Unfortunately, not a single living creature living on our planet is safe from acute infections. One of the most common ailments that pet owners have to deal with is herpes in cats. Symptoms and treatment of this disease will be discussed in the article.
Which individuals are most susceptible to the virus?
It should be noted that this infection affects animals, regardless of their age. But most often, herpes or rhinotracheitis occurs in small kittens. Especially fast it spreads in nurseries, which simultaneously contain a large number of animals.
As a rule, herpes in cats is manifested against the background of stress, malnutrition or hypothermia. It affects unvaccinated individuals living in inappropriate conditions and not receiving proper care. All of the above factors significantly increase the risk of developing this disease.
How does infection happen?
The causative agent of this disease is a DNA-containing virus belonging to the family Herpesviridae. The diameter of its virions varies from 151 to 225 nm.
The virus that has entered the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract quickly penetrates the epithelial cells. There he is actively reproduced, destroying them. This leads to the development of the inflammatory process. Initially, small areas of necrosis appear on the surface of the mucosa. Over time, they become more extensive. The herpes virus in cats is adsorbed on white blood cells. Subsequently, it penetrates the blood and spreads throughout the body.
The causative agent, passing through the blood-brain and placental barriers, affects the fetus, uterus, placenta and brain. Sometimes the course of the disease can be complicated by the presence of opportunistic microflora.
Causes of herpes in cats
In most cases, this virus is transmitted by airborne droplets when exposed to sick and healthy animals. It is resistant to acidic conditions, but quickly enough destroyed under the influence of high temperatures. The virus can be in puddles, grass or soil, therefore, direct contact with a sick animal is not always necessary for infection.
Infection can occur through common household items, food, and parasite bites. Also, herpes in cats is transmitted through saliva, secretions from the nasal passages or eyes. Therefore, it is very important to isolate sick animals from their healthy counterparts.
The herpes virus is found in the seminal fluid of males, so its transmission can occur during mating. An infected pregnant cat can transmit the disease to future kittens through the placenta. Also, infection can occur through milk, in the process of feeding babies.
Herpes in cats: symptoms
It should be noted that the intensity and degree of manifestation of this disease directly depends on the age, immunity and general condition of the animal. The most characteristic manifestations of rhinotracheitis include a sharp increase in temperature to 41.5 degrees.
An infected individual has abundant purulent discharge from the nasal passages and eyes. In advanced cases, they contain bloody blotches. Often, the disease is accompanied by coughing, sneezing, wheezing, shortness of breath and swelling of the larynx. A white coating appears on the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract. Herpes on a cat’s lip can be recognized by the presence of small transparent vesicles.
An infected animal becomes lethargic, drowsy, and lethargic. His activity decreases and his appetite disappears. In some cases, pets show increased salivation, vomiting, an increase in cervical and maxillary lymph nodes. Sometimes shaggy patients develop photophobia, eyelid clinging and lacrimation.
Treatment
Therapy should be aimed at destroying the virus and at restoring the protective functions of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. In the early stages, herpes in cats is well treated with specific sera and globulins. Interferon preparations are no less effective in controlling the disease.
As for antibiotics, they are completely useless against the virus itself, but they perfectly suppress the pathogenic microflora, which complicates the course of the main ailment. At the same time they are prescribed ascorbic acid and therapeutic doses of vitamin E, A and B. Depleted individuals are recommended treatment with saline solutions.
Symptomatic therapy includes sedative, cardiac, antiemetic, and expectorant medications. The animal’s eyes and nose are periodically cleaned of secretions using tampons moistened with disinfectants. As a rule, boric acid, potassium permanganate, furatsilin or infusions of medicinal plants are used for these purposes.
Recommendations for the care of sick animals
The infected pet is placed in a warm room in which there are no drafts. During this period, the fluffy patient needs special nutrition. The basis of the cat's diet should be mashed vegetables, cereals, warmed milk, broths, fish, beef and chicken mincemeat. If your pet completely refuses food, you can try to stimulate the appetite with any strong-smelling foods.
It is important to isolate the sick cat from healthy animals. To facilitate breathing and reduce nasal congestion, the hairy patient is inhaled or periodically removed to a previously steamed bath.
In addition, it is necessary to maintain the cleanliness of the cat tray and bowls for food and water. You should also regularly rinse the nose of a sick cat, as blocked passages make breathing difficult.
To destroy the virus, you need to wipe all contaminated surfaces with a disinfectant solution. For its preparation use bleach and water. They are mixed in a ratio of 1:32. The remaining items that are undesirable to expose to bleach can be decontaminated with a soap solution. As for sofas and armchairs, they can be processed with special means for furniture.
Prevention methods
Herpes in cats is a fairly common disease, which is easier to prevent than to treat. Since this ailment often occurs against a background of stresses, you need to try to create a comfortable psychological environment for your pet. Try to avoid harsh sounds, sudden changes and moving furniture. All this irritates the animal, exposing it to stress.
It is important to regularly clean cat litter and other pet care items. Vaccination and regular preventive visits to the veterinarian should not be neglected.
A little bit about vaccinations
It should be noted that timely vaccination will reliably protect the pet from this rather serious disease. As a rule, three types of drugs are used for such purposes.
The best is considered a live vaccine. It allows you to form a stable immunity within four days after administration. Multivalent and inactivated preparations are no less effective. The first vaccination is done after the kitten is nine weeks old. Twenty-one days later, re-vaccination is carried out. Subsequently, the procedure is repeated once a year.