As a pet science blog author, I’ve had the privilege of observing and learning from the furry companions in my life. One common issue that often concerns pet parents is the occurrence of sneezing and eye discharge in cats, which are indicative of the ‘Feline Upper Respiratory Disease Complex’. This comprehensive guide aims to shed light on this prevalent condition affecting our feline friends.
What is Feline Upper Respiratory Disease Complex?
The Feline Upper Respiratory Disease Complex is a term that encapsulates a range of conditions impacting the mouth, nasal passages, sinuses, upper airway, and sometimes the eyes in cats and kittens. While there are multiple culprits behind this complex, the majority of cases—approximately 80-90%—are attributed to the feline herpes-1 (feline rhinotracheitis virus) and calicivirus. Other potential causes include Chlamydophila felisi, feline reovirus, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Pasteurella spp., and mycoplasmas.
Transmission of Feline Upper Respiratory Disease Complex
Feline rhinotracheitis virus and calicivirus are primarily transmitted through direct contact with an infected cat’s eye and nasal discharges. Sneezing can contaminate the environment, and objects like food dishes, hands, and bedding, once contaminated, can facilitate the spread of these viruses from one cat to another.
Symptoms of Feline Upper Respiratory Disease Complex
The symptoms can vary depending on the causative agent, the cat’s age, and other health-related factors. Below is a comparison of the symptoms and characteristics associated with feline rhinotracheitis virus and calicivirus infections:
| Characteristic | Feline Rhinotracheitis Virus | Calicivirus |
|---|---|---|
| Incubation period | 2-17 days | 1-14 days |
| Duration of illness | 2-4 weeks | 1-2 weeks |
| Nasal signs | Sneezing common; nasal discharge | Nasal discharge; sneezing uncommon |
| Effects on the eye | Conjunctivitis; discharge; sometimes corneal ulcers | Discharge |
(Note: The table above is a simplified representation and includes only a few of the characteristics for brevity.)
Diagnosis of Feline Upper Respiratory Disease Complex
A veterinarian will diagnose this complex by considering the cat’s medical history, clinical signs, and conducting special laboratory tests to identify the exact cause. These tests may include polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, virus isolation, and fluorescent staining of cells taken from the conjunctiva. If a cat exhibits recurrent episodes or shows signs of disease despite vaccination, additional tests for feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) may be warranted.
Treatment of Feline Upper Respiratory Disease Complex
The cornerstone of treatment involves maintaining the cleanliness of the cat’s eyes and nasal passages, ensuring adequate food and water intake, keeping the cat calm and warm, controlling secondary bacterial infections with antibiotics, and addressing any oral ulcers or eye lesions with the appropriate medication. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required for fluid therapy, supplemental oxygen, or feeding tubes.
Prognosis for Cats with Feline Upper Respiratory Disease Complex
Most cats that contract feline rhinotracheitis virus or calicivirus become chronic carriers, meaning they remain infected but do not exhibit symptoms. Stressful events can trigger the shedding of the virus in secretions. Vaccinated cats can still become infected with the wild strain of the virus and may show mild signs of