Introduction
Feline herpesvirus, also known as feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR), is a viral upper respiratory disease that can cause numerous health problems in cats. This contagious disease often attacks cats with decreased immune systems, and it is most often diagnosed in cats that live in crowded, and sometimes unsanitary, conditions. If you notice any of the following symptoms of feline herpesvirus in your cat, take your cat to a veterinarian immediately.
Symptoms of Feline Herpesvirus
The initial symptoms of feline herpesvirus often resemble flu like symptoms, and for this reason feline herpesvirus is sometimes referred to as feline influenza. These initial symptoms generally appear for approximately one week, and then they may slowly fade away. The most common of these flu like symptoms of feline herpesvirus include:
- Discharge from the nose and eye
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Loss of appetite
- Infections within the eye
After the initial symptoms of feline herpesvirus fade secondary bacterial infections move in. These infections often attack the cat’s eyes, nose, and mouth and they can remain for weeks. Many of these infections may come and go, and others may continue to get worse until they are threatening the cat’s quality of life and health. Secondary infections of the eye can cause severe conjunctivitis and ulcers on the eyes. The cat may develop chronic sinusitis, and lesions may also develop on the mouth and throat area.
Like many other herpes viruses, the feline herpesvirus will go into a hibernating stage in the cat’s body, outbreaks may not occur again for months to years. Cats that become pregnant, or experience other medical or emotional conditions which can stress their system can also suffer from repeated outbreaks. In many cases, pregnant cats infected with feline herpesvirus experience spontaneous abortion in advanced stages of pregnancy.
Unfortunately there is currently no cure for feline herpesvirus. There are treatments that can help to reduce the symptoms, and medications such as antibiotics can be prescribed to treat secondary bacterial infections. New anti-viral medications which reduce future outbreaks are in the beginning stages of trials and may soon be available for feline herpesvirus treatments.