Herpesvirus Infection in Cats (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis)

Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis

Feline viral rhinotracheitis, also known as a herpesvirus infection, is believed to be responsible for up to 80-90% of all infectious upper respiratory diseases in our feline friends. This disease can affect your cat's nose, eyes, and windpipe, as well as cause problems during pregnancy.

Symptoms of FVR include:

In healthy adult cats, these symptoms may be mild and begin to clear up after about 5-10 days, however, in more severe cases symptoms of FVR can last for 6 weeks or longer. In kittens, senior cats, and immune-compromised cats, symptoms of FHV-1 may persist and worsen and lead to depression, loss of appetite, severe weight loss, and sores inside of your cat's mouth. Bacterial infections often occur in cats that are already ill with feline viral rhinotracheitis.

The FVRCP Vaccination

To provide your cat with the best protection possible against the serious conditions explained above, they should receive their first FVRCP vaccination at around 6-8 weeks old and then receive 2 more booster shots at intervals of 3-4 weeks. After that, your kitten will need another booster when they are just over a year old, then every 3 years throughout their lifetime.

For more information about when your cat should receive vaccines visit our vaccination schedule.

Possible Side Effects

Side effects from vaccines are unusual in cats, and when they do occur they tend to be very mild. Most cats that do react to the FVRCP vaccine will develop a slight fever and feel a little 'off' for a day or two. It is not unusual for there to be a small amount of swelling at the injection site.

If your cat is displaying any of the more severe symptoms of a reaction listed above, contact your vet immediately or visit the emergency animal hospital nearest you.

Other Conditions That the FVRCP Vaccine Protects Against

The FVRCP vaccine is an extremely effective way to protect your kitty against 3 highly contagious and life-threatening feline diseases: feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR), feline calicivirus (C), and feline panleukopenia (P). 

Feline Calicivirus (FCV)

This virus is a major cause of upper respiratory infections and oral disease in cats.

Symptoms of feline calicivirus (FCV) include nasal congestion, sneezing, eye inflammation, and clear or yellow discharge from the infected cat's nose or eyes. Some cats will also develop painful ulcers on their tongue, palate, lips, or nose due to FCV. Often cats infected with feline calicivirus suffer from loss of appetite, weight loss, fever, enlarged lymph nodes, squinting, and lethargy.

It's important to note that there are several different strains of FCV, some produce fluid buildup in the lungs (pneumonia), while others lead to symptoms such as fever, joint pain, and lameness.

Feline Panleukopenia (FPL)

Feline Panleukopenia (FPL) is an extremely common and serious virus in cats that causes damage to bone marrow, lymph nodes, and the cells lining your cat's intestines. Symptoms of FPL include depression, loss of appetite, high fever, lethargy, vomiting, severe diarrhea, nasal discharge, and dehydration.

Due to their weakened immune systems, cats infected with FPL frequently develop secondary infections as well, due to the weakened state of their immune systems. Although this disease can attack cats of any age it is often fatal in kittens. 

There are currently no medications available to kill the virus that causes FPL so treating cats with feline panleukopenia involves symptoms such as dehydration and shock through intravenous fluid therapy and intensive nursing care.

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.

Is an illness or condition affecting your cat's eyes? Contact our Renton vets to book an examination.