Introduction
Feline herpesvirus, also known as feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR), is a type of herpes virus that causes upper respiratory infections. Almost half of all upper respiratory infections in cats are related to a feline herpesvirus infection. It is spread through contact with secretions from infected cats, or through inhalation of the virus that has been released into the air from an infected cat’s sneeze. It is a highly contagious virus, but there is a vaccine that will protect cats and kittens from the disease.
Symptoms of Feline Herpesvirus
Symptoms of FVR include fever, sneezing, inflammation of the eyes and nose, and increased salivation. The fever may come and go, the sneezing is often brought on by excitement or movement, and a green or yellow mucous fluid may develop around the eyes and nose. As the cat is unable to smell food, appetite decreases and anorexia may occur. Some cats also become depressed and lethargic. In most cases the symptoms last approximately a week before they subside, but in some cases symptoms may last longer than one month.
Diagnosing Feline Herpesvirus
Diagnosis is most often based on the cat’s symptoms, vaccine history, and ruling out any other causes of the symptoms. The virus can be isolated and identified from nose or eye secretions, but this type of diagnostic tool is not normally used.
Treating Feline Herpesvirus
Treatment of feline herpesvirus is based on supportive care and addressing secondary opportunistic bacterial infections with antibiotics. Supportive care includes nutritional supplements, force feedings, hydration, keeping the eyes and nose clean of secretions, and keeping the cat in a warm and quite environment.
Outlook for Cats with Feline Herpesvirus
The prognosis for feline herpesvirus is good. However future illnesses can periodically occur if the cat becomes stressed or ill from another disease. Young kittens with undeveloped immune systems and older cats with weakened immune systems are affected more severely by the virus and their prognosis is often poor.