Feline calicivirus, or FCV, is a viral infection triggering serious upper respiratory issues in cats. Entering with the cat’s eyes, nose, or mouth, this virus possesses symptoms similar to that of a typical cold. As loving feline owners, it is crucial to be well informed of the causes, symptoms, as well as prevention of this fast-spreading infection to assist keep our feline good friends delighted as well as healthy.
Frequently seen in animal shelters or within multi-cat homes, the FCV infection is normally spread amongst cats that are being housed together in big numbers or kitties with weak immune systems. when the feline is infected with FCV, they may bring the virus in their bodies for life. “Approximately 10% of home cats display this ‘carrier’ specify as well as have the possibility of ending up being ill once again during times of anxiety or other illness, although lots of will not” stated Dr. Kathy Scott, lecturer at the college of Veterinary medicine & Biomedical Sciences. “They may continue to shed the virus, however, putting other cats they are near at danger of establishing the infection.”
Depending on the strain of the virus, infected cats can show a excellent range of symptoms. normal symptoms seen with FCV are similar to an upper respiratory infection, including sneezing, nasal congestion, as well as conjunctivitis, with a lot more serious situations exhibiting lethargy as well as bad appetite as well. “Some cats will establish serious gingivitis as well as oral pain that may be considerable sufficient to cause the feline to not eat, while others may demonstrate lameness as well as fever,” Scott said. “Rarely, a serious variant of calicivirus (called FCV-associated virulent systemic illness or FCV-VSD) can establish as well as cause important illness, several organ damage, as well as even death.” Luckily, this type is extremely unusual as well as outbreaks can be managed with strict isolation as well as quarantine.
Accurate diagnosis will assist your veterinarian supply the very best treatment possible, as well as is likewise crucial if the infected feline lives in a multi-cat household.. To diagnose FCV, the vet will examine the cat’s scientific symptoms as well as medical history in addition to lab testing. “A swab can be taken of the cat’s mouth or conjunctiva (a thin membrane of the eye), as well as checked for existence of the virus in those tissues,” Scott said.
Unfortunately, the treatment of FCV is challenging. There are currently no medications to totally get rid of the virus or get rid of the infection at a quicker pace, so the very best thing you can do for your furry good friend is to supply them with the support as well as care they requirement to assist them feel comfortable. because of their stuffy noses as well as possible ulcers in their mouths, cats with FCV have a tendency to lose their appetite, so it is smart to supply them with soft, strong-smelling foods or pain medications that will make eating a lot more comfortable. “We likewise suggest keeping their noses clean as well as often utilizing medications or vaporizers to assist loosen the mucus in their noses, making it much easier to breathe,” Scott said. “In a lot more serious cases, antibiotics may be needed to stop the growth of bacteria that have overgrown as a result of the FCV infection, as well as if cats haven’t eaten in a lot more than three days, they will most likely need a short period of hospitalization to get fluids as well as some type of nutrition.”
The a lot of crucial determine you can take to minimize the probability of your feline contracting FCV is to make sure that their vaccinations are as much as date in any way times. “Although there is no vaccination that supplies 100% protection, there is a vaccination offered for FCV, as well as it is part of the ‘core’ vaccinations suggested by veterinarians to all cats,” Scott said. “This vaccine is likely to decrease danger of the advancement of upper respiratory infection, but, unfortunately, can’t secure against all strands of FCV, so cats still may ended up being infected.” though vaccinated cats still have a possibility of ending up being carriers if infected, they do have a lower possibility of spreading the infection to other cats than those that are unvaccinated.
If coming down with an upper respiratory infection is miserable for us, envision what it is like for our cats. Taking precautionary measurements to stop them from coming down with FCV, in addition to keeping an eye out for certain symptoms, can make a world of difference for both you as well as your feline friend.
This post is reprinted with authorization from the college of Veterinary medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University.
Editor’s note: Sadly, I have had personal experience with the virulent version of this calici virus. In may of 2013, Amber contracted this virulent from of the virus, as well as she passed away lessnullnull
