Role of human granulocyte stimulating factor in the management of feline panleukopenia infections in domestic cats of Chennai

Introduction Overview

Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) infects all felids as well as raccoons, mink and foxes. This pathogen may survive in the environment for several months and is highly resistant to some disinfectants.

Infection

Transmission occurs via the faecal-oral route. Indirect contact is the most common route of infection, and FPV may be carried by fomites (shoes, clothing), which means indoor cats are also at risk. Intrauterine virus transmission and infection of neonates can also occur.

Disease signs

Cats of all ages may be affected by FPV, but kittens are most susceptible. Mortality rates are high, over 90% in kittens. Signs of disease include diarrhoea, lymphopenia and neutropenia, followed by thrombocytopenia and anaemia, immunosuppression (transient in adult cats), cerebellar ataxia (in kittens only) and abortion.

Diagnosis

Feline panleukopenia virus antigen is detected in faeces using commercially available test kits. Specialised laboratories carry out PCR testing on whole blood or faeces. Serological tests are not recommended, as they do not distinguish between infection and vaccination. Haematological examination revealed mild leukocytosis accompanied by mild neutrophilia and eosinophilia history of cough, weight loss, anorexia, nasal discharge, enlargement of the abdomen and restlessness. On clinical examination of the animal, dyspnoea and pyrexia were observed. Haemato-biochemical investigations revealed anemic changes and elevation in liver enzymes namely Alanine Amino Transferase (ALT) and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) and reduction in serum electrolytes. Supportive therapy and good nursing significantly decrease mortality rates.

In cases of enteritis, parenteral administration of a broadspectrum antibiotic is recommended. Disinfectants containing sodium hypochlorite (bleach), peracetic acid, formaldehyde or sodium hydroxide are effective. We are divided into three groups  Group 1: Filgrastim therapy group.  Group 2: Conventional therapy group.  Group 3: Filgrastim and conventional combinatory therapy group.

Clinical outcomes were assessed and presented

The data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis All cats, including indoor cats, should be vaccinated.

Material and Methods

Cats were screened for clinical signs of Feline panleukopenia, suspected cats will be subjected detailed clinical examination and clinical samples will be collected for diagnosis of feline panleukopenia. Feline panleukopenia was confirmed using standard laboratory diagnostic techniques involving antigen and the hematological and serum biochemical changes in cats. Selected confirmed cases were taken for treatment trial with following group  Group 1: Filgrastim therapy group.  Group 2: Conventional therapy group  Group 3: Filgrastim and conventional combinatory therapy group.

Clinical outcomes were assessed and presented the data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis

Results and Discussion

In this study, a total of 18 cats were found positive for FPV by antigen detection by PCR (Figure 2), (Zhang et al., 2019) [4] . All the 18 cats were divided into three groups of six animals. Then each groups were allotted the treatments as per the methodology.

Clinical signs such as vomiting, diarrhoea and anorexia were the prominent signs observed in this study (Mochizuki et al., 1996) [1] . Cats recovered much early with filigrastim and conventional therapy (Figure 1 represent cats with Feline panleukopenia) Hematology and serum chemistry values showed significant changes. Hb, PCV, RBC, WBC and Platelets showed marked reduction (p-value: 0.001) in hematology (Figure 6, 7 and 8).

Creatinine and AST showed significant elevation in serum chemistry values and Total protein showed significant reduction in serum chemistry (p-value 0.001), (Figure 3, 4 and 5), (Zenad et al., 2020) [3] . Statistical analysis showed a significant response to Filgrastim, and conventional combinatory therapy compared to lone filgrastim therapy and conventional therapy (p-value 0.001). This is because of the efficacy of antibiotic (Ceftriaxone tazobactum: 20 mg/ kg body weight) to prevent secondary bacterial infections and fluid therapy with colloid solution (Vetplasma) which could control the osmotic balance in circulation. Filigrastim with conventional therapy provided fast recovery in hematology and serum chemistry values. Filgrastim lone treatment showed a poor response as it could not control secondary bacterial infection and dehydration (Rice, 2017) [2] .

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that feline panleukopenia virus infection causes severe clinical, hematological, and biochemical alterations with high mortality, particularly in kittens. Among the evaluated treatment protocols, the combination of filgrastim with conventional therapy proved significantly more effective than either approach alone, resulting in faster recovery of hematological and serum biochemical parameters and better control of secondary infections and dehydration. Filgrastim as a sole therapy showed limited benefit, highlighting the importance of supportive and antimicrobial management. These findings have practical relevance for improving clinical outcomes in FPV-affected cats. Future studies with larger sample sizes and varied dosing regimens are warranted to optimize treatment protocols and further reduce FPV-associated mortality.

Conflict of Interest Not available

Financial Support

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