By Anthony Prado Basa, DVM
A viral infection called rhinotracheitis is another reason to have your kittens and cats vaccinated.
Cats of all ages can be infected with the Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR), an upper respiratory infection of the nose and throat caused by feline herpesvirus 1 (FHV-1).
At higher risk are kittens who can be infected as early as five weeks of age.
Also at higher risk are pregnant cats and those suffering from a lowered immunity due to a pre-existing disease.
SYMPTOMS AND TYPES
Be careful because some infected cats may not show symptoms but are carriers and can spread the disease fast.
Symptoms may be sporadic in an FHV-1 carrier. But to check a cat, here are the symptoms:
• Sudden, uncontrollable attacks of sneezing
• Watery nasal discharge or pus in the nasal discharge
• Loss of sense of smell
• Spasm of the eyelid muscle resulting in the closure of the eye (blepharospasm)
• Eye discharge
• Inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye.
• Keratitis (inflammation of the cornea causing watery painful eyes and blurred vision)
• Loss of appetite
• Fever
• General malaise
• Loss of pregnancy
CAUSE
Caused by the feline herpesvirus 1 infection, this disease is common in households with several cats and in kennels.
Overcrowding is never good.
Other risk factors are poor ventilation, poor sanitation, poor nutrition, or physical or psychological stress.
DIAGNOSIS
For a proper diagnosis:
1. The owner has to give a detailed history of the cat’s health, the symptoms you observed and when these were noticed. So please make a habit of writing down your observations.
2. The vet will do a thorough physical exam.
3. The cat will undergo routine tests like a complete blood count, biochemistry profile, and urinalysis.
4. In some cats, the complete blood count may reveal temporary low numbers of white blood cells (WBCs), which is called leukopenia, followed by an increase in the number of the cells called leukocytosis. More advanced tests can be done to detect FHV-1.The vet can take samples of secretions from the nose and eyes of the cat or testing to confirm the initial finding. Some vets may recommend an X-ray to determine changes in the nasal cavity, especially those due to chronic infections.
TREATMENT
A vet will usually prescribe a broad spectrum antibiotic to prevent and treat secondary bacterial infections.
To prevent eye damage and to control an existing eye infection, ophthalmic medications can be used. A vet might also prescribe an ophthalmic antiviral preparation.
To address nasal congestion, nasal decongestant drops will be prescribed for regular use.
Most cats infected with this disease have no appetite. Be patient and please make sure to give what your cats can eat. A good nutritional and fluid support is important to maintain a healthy energy level and for hydration.
LIVING AND MANAGEMENT
Some advice for a cat owner whose pet has been diagnosed with this disease.:
1. Minimize or remove any stress as this may prolong the course of the disease.
2. Set up a place in your house where your cat can rest comfortably and quietly. Keep the sick cat away from other pets, active children, and busy entryways.
3. Isolate your cat from other cats to prevent the spread of the virus to other cats.
4. To make the recovery period easier, place a litter box close to your cat’s “recovery place” so that she does not have to walk far to do her business.
5. Put the food and water near your cat, and remove and wash the bowls after every feeding.
6. Please check your cat as often as you can to make sure she is doing well, and as quietly as you can so as not to disturb your cat. Observe the breathing pattern and rate.
7. Your sick cat will want to see you often. It is stressful for cats to be left alone at this time.
8. Your cat will appreciate food that can easily be chewed and digested during the recovery period.. Some cats die due to lack of nutritional support.
9. Dehydration can cause death in cats so give lots of water.
10.Inform your vet if your cat has not eaten for a day or two. The vet might decide to use a stomach tube to force nutrients into your cat's body.
11.As the respiratory system is affected, the feeding tube may cause discomfort, thus proper care and vigilance are required to prevent complications due to the feeding tube.
12.For care at home, your vet will show you the right way to feed, clean the feeding tube, and to keep the tube in place.
13. For cats with prolonged anorexia, the feeding tube may be placed directly in the stomach through a surgical incision in the abdominal wall.
If there is no secondary bacterial infection, the cat will improve within 7 to 10 days.
The cat can survive this disease if given proper nutrition and sufficient fluid.
PREVENTION
To keep your cat protected from this disease, have your kitten or cat vaccinated with tricat vaccine.
About the Author: Anthony Prado Basa, 34, graduated from Virgen Milgarosa University Foundation in San Carlos City, Pangasinan in 2008. He is married to Mariliza Basa and has been a practicing vet in Metro Manila for several years now. He is the head veterinarian at Sha Sha Veterinary Clinic, West Avenue, Quezon City.
