Rhinotracheitis in cats - symptoms, treatment and prevention

Rinotracheitis in cats, also called hypervirus, is a contagious disease, widespread. The virus, which is the causative agent of the disease, lives in the environment for up to two months. Rinotracheitis in cats is quite specific and not dangerous for indoor animals. It is not transmitted to man either.

How do cats become infected? The ill animal spreads the virus with nasopharyngeal secretions and feces. Chronically sick cats become infectious when exacerbated. The causative agent of the disease can be found on bowls, care items and even on the clothes and body of the owner. Like many diseases of domestic animals, Herpesviridae is transmitted from the diseased cat by a healthy aerogenic route with the usual inhalation of the virus (by sniffing infected feces, taking food from a common bowl, etc.).

The virus affects the upper layers of the epithelium. Localized on mucous pharynx, nose, mouth, it penetrates into cells and destroys them, as a result of inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. Very often the eyes are affected, provoking the development of severe conjunctivitis. If the outbreak occurs during pregnancy, the cat is likely to experience a breakdown. The incubation period is extended (1-10 days).

The risk group, in the first place, falls weakened animals (who have suffered stress or who have been ill before), young (up to a year), living dull (possibly cross-contamination), receiving poor-quality (or inferior) food. The peak of the disease is fixed in cold weather (spring, autumn). Risk increases in uncontrolled mating animals. The period of "hunting" just falls at a time when the virus is particularly rampant, and a sick cat when tying will inevitably infect a healthy cat, since the pathogen is found in seminal fluid.

Some diseases of cats have similar symptoms, so it is important to put a correct and timely diagnosis. If any signs of a malaise appear, it is better to be safe and show the cat to veterinarians. Rinotracheitis in cats is similar in features to pyroplasmosis, which already poses a serious danger to humans. If the animal is strong, with good immunity, then the disease can flow secretly, manifesting a slight rhinitis with periodic sneezing. After 5-6 days, the rhinotracheitis in cats grows into another, chronic form.

The acute course of rhinotracheitis begins with a common cold. After a day or two, the activity of the cat decreases sharply, lethargy appears, and appetite is lost. Signs of rhinitis intensify, the discharge becomes gray-yellow, viscous. Conjunctivitis develops. The eyelids become inflamed, there is swelling (sometimes with white spots). Then comes the turn of the bronchi: a cough begins with the separation of sputum (sometimes before vomiting), becomes inflamed and swallows sip. Up to 41 degrees, the temperature rises. The stuffy nose makes the cat breathe with the mouth. Yazvochki appear on the tongue and along the mucous membrane of the oral cavity. Salivation may increase. With the abandonment of water, dehydration occurs.

If the diagnosis is correct, the animal will recover in a week. A belated diagnosis ensures the transition of the disease to a chronic form. The prognosis is favorable, mortality with proper treatment is low. In young cats, rhinotracheitis can be complicated by pneumonia.

The chronic course of the disease is not manifested in any way, but stress, hypothermia, malnutrition or a new disease can cause a relapse, during which the cat will become contagious.

Confirm the diagnosis and appoint a doctor only. "Folk remedies" are ineffective here. To begin a medical course (antibiotics) it is necessary immediately. Eyes and nose should be washed with antiseptics. If the food and water fails, you will have to inject nutrient solutions intravenously. Heart means can be prescribed. The treatment regimen is individual for each animal. The cat should be kept clean, warm (overheating or undercooling is by no means allowed). Mandatory periodic disinfection with solutions of formalin or phenol or steam treatment room and objects, including tray and bowl.

The food should be as light as possible, semi-liquid, without cereals and vegetables (sour-milk products, crushed eggs, fish fillets, low-fat broths, boiled meat). If before the cat was fed on industrial feeds, let it warmed up.

When several cats are kept in one house, the sick animal is isolated.

Vaccination is the only way of prevention.