Feline herpes virus is a virus which is common among cats. It is known to cause upper respiratory and eye infections. Cats infected with feline herpes can also develop chronic keratoconjunctivitis sicca. The disease has no cure, but it can be prevented through vaccination.
Feline herpes virus is highly contagious and can spread from cat to cat. Most cats recover well if they are managed appropriately. Although the disease is primarily spread through direct contact, it can also be passed indirectly. In some cases, the virus can be passed from contaminated items. Symptoms include fever, nasal congestion, and conjunctivitis. For some, the illness can be severe and even life-threatening.
Depending on the severity of the infection, cats may require hospitalization. This is especially true if the cat is dehydrated. Treatment for FHV involves supportive therapy and medications to improve the eyes’ ability to produce tears. Anti-viral medications can also reduce the severity of the illness.
Herpes virus infections can be extremely stressful for pets. Stress can trigger the virus to reactivate and lead to outbreaks of the disease. Therefore, prevention and treatment should be based on reducing stress. To control clinical signs, a veterinarian can perform tests such as fluorescein staining, biopsies, and PCR. Some cats can also benefit from nebulization, which is a technique that uses saline to help clear the nasal passages.
After the initial outbreak of FHV-1, cats with the disease may continue to shed the virus for up to three weeks. During this time, the affected cat can be exposed to other cats, so it is important to keep the affected animal indoors. If your cat is infected with feline herpes, avoid exposure to other animals as much as possible. Moreover, do not allow your cat to visit boarding facilities, pet stores, or other places where other animals may be kept.
The treatment for cats with herpes focuses on controlling the clinical symptoms and preventing flare-ups. While some cats have mild symptoms after the first outbreak, some may have a difficult time recovering. Depending on the level of the infection, your veterinarian may recommend nutritional therapy or a surgical intervention to treat the underlying causes.
A cat with a herpes virus infection can be a carrier of the disease for the rest of its life. Vaccination against the virus is not recommended for active infection. However, a booster vaccine can be used to help prevent the virus from reactivating.
Feline herpesvirus can be diagnosed by history and clinical findings. Typically, a swab of the cat’s eye can be taken for a PCR test. PCR is the most sensitive test for detecting the presence of the virus. Other testing methods are available, including a Schirmer tear test and a corneal scraping.
As feline herpes is a highly contagious disease, it is best to quarantine the affected cat when it is not in use. Also, the virus can live in contaminated items for up to 18 hours, so it is important to keep all of your cat’s clothing and bedding clean.
