Feline leukemia is an RNA virus or retrovirus, meaning that the virus duplicates itself by using the cat's own genetic replication equipment. Thus, the virus multiplies and can be found in the blood, saliva, tears and many other cells throughout the body, including the bone marrow. The virus leads to multiple problems including cancer such as lymphoma; leukemia, which is cancer in the blood stream; bone marrow suppression; immunosuppression; and reproductive disorders. It is especially dangerous when the virus affects the bone marrow, which is responsible for producing all the blood cell types -- each of which plays a vital role in the animal's life. Red blood cells carry oxygen, white blood cells fight infection, and platelets help stop bleeding. If the bone marrow is suppressed, then the cells are not produced, leading to many potentially life-endangering complications. A common result of FeLV infection is immunosuppression, similar to the condition that affects humans who carry the HIV virus. Immunosuppression is an inability of the cat's imm
Of cats that are exposed to feline leukemia naturally, some will carry the virus and become sick and die within two to three years. Other cats that have a strong immune system are able to clear the infection within two months. The rest of the infected cats develop "latent" infections in which the virus remains in hiding for a period of time, after which it comes out of dormancy to cause disease and death. Cats that have tested positive to feline leukemia should be re-tested in two to three months to see if they are able to clear the virus from their system.
