Health & Environmental Research Online (HERO)


Print Feedback Export to File
527854 
Journal Article 
Feline herpesvirus infection ABCD guidelines on prevention and management 
Thiry, E; Addie, D; Belak, S; Boucraut-Baralon, C; Egberink, H; Frymus, T; Gruffydd-Jones, T; Hartmann, K; Hosie, MJ; Lloret, A; Lutz, H; Marsilio, F; Pennisi, MG; Radford, AD; Truyen, U; Horzinek, MC 
2009 
Yes 
Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery
ISSN: 1098-612X 
11 
7 
547-555 
English 
Overview Feline viral rhinotracheitis, caused by feline herpesvirus (FHV), is an upper respiratory tract disease that is often associated with feline calicivirus and bacteria. In most cats, FHV remains latent after recovery, and they become lifelong virus carriers. Stress or corticosteroid treatment may lead to virus reactivation and shedding in oronasal and conjunctival secretions. Infection Sick cats shed FHV in oral, nasal and conjunctival secretions; shedding may last for 3 weeks. Infection requires direct contact with a shedding cat. Disease signs Feline herpesvirus infections cause acute rhinitis and conjunctivitis, usually accompanied by fever, depression and anorexia. Affected cats may also develop typical ulcerative, dendritic keratitis. Diagnosis Samples consist of conjunctival, corneal or oropharyngeal swabs, corneal scrapings or biopsies. It is not recommended that cats recently vaccinated with a modified-live virus vaccine are sampled. Positive PCR results should be interpreted with caution, as they may be produced by low-level shedding or viral latency. Disease management 'Tender loving care' from the owner, supportive therapy and good nursing are essential. Anorexic cats should be fed blended, highly palatable food - warmed up if required. Mucolytic drugs (eg, bromhexine) or nebulisation with saline may offer relief. Broad-spectrum antibiotics should be given to prevent secondary bacterial infections. Topical antiviral drugs may be used for the treatment of acute FHV ocular disease. The virus is labile and susceptible to most disinfectants, antiseptics and detergents. 
viral rhinotracheitis virus; chain-reaction assay; chlamydophila-felis; respiratory-tract; cats; calicivirus; disease; pcr; dna; sensitivity