The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) recommends screening all cats for FeLV infection at the time they are acquired, before initial vaccination, after potential exposure to FeLV-infected cats, and as part of a diagnostic workup for any illness.
Diagnosis of FeLV infection typically begins with a positive result on a screening test, such as the SNAPTM Feline TripleTM Test and SNAPTM FIV/FeLV Combo Test, which evaluate for the p27 antigen.
Identification of a cat's infection status may require repeated testing over time, and several types of diagnostic tests. Treatment of infected cats depends on infection type, clinical signs, and patient status.
Such details provide a deeper understanding and appreciation for Diagnosing Feline Leukemia Infection.
Feline leukemia virus is diagnosed with a quick blood test. Your veterinarian may recommend the test when you first adopt your cat, before vaccinating against the disease, after exposure to the virus (for example, after a cat bite wound), or if your cat is ill.
Learn how to identify and diagnose feline leukemia in cats, its symptoms, testing methods, and how to care for an FeLV-positive cat effectively.
Two types of blood tests commonly used to diagnose FeLV detect a protein component of the virus called FeLV P27. One of these tests, called an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), is usually performed first as a screening tool, and can be run in a veterinarian's office.
