Herpes in a cat: symptoms and methods of treatment of the disease. Infectious rhinotracheitis in cats

Cat herpes causes a disease called rhinotracheitis. This is an acute viral infection, the main signs of which are fever, damage to the upper respiratory tract, manifested by a runny nose (rhinitis), bronchitis, tracheitis, and sometimes severe pneumonia, and the organs of vision can also be affected. If the body's immune response is impaired, the virus accumulates in the cells, and the cat becomes a carrier of the pathogen, releasing it into the environment.

Causes of the development of herpes virus infection in cats - causative agent

Rhinotracheitis in cats is caused by the DNA-containing feline herpes virus Feline viral rinotracheitis-2, which belongs to the Herpesviridae family.

The virus multiplies well in the cells of the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx, tonsils, trachea, conjunctiva, which are an excellent nutrient medium for its growth and development.

Virus resistance to external factors

The virus is well preserved in an acidic environment, but is quite sensitive to elevated temperatures. It has a negative effect on:

• ether,
• chloroform,
• sodium hydroxide,
• formalin,
• phenol.

These products are usually used to disinfect the premises, they help to free environmental objects from the virus.

Susceptibility of cats to rhinotracheitis (herpes)

A cat of any age can become infected with herpesvirus, but kittens are more likely to get sick. For rhinotracheitis is characterized by a rapid spread in the crowded content of cats, so sometimes in catteries the disease takes on the character of enzootics. If at least one animal becomes ill, there is a high probability that the virus will infect other cats contained in the same group.

Stress factors contribute to the occurrence of rhinotracheitis:

• hypothermia of a cat;
• poor conditions of detention;
• poor nutrition associated with a lack of nutrients in the diet, so necessary for the normal development of the body and maintaining it in excellent condition.

How does herpes infection occur in cats?

• The main route of transmission of the virus from one animal to another is airborne, that is, infection occurs through direct contact.
• The alimentary route of infection, through feed, has not been proven, but no one claims that it is not possible in principle.

As a rule, after the illness, the cat remains a carrier of rhinotracheitis for a long time, and under favorable conditions for the virus, for example, the presence of some stress factors, the disease can recur. In rare cases, a cat is completely free of the virus, but for this it must have excellent immunity, which not every animal can boast of.

Signs of rhinotracheitis (herpes) in cats

After the virus enters the body and after the incubation, or latent, period of the disease, the cat shows signs characteristic of this pathology:

• sneeze;
• sudden onset of cough;
• serous, with an admixture of pus, outflow from the eyes;
• runny nose;
• the cat begins to have a fever, and the body temperature rises to 41 ° C;
• the conjunctiva is inflamed and swollen;
• the palpebral fissure becomes narrow, and the eyelids stick together as a result of purulent discharge;
• areas of hair around the eyes, nose are contaminated with secretions.

The longer the disease lasts, the worse the condition of the fluffy pet worsens. Rhinotracheitis is complicated by bacterial microflora, resulting in the development of concomitant diseases: inflammation of the trachea, bronchi and pneumonia.

Herpesvirus in cats can occur both acutely and chronically:

• The acute course of rhinotracheitis lasts about a week or two and in adults ends with a complete recovery. Mortality is practically non-existent. If the herpes virus has entered the body of a kitten or an animal with a very weak immune system, then the disease can be fatal. In the same category of animals, rhinotracheitis in most cases is complicated by severe pneumonia.
• The chronic course of rhinotracheitis lasts up to one and a half months and, in addition to all the signs described above, is characterized by the development of ulcerative keratitis, panophthalmia, up to blindness.

How to diagnose feline herpes

The diagnosis is made on the basis of characteristic clinical signs. To confirm it, it is necessary to take an analysis of the outflow, which is sent to a viral or serological veterinary laboratory. Detection of inclusion bodies of the virus serves as the basis for the diagnosis of rhinotracheitis (herpesvirus infection).

Differential Diagnosis

Signs of rhinotracheitis are in many ways similar to those of calcivirosis. Their treatment is somewhat similar. But it is still necessary to differentiate these two diseases in order to be fully armed and know what to fight.

The issue is complicated by the fact that recently there has been a strong mutation of these two viruses and in some cases it is quite difficult to distinguish them from each other. In the near future, due to mutation processes, a new viral disease may appear, which will bring many unpleasant surprises to cat lovers, and, possibly, will be of interest for scientific activity.

How to treat herpes in cats

Treatment of rhinotracheitis in cats is in many ways similar to treatment.

• First of all, they try to protect the cornea from viral damage and the development of an inflammatory process that flows into panophthalmitis. For this, ointments with an antiviral effect (acyclovir) are used, good results are obtained by laying tetracycline ointment under the lower eyelid. They need to be applied 5-6 times a day.
• As an antiviral therapy, there is experience with the use of acyclovir orally in the form of tablets. But they must be given strictly under the supervision of the attending physician and with his permission. The fact is that long-term use of this medicine causes a violation of liver function in a cat. After discontinuation of the drug for some time, the liver is restored, but you should not rely on chance and prescribe acyclovir based on your own decision.

With herpesvirus infection, great attention should be paid to feeding and keeping the animal. The cat is provided with peace in a warm room. Sometimes you have to force-feed liquid or semi-liquid feed.

Viral rhinotracheitis, feline herpes, is a highly contagious disease of the upper respiratory tract in cats. This respiratory disease affects the areas of the eyes, nose, and throat. Kittens and older cats are more at risk of getting sick than healthy adults. Having been ill with feline herpesvirus, the animal remains immune for life.

The first outbreak is usually the most severe. It begins with a sharp increase in body temperature up to 40 degrees. A few days later, the Fluffy has frequent sneezing, salivation and conjunctivitis. The animal becomes constipated. Discharge from the nose becomes yellow and viscous, coughing and vomiting appear. Nasal congestion is observed, and the cat begins to breathe heavily.

The duration of acute rhinotracheitis is approximately two weeks. The peak of the disease in cats passes in the cold season. Incubation period up to a week.

Once recovered in a healthy cat, the immune system will usually keep the virus in check, but there may be occasional outbreaks during times of stress (pregnancy, lactation, overcrowding, boarding, etc.) or illness.

Herpes is the beginning of ARVI in cats, but it can end with various complications. It all depends on the immunity of the animal. In veterinary practice, the following complications are distinguished:

• runny nose (rhinitis) - swelling of the mucous membrane of the nose, nasopharynx and eyes;
• tracheitis - inflammation of the airways, where the trachea is affected;
• Bronchitis is a serious disease, accompanied by cough, high fever and sputum. If left untreated, bronchitis will turn into pneumonia;
• Inflammation of the lungs (pneumonia) is a dangerous disease that affects the lungs. It must be treated immediately, otherwise the animal will die.

The virus infects the eyes, sinuses, throat, mouth and tonsils of the animal. It can be observed on the lip, on the eye. Because of the discharge in the nose, the sense of smell is weakened, resulting in a decrease in appetite. Loss of appetite is not desirable for cats of any age, especially for kittens. If a pregnant cat gets herpes, it can lead to a miscarriage.

How do cats get herpes?

The disease can be spread by direct or indirect contact. The virus is able to survive for 24 hours in the environment.

Direct contact:

• in the womb: transmitted to unborn kittens through the mother;
• feline herpes virus is transmitted through saliva, nasal secretions, as well as airborne droplets when an infected animal sneezes;
• asymptomatic carriers can spread the virus. When an animal is a carrier but is not sick itself;
• sexual - two individuals contact, change fluids;
• with feces - a healthy cat sniffs the feces of a sick cat.

Indirect contact:

• a bowl of food;
• bedding;
• tray;
• toys;
• bedding, etc.,

who have been in contact with an infected cat.

Symptoms of herpes in cats

1. Sneezing.
2. Discharge from the nose.
3. Conjunctivitis.
4. Fever.
5. Loss of appetite.
6. Lethargy.
7. Salivation.
8. Corneal ulcer (clouding of the cornea).

Diagnosis of the disease

The veterinarian takes a swab of eye or nasal secretions and sends it to a laboratory for testing, as well as a complete blood and urine sample.

How to treat herpes in cats

Treatment depends on severity and symptoms and may include a wide range of antibiotics, but these are not effective against the herpes virus. They should be used for the prevention and treatment of secondary infections:

• oral antivirals such as acyclovir, famciclovir, or ganciclovir may be prescribed to treat severe infections. In cats suffering from corneal ulcers, an antiviral ophthalmic ointment is prescribed;
• nasal decongestants can be used to clear the nose and make breathing easier.

Uncomplicated feline herpes ends in 7-10 days.

Treatment at home

Taking all medications prescribed by the veterinarian. If you have other cats at home, then the patient should be isolated until she recovers.

Does a person get feline herpes

The disease is not transmitted from a cat to a person; only nearby individuals can get sick with it. There are several types of herpes virus that infect humans, but they have nothing to do with cats.

Disease prevention

The best way to prevent feline herpes is to vaccinate your cat. Kittens should be vaccinated at 8, 12 and 16 weeks.

Herpes in cats: causes, main symptoms and treatment. We have considered all this in this article and we really hope that your furry pet will not get sick with this disease.

Herpes in cats is an acute infectious disease that, if not properly treated, leads to rhinotracheitis. This virus gradually accumulates in the cells as a result of a decrease in immunity, and then begins its dangerous procession through the body. And only in your power to save your pet from such misfortune. How to recognize herpes in the early stages and provide competent assistance to the cat, we will tell further.

Herpes in a cat: symptoms and treatment

Most often, infection occurs as a result of contact of an animal with a carrier of the disease. Contact is possible on a walk, while visiting institutions, when traveling by public transport, and so on. The virus is transmitted:

• by contact - from a piece of clothing, furniture, bedding, trays;
• sexually - as a result of contact of mucous membranes.

A kitten can get sick even at the earliest stages of its life, because the virus is excreted from mother's milk. This is the alimentary route of infection through the mouth. Unfortunately, kittens less than one month old rarely survive a herpes infection, as the newborn organism cannot resist such a disease.

susceptibility to herpes

The target for the development of herpes can be an animal of absolutely any age. But kittens are most susceptible to the development of the disease. Herpes quickly spreads throughout the body. This process occurs especially quickly if a large number of animals are kept in one room. In nurseries, this disease becomes epidemic. If more than two individuals fall ill in one group, then there is a risk of a rapid spread of infection.

Susceptibility to disease is influenced by specific stress factors that increase the percentage of the possibility of infection. These factors include the following:

• hypothermia of the animal;
• poor sanitary and hygienic conditions;
• unbalanced diet;
• lack of vitamins that contribute to the growth and development of the body;
• stressful situations in which animals are subjected to rough physical impact.

Types of the course of the disease

Modern medicine knows two types of the course of such a disease:

Symptoms

The first days it is impossible to determine the presence of herpes: there is an incubation period. Only a week later, the first symptoms begin to appear in the cat. Most often, herpes appears on the lip or nose. An attentive owner can see small white bubbles. These are the initial signs of the disease.

At the initial stages, the disease is accompanied by other signs:

• non-healing ulcers in the nose or lips;
• puffiness;
• slime;
• conjunctivitis.

If you do not sound the alarm in time and do not come to the veterinarian, then the disease will pass to the acute stage after a few days. Unfortunately, in advanced stages, a cat can die or get a chronic disease.

Advanced stages have the following symptoms:

• temperature rise;
• lack of appetite;
• weakness;
• frequent heartbeat;
• heart failure;
• runny nose;
• salivation;
• nasal congestion;
• cough with phlegm.

If you see that the condition of the animal is deteriorating daily, then you need to urgently consult a doctor to prevent the development of other complex diseases. There are certain types of therapy that will help put the animal on its feet, regardless of the stage of the disease.

Diagnosis of herpes

Unfortunately, you cannot diagnose your pet on your own. He must be examined by a veterinarian who will take tests, conduct a survey and, based on the data obtained, give a conclusion about the disease.

Only a specialist can determine the diagnosis and draw up a treatment regimen for herpes

Particular attention is paid to the symptoms and appearance of the animal. During a clinical examination, the doctor examines the mucous membranes of the animal, checks its reactions to exposure to certain parts of the body. In order to confirm the diagnosis, it is necessary to take mucous secretions for analysis. Sometimes a descriptive blood test may be needed.

With the stages through which the owner and his pet have to go through during the examination, we will get acquainted further.

Table. List of diagnostic procedures

If there is a latent form, without acute signs, then it is almost impossible to diagnose the presence of herpes. Therefore, cat owners should contact the veterinarian only if there are obvious signs.

Diagnosis differential

Unfortunately, inexperienced veterinarians can often confuse rhinotracheitis with other diseases. The most common of these is calcivirosis. The symptoms of these diseases are similar. However, different pathologies require different treatment. Calcivirosis is an ailment in which, just like with rhinotracheitis, the upper respiratory system is affected. It occurs due to the lack of vaccination of calcivirosis. To determine which disease struck your cat, you can only by a blood test.

Treatment

The treatment process is very difficult and can take a long time. Do all the necessary tests, re-examine. The veterinarian should warn the owner that herpes can only be treated in an acute manifestation. In this situation, the symptoms are pronounced and it is possible to choose the best therapy.

You should not resort to self-treatment, especially using folk recipes. Herpes can become a very dangerous disease with serious consequences. Therefore, a timely visit to the doctor is necessary.

The main goal of therapy is the restoration of immunity with the subsequent destruction of the virus. Most often, therapy takes place in two stages.

Veterinarians focus on taking sedative drugs. Do not forget about the most important procedures. The affected areas should be washed with a cotton pad. You can moisten it in Miramistin, potassium permanganate or a home-made decoction of calendula and chamomile. It is necessary to carry out this procedure from 3 to 5 times a day.

A decoction of calendula gently affects the affected areas and promotes their healing.

Great importance is given to proper feeding during treatment. Junk food should be excluded from the animal's diet, the number of meals should be increased up to three times a day, in small portions. You should also offer water to the animal more often. If the cat refuses to eat, you will have to do it by force, using liquid or semi-liquid food.

In order to suppress the growth of microflora, it is necessary to prevent the development of inflammation. For this, antibacterial drugs are used, for example, Tylosin.

"Farmavir" stops the virus from wandering around the body, preventing the reproduction of infected cells

Additionally, the veterinarian prescribes drugs that also effectively fight a viral infection. "Farmavir" penetrates into cells that have been affected by the virus and blocks the reproduction of their DNA. “L-Lysine” is the amino acid lysine A, which also prevents viral cells from multiplying. "L-Lysine" displaces the virus from the body, preventing the possibility of its return.

Video - Principles of treatment of rhinotracheitis

How is the mucosal lavage performed?

Washing the affected mucous membranes is a mandatory procedure for an infected cat. For washing, it is recommended to use various solutions and decoctions listed above. Potassium permanganate, calendula decoction, even boiled water are perfect for this procedure.

You need to choose, after consulting with your doctor, exactly the solution that your pet currently needs. Most likely, the cat will resist such a procedure, because it gives her pain and discomfort. Therefore, if the cat is in a fairly active state, we recommend wrapping it in a towel or diaper, like a child. Lay the animal on your lap, fixing it with your left hand.

In the meantime, take a clean cotton pad and soak it in the solution. Slightly wring out the disc so that large drops do not drip from it. Wipe the affected areas and the area around them with gentle, blotting movements. You can carry out the procedure several times in a row. After that, wait a few seconds for the solution to be slightly absorbed. You can release the cat. In order to achieve the effect, it is recommended to carry out such a procedure at least 3 times a day.

About how to securely wrap a cat in a towel, avoiding a meeting with sharp claws and teeth of a pet, we will tell further.

Wrap the cat in a towel

How long does the virus stay in the body?

If more than one animal lives in your house or you are worried that when an infected person comes into contact with family members and young children, herpes will spread to someone, then you need to study information about the timing of the development of the disease.

After treatment for herpes, the animal begins to shed virus cells in saliva, eye fluid, urine, and from the nose. The virus is shed within 3 weeks. The period must be taken into account from the moment the symptomatic signs ceased. However, by licking its fur, the cat contributes to the spread of infection, which persists on the fur for a long time.

It is impossible to cure herpes completely, but its acute stage can be prevented.

The virus does not leave the body of the animal at all, it simply loses its severity. It is important to follow preventive measures in order not to provoke a relapse of the disease.

Complications

Untimely or incorrect treatment leads to serious complications that will forever leave a mark on the health of your pet. The most common ailments caused by herpes include the following:

• pneumonia;
• dry eye syndrome, which is a consequence of infection of the lacrimal gland;
• corneal necrosis, keratitis as a result of improper functioning of the immune system;
• scarring of the tissues of the eye;
• the appearance of ulcers;
• conjunctivitis.

Dry eye syndrome encourages the cat to scratch the eye, injuring it

The peculiarity of the virus is that, once settled in the body of your pet, it remains dormant throughout the pet's life. Therefore, you should always be prepared for complications and resort to prevention methods.

Precautionary measures

There are certain rules that allow animals to avoid the appearance of herpes. Very often, the owners forget that the cat must be vaccinated against a number of diseases, including herpes. The animal must have a special passport, where data on vaccinations are entered annually. If you still do not have such a book, be sure to buy it, regularly vaccinate your pet and visit the veterinarian twice a year.

In order to protect the animal from the development of rhinotracheitis, it is necessary to use polyvalent vaccines. These include the following drugs:

1. "Corifelin".
2. "Multifek".
3. "Square".

Even if after the vaccine the animal becomes ill with rhinotracheitis for some reason, it will pass easier, in the absence of severe symptoms.

Do not forget about the disinfection of objects with which the sick animal interacted:

Food

If the cat ate dry food all the time, then during the illness it is worth thinking about switching to liquid food of the same company or picking up food rich in vitamins and minerals to quickly restore immunity. If the animal initially ate natural food, then dishes such as:

• liquid soup;
• meat puree;
• pate treated with boiling water;
• boiled fish (without bones);
• pureed mashed vegetables.

Change the drinking water in your pet's bowl three times a day. Refuse for the duration of treatment from cat sweets that are sold in stores. You should not break the diet and offer the animal human food, even if you want to please the pet. More about , you can read on our portal.

Herpes is an extremely serious disease that can affect almost any cat. Therefore, lovers of these fluffy pets should definitely know about the symptoms and treatment of herpes in cats. After all, if treatment is not started on time, then the cat may well die or become a lifelong carrier of the disease. Therefore, it is very important to learn more about the disease.

How is herpes transmitted?

Let's start with the fact that herpesvirus infection in cats is primarily a danger to sick, old or vice versa, the youngest individuals. It can be transmitted in various ways. Most often this:

• Airborne - due to the contact of a healthy animal with a sick one.
• Sexual.
• Contact - when using the same trays and bowls.
• With feces - if the cat sniffs the feces or urine of a carrier of herpes.

The disease is especially dangerous due to the fact that the virus can be without a carrier for a long time. Experts say the virus can live up to two months. One can argue with this, but that herpesvirus microorganisms are dangerous for up to 4 days is a proven fact. That is, it is enough for a sick cat to sneeze several times or go to the toilet in a poorly ventilated room so that a healthy kitten, having been here in 3-4 days, also becomes infected. Herpes is especially dangerous because of its rapid transmission.

Most often infected with herpes in the cold season. The causes of infection of cats with the herpes virus are described above, and it occurs worst of all in sick, old and young individuals. Owners should keep this in mind and, if necessary, take additional security measures so as not to risk the life of a pet.

Especially bad is that a person can get herpes from a cat. Especially children who do not always comply with the hygienic regimen. Often, after playing with their beloved cat, they forget to wash their hands and sit down at the table or simply rub their eyes. Even such a trifle can pose a serious threat to human health.

Main symptoms

Herpes begins in the same way as most colds and SARS. But what it can lead to later depends on the age and well-being of the cat. If you do not consult a doctor in a timely manner or hope that the animal's body will cope with the disease on its own, this can lead to the most sad consequences. Many cats simply die after a long and painful illness. Others survive but become carriers of herpes for life. Therefore, they will have to be fenced off for life from contact with other cats - the probability of transmitting the disease is close to 100%.

Therefore, it is very important to identify herpes as soon as possible and consult a doctor immediately. To do this, you need to know the main symptoms of the disease. They can manifest themselves in different ways, but the following are most characteristic of herpes::

• Sudden increase in temperature to 41.5 degrees.
• Purulent discharge from eyes and nose.
• Cough.
• Swelling of the larynx.
• Hard breath.

On examination, you can notice that in pets, a white coating appears on the mucous membranes in the upper respiratory tract. The herpes virus is even more noticeable in a cat on the lip - small transparent bubbles appear.

Eye herpes in cats is no less noticeable - a large amount of pus is released from the eyes.

The animal loses its appetite, refuses to play, sleeps a lot. In some cases, the disease is accompanied by vomiting, increased salivation. Feeling the neck and head, you can notice a sharp increase in the lymph nodes in the neck and under the jaw. An alarming symptom will be the development of photophobia and sticking of the eyelids.

Having noticed these symptoms and making sure that the cat's condition has not improved on the second or third day, be sure to contact your veterinarian - most likely he will find herpes in the pet. Usually the disease lasts no more than 14 days. After that, the cat often dies.

How is the treatment

Some owners try to cure cats of herpes with folk remedies. Alas, as is the case with most other viral diseases, this does not bring the desired result.

Moreover, even accurately diagnosing a virus is not always easy - you need to donate blood for analysis, as well as go through oral swabs. It is the latter analysis that is usually the most accurate. A blood test often shows the same results as with microplasmosis and some other infections..

Treating an infectious disease is not always easy. Broad-spectrum antibiotics are used, and in the most advanced cases, chemotherapy. It is also necessary to resort to additional measures. Treatment of herpes should be complex– it is this approach that gives the animal the best chance of survival. It includes:

• General therapy - drugs to support the heart, liver and kidneys, immunostimulants.
• Local treatment - disinfecting solutions and ointments.
• Good care - peace, good, balanced nutrition, comfort.

The last point is especially important, so we will return to it a little later. The main thing to remember is that stress and poor nutrition can kill a cat much faster than herpes.

If the animal receives the necessary assistance, then after 2-3 days health is on the mend. Full recovery usually occurs within 1-2 weeks.

But do not forget - herpes is a very insidious disease. Experienced veterinarians are familiar with cases where a recovered cat remained a carrier of the disease for several years.

As you can see, the treatment of a cat's disease is a rather complicated procedure. That is why you need to show maximum care in identifying the disease, and ideally do everything to prevent herpes.

Proper treatment care

It is very important to protect a sick animal from drafts. The room should be warm so that the cat does not suffer from the cold, in addition to herpes. Food should be especially satisfying. The best choice would be natural foods rich in proteins and fats.:

• meat (chicken and ground beef),
• fish (if freshwater, it is best boiled),
• warm milk,
• broths,
• porridge with milk.

However, if the pet is accustomed to cat food, then you should not change the diet. Sudden changes in diet will cause additional stress. In addition, cats that are used to commercial food often fast for two to three days before switching to a healthy diet. Such a hunger strike for the exhausted body of a cat is a particular danger.

Keep your cat's utensils clean. Rinse thoroughly after each meal - do not leave food in the bowl for a long time. The same goes for the litter box - try to empty it immediately after the cat has gone to the toilet.

If there are other animals in the house, especially cats, completely exclude any contact with a sick animal. Ideally, it would be better to resettle them (namely healthy ones, so as not to cause unnecessary stress to a sick pet) for a few days in a suitable place. Otherwise, the possibility of infection approaches 100%.

Let's take care of prevention

Everyone knows that any acute infectious diseases in cats are better to prevent than to treat. And herpes is no exception. How can you reduce your pet's risk of getting sick?

The most important factor is peace. Stress, especially constant stress that doesn't go away, undermines the cat's immune system. Try to avoid harsh, unexpected sounds, violence against the cat.

It is very desirable that the pet has a corner in which no one touches him - he will be able to relax there, feel calm, in complete safety. This is especially important if children or other pets (dogs, parrots, etc.) live in the apartment. Cats by nature prefer solitude and the opportunity from time to time to leave the company of annoying people or animals who want to play is vital for them.

Try to minimize contact with other animals, especially stray or just those whose owners you do not know. If your cat is going to be in an exhibition, talk to the organizers and make sure there are no contestants who have herpes or have been sick in the past few months. Such contact can result in the most unpleasant consequences for you and your cat.

Rhinotracheitis or herpesvirus infection is an acute infectious disease in cats. This disease most often affects the upper respiratory tract, but can also develop in other tissues. For humans, feline herpes is not dangerous, but for the animals themselves, it brings a lot of problems. How to recognize it and whether it is possible to get rid of a herpes infection, read our article.

Who is susceptible to the rhinotracheitis virus?

Both cats and cats of various breeds can become infected with the rhinotracheitis virus.

Animals are most affected by the disease:

• undergone hypothermia;
• with poor and unvaried nutrition;
• with poor conditions.

pathogens

The causative agent of herpes infection is "DNA containing virus" - "Feline viral rinotracheitis-2". The virus family is Herpesviridae.

It is difficult for him to survive in the external environment and he can only survive in wet conditions for 18 hours, and even less in dry conditions - 16 hours.

The virus is unstable, very sensitive to any impact. It is these properties that do not allow reaching the epidemiological threshold. But despite this, although not often, it still happens.

Reference!

Ways of infection. Can a cat get infected from a human?

A cat can become infected in several ways:

• through contact with a carrier of herpesvirus;
• from the external environment.

Most often, the infection is airborne, that is, through direct contact with a sick animal. In addition, a person can bring the herpes virus from the external environment - from the street, on shoes.

How does this happen? In animals, the disease develops in the upper respiratory tract. From there, through nasal, conjunctival or oral routes, the virus enters the external environment.

Attention!

Localization of rhinotracheitis is extensive. The virus lives and actively develops on the mucous membranes (nasopharynx, tonsils) and other tissues (conjunctiva, tongue, lymph nodes), which are a good nutrient medium for them.

Susceptibility of cats

The spread of the virus is very fast. If you keep several animals at once and one of them is sick, then it is likely that the symptoms will soon appear in other pets.

Incubation period

It is possible to detect the presence of a virus in a cat, in laboratory conditions, already a day after infection.

The incubation period for herpes is from two days to a week. The virus can stay in the body for up to three weeks.

Causes of the development of herpes virus infection

The cause of the emergence and development of a herpes virus infection is an acutely contagious virus (Feline herpesvirus, FHV, FHV-1), which can exist in the external environment.

Virus resistance

The virus is stable, but only in conditions that are comfortable for it.

It is introduced into the body in such a way that sometimes the immune system does not even notice it.

An illness that once appeared in a pet can remain with him for life and will manifest itself with every weakening of immunity.

Rhinorrhea in cats: symptoms (with photo)

Most often, the presence of the virus is determined by the initial symptoms, which appear about 15 days after infection:

• lacrimation;
• nasal discharge;
• and cough;
• abundant mica excretion;
• blisters and ulcers on the mucous membranes and lips;
• weakness and apathy;
• loss of appetite;
• increase in body temperature.

Nasal congestion often makes cats unwilling to eat or drink, which can lead to general dehydration. In this case, the animals have to be forced.

eyeballs

Important!

When infected with a virus, the organs of vision are affected and a characteristic symptom is inflammation of the eyes.

Inflammation is often accompanied by purulent discharge that contaminates areas near the nose and eyes. The conjunctiva becomes swollen. The eyelids of a cat stick together due to discharge, and the result is a narrow palpebral fissure.

On the lip

The herpes virus can hide for a while and not manifest itself in any way.

That is why its symptoms on the lip sometimes appear a week after infection.

In this case, small sores and vesicles appear, which are filled with a clear liquid.

immunodeficiency virus

If the immune system does not respond to infection and does not fight the virus, then it begins to accumulate in the cells of the animal. Thus, the cat becomes a carrier and releases the virus into the environment.

Symptoms of the immunodeficiency virus in cats:

• enlarged lymph nodes;
• stomatitis;
• diseases of the genitourinary system;
• damage to the nervous system.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of the disease is made in veterinary institutions on the basis of analyzes and the clinical picture of the disease. This is necessary in order not to confuse a herpes infection with calcivirosis, the clinical picture of which has similar symptoms.

To detect the presence of the herpes virus, it is necessary to send the selection for analysis.

The virus veterinary laboratory will test samples for the presence of virus bodies.

If they are found, the animal will be diagnosed with rhinotracheitis.

The disease can occur in two forms: acute and chronic.

1. Acute form - lasts about two weeks and, most often, ends with recovery.
2. Chronic form - can last up to one and a half months. To all the symptoms inherent in herpes, the development of ulcerative keratitis and blindness is added.

Reference!

A lethal outcome is possible only when the virus enters the body of a kitten or an animal with very weak immunity.

Home treatment regimen

When confirming the diagnosis of herpes infection, it is necessary to ensure correct and timely treatment. The longer the disease lasts, the more difficult it will be to get rid of it.

Important!

If the disease is allowed to take its course, then infection with other infections, various complications and, in rare cases, death are possible.

A complication of a herpes infection can be:

• inflammation of the trachea;
• pneumonia;
• bronchial inflammation.

As a rule, a cat, even after undergoing treatment, remains a carrier of the virus for a long time. Only animals with strong immunity are completely exempt from it.

Complex treatment

For treatment, a whole range of drugs and antibiotics is used.

Reference!

Local treatments of affected areas, saline solutions that are used as injections and immunoglobulins help well.

In addition, in the complex treatment of herpes infection, special attention should be paid to the pet's diet and its content.

Provide the animal with comfort and peace, it is desirable to keep it in a warm room.

With proper treatment, significant improvements are observed after three days, and after one and a half to two weeks the animal recovers.

Preparations

Treatment with drugs takes place at home, but under the strict supervision of veterinarians and constant examinations. The following medications are most often prescribed.

1. Anti-inflammatory ointment "Acyclovir". It is used to protect tissues from damage and inflammation. To protect the cornea, it is recommended to apply 5% product under the lower eyelid. You can use the ointment up to six times a day. The price of the ointment is quite budgetary. You can buy a tool, on average, for 30 rubles.
2. The topical drug "Chlorhexidine" is used to treat ulcers in the oral cavity. In addition, they can be cleaned of purulent secretions from hair and skin. The average cost is only 15 rubles.
3. Immunomodulator "Anandin" for instillation into the eyes and nose. It has an anti-inflammatory and healing effect. You need to instill three drops 2-3 times a day. The course of treatment should not exceed two weeks. The average price is 80 rubles.

Antibiotics

Antibiotic preparation of a wide spectrum of action "Cefazolin". For injection, you need to prepare a suspension. To do this, the powder is diluted with water in accordance with the instructions. The dose and number of applications are prescribed by the veterinarian. The cost of one bottle is 15 rubles.

Important!

In no case do not self-medicate and do not prescribe the drug yourself! This should be done only by a veterinarian based on the clinical picture of the disease and tests.

ulcers

Numerous ulcers are a common symptom of a herpes virus infection. To get rid of them, you can use:

• antibiotics;
• intravenous drips;
• ointments and gels;
• tablets.

Atony of the feline

Atony is the absence of muscle tone. It can be caused by diseases, improper feeding or advanced age of the animal.

Symptoms:

• vomit;
• lack of appetite;
• reduction in the daily rate of feces;
• difficulty defecation.

Important!

If you notice any symptoms, you should immediately take your pet to the veterinarian. He, in order to increase peristalsis, will prescribe Glauber's salt and other effective remedies.

Temperature

When infected with the rhinotracheitis virus, animals often experience an increase in body temperature up to 40 degrees, sometimes higher. What to do in this case?

1. First, you need to make sure that the temperature is raised. Measure it rectally with an electronic thermometer.
2. If the temperature is still elevated, then you need to contact the veterinary clinic. The doctor will prescribe antipyretic drugs.
3. Make sure that the animal has free access to fresh water.

Forecasts

Forecasts in the fight against rhinotracheitis are always positive. As already mentioned, complications are possible only with improper treatment. There are practically no lethal outcomes in this disease. They occur only in very weakened or young kittens.

Attention!

Take care of timely and proper treatment for your pet. The disease is easier to treat at the initial stage.

Prevention

The best way to prevent rhinotracheitis is timely vaccination.

Preparations for vaccinating cats against herpes:

• Multifel;
• Quadricket;
• Nobivak Triket;
• Korifelin.

To disinfect the room in which the sick cat was located, you can use:

• formalin;
• chloroform;
• ether and phenol;
• sodium hydroxide.

Useful video

In the video below, the veterinarian talks about the treatment of rhinotracheitis in cats.

Conclusion

A sick animal needs a cozy, calm, homely atmosphere. Provide peace to your pet, surround him with care and he will recover very quickly. Do not neglect our advice and in any case do not self-medicate. This will avoid disastrous consequences. Be healthy!