Leucemia viral felina em persa com cardiomegalia - relato de caso

Abstract

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is among the most common infectious diseases found in cats. FeLV is a globally distributed retrovirus that affects felines, leading to neoplasms, bone marrow disorders, and immunosuppression. The outcome of FeLV infection is highly variable, depending on the viral strain involved, the route of viral inoculation, age, genetics, co-infections, stress, and the use of immunosuppressive drugs. After exposure to the virus, cats may develop one of four types of infection: regressive, progressive, abortive, or focal. There is currently no cure for FeLV infection, and treatment focuses on managing secondary comorbidities, preventive care, and high-quality nutrition. This report describes a clinical case of feline leukemia virus infection and cardiomegaly in a 3-year-old female Persian cat, weighing 2.4 kg with gray fur, admitted to the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Paraíba with the chief complaint of appetite loss for eight days. Complementary tests were requested, including a complete blood count (CBC), biochemical profile, abdominal ultrasound, thoracic radiography, and rapid serological tests for FIV and FeLV to aid in diagnosis. The CBC revealed severe normocytic normochromic non-regenerative anemia, while the abdominal ultrasound showed lymphadenopathy, hepatopathy, mild abdominal effusion, and findings suggestive of nephropathy. Thoracic radiography indicated changes consistent with significant cardiomegaly, and the rapid serological test for FIV and FeLV was positive for FeLV.