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Friday, March 29, 2024

Dear cat owners, beware of rhinotracheitis

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By Anthony Prado Basa, DVM

A viral infection called rhinotracheitis is another reason to have your kittens and cats vaccinated.

Cats of all ages can be infected with the Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR), an upper respiratory infection of the nose and throat caused by feline herpesvirus 1 (FHV-1).

Dos and Tres, kids of  stray cat  Apple who was rescued by  Save Animals of Love and Light (Save ALL), have been given the tricat vaccination to keep them safe  from the three fatal illnesses:  panleukemia, chylamydiosis and  rhinotracheitis.

At higher risk are kittens  who can be infected  as early as five weeks of age.

Also at higher risk are pregnant cats and those suffering from a lowered immunity due to a pre-existing disease.

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SYMPTOMS AND TYPES

Be careful because some infected cats may not show symptoms  but  are carriers and  can spread the  disease fast.

Symptoms  may be sporadic in an FHV-1 carrier. But to check a cat, here are the symptoms:

• Sudden, uncontrollable attacks of sneezing

• Watery  nasal discharge or  pus in the nasal discharge

• Loss of sense of smell

• Spasm of the eyelid muscle resulting in the closure of the eye (blepharospasm)

• Eye discharge

• Inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye.

• Keratitis (inflammation of the cornea causing watery painful eyes and blurred vision)

• Loss of appetite

• Fever

• General malaise

• Loss of pregnancy

CAUSE

Caused by the feline herpesvirus 1 infection, this disease is common in households  with several cats and in  kennels.

Overcrowding is never good.

Other risk factors are poor ventilation, poor sanitation, poor nutrition, or physical or psychological stress.

DIAGNOSIS

For a proper diagnosis:

1.   The owner has to give a detailed history of  the cat’s health, the symptoms you observed and when these were noticed.  So please make a habit of  writing down your  observations.

2.   The vet will do a thorough physical exam.

3.   The cat will undergo routine tests like a complete blood count, biochemistry profile, and urinalysis.

4.   In some cats, the complete blood count may reveal temporary low numbers of white blood cells (WBCs), which is  called leukopenia, followed by an increase in the number of the cells called leukocytosis. More advanced tests can be done to detect FHV-1.The vet can take samples of secretions from the nose and eyes of the cat  or testing to confirm the initial finding.  Some vets may recommend an X-ray to determine changes in the nasal cavity, especially those due to chronic infections.

Mama Bubbles, another Save ALL rescue, is given a vaccination every year by Doc Anthony Prado Basa. She lost an eye due to viral infection which she  already had when she was rescued. She was pregnant then.

TREATMENT

A vet will usually prescribe a broad spectrum antibiotic to prevent and treat secondary bacterial infections.

To prevent eye damage and  to control an existing eye infection, ophthalmic medications can be used. A vet might also prescribe an ophthalmic antiviral preparation.

To address nasal congestion, nasal decongestant drops  will be prescribed for regular use.

Most cats infected with this disease  have no appetite. Be patient and please make sure to give what  your cats  can eat. A good nutritional and fluid support is important  to maintain a healthy energy level and for hydration.

LIVING AND MANAGEMENT

Some advice for  a cat owner whose pet  has been diagnosed with this disease.:

1.     Minimize or remove any stress as this may prolong the course of the disease.

2.     Set up a place in your house where your cat can rest comfortably and quietly.  Keep  the sick cat away from other pets, active children, and busy entryways.

3.      Isolate your cat from other cats to prevent the spread of the virus to other cats.

4.     To make the recovery period easier, place a litter box close to your cat’s “recovery place” so that she does not have  to walk far to do her business.

5.     Put the food and water near your cat, and remove and wash the bowls after every feeding.

6.     Please check your cat as often as you can to make sure she is  doing well, and as quietly as you can so as not to disturb your cat. Observe the breathing pattern and rate.

7.     Your sick cat will want to see you often.  It is stressful for cats to be left alone at this time.

8.     Your cat will appreciate food that can easily be chewed and digested  during the recovery period..  Some cats die  due to lack of nutritional support.

9.     Dehydration can cause death in cats so give lots of  water.

10.Inform your vet if your cat has not eaten  for a day or two. The vet might decide to use a stomach tube to force nutrients into your cat's body.

11.As the respiratory system is affected, the feeding tube may cause discomfort, thus proper care and vigilance are required to prevent complications due to the feeding tube.

Kittens as young as five weeks old can die of  rhinotracheitis if not  detected and treated early. Amber, a kitten rescued in Pasay by Save ALL admin Nicole Benedito, was vaccinated to keep him safe from  fatal illnesses.

12.For care at home, your vet will show you the right way to feed,  clean the feeding tube, and to keep the tube in place.

13. For cats with prolonged anorexia, the feeding tube may be placed directly in the stomach through a surgical incision in the abdominal wall.

If there is no secondary bacterial infection, the cat will improve within 7 to 10 days.

The  cat can survive this disease if given proper nutrition and  sufficient fluid.

PREVENTION

To keep your cat protected from this disease, have your kitten or cat vaccinated with tricat vaccine.

About the Author: Anthony Prado Basa, 34, graduated from Virgen Milgarosa University Foundation in San Carlos City, Pangasinan in 2008.  He is married to Mariliza Basa  and  has been a practicing vet in Metro Manila for several years now. He is the head veterinarian at Sha Sha Veterinary Clinic, West Avenue, Quezon City.

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