noun
- A viral disease affecting cats and other animals, characterized by a severe reduction in white blood cells and often causing fever, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Usage: veterinary medicine; also called feline distemper or feline infectious enteritis
Examples
- The veterinarian diagnosed the kitten with panleukopenia after observing severe dehydration and low white blood cell counts.
- Panleukopenia is highly contagious among unvaccinated cats and can be fatal if left untreated.
- The vaccine protects kittens against panleukopenia starting at six to eight weeks of age.
- Symptoms of panleukopenia include lethargy, loss of appetite, and bloody diarrhea.
- The shelter implemented strict quarantine procedures after a case of panleukopenia was confirmed.