Herpes in cats: possible causes and treatments

Unfortunately, no living creature living on our planet, is not immune from acute infections. One of the most common ailments faced by owners of Pets, is a herpes in cats. The symptoms and treatment of this disease will be discussed in the article.

What individuals the most susceptible?

It Should be noted that this infection affects animals, regardless of their age. But most of the herpes virus or rhinotracheitis in young kittens. Especially quickly it spreads in nurseries, in which simultaneously contains a large number of animals.

Usually, herpes in cats is manifested on the background of stress, malnutrition or hypothermia. It affects unvaccinated animals living in poor conditions and not receiving proper care. All these factors significantly increase the risk of developing the disease.

How is the infection?

The causative agent of this disease is DNA-containing virus belonging to the family Herpesviridae. The diameter of the virions varies from 151 to 225 nm.

The Virus, trapped on the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, penetrates quickly into the skin cells. There he actively reproduce, destroying them. This leads to the development of the inflammatory process. First, on the mucosal surface there are small areas of necrosis. Over time they become more extensive. The herpes virus in cats adsorbed on the leukocytes. In the future, it enters the bloodstream and spreads throughout the body.

The causative agent, penetrating through the blood-brain and placental barriers, affects the fetus, uterus, placenta and brain. Sometimes the disease may be complicated by the presence of conditionally pathogenic microflora.

Causes of herpes in cats

In most cases the virus is transmitted by airborne droplets by contact of sick and healthy animals. It is resistant to the acidic environment, but quickly decays under the influence of high temperatures. The virus may be present in puddles, grass or soil, so infection does not always need direct contact with diseased animals.

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Infection can occur through shared household items, feed and the bites of parasites. 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 contained in the seminal fluid of males, so its transmission may occur during mating. An infected pregnant cat can pass the disease on to future kittens through the placenta. Also infection can occur via the milk, in the process of feeding toddlers.

Herpes in cats: symptoms

It Should be noted that the intensity and degree of manifestation of the disease depends on the age, immunity and General state of the animal. Some of the most common symptoms of rhinotracheitis can be attributed to a sharp increase in temperature to 41.5 degrees.

From infected individuals observed abundant purulent discharge from the nasal passages and eyes. In advanced cases, they are bloody blotches. Often the disease is accompanied by coughing, sneezing, wheezing, shortness of breath and swelling of the larynx. On the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract appears white bloom. Herpes in cats on the lip can be identified by the presence of small transparent bubbles.

The Affected animal becomes listless, lethargic and apathetic. He is less active and lose their appetite. In some cases of Pets observed increased salivation, vomiting, increase in cervical and jaw lymph nodes. Sometimes furry patients developing photophobia, sticky eyelids and watery eyes.

Treatment

Therapy should be aimed at the destruction of the virus and restore the protective functions of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. In the early stages of herpes in cats perfectly treated by means of specific sera and globulins. Not less effective to help cope with the disease interferon preparations.

As for antibiotics, they are completely useless against the virus, but perfectly suppress pathogens, complicating the course of primary disease. At the same time they assign ascorbic acid and a therapeutic dose of vitamin E, A and B. Depleted individuals recommended treatment of salt solutions.

Symptomatic treatment involves taking a sedative, cardiac, expectorant and antiemetic drugs. The eyes and nose of the animal is periodically cleaned from secretions using swabs soaked in disinfectant substances. Usually used for this purpose boric acid, potassium permanganate, furatsilina or infusions of medicinal plants.

Tips on caring for sick animals

An Infected pet is placed in a warm room, in which there are no drafts. During this period, fluffy patient needs special food. The basis of the cat's diet should be pureed vegetables, cereals,warmed milk, broth, fish, beef and chicken meat. If a pet completely refuses to eat, you can try to stimulate appetite by any strong-smelling products.

It is Important to isolate a sick cat from the healthy animals. To ease breathing and reduce nasal congestion, hairy the patient receives inhalation or occasionally carry it in a pre-steamed bathroom.

In addition, it is necessary to keep clean the cat's litter tray and bowls for food and water. You should also regularly rinse your nose a sick cat, because clogged passages impede breathing.

To destroy the virus, need to wipe all contaminated surfaces with a disinfectant solution. To make it, use bleach and water. They are mixed in a ratio of 1:32. Other items that you do not want to be effects of chlorine can be decontaminated using soap solution. As for the sofas and chairs, they can be treated with special tools to furniture.

Methods of prevention

Herpes in cats is a fairly common disease that is easier to prevent than to treat. Since this disease often occurs on the background of stress, you should try to create for your pet a comfortable psychological environment. Try to avoid sharp sounds, sudden changes and moving of furniture. All this irritates the animal, subjecting it to stress.

It is Important to regularly brush the cat's bedding and other items-care for animals. You should not neglect vaccination and regular preventive visits to the vet.

A Bit about vaccinations

It Should be noted that timely vaccination protects pet from this serious disease. As a rule, for such purposes, use three types of drugs.

The Very best is a live vaccine. It allows to generate sustained immunity in four days after injection. No less effective polyvalent inactivated preparations. Make the first shot after the kitten nine weeks. After twenty-one days, a second vaccination. Further, the procedure is repeated once a year.