There is no drug to treat distemper. All you can do is give aggressive
supportive care. A vet will prescribe antibiotics to preven secondary
infections and, if you can't hospitalize the kittens so they can get IV
fluids, then your only other option is sub q fluids done at home. These
will not be as effective, but will help with hydration and might be
helpful if given at room temperature to help lower high body
temperatures, although it's only temporary. It's also much tricker with
kittens to do this as they are so small and you may need experienced
help at first, which makes things more problematic. I would suggest you
at least place a call to any emergency vets in your area, explain your
situation, and see what they recommend. Earlier you stated the kittens
were seen by a vet. Didn't he at least give you antibiotics? I was
shocked at what he wanted to charge for euthanasia, and am not too
confident at this point of his willingness to help the cats. I don't
know what else to tell you and am sorry about this situation. It is
heartbreaking. At least try calling an emergency vet as I suggested and
see what they say.

Megan

                                   

Hi Beth,

From my readings, this is a virus. Not much anyone can do but provide
supportive care, antibiotics for secondary infections, and hydration.

Viruses have to run their course and (sadly) when it comes to survival, it's
the survival of the fittest.

Judy

There is no medication for treating FPV other than broad-spectrum antibiotic
therapy to counter secondary infections.

Kittens almost always need immediate fluid therapy to counter the severe
dehydration and electrolyte imbalances caused by anorexia, diarrhea and
vomiting.  Kittens also have high requirements for B vitamins - so
combination vitamin B therapy should also be included to offset the loss
from diuresis and low or no food intake. They would also probably need
whole blood transfusions if their plasma protein levels drop to < 4 g/dL
and/or if their total WBC counts drop to < 2000 cells/dL.

If you can support the kittens for a few days, they'll begin producing serum
neutralizing antibodies that will shut down the infection and should result
in a complete recovery.

Time is *crucial*.  The kittens need *immediate* care.

Best of luck.

Phil

     "A kitten, in the animal kingdom,
        is like a rosebud in a garden"
                    -unknown
http://www.maxshouse.com/feline_panleukopenia.htm