Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis
There are two distinct stages in the feline viral rhinotracheitis. They are the acute stage followed by the chronic carrier stage.
The disease is transmitted from cat to cat by direct contact with infected discharge from the eyes, nose, mouth; by contaminated litter pans, water bowls, and human hands; and rarely by airborne droplets. The virus is stable outside the host for as short as 24 hours or as long as 10 days.
Theres is considerable variation in the severity of illness. Some cats have mild symptoms, while in others the disease is rapidly progressive and sometimes fatal.
SYMPTOMS
Clinical signs appear 2 to 17 days after exposure and reach maximum 10 days later. Illness begins with severe bouts of sneezing lasting 1 to 2 days. This is followed by conjunctivitis and watery discharge from the eyes and nose, which may suggest a cold or flu. However, cats do not catch human colds. By 3rd to the 5th day a cat exhibits fever, apathy, loss of appetite. The eye/nasal discharge becomes sticky (mucoid) or puslike (purulent). Open-mouth breathing occurs in cats with obstructed nasal passages.
Further signs depend on the particular respiratory virus. With herpes virus, the cat develops a spastic cough. If the surface of the eye is severely inflamed, the cat may develop keratitis or corneal ulceration.
With a Calicivirus, you may see ulceration of the mucous membranes of the mouth (Stomatitis). This is particularly disabling as the cat loses the taste for food and refuses to eat and drink. Drooling is common. Shortness of breath and viral pneumonia can occur. Secondary bacterial infection, dehydration, starvation and weight loss are all complications that can lead to death.
TREATMENT
Cats suspected of having the disease sould be strictly isolated for three to four weeks so as not to infect others.
Rest and proper humidification of the atmosphere are important. Confine your cat in a warm room and use a home vaporizer. A cold steam vaporizer offers some advantage over a heat vaporizer because it is less likely to cause additional breathing problems.
Feed highly palatable food or strained baby food, diluted with water. Once the cat begins to eat and drink again, the worst of the danger is past. Wipe secretions from the eyes, nose and mouth with moist cotton balls.
Shrink swollen nasal membranes by administering Afrin Children's Strength Nose Drops (0.25 percent). Administer cautiously to prevent rebound congestion and excessive drying out of the mucous membranes.
If the cat becomes dehydrated, refuses to eat, loses weight or does not respond to home care, seek prompt veterinary care.
Go Pets America recommends seeking the advice of your local veterinarian for the most appropriate vaccination program and for the diagnosis and treatment of your pet's health problems. For vaccination requirements please contact your state and local licensing authorities.
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