Feline herpes virus in cats
Written by AniMed.org
It goes by a variety of names—feline viral rhinopneumonitis, rhinotracheitis virus, FVH-1. But whatever you want to call it, feline herpes is one of the most common causes of upper respiratory infections in cats.
In addition to sneezing, runny nose and eyes, the virus can cause conjunctivitis, or inflammation of the lining of the eyelid, and lesions in and around the eyes. Cats weakened by the virus may also develop secondary infections. Read on for more cat health information about the feline herpes virus.
How cats become infected
Although cats of all sizes, ages and breeds can contract feline herpes, it is very often seen in kittens. It's not uncommon for shelter cats to carry the virus, especially since so many of these animals are found as or are born to strays, of unknown health history. The virus is spread from cat to cat via discharge from an infected animal's mouth, nose or eyes. Litter boxes and food and water dishes are comon points of transmission. It's also important to note that some cats may become infected with feline herpes but will never show any symptoms. These latent carriers can, however, pass the virus on to other cats.
Prevention measures
When it comes to feline herpes, prevention is the best medicine. Fortunately, a vaccine is available to protect cats from this disease for which there is no cure. For cat health information about when and how often your pet should be vaccinated, please read our topic on vaccinations.
Depending on the severity of a cat's symptoms, veterinarians may prescribe oral antibiotics or antiviral medications. If the eyes are affected, drops or creams may be used.
Managing the disease
While medications may keep symptoms under control, it is important to realize that the virus can never be eliminated—it will remain in a cat's nerve cells for life. And just like the strain of herpes virus that affects humans, symptoms of feline herpes can recur at anytime—particularly during times of stress, such as that brought on by the introduction of a new pet in the household, a move, or even a change in the pet's—or the pet parent's—daily routine. To help control the spread of the disease and lessen the number and severity of flare-ups, many veterinarians recommend L-lysine, an amino acid that interferes with the virus's ability to replicate. Also a popular supplement for humans, L-lysine is readily available in pills and capsules. You'll want to discuss dosage with your veterinarian first, of course.
You may also want to ask your vet about Enisyl-F, a new L-lysine supplement formulated especially for veterinary use. The dial-a-dose syringe makes it a cinch to administer—which is a big help if your cat doesn't always cooperate when being given medication in pill form. And best of all, the paste reportedly tastes great to cats!
If you think your cat may have feline herpes, please contact your veterinarian right away. And if you think your cat is at risk of contracting the disease, you can ensure that he won't with just an ounce of prevention—make sure he's vaccinated!
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Comments
I adopted a stray intact male age approximately 5-7 y.o. ; I have had him about 6 months now. He was diagnosed with feline herpes virus 1, with the goopy runny eyes, etc. He came to me that way, and rundown, emaciated, etc. He was neutered about a month ago. Last week his eyes were really goopy; I cleaned them with sterile saline. I forgot to mention he is an outdoor cat by nature, and also because I have severe allergies. But he has warn shelter and good food. Yesterday on leaving for work I fould him lethargic and panting on my front porch. I rushed him to the vet, where he died within a half hour of respiratory failure; the diagnosis was fulminant pneumonia. An autopsy indicated probably a viral pneumonia. I am so grieved over this-- was this caused by/related to his FHV status? I did n't know this was such a serious viral infection in cats. Did I over-stress him with the surgery, then having to live outdoors? Any answers --good or bad-- would be appreciated. I don't know the vet well enough to really push her for a better explanation than I got. I am so afraid that I contributed to or caused his untimely death. Thanks. ssmith@national-college.edu
can the herpes virus be fatal?
My Name is Amie and my cat's name is Maggie. I adoped her almost 3 years ago from a shelter. She was found in a dumpster. Maggie has had herpesfor 6 weeks now. I have been giving her L-Lycine daily and even increased the dose from 500 mg to 750 mg per the advice of my vet. It still has not gone away. I am cleaning her eyes two times daily with a fresh cup of cooled off black tea/or warm water. Should I be concerned at this point. There is a reddish discharge at times when I clean her eye. What suggestions can you make? Amie
I would stop cleaning her eye with tea. I just went to the vet. My cat also has watery eyes. Watery eyes and discharge is a secondary infection. Take your cat back to the vet. They will check the cats eyes and give meds that you put in the eye, unless there is a sty or a cut in which case they will tell you what they need to do and what meds to give. Never put something in a cats eyes unless a vet tells you it is ok.
Hi,
My little girl also has Feline Herpes. I've found that for a bad flare up she needs a course of anitbiotics plus the lysine. That combo usually clears it up and she's good for quite awhile with just he Lysine. The lysine has been a life safer, but if it's a bad flare up she also needs the antibiotics. Good luck Helene
Does anyone notice a change in behavior when they give their cat Lysine? My Tassie seems to become oddly hyper and irritable.
thanks,
Maggie
Lysine is good from Feline Herpes because the amino acide helps the cat's immune system. BUT, Antibiotics are the wrong thing for Feline Herpes which is a VIRUS. Antibiotics are for bacterial infections. Please see your vet so you do not further compromoise your cat's immunity. Too may antibiotics are very bad for pets and humans alike.
I think the antibiotics are for the secondary problems that occur - like pneumonia.
Right, on on the herpes being a virus, however from what i am reading, many times infections occur with bad flare ups, particularly related to the eyes, and thus sometimes antibiotics are in fact needed to treat the subsequent ill effects of a flare up, while not the virus itself.
Amie, it sounds as though your cat has conjunctivitis and an antibiotic ointment to treat it is needed. id see your vet.
I brought my little guy, who I adopted at a shelter a year ago, to the Vet for what I thought was conjunctivitous.It is Herpes and both eyes are closed.He is on a pain med,an anti-viral, L-Lysine 1000mg a day and a eye lubricant.The Vet talked about suturing the rolling eyelids and if that didnt work,taking off a slice of the eyelid.Ive spent $150.00 so far and am feeling like nothing is going to work.Any ideas???
Does surgery help in people with herpes? Don't think so. Can't understand the vet surgery eyelid part. Probably will just stress it out more, creating a new flare-up.
My cat has the herpes virus as well. This will be an ongoing condition that may flare up once and a while. Our cat went through 5 months of treatment to get rid of his first flare up, we even opted for the surgery to help the eye heal easier. Even after the surgery he still has flare ups so unfortunately you may be stuck dealing with this ongoing for the rest of his life. The only thing that we find very useful is Ciloxin eye drops or ointment and the lysine. As for spending $150.00, be prepared so far we have spent over $2000.00 just dealing with preventative measures and flare ups. I wish you luck.