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This is a respiratory virus found in almost all cats and kittens. It is one of several viruses included in routine kittenhood and adult vaccination programs. It causes the upper respiratory disease signs and sneezing and watery nasal discharge. Calicivurus infections often cause ulcerations in the mouth on the hard palate and tongue. These are painful and afflicted cats don't eat because of the pain and inability to smell their food. There may be a fever. In rare cases, a secondary pneumonia may develop.
One the virus has infected the tissues of the respiratory tract, normally harmless bacteria that live on these tissues begin to proliferate and cause disease. The watery discharge becomes thicker and opaque. Conjunctivitis may be a secondary problem.
Antiviral medications are not practical. Treatment involves supportive care: antibiotics both orally and in the eyes, fluids, force feeding, quiet, and rest. Calicivirus infection is not usually fatal except in very young kittens that become very dehydrated and are anorectic for several days.
Vaccination is highly effective in controlling the disease. Although it is not 100% effective in prevention, the disease is not as severe in cats that have been properly vaccinated. Kittens and cats that have been vaccinated can still get the disease if they are exposed to a large dose of the virus under such circumstances as when boarding and stressed. Once over the initial infection, most cats become chronic carriers who can pass the virus on tokittens or who can have an occasional mild form of the disease.
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