CAT DISTEMPER Meaning and
Definition
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Cat distemper, also known as feline panleukopenia or feline parvovirus, is a highly contagious viral disease that affects domestic and wild cats. This condition is caused by the feline parvovirus, a small DNA virus that primarily attacks rapidly dividing cells in the body, such as those in the bone marrow, intestines, and lymphoid tissues. The virus can be found in the feces, urine, saliva, and nasal secretions of infected cats, making it highly transmissible.
The hallmark symptoms of cat distemper are severe dehydration, high fever, loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea. Affected cats often exhibit a hunched posture and may appear weak and disoriented. Additionally, the virus suppresses the immune system, resulting in a significant decrease in the number of white blood cells, which are responsible for fighting off infections.
Due to its highly contagious nature, cat distemper can easily spread among unvaccinated or immunocompromised cats that come into contact with the virus. Kittens and young felines are particularly susceptible to the disease and are at higher risk of severe complications or even death.
Prevention is key in controlling the spread of cat distemper. Vaccination is highly recommended to protect cats from infection. Prompt veterinary intervention, including supportive care with intravenous fluids, anti-nausea medications, and antibiotics, is essential to manage symptoms and prevent secondary bacterial infections.
Overall, cat distemper is a serious viral disease that can be life-threatening for cats. Early recognition, vaccination, and appropriate medical treatment are crucial in preventing the spread of this highly contagious virus.
Common Misspellings for CAT DISTEMPER
- xat distemper
- vat distemper
- fat distemper
- dat distemper
- czt distemper
- cst distemper
- cwt distemper
- cqt distemper
- car distemper
- caf distemper
- cag distemper
- cay distemper
- ca6 distemper
- ca5 distemper
- cat sistemper
- cat xistemper
- cat cistemper
- cat fistemper
- cat ristemper
- cat eistemper
Etymology of CAT DISTEMPER
The term "cat distemper" is commonly used to refer to a highly contagious viral disease in cats, also known as feline panleukopenia or feline parvovirus. The etymology of this term can be broken down as follows:
1. Cat: The word "cat" originated from the Old English word "catt" or "catte", which is derived from the Late Latin word "cattus". It has no known ultimate origin and is likely imitative of the sound cats make.
2. Distemper: The term "distemper" comes from the Old French word "destemprer", which means "to disturb" or "to upset the balance". In Late Latin, the word "distemperare" referred to a disorder or malady affecting humans. It was later used to describe a similar disorder in animals.
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