What is fdv?

That's a great question, as acronyms can be tricky without context. Most often, especially in veterinary or pet-related discussions, "FDV" stands for Feline D-type Viroid.

Essentially, it’s a recently discovered infectious agent that affects cats. It’s important to know it's a viroid, not a virus. Think of a viroid as a much simpler, smaller version of a virus. It's basically a tiny, naked piece of genetic material that can cause disease.

This specific viroid, FDV, is linked to a very serious and often fatal form of liver disease in domestic cats. The condition is sometimes called fulminant hepatitis. It causes rapid and severe liver failure.

Researchers only identified it in the last few years, so it's a relatively new area of study for veterinarians. The exact way it spreads is still being fully explored, but it's believed to be transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids.

If you came across this term because you're concerned about a pet, speaking with a vet is absolutely the best step. Of course, in a different context, like finance or technology, FDV could mean something else entirely. But in the world of animal health, the Feline D-type Viroid is the primary meaning.