An extremely species-specific virus, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) infects specifically felines. Presently, no evidence exists that FIV can affect humans and cause ailments. This viral infection affects cats worldwide and is closely related to the HIV virus. Its symptoms do not surface until years after the occurrence of the initial infection. Though FIV is contagious in cats, it cannot be transmitted to humans. The antibiotics and antifungal medications prescribed for treating FIV by veterinary physicians cause side effects in your cats and natural adjunct therapy like administering cannabinoids helps to fight the viral infections.
What Is Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
FIV is a retrovirus -indicating that its genes are coded by ribonucleic acids (RNAs) instead of deoxyribonucleic acids (DNAs). It is infectious in domestic cat communities worldwide and spread mainly by bite wounds that may happen during fights between cats. This is the cause behind outdoor cats, which are all the time competing for resources, leading to aggressive encounters between themselves become infected.
FIV can result in immunodeficiency in infected people, placing them at a higher risk of infectious diseases caused by different viruses, fungi, and bacteria.
The main means of transmission for FIV is through bite wounds. This makes cats in homes with sound social structures where there is no fight more less prone to acquiring FIV infections
Symptoms Associated With FIV
Cats infected with FIV may not reveal any signs for years. Once symptoms develop it progresses continuously- or a cat may display symptoms of sickness intermixed with health for years. If any of the following symptoms is demonstrated by your cat, it requires an examination by the veterinarian:
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Anemia
- Weight loss
- Disheveled coat
- Lack of appetite and fever
- Diarrhea
- Abnormal appearance or swelling of the eye (conjunctivitis)
- Inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) and mouth (stomatitis)
- Skin redness or hair loss
- Incurable wounds
- Dental ailments and neurological disorders
- Discharge from eyes or nose and sneezing
- Recurrent urination, and straining to urinate or urinating outside the litter box
- Change in behavior
In addition, various kinds of blood disorders and cancer are much frequent in affected cats.
Antiviral drugs are used to treat cats affected by FIV infection which can decrease the viral load of the cat, but they have their side effects like lack of appetite, oral inflammation which may outweigh its advantages.
Studies have revealed the importance of CBD in HIV therapy and in easing HIV associated conditions such as nausea, a decline in weight and neuropathic pain. This phytocannabinoid can help in managing the symptoms of FIV due to its interactions with the receptors situated on various cells including macrophages which is a tissue cell of the immune system and both the cannabinoid receptors.
CBD Can Assist In Mitigating FIV Symptoms
CBD is stacked with antiviral and antibiotic properties that can treat even antibiotic-resistant bacterium such as methycillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA). In fact, a new research hints at CBD becoming the superbug antibiotic for resistant infections.
Fights Cancer And Tumors
Feline Immunodeficiency virus may increase the chances of cancer in cats and also suppresses the immune system which decreases the capacity of the body to combat cancer. CBD curbs the growth of new blood vessels, obstructing cancer cells from receiving the nutrients needed for growth. It facilitates the death of malignant cells through various mechanisms.
The cannabinoid induces programmed cell death in tumors of breast cancer. CBD also augments anandamide levels which is a neurotransmitter and is responsible for the cytotoxicity of skin cancer cells. Giving CBD routinely to your cat can decrease the possibility of the growth of progressive cancer as it attacks abnormal cells.
Packed With Immunosuppressive Properties
On the whole, cannabinoids work like immune suppressors, as they lower inflammation. As a powerful immune suppressor, CBD functions effectively in instances where a hyperactive immune system leads to health disorders. A hyperactive immune system is more prone to overreact and start to attack the body in response.
Cannabinoids have displayed promising results in autoimmune ailments like lupus, multiple sclerosis, and arthritis. Likewise, in HIV, the virus leads to immune suppression, where the scope for individuals to fall prey to infection and subsequently premature death rises. Research on CBD found that its use in HIV sufferers boosted the immune system, augmented T-cells numbers, lowered viral loads which are vital for immunity. T-cells function by identifying pathogens and eliminating them.
Conclusion
The inherent properties of CBD as an anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, antioxidant and immunosuppressive compound helps it to boost the immune response to combat infection and viral attacks. This safeguards pets and human alike from microbes, viruses, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria and counters immune-related deficiencies like that caused in FIV and HIV.
