Feline Upper Respiratory Infections
Guest Post by Lorie Huston, DVM
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Upper respiratory infections, or URIs, are among the most common infectious diseases we see in cats. Though many feline upper respiratory infections are relatively mild, some cats develop severe infections. The disease can be particularly devastating in young kittens.
The most common symptoms associated with upper respiratory infections are sneezing, coughing, wheezing, runny eyes, runny nose, lack of appetite, and sometimes a fever.
Though cats of any age can become infected with upper respiratory infections, kittens are the most susceptible population. Respiratory infections in young kittens can be especially serious because their immune systems may not be fully developed, making them more likely to develop complications, such as pneumonia. The other highly susceptible population of cats is those with compromised immune systems resulting from chronic disease or viruses such as the feline leukemia (FeLV) and/or feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV).
There are several different viruses, bacteria, and fungi that can cause upper respiratory infections. The vast majority of upper respiratory infections are caused by either the feline rhinotracheitis virus or the feline calicivirus. Collectively, these two viruses account for roughly 90% of all upper respiratory infections. Both of these viruses can cause chronic infections, with affected cats often having a persistent runny nose (“chronic snuffler syndrome”) or persistent eye problems. Symptoms may also recur when the cat experiences periods of stress.
Treatment of a cat with an upper respiratory infection is usually symptomatic. Antibiotics are often prescribed to prevent or treat secondary bacterial infections. Nursing care is often required and involves keeping the eyes and nose open and free of any discharge. Nebulizers can be useful for these cats. L-lysine is often used, particularly in chronic cases, but has not been shown to be effective in treating upper respiratory disease. Anti-viral eye medications such as idoxuridine are sometimes used to treat cats with chronic eye problems.
Vaccinations against feline rhinotracheitis and calicivirus are available. These vaccines are considered core vaccines, vaccines that are recommended for all cats because of the ubiquitous nature of the viruses and the potential for serious disease caused by these viruses. Vaccines are normally started for kittens at 6 to 8 weeks of age and should be boostered every 3-4 weeks until the kitten is 16 weeks of age. For unvaccinated cats over 16 weeks of age, two dosages given 3-4 weeks apart are recommended.
Both intranasal and injectable vaccines against feline rhinotracheitis and calicivirus are available. There are advantages and disadvantages to each. However, these viruses are usually included in a three-way vaccine together with the feline panleukopenia virus and current vaccine guidelines published by American Association of Feline Practitioner recommend at least one injectable vaccine for panleukopenia.
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Lysine is effective only if the herpes virus is at play. Lysine works by repressing the metabolism of arginine, an amino acid that is essential for the herpes virus to replicate. It also can prevent vitamin c and zinc from being absorbed as easily so giving it long term probably isn’t a good idea.
It never ‘boosts the immune system’ which I see mentioned quite a lot.