Cat parvo (feline panleukopenia) in Dubai
Feline panleukopenia, often called cat parvo, is a virus that kills most untreated kittens within days. A rapid stool test gives an answer in about 10 minutes, and treatment is a drip in the isolation ward, usually for 3 to 7 days. Call before you arrive, so your cat goes straight to isolation.
- How urgentSame day, call first
- TestRapid stool test, about 10 minutes
- TreatmentDrip in isolation, 3 to 7 days
- Isolation wardAED 120 per night
01Overview
What panleukopenia does to a cat
Feline panleukopenia virus is the cat's own parvovirus. It attacks cells that divide fast: the lining of the bowel and the bone marrow. The bowel lining sheds, so the cat cannot absorb food or water and bacteria leak into the blood. The marrow stops making white cells, which is where the name comes from. In an unborn or newborn kitten the virus can also damage the part of the brain that controls balance.
Most cases are kittens from 2 to 6 months old, and adult cats that were never vaccinated. Signs start 2 to 10 days after contact. First a high temperature, then a kitten that hides, refuses food and vomits. Diarrhoea often follows, and it may contain blood. Some cats sit hunched over the water bowl without drinking. A young kitten can die before diarrhoea even starts.
The virus is confirmed with a rapid stool test in our lab and a blood count, or by PCR when the result is unclear. Treatment is supportive care in the isolation ward. Prevention is the core cat vaccine, which covers panleukopenia in the first injection.
02On the day
What happens at the clinic
The virus travels on hands, carriers and floors. The order below protects your cat and every other cat in the building.
- 1
Call from home
Before you leaveTell the nurse the age, which vaccines were given and the signs. Bring your cat in a closed carrier, not in your arms. You are told where to wait when you arrive.
- 2
Straight to isolation
Your cat is examined in the isolation room, away from other patients. The vet checks temperature, gum colour, hydration and belly pain, and weighs your cat for the fluid plan.
- 3
Rapid test and bloods
About 10 minutesA swab of stool is tested for the virus. A vaccine given in the last 2 weeks can cause a weak false positive, so tell us the date. A very low white cell count on the blood test supports the diagnosis.
- 4
Written estimate
The vet explains the plan and the likely number of nights. You receive the estimate in writing before treatment continues.
- 5
Treatment in the ward
3 to 7 daysNo medicine kills the virus. Treatment keeps the cat alive while its immune system clears it: fluids into a vein, anti-sickness medicine, pain relief, antibiotics against bowel bacteria, and small meals as early as possible. A kitten that will not eat may need a feeding tube.
- 6
Updates and discharge
You get a daily update by phone or WhatsApp. Your cat goes home when it has eaten on its own for 24 hours and the white cell count is rising.
03In Dubai
Things that are different in Dubai
Rescued street kittens
Community cats in Dubai are rarely vaccinated, so outbreaks among kittens are common. A kitten taken in from the street should stay in its own room until it has been examined, even if it looks healthy.
Indoor cats in towers
A flat cat that never goes out can still catch it. The virus survives for up to a year on floors and rides in on shoes and shopping bags from the lift lobby. Indoor cats need the vaccine too.
Fosters and multi-cat flats
One sick kitten in a foster home puts every unvaccinated cat there at risk. Separate the sick cat at once, use its own litter tray and bowls, and call us about the others before they show signs.
Heat and dehydration
A vomiting kitten dries out fast in a Dubai summer. Do not wait overnight to see if it settles, and never leave a sick cat in a parked car, even for 5 minutes.
Cleaning the flat
Most household sprays do not kill this virus. Diluted bleach on hard floors, trays and bowls does. Throw away cardboard scratchers and fabric bedding, and ask us before a new kitten moves in.
04Do not wait
Come in the same day if your cat shows any of these
Especially in a kitten under 1 year, or any cat whose vaccines are not up to date. Call first so we can take you straight to isolation.
Phone answered 24 hours
- Vomiting more than twice, often yellow or frothy
- Diarrhoea, with or without blood
- Refusing food for more than 12 hours in a kitten, or 24 hours in an adult
- Hiding, very quiet, or sitting hunched over the water bowl
- Pale or dry, sticky gums
- A kitten that feels cold, cannot stand, or collapses
05Afterwards
After your cat comes home
A recovered cat sheds virus in its stool for up to 6 weeks. Keep it apart from kittens and unvaccinated cats for that time, and clean the litter tray every day. A cat that survives is usually protected for life.
The bowel needs 1 to 2 weeks to heal. Feed the recovery diet in 4 to 6 small meals a day and return to normal food slowly.
- Give every medicine to the end of the course
- Clean trays, bowls and hard floors with diluted bleach
- Weigh your kitten every 2 to 3 days. It should be gaining
- Come back the same day if vomiting or diarrhoea returns
- Have every other cat in the home checked and vaccinated
06From the clinic
From the clinic
-
A ginger kitten sits upright on the table and looks at the camera -
A grey tabby kitten in a yellow collar lies on the steel examination table
07Owners say
Google reviews that mention this
Myrel Deligero7 months ago I brought Moonie, my rescue cat, to Petflix. She tested positive for Coronavirus and Calicivirus. She was given proper treatment and recovered. After that, she developed a fungal infection and underwent treatment again. Moonie has fully recovered and is now vaccinated. 
Jona J5 months ago I would like to sincerely thank Petflix Vet Clinic for taking such wonderful care of my cat, Ginger. Every visit has been a great experience, and Ginger is always comfortable coming back and forth. The clinic itself is clean, welcoming, and very accessible from my place. 
Eirahm Canoniza year ago We took Bella to the vet for her annual vaccination and grooming session. They trimmed her coat beautifully. As for the annual vaccination, the vet was thorough in explaining the different vaccines and their importance in keeping my dog healthy. The process was quick, and my dog barely reacted to the injection. 
adrian wilhem adriano4 months ago Just done my cat for his grooming and deworming, all I can say is excellent service, fast response on booking. Been using their services for almost 2 years. 
Amanda Lia year ago Good experience for cat castration with very reasonable prices, nice service, professional vet. Our cat recovered well. 
Rubaisha Ajaz5 months ago They are very good, and understand and handle very well my kitten and not charging you extra and huge bills. The vets are professional and fast. 
Muaadh Azmi3 months ago The groomer was very nice and professional and he took care of my cat very well. The process and the results were fantastic. 
Jeaspherlyn Tabuenaa year ago I just visited Petflix for vaccinations and grooming of my seven cats, and I must say that I was pleased with their service and will surely return. The staff and doctor are very approachable. 4.7 / 5 · on Google, from 538 reviews. Excerpts from our Google Maps reviews. Read all reviews on Google
08Questions