Rhinotracheitis

Upper respiratory tract diseases are very frequent in cats. They are mainly caused by the herpes virus and calici virus. Other causative agents can also include chlamydophila, bordetella, and mycoplasma. 

The disease is transmitted by direct contact with other infected cats. Contaminated droplets from sneezing or coughing can circulate suspended in the air. Furthermore, a certain number of cats who already had the disease can become carriers of the virus and will priodically exhibit clinical signs when under stress.  

Observed clinical signs can inlcude fever, sneezing, clear or thick nasal discharge, and conjonctivitis. The herpes virus can cause corneal ulcers and the calici virus can cause oral ulcers and polyarthritis. Bordetella is often associated with coughing and pneumonia and chlamydophila mostly causes conjonctivitis. 

In some cases, the virus can irreversibly damage the nasal turbinates and cause a chronic sinusitis. 

The infection is self-limiting and supportive treatment is used. 

Thus, it is important that your cat eats and drinks well. 

Clean the secretions around the eyes and nose. If conjonctivitis is present, an antibiotic will be prescribed. 

Your cat can be placed in a small room with a humidifier to moisten the secretions. 

To relieve nasal congestion, saline drops can be administered in the nose or a decongestant can be prescribed by your veterinarian. 

When clinical signs worsen, we can use antibiotics to treat the secondary bacterial infection.

Lysine is usually prescribed in order to reduce the replication of the herpes virus. This should be administered twice a day for at least one month. 

Vaccinations help to stimulate the immune system against the disease. This will reduce the severity of the clinical signs but will not prevent an inefction. Ideally, your pet should not be exposed to other infected animals.

Kitten vaccinations should be done at 2 months, 3 months, and 4 months of age, then at 1 years old. Vaccines for adults are recommended annually or every 3 years depending on the risk of exposure.