Introduction
Feline herpesvirus, also known as feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR) and feline influenza, is a viral upper respiratory disease that causes flu like symptoms and secondary infections in cats. This highly contagious disease can cause life threatening symptoms which are particularly dangerous to kittens. While there is currently no cure for feline herpesvirus, there are treatments available that will reduce the painful and dangerous symptoms and treat any secondary infections which develop.
Treating Feline Herpesvirus
As feline herpesvirus causes flu like symptoms, the first line of treatment is actually very similar to how people treat the flu. Any discharge from the eyes and nose should be wiped off with a warm cloth. The cat should be kept in an isolated room, and if possible a humidifier or vaporizer should be placed in the room to keep the room somewhat moist. The environment the cat is in should be calm and quiet so that the cat can get plenty of rest. If children are in the household they need to be instructed to leave the cat alone until the cat recovers.
Feline herpesvirus affects a cat’s sense of smell and appetite. As a consequence, many cats with herpesvirus stop eating and they may even reduce the amount of water they drink. To keep the cat’s nutritional support up and keep the cat hydrated, the cat may need to be force fed and given subcutaneous fluids.
In cases where secondary infections develop in the eyes or lungs, antibiotics are prescribed to treat the infections. Feline herpesvirus has a strong tendency to attach the tissues of the eyes; in these cases aggressive eye medications will need to be administered to treat the infection and prevent permanent eye damage. Some medications such as L-lysine, an amino acid which suppresses viruses, may be prescribed as well.
Currently there are a number of new and promising treatments emerging that may be able to repress additional outbreaks of the feline herpesvirus. If your cat has been diagnosed with feline herpesvirus, talk with your veterinarian about any new treatments that may be available.