EP 317: Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV): Pet Care Partners Podcast

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)—often called “feline AIDS”—is a lifelong viral infection that affects a cat’s immune system and poses unique challenges in both diagnosis and long-term management. In Episode 317 of the Pet Care Partners Podcast, we take a deep dive into the epidemiology, transmission, clinical signs, diagnostics, and treatment considerations every veterinary professional should know. 🎙️ In this episode, you’ll learn: Virology and transmission: lentivirus spread primarily through bite wounds, especially in intact, outdoor males Stages of disease: acute phase, asymptomatic phase, progressive immunosuppression Clinical signs: weight loss, stomatitis, chronic infections, lymphadenopathy, neurologic signs, opportunistic disease Diagnostics: ELISA testing for FIV antibodies Western blot or PCR confirmation Interpreting positive results in kittens or vaccinated cats Long-term care strategies: Indoor-only lifestyle, stress reduction, regular monitoring Managing secondary infections and oral disease Client communication: prognosis, contagiousness, and cohabitation with FIV-negative cats Vaccination controversies: efficacy, interference with testing, and discontinued products NAVLE essentials: diagnosis interpretation, public health concerns (or lack thereof), and patient management 🔔 Subscribe to Pet Care Partners for essential infectious disease content, case-based NAVLE prep, and real-world clinical tips for feline practitioners. 📌 Watch now to get confident with FIV—one of the most misunderstood feline diseases in practice. #FIV #FelineImmunodeficiencyVirus #FelineAIDS #FIVCats #CatVirus #FelineRetrovirus #FIVDiagnosis #VeterinaryPodcast #PetCarePartners #NAVLEprep #VetStudents #VeterinaryMedicine #VetLife #FelineStomatitis #FIVTesting #FIVPositiveCats #FIVCare #CatInfectiousDisease #FelineImmunosuppression #FelineELISA #FIVPCR #FelineOralDisease #FIVManagement #FIVTransmission #FIVPrevention #FelineHealth #FIVAwareness #VeterinarianPodcast #VetPodcastEpisodes #FelineViralDisease #FIVandCats