Remember that cats that are exposed to feline herpesvirus develop a lifelong infection. After the symptoms start to wane after the first exposure to the virus, the virus becomes latent, meaning that it stays quiet in the body. A veterinarian can diagnose your cat with FVR by reviewing their medical history and performing a physical examination to identify any symptoms.
Upper respiratory diseases in cats have similar symptoms, so it might not be immediately apparent that a cat has FVR. Corneal lesions, such as corneal ulcers, raise the suspicion of FVR, especially in young or unvaccinated cats that have other upper respiratory symptoms.
To confirm the diagnosis, the veterinarian will collect a sample, such as saliva, and perform a molecular test to identify the virus in the sample. The veterinarian will also perform some eye tests. One such test is the Schirmer tear test, which measures tear production. Cats with FVR sometimes have reduced tear production, which could be caused by conjunctivitis. Another test is the fluorescein test, which involves placing a green dye on the cornea to look for ulcers.
Generally, FVR is treated by treating the symptoms and providing supportive care. Corneal ulcers are treated aggressively with antiviral topical eye medications. This is because untreated corneal ulcers can extend deep into the eye and cause permanent damage. Cats that require hospitalization will need additional intensive treatments, such as intravenous fluid therapy.
Vaccinating your cat is the best way to defend against FVR. Vaccination is the best line of defense against FVR. The FHV-1 vaccine needs to be boostered to provide optimal protection.
It is given as a series of shots early in life, starting at about 6 weeks. Cats will then need a regular booster according to a schedule determined by a veterinarian. On the home front, an infected cat that is actively shedding the virus can infect other cats in the household. Therefore, that infected cat must remain isolated. After you pet the infected cat or tend to their needs e. If you plan to board your cat before a trip, talk to your veterinarian about your cat receiving a booster FHV-1 shot before boarding.
Regular check-ups and vaccinations can help to keep your cat healthy and prevent upper respiratory disease. This is a lot of information to take in about FVR. No need to worry! Your veterinarian is available to address any questions or concerns you may have about this disease and how it may affect your cat. If your cat has FVR, take good care of them, minimize their stress, and ensure that they do not infect other cats in your home.
Feline viral rhinotracheitis cats is treated by treating the symptoms of the disease and providing supportive care. Symptomatic treatment includes topical antiviral medication for the eyes to treat corneal ulcers.
Supportive care includes wiping discharge from the eyes and nose and placing the cat in a humid environment e. Feline viral rhinotracheitis is a lifelong infection in cats. When the infection is active, a cat can show symptoms for 5 to 20 days in mild cases and up to 6 weeks in severe cases. While you will want to give your cat as much peace as possible, you will need to check in on your cat frequently, observing its breathing pattern and rate. It is important that your cat is not left alone for extended times, as this can be very stressful for the cat.
During the recovery period, offer easily chewed and easily digestible food at regular times throughout the day, along with plenty of water. Proper diet is the single most important factor for determining the outcome of the disease, and some patient may die due to inadequate nutritional and fluid support.
Dehydration, especially, can lead to a fatal condition very quickly. If your cat stops eating for a number of days, your veterinarian will need to use a stomach tube to force nutrients into your cat's body. Due to respiratory system involvement, the feeding tube may cause discomfort, so proper care and vigilance will be required to prevent any complications due to the feeding tube.
For at home care, your veterinarian will demonstrate the right way of feeding, cleaning, and maintenance of the feeding tube. In cats with prolonged anorexia, the feeding tube may be directly placed in the stomach by giving a surgical incision to the abdominal wall. In most cases, and given that there is not a secondary bacterial infections, symptoms improve within 7 to 10 days. The overall prognosis is good if proper nutrition and fluid is provided. Home Diseases A-Z. Written by: PetMD Editorial.
Published: April 10, Cats of all ages are susceptible, but kittens are at a higher risk and may be infected at about five weeks of age. Pregnant cats or those suffering from a lowered immunity due to a pre-existing disease are also at higher risk. Symptoms and Types Some infected cats can remain without symptoms, yet act as carriers and spread the infection to other non-infected cats.
Signs occur most often in 8- to week-old kittens and usually improve without treatment. Calicivirus has also been found in cats with inflammation of the gums and mouth.
The lesions heal rapidly, and the infected cat regains appetite 2 to 3 days after onset, although the course of disease may last 7 to 10 days. Fever, poor appetite, and depression are common signs. Nasal and eye inflammation also can occur. These characteristics may be difficult to sort out when more than one infection is present.
A definite diagnosis is based on isolation and identification of the organism through appropriate tests and microscopic examination of samples from the oral and nasal mucous membranes, nostrils, or conjunctival sacs.
However, diagnosis of feline viral rhinotracheitis may be difficult because the virus is shed only periodically, and because even cats without symptoms can show presence of the virus. Treatment is largely directed toward the signs of illness, but broad-spectrum antibiotics are useful if secondary bacterial infections are involved.
Antihistamines may be prescribed early in the course of the disease. Nose and eye discharges should be removed frequently for the comfort of the cat. Treatment with a mist nebulization or saline nose drops may be recommended to help remove hard secretions.
Nose drops containing a blood vessel constrictor and antibiotics are sometimes prescribed to reduce the amount of nasal secretion. Eye ointment containing antibiotics may also be prescribed to prevent corneal irritation produced by dried secretions from the eye.
If corneal ulcers occur in feline viral rhinotracheitis infections, eye preparations containing antiviral medication may be prescribed, in addition to other antibiotic eye preparations. If the cat has great difficulty breathing, it may be placed in an oxygen tent. Your veterinarian may need to inject fluids if your cat is dehydrated. Cats that are unwilling to eat may require additional medications or a feeding tube. Vaccines that protect against feline viral rhinotracheitis and feline calicivirus are available.
One type is injected; the other is given as drops in the nose. Cats that have received the nasal vaccine may sneeze frequently for a few days after vaccination; ask your veterinarian if you should expect this or any other side effect from the vaccines. Vaccines against Chlamydia are also available; these vaccines are generally used in catteries or on premises where infection has been confirmed.
A combination of recommended vaccinations and control of environmental factors such as exposure to sick cats, overcrowding, and stress provide good protection against upper respiratory disease.
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