Case Report: Uses of Nigella sativa in A Cat with Feline Panleukopenia Virus Infection

¹ Veterinary Clinical Clerkship Student, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
² Departement of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) is a pathogenic Parvoviridae virus that causes high mortality and morbidity, characterized by leukopenia (<2,000 cells/µL). Nigella sativa (black cumin), is a herb with bioactive compound Thymoquinone which recognized for its immunomodulatory and antiviral characteristics. The ability to enhance immune function and leukocyte counts in animal models has been reported; however, its application in cats with FPV and leukopenia remains unreported. We report a case of a 1-year-old, 2.8 kg, unvaccinated domestic male cat presenting anorexia, vomiting, fever, hypersalivation, and history of exposure to FPV-positive cats. The cat tested positive for FPV by rapid antigen assay and showed severe leukopenia (450 cells/µL). Supported therapy was given, combined with oral administration of Black cumin extract with dosages modified from other research on Mus Musculus. Following the treatment, progressing improvement in total leukocyte count and recovery of the differential leukocyte profile were observed. This case suggests that clack cumin extract may have potential as an adjunctive immunomodulatory therapy in cats with FPV, although further controlled studies are required to confirm its efficacy and safety