Feline panleukopenia (FP or panleuk) is a highly contagious viral disease. It is also called feline distemper, although it should not be compared to canine distemper. It may also be called feline parvo, because panleukopenia is caused by a parvovirus and is similar to canine parvo.
The panleuk virus damages the lines of the intestines and attacks the bone marrow and lymph nodes. This causes a shortage of white blood cells (panleukopenia) and red blood cells (anemia).
Symptoms
The symptoms of panleukopenia include depression, loss of appetite, high fever, lethargy, vomiting, severe diarrhea, nasal discharge and dehydration. For more information on how these symptoms may present, please check out my page on Identifying Feline Panleukopenia Symptoms.
Incubation
The incubation period is approximately 5 days but can range between 2–7 days (Mereck). However, it is important to remember that you calculate that time from the last time the kitten was exposed, not the first time a kitten has symptoms.
Diagnosing
The only test that can be used to identify panleukopenia is the fecal ELISA test made and sold as a canine parvovirus test. However, false-negative results are common (Merck Manual). False positive results may also occur if the cat was vaccinated for FP within 5-12 days prior to the test (AVMA).
However, once you have experienced and/or witnessed panleukopenia enough times, you develop a feel for panleuk.
Treatment
See Treating Feline Panleukopenia.
Survival
See Survivability of Feline Panleukopenia.
References:
AVMA: Feline Panleukopenia.
Merck Manual: Feline Panleukopenia.