Chapter 6: Treatment

Treatment is the same as that in a private practice setting, including anti-emetics, broad-spectrum antibiotics to control secondary infections, fluid therapy and blood product transfusion as needed. Treatment of FPV infected animals should only be undertaken in a shelter when sufficient facilities exist to isolate the patients such that the rest of the population is not put at risk and staff and veterinary oversight is adequate to ensure humane and appropriate care.The treatment protocol must be made in collaboration with a veterinarian.   

Other options include treatment at an off-site veterinary clinic or transfer to another shelter with sufficient facilities. Unless specifically set up for FPV treatment, foster and rescue homes are generally better used for quarantine of exposed animals rather than treatment of ill cats and kittens.

If facilities or staff are insufficient and off-site options are not possible, euthanasia of infected animals may ultimately save lives by preventing continued spread.