Page 373 - Problem-Based Feline Medicine

19 – THE PYREXIC CAT 365

QUICK REFERENCE SUMMARY
Diseases causing a pyrexic cat
METABOLIC

● Hyperthyroidism (p 389)
Occasionally mild fever occurs from the increased metabolic rate. Typical signs are history
of weight loss despite good appetite, unkempt hair coat, change in temperament and vomiting/diar-
rhea.
NEOPLASTIC

● Neoplasia (p 385)
Fever associated with antibody stimulation from tumor antigens, tissue necrosis or destruction of
bone marrow. Lymphoma is the most common neoplasia in cats.
INFLAMMATION
INFECTIOUS
Viral:

● Feline leukemia virus (FeLV)***** (p 374)
Fever may occur in any age cat but is primarily seen initially in the viremic stage or later in
response to neoplastic, inflammatory or immunosuppressive effects. Signs include chronic infec-
tions, anemia, thrombocytopenia, elevated MCV and lymphoma.
● Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)** (p 378)
Fever in adult cats is associated with the acute stage and in older cats with the chronic terminal
stage. Signs include chronic infections, especially upper respiratory and skin infections, gingivi-
tis, weight loss and diarrhea.
● Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP)***** (p 372)
Tends to occur in very young or very old cats. Signs include fever, anorexia, lethargy, weight loss,
pleural effusion and dyspnea, peritoneal effusion, vomiting/diarrhea, ocular changes (uveitis, in
particular), neurologic signs, hyperglobulinemia, leukopenia.
● Panleukopenia* (p 382)
Acute onset of fever in young cats with vomiting, anorexia, depression, dehydration and profound
leukopenia. Diarrhea usually follows 1–2 days later.
● Feline viral rhinotracheitis (herpesvirus-1)*** (p 370)
Paroxysms of sneezing followed by severe conjunctivitis with serous to mucopurulent nasal dis-
charge, fever, anorexia and lethargy. Ocular signs (corneal ulcerations) may follow 1–2 weeks later.
● Calicivirus*** (p 370)
Inconsistent fever, anorexia, lethargy, mild upper respiratory signs with a serous to mucopurulent
oculonasal discharge, oral ulcers predominately on the anterior or lateral margins of the tongue
and salivation.
Bacterial/rickettsial:

● Percutaneous cellulitis/abscess*** (p 368)
Fever, anorexia, depression, localized swelling/pain in area of abscess.

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