Prevalencia de Panleucopenia felina en una clínica veterinaria del sur de Guayaquil.

Abstract

Feline panleukopenia is a highly contagious and potentially lethal viral disease caused by a parvovirus of the genus Parvovirus. This disease mainly affects domestic cats and wild felines, and is clinically characterized by fever, vomiting, severe diarrhea, dehydration, immunosuppression, and in many cases death, especially in young, unvaccinated, or immunocompromised animals. Because it is a highly resistant virus, it can remain in the environment for extended periods, leading to greater spread of the disease. Guayaquil presents conditions conducive to the virus's circulation, such as a lack of veterinary services and the presence of stray cats. Despite being a disease of significant clinical importance in veterinary medicine, there are no updated studies reflecting the true situation of feline panleukopenia in vulnerable urban areas. For this reason, this study determined the presence of feline panleukopenia in the southern sector of the city of Guayaquil in unvaccinated cats treated or with apparent symptoms. Data collection was conducted through clinical examinations and diagnostic tests for feline panleukopenia during the period from October to December 2025. Of the one hundred samples taken, a total of fourteen tested positive for feline panleukopenia, mostly kittens and males. Reproductive status, body condition, and ownership are variables that do not appear to be related to the disease. On the other hand, a relationship was found between positive cases and the number of cats living together.