The virus also known as FHV-1 or feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR), and belongs to the family Herpesviridae and has a worldwide distribution among both wild and domestic cats. It has also been seen in cheetahs, lions and pumas.
It causes respiratory illness and symptoms including nasal discharge, sneezing, conjunctivitis, inflammation of the nose (rhinitis), and reproductive complications. Feline herpes virus 1 rhinotracheitis enters via the mouth and nose and causes infection of the nasal epithelium. It then spreads to the conjunctival sac, pharynx, trachea, bronchi and bronchioles of the infected cat. It then moves on to the sensory nerves until it reaches the neurons.
The virus affects cats of all ages and breeds, but it is more prevalent in young kittens and cats living in multi-cat households or shelters. Unvaccinated, pregnant, kittens, old and sick cats are most at risk of contracting feline herpes virus 1 rhinotracheitis.
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Feline Herpes Virus 1 Rhinotracheitis
Feline herpes virus 1 rhinotracheitis generally causes acute ocular and upper respiratory symptoms, which can be serious in young kittens. Some symptoms of feline herpes virus 1 rhinotracheitis include:
- Sneezing
- Nasal discharge
- Conjunctivitis
- Ulceration/lesions on the mouth, nose, face
- Coughing
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Ulceration of the cornea, which can lead to blindness
- Vascularisation (development of blood vessels in organs)
- Anorexia
- Depression
- Salivation
- Death (in kittens)
Feline herpes virus 1 rhinotracheitis in pregnant cats causes abortions, sick newborns and pneumonia in kittens.
Diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms, vaccination history and exposure history. Laboratory tests can also be performed to confirm the diagnosis. These tests may include immunofluorescent assay of nasal of conjunctiva secretions, pharyngeal swabs, smears from the eye discharge, or serology (testing the serum).
How is Feline Herpes Virus 1 Rhinotracheitis Transmitted?
Shedding of feline herpes virus 1 rhinotracheitis occurs in oronasal and conjuctival (eye) secretions and transmission is via nasal, ocular and oral discharge. Contact with an infected cat is a common cause of contraction and though contamination via the environment is possible, such as touching contaminated cat food bowls, cages and clothing, this is not a major source of transmission, except in shelters and catteries.
Shedding of the virus occurs 24 hours after infection and can continue for up to 3 weeks. Many cats that have been infected with feline herpes virus 1 rhinotracheitis continue to harbor the virus in their nerve cells, meaning they can continue to shed the virus during times of stress, concurrent infection or steroid administration. Infected mothers may transmit the virus to their kittens.
Treatment and Prognosis of Feline Herpes Virus 1 Rhinotracheitis
Treatment of feline herpes virus 1 rhinotracheitis is mostly supportive and includes:
- Correction of dehydration and electrolyte loss by use of intravenous fluids.
- Giving warm, soft and strong smelling food. Many cats lose their sense of smell due to nasal congestion and often won’t eat due to mouth ulceration. Appetite stimulants may be used or enteral feeding (feeding tube) if the patient is unable to eat.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain and fever.
- Antibiotics to control secondary infections.
- Cleaning of eye and nasal discharge with saline solution and application of ointment.
- Drugs with mucolytic effects may be used for nasal discharge.
- Antiviral therapy.
Prognosis depends on the age of the cat and the severity of the infection, though with supportive treatment, many cats recover in 1-2 weeks, unless they develop chronic symptoms.
Prevention of feline herpes virus 1 rhinotracheitis is through vaccination. Vaccination protects cats from clinical disease; however there is still a chance of infection, though evidence suggests that vaccination reduces the excretion of the virus.
The virus is common in unvaccinated cats and can cause severe disease, especially in kittens and old cats, so vaccination is recommended. Infected cats should be kept indoors to prevent further spread of feline herpes virus 1 rhinotracheitis.
Resource and further reading:
‘Feline Herpes Virus-1’at International Veterinary Information
Roberta Goli - Roberta has a Bachelor of Science Degree (Zoology), has worked with animals for over 10 years and enjoys writing short stories and flash ...
