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Cat herpesvirus is a highly contagious disease of the respiratory passages and eyes of cats. Because it affects the nasal passages and upper aspect of the windpipe, another name is Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR).
Transmission
Cat herpesvirus is transmitted by aerosol (sneezed droplets) and by direct contact with saliva or eye or nasal secretions. It can survive in a moist environment for several hours and be transmitted by water and food bowls, but it is killed by most household disinfectants and by drying. After exposure, signs may develop in 2 to 5 days. The virus is shed by infected cats for 1 to 3 weeks. However, once infected, most cats will become latently infected (carriers). The virus hides in the nerves of the face. When a carrier is stressed the virus is released intermittently from the nerves into saliva and nasal and eye secretions.
Signs
Signs of infection typically include sneezing with watery nasal and eye discharge, plus excessive salivation. Ulcers may be evident on the tongue. Coughing, inflammation of the eye, loss of appetite, and fever occasionally occur. Branching ulcerations of the cornea of the eye may occur. The viral infection that causes the watery secretions and excessive salivation lasts about 4 to 7 days.
Bacterial infection may follow that can cause complications such as infection of the facial sinuses, lining of the chest cavity, or tear duct that lasts for weeks or months. Bacterial infection of the facial sinuses may lead to persistent cloudy or thick white nasal discharge and sneezing. Infection of the lining of the chest cavity can cause the chest to fill with pus and collapse the lungs. Infection and of the tear ducts will cause the duct to swell shut and tears to spill and drain down the face.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on the history and signs. If corneal ulceration is present, no other virus causes that type of eye lesion. Testing the blood for the virus antibodies is not helpful because so many carriers exist.
Treatment
No specific treatment is used for the virus, except in the eye. L-lysine is an amino acid supplement that helps reduce the viral replication, at least in the eye. Antibiotics are used, when necessary, to control bacterial complications.
Prevention Measures Vaccination- the vaccine reduces the severity of infection but does not prevent infection or a carrier state. Vaccinate at least every 3 years. Isolate cats that have not been vaccinated or ones that show signs of respiratory infection. Use different water and food bowls for cats with respiratory infections and those that appear healthy.
For more information, contact your local veterinarian or the MU Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital 573-882-7821 or visit <http://www.vmth.missouri.edu
C.B. Chastain, DVM
Professor, University of Missouri
College of Veterinary Medicine
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