Histopathological findings in a Cat with Feline Panleukopenia

Feline panleukopenia (FPL) is a highly contagious and often fatal viral disease of cats, characterized by viral tropism for rapidly dividing cells. This study aimed to document the histopathological changes in various organs of a cat affected with feline panleukopenia virus (FPV). Necropsy was performed on one of the sixty-three confirmed FPL cases presented to the Department of Veterinary Medicine, KVAFSU, Hebbal, Bengaluru. The cat, which succumbed during therapy, was subjected to post-mortem examination and the diagnosis was confirmed by PCR, antigen ELISA and pathognomonic lesions. Sixteen tissue samples were collected and processed for histopathology. Gross lesions included emaciation, segmental enteritis with necrotic mucosa, pulmonary congestion, hepatic hemorrhages, cortical necrosis of kidneys and lymphoid depletion in the spleen. Microscopically, epithelial necrosis, villous atrophy, crypt depletion, goblet cell hyperplasia, lymphoid depletion in spleen and mesenteric nodes, bone marrow appeared pale and hypoplastic and extra-intestinal changes in the liver, lungs, kidneys, heart and cerebellum were observed. These findings confirm the predilection of FPV for mitotically active cells in the intestines, bone marrow and lymphoid tissues, leading to severe immunosuppression and systemic organ damage. The results underscore the importance of strengthening vaccination strategies beyond 12 weeks of age for effective prevention.