Introduction

There is no effective cure for feline immunodeficiency virus infection. However, there are treatment and management protocols that can help affected cats live a longer and more comfortable life. The overriding goal of treating FIV infection is to prevent or resolve the secondary opportunistic infections that can quickly become lethal due to the immunocompromised status of infected cats.

Treatment Options

By the time FIV infection is definitively diagnosed, the veterinarian will already have performed a thorough physical examination, taken a complete history and conducted routine blood work and probably a urinalysis as well. Routine annual re-tests should be performed once a cat has been diagnosed with FIV; in some cases, these tests may be recommended more often. Infected cats’ weight should be carefully monitored. If a cat suffers dramatic sudden weight loss, the attending veterinarian may recommend nutritional and caloric supplementation.

“Treating” FIV involves treating any secondary infections, which typically requires antibiotic and/or antifungal therapy. Anti-viral drugs, such as azidothymidine (AZT), have proven helpful in some cases and may help to prolong infected cats’ quality of life. Owners can help their FIV positive cats live long, happy lives by feeding them a high-quality, highly palatable diet and keeping their living areas clean, warm and safe. Owners should also regularly examine their cats for evidence of infection, neoplasia (cancer) or progression of the primary disease. FIV-positive cats should always be kept indoors, both to reduce their exposure to infectious agents and to prevent the spread of infection to other cats. Of course, all cats should have free access to fresh water at all times.

Prognosis

Infection with the feline immunodeficiency virus is not necessary an accelerated death sentence for companion cats. FIV-positive pets can live for many years and may never develop observable signs of the disease. However, the virus will continue to replicate, and most FIV-positive pets will eventually develop secondary infections or cancer due to their immunocompromised state.