Cat Flu - Symptoms, treatment and causes
What is Cat Flu?
Cat flu is the general name given to a
viral infection of the upper respiratory tract in cats. It is a
common disease in cats and although not usually fatal in previously
healthy adult cats it can be fatal in kittens and immuno-suppressed older
cats
Cat flu is most commonly caused by the Feline
Herpes Virus-1 (FHV-1), or Feline Calicivirus (FCV)
Feline Herpes Virus
is the more serious of the two. It is also known as
Feline Virus Rhinotracheitis which is an older term for the virus.
Feline
Herpes virus infects the membranes of the eyes, the lining of the nose,
pharynx, sinuses, and throat.
Cat Flu: The most common symptoms of a Feline
Herpes Virus (FHV-1) infection are:
The Eyes: The virus affects the
membranes of the eyes. (Conjunctivitis) The eyes are swollen and red with
a discharge that turns purulent (Purulent means 'filled with pus')
as secondary bacterial infection invades. Sometimes the cat develop
corneal ulcers.
The Nose:
The nasal linings are
inflamed (Rhinitis) and sneezing is usual. There is a discharge from the
nose which begins as a clear fluid which can turn thick and green as the
disease progresses. Cats often lose their sense of smell.
Fever and
Depression & Loss of Appetite: Often the cat runs a fever and generally feels
unwell. Cats will often lose their appetite and sometimes become
dehydrated. Although they are dehydrated they may refuse to drink water.
Pregnancy:
Often a pregnant cat will abort the kittens if infected with Feline
Herpes Virus. If the kittens are born it is almost certain that they will
catch the infection from the mother.
Cat Flu: What are the
signs? The most common symptoms of
Feline Calicivirus (FCV)
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The Mouth and
Tongue: The most common symptom of Feline Calicivirus is
ulceration of the mouth and tongue, palate, lips and sometimes the tip of
the nose. The gums can also be affected by gingivitis.
Drooling can occur depending on the
severity of the mouth ulcers.
The Nose and Eyes:
The calicivirus causes cold like symptoms which result in runny
nose and eyes. The infection can affect the membranes of the eye but does
not cause eye ulcers.
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Fever and
Depression: The cat may or may not have a fever. Loss of
appetite may occur but it is more common that the cat finds it too painful
to eat because of the mouth ulcers. The infection becomes more serious
when secondary bacterial infections like pneumonia invade.
The Joints:
Joint pain can occur and you may notice your cat limping.
FCV has been reported to cause a limping syndrome. The
limping can affect first one leg and then another.
The Paws:
There are several strains of the calicivirus and one of those strains
causes ulcers in the paws.
Diagnosis of Cat Flu
Diagnosis is made by your vet. He will make
this diagnosis based on symptoms and can have the diagnosis confirmed by
taking a swab from your cat's throat and sending it to the laboratory for
testing.
Treatment
of Cat Flu
Owners of cats with flu
should always seek veterinary advice
There is no cure for a viral infection
however the cat can be kept as comfortable as possible by keeping it warm
and treating the symptoms. Your vet may prescribe eye drops or ointment
for the conjunctivitis,
Corneal ulcers must be examined by your vet
who will recommend appropriate treatment.
Discharging eyes and nose should be bathed
frequently with warm salty water.
Secondary bacterial infection can be
treated by your vet with antibiotics.
Mouth ulcers can be severe and cause your
cat to stop eating. Your vet needs to be consulted if your cat has stopped
eating and drinking. Sometimes the cat has to be hospitalized and force
fed because the mouth ulcers are so painful it refuses to eat.
Dehydrated cats may need to be put on
intravenous fluids (a drip) and this will require spending a day or two
in hospital.
If the cat has lost it's sense of smell it
will lose interest in it's food. Encourage your cat to eat by offering it
strongly smelling food such as sardines.
How is Feline Herpes
Virus and Feline Calicivirus spread?
Infected cats should be kept isolated from
other cats
The virus spreads from cat to cat contact
and with contact from the discharge from the nose and eyes. It can also
spread from the cat sneezing much the same way a cold is spread in humans.
The virus can live outside the cat's body
for a period of time and so infection can be transmitted via bowls,
bedding, cages or in fact anything your cat comes into contact with. You
can also spread the virus yourself from one cat to another on your hands
or on your clothing.
The Herpes Virus can live outside the cat's
body for approximately 24 hours but the Calicivirus can survive much
longer sometimes for up to 7 - 10 days
Household bleach mixed at a ratio of 1:32
is a inexpensive and effective way of destroying the virus on washable
items.
Cat flu cannot be spread to humans.
How long does Cat Flu last?
Feline Herpes Virus symptoms usually lasts
for about 7 -14 days and Calicivirus symptoms usually last for about 7 -
10 days.
Will my cat be a carrier
of Cat Flu?
When cats have recovered from Cat Flu they
continue to shed the virus especially at times of stress. Although they do
not show any symptoms they have in fact become a carrier of the virus.
With Feline Herpes Virus the carrier state
can last the lifetime of the cat.
With Feline Calicivirus the carrier state lasts for at least one month
after infection. Over half of infected cats eliminate the virus after 2-3
months and most cats do eliminate it completely after 18 months.
How can I prevent Cat Flu
There are vaccinations available for Feline
Herpes Virus-1 and Feline Calicivirus (FCV) Discuss a
vaccination regime with your veterinarian.
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