2023-10-01 15:00:00
Park Da-som, Ansan Joy Cat Hospital
In the chilly autumn, like people, many cats visit veterinary hospitals with cold symptoms. Although many young cats have weak immune systems, even healthy adult cats come to the veterinary hospital with cold symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and fever.
If a cat shows these symptoms, it is often newly infected with the ‘feline herpesvirus (FHV)’ or was infected at a young age and was in a latent state before being reactivated due to factors such as stress. Herpes virus causes inflammation in the upper respiratory tract and conjunctiva. Symptoms typically start with sneezing and clear, watery nasal discharge, but when accompanied by bacterial infection or become chronic, respiratory symptoms appear with yellowish nasal discharge. It is also characterized by ocular symptoms such as frowning, tearing and eye mucus, and bloodshot eyes.
Herpes virus infected cat showing conjunctivitis and runny nose
Among cats with similar symptoms, ulcers may be found on the tongue or palate, as shown in the left photo below. In this case, calicivirus infection may be strongly suspected. Cats have very small faces and small mouths, so most of the time, their owners are unaware of it. Some people say, ‘My cat seems to have lost its appetite’ or ‘It’s drooling.’
(From left) A calicivirus-infected cat showing an oral tongue ulcer and a facial skin ulcer in a cat suspected of having systemic manifestations.
Feline calicivirus (FCV; feline calicivirus) is usually transmitted through secretions or droplets such as runny nose, tears, and saliva from infected cats, similar to the coronavirus infection route we are familiar with, and is highly contagious. In addition to typical respiratory diseases including pneumonia, it is closely related to the oral ulcers mentioned above and the stomatitis that many cats suffer from, and sometimes causes unexpected diseases such as polyarthritis.
In rare cases, this virus undergoes a mutation, resulting in fatal systemic manifestations (VS-FCV; virulent systemic FCV). This causes systemic vasculitis, which causes swelling of the face and extremities, necrosis of the skin and mucous membranes, causing ulcers mainly on the ears, face, and feet, and bleeding may cause nosebleeds or bloody stools. It also causes multiple organ failure, damaging major organs such as the liver, lungs, and pancreas, resulting in a mortality rate of as high as 60%.
PCR testing is effective in diagnosing calicivirus, just like coronavirus. Respiratory diseases in cats are often complex, caused by multiple pathogens co-infected. PCR testing is also helpful in determining the direction of treatment as it is easy to identify other pathogens such as influenza virus, which has recently become an issue, or the relatively common herpes virus and mycoplasma. However, in urgent situations or when testing is not possible, a presumptive diagnosis can be made if there are clear clinical symptoms.
Example of respiratory PCR test results
Unfortunately, there is still no direct treatment that is safe for cats and can completely kill calicivirus. Treatment is with adjunctive therapy to suppress viral replication while alleviating symptoms. Fluid therapy, oxygen supply, nutrient supplementation, and in some cases, appropriate antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs are used. Sometimes interferon treatment is helpful. Although they may recover well after treatment, there are many cases in which they remain carriers and continue to suffer from chronic stomatitis.
Therefore, prevention is of utmost importance. Be sure to start the comprehensive vaccine at the age of 2 months, administer the vaccine three times as scheduled, and then take an antibody titer test to check if antibodies are present. Depending on the test results, you may need several more vaccinations right away, or you may begin booster vaccinations six months to a year later. Booster vaccinations are essential after childhood, and it is recommended to undergo regular antibody titer tests.
If you have a pet cat at home and have adopted a new cat, for the sake of each other’s health, be sure to isolate them and receive treatment at a veterinary hospital. It is important to check whether the older cat has sufficient antibodies and whether the younger cat is a carrier of transmissible pathogens such as calicivirus, protozoa, roundworm, ear mites, and leukemia virus.
If your cat shows cold symptoms, it may not be just a cold. Please visit a veterinarian quickly to receive a thorough examination and appropriate treatment.
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