tests conducted by the pathologists indicated that the cat had Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), which according to Citizen Digital caused degradation of the immune system.
According to Kenyans.co.ke, Dr Dhaval Shah, who examined the pet, said, however, that the virus could not be transmitted to humans.


According to health sources, prolonged infection could lead to poor coat condition and persistent fever, inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) and mouth (stomatitis).

Other complications included chronic or recurrent infections of the skin, urinary bladder, and upper respiratory tract are often present, persistent diarrhea, various kinds of cancer and blood diseases, abortion of kittens and other reproductive failures.

This is the first ever case to be recorded in Kenya of the Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is in the same family with HIV but fortunately can’t be passed to human beings reports Citizen.

 

Ref.: Citizen Digital