Herpes virus in cats treatment. Rhinotracheitis in cats (herpes). In the future, the pet can be observed

The pet began to sneeze, there was discharge from the nose, and the eyes were watering. What is it, a simple cold in a cat or herpes? Herpes virus infection requires mandatory treatment, otherwise the consequences can be disastrous. By what symptoms can you understand that your pet has been attacked by herpes, and how to deal with it?

What kind of disease is this

Herpes in cats is caused by the FHV-1 virus. Otherwise, the disease is called rhinotracheitis and is divided into infectious, herpesvirus and viral. It can occur in an acute form or become chronic.

Cats are vaccinated against this infection, otherwise it affects most animals. Mortality ranges from 5-20%.

The virus is transmitted from a sick or recovered animal aerogenously. Can enter the body through food, water, milk, urine, through secretions from the eyes, nose and genitals. A person who has been in contact with an infected cat can also infect a pet.

Important! After recovery for up to 9 months, the cat releases the virus into the air.

The intensity of transmission depends on the duration of contact with the infected animal and the severity of its disease. Within two days after infection, the pathogen is detected in the discharge from the eyes and nose. It actively spreads for about 3-4 weeks.

If the cat is a latent carrier, then activation of the pathogen can begin under the influence of various factors: stress, pregnancy, illness. That is, any circumstances that reduce immunity can give rise to the disease.

External circumstances, such as poor care and nutrition, hypothermia, overcrowding of animals, contribute to the spread of infection.

Once on the mucous membranes, the virus penetrates the skin and multiplies there. This leads to inflammation, causing tissue necrosis in the lips and nose. At the same time, the pathogen enters the blood, causing weakness and fever. If a pregnant cat gets sick, this will almost certainly lead to the birth of a sick or dead baby, or a miscarriage.

Symptoms

Infection with the herpes virus is not immediately noticeable. The incubation period lasts from 3 to 8 days. After this, the cat develops symptoms:

loss of appetite;
the furry pet becomes lethargic;
diarrhea or vomiting often begins;
shortness of breath appears;
the oral cavity becomes covered with ulcers;
the eyes are affected by conjunctivitis;
body temperature rises.

The disease passes acutely, subacutely, chronically.

If the course is acute, then the temperature rises to 40 degrees and does not subside for up to 5 days. Then a runny nose appears and the eyes become inflamed. The animal begins to cough, sore throat, and hoarseness.

If the animal is young and healthy, the immune system is strong, and the treatment is adequate, then the disease quickly begins to recede and disappears after 7-10 days. Mortality is observed among weakened animals, due to the development of a secondary infection leading to pulmonary edema, as well as due to dehydration.

The chronic course of the disease lasts longer, and rhinitis does not go away for years. Leads to the development of ulcerative colitis and can result in blindness. The functioning of the central nervous system is disrupted, which is expressed in trembling of the limbs and manege movements (walking in a circle).

The chronic condition sometimes results in herpesvirus dermatitis in cats, and ulcers form on the inflamed skin. They can appear on any part of the body, such as the front legs, but tend to accumulate around the mouth and nose. This condition is characterized by crusting, swelling, and erythema in the inflamed areas. Signs on the skin appear after the main symptoms of the disease have subsided, after about 10 days. Treatment in this case is carried out with antiviral and antibacterial drugs.

To make a diagnosis, the veterinarian takes secretions from the mucous membranes for analysis and evaluates the symptoms. If a virus is detected in a cat, a diagnosis of rhinotracheitis is made and a herpes virus infection is confirmed. After this, treatment recommendations are given.

How to treat

The treatment process begins with protecting the mucous membranes from virus attack, and treating the cornea of the eye from inflammation. As a rule, ointments with an anti-inflammatory effect are suitable for this. The most popular are Tetracycline and Acyclovir. They are used 5-6 times a day.

Sometimes the doctor prescribes Acyclovir in tablet form. But this is done with caution, since they impair liver function when taken for a long time. That is why it is not allowed to use the drug without consulting a doctor.

Inflammation in the upper respiratory tract is treated with antibacterial agents, such as Tylosin or Tetracycline, to avoid complications. To support the cat’s immunity, immunomodulators and drugs to support the liver, kidneys and heart are prescribed. If treatment of herpesvirus with antibiotics is prescribed, then antihistamines are added. Injections of vitamins C and B are given subcutaneously or intravenously.

Important! The cat should be kept at rest in a warm, draft-free room. If the cat refuses regular food, then you need to offer liquid or semi-liquid food options.

During the period of illness, the following products and dishes are introduced into the cat’s menu:

boiled liquid food in meat or fish broths;
porridge;
pureed vegetables;
boiled minced fish, poultry, beef.

If the cat eats industrial food, then preference is given to high-calorie canned food.

Herpes infection is similar to calcivirus in its main features. Therefore, it is important to correctly diagnose the disease. There are some differences that allow you to understand what kind of disease has overtaken your pet:

With calcivirosis, the ulcers characteristic of stomatitis are more pronounced and there are more of them. Inflammations appear on the tongue.
If inflammation of the gums develops, then this is also a distinctive sign of calcivirosis.
With calcivirosis, there is no mouth breathing, but the joints are affected, which leads to lameness.

In addition, before rhinotracheitis is diagnosed, bordetellosis and chlamydia are excluded. The first option is characterized by a very strong cough, but there are no inflammatory processes in the eyes, and the appetite does not deteriorate. In the second option, the eyes are affected one by one.

Treatment of herpes in cats is a labor-intensive process, and the disease itself can lead to secondary inflammation and even death, so vaccination is used to prevent the disease. They use Multifek, Nobivak Tricat, Quadricat and other vaccinations.

Vaccination does not guarantee that the animal will resist the virus and the disease will pass by. But its course will be milder, and recovery will come faster.

Moreover, the peak incidence occurs during the cold period. However, equivalent symptoms in humans and cats indicate different pathologies.

Unvaccinated animals become ill when in contact with sick people. In nurseries, the infection spreads quickly. Recovered cats become carriers of the pathogen. Virions are released from all natural openings; infection during mating cannot be ruled out. Sick cats sneeze, cough and cry. High mortality rates are observed among infected kittens.

Pathogen

The herpes virus FHV-1 is not only transmitted by infected cats. It is transported by the clothes and shoes of the owner, and can live for some time on fresh grass, in puddles and on the soil surface. The active incubation period lasts 3…8 days.

The virus is adapted to reproduce on the mucous membranes of the conjunctiva, trachea, and nasopharynx. The occurrence of herpes is promoted by stress against the background of: unsatisfactory living conditions and unbalanced nutrition.

FHV-1 is latent, it settles permanently and appears when the immune system is weakened. The disease is transmitted in utero or during the passage of the birth canal. Therefore, it makes no sense to wean a kitten from its mother’s milk. With 100% infectivity, the manifest course of herpes develops in 50% of those infected.

Symptoms

Before the characteristic signs of the disease appear, the cat becomes lethargic. A few days later, the following symptoms of acute illness occur:

Lacrimation, turning into serous and then purulent conjunctivitis.
Purulent rhinitis. The secreted mucus dries, forming yellow crusts that gradually change color to brown.
Temperature rises > 41°.
The cat has difficulty swallowing - his throat hurts.
Loss of appetite gives way to anorexia.
Progressive emaciation is observed.
The cat breathes with its mouth.
Cardiac failure is observed.
Secondary microflora is activated, resulting in the development of a cough with copious sputum production.
The normal intestinal flora dies, constipation occurs.

If the animal is not treated, it dies within two weeks, or recovers, becoming a lifelong carrier of the virus. Chronic herpes lasts for months or years. In addition to the symptoms characteristic of manifest rhinotracheitis, ulcerative keratitis and panophthalmitis are formed, leading to loss of vision. Rhinitis develops into bronchopneumonia, which can be fatal. Against the background of exacerbation of herpes viral rhinotracheitis, the cat becomes defenseless against infection with infectious immunodeficiency or leukemia. Both diseases are fatal.

Diagnostics

The cause of the pathology is established on the basis of clinical signs and serological studies of discharge from the nose or eyes. The symptoms of herpes viral rhinotracheitis basically repeat the features of calcivirosis. Some differences are as follows:

Stomatitis with calcivirosis is more severe; a characteristic sign is the presence of ulcers on the tongue.
Gingivitis develops, which is not typical for rhinotracheitis.
The chronic course of herpesvirus infection is characterized by mouth breathing and the formation of ulcerative keratitis. With calcivirosis, these symptoms do not appear, but the joints are affected and lameness develops.

To establish a diagnosis of rhinotracheitis, the exclusion of bordetellosis and chlamydia is required. The first pathology is characterized by a very strong cough, appetite does not disappear and eye diseases do not occur.

Caring for your cat is important in treating FHV-1. Crusts of drying out discharge constantly form on the eyes and around the nostrils. They must be treated with medications many times, as needed.

To stimulate appetite, high-energy ready-made food is used. The manifest course of herpes lasts 7...10 days, improvement of the condition with adequate treatment is observed after 2...3 days.

Prevention

The radical solution to the FHV-1 problem is immunization. Eight-week-old kittens are vaccinated with mandatory revaccination 2...4 weeks later. Vaccination provides a sufficiently high level of antibodies, which protects against infection throughout the year. To stimulate the reproduction of immunoglobulins, adult cats are vaccinated annually.

When keeping cats in groups, the practice is to isolate the sick animal, and newly arrived individuals are sent to quarantine. Shared bowls and trays are washed daily. The room is disinfected.

Rhinotracheitis or herpes in cats is an extremely dangerous and at the same time widespread disease. The disease is viral in nature, spreads quickly and, unfortunately, “absolute” treatment is not yet available to humanity. Considering the rate of spread and damage - people, animals, birds, fish and even plants suffer from herpes, it is unreasonable to leave the issue unattended, especially if you have a pet under your care for whom you are responsible.

Feline herpesvirus affects all animals, regardless of breed, age, gender and living conditions. The virus can hypothetically live without a carrier for up to 60 days; in fact, microorganisms die after 60–100 hours. The disease is considered seasonal (winter), affects the respiratory system, and if left untreated, it often leads to the death of the animal. More often, kittens, elderly individuals and pets with a low level of immune defense get sick. A particular danger is that herpesvirus infection in cats is transmitted in all possible ways:

Airborne– when sneezing, coughing, direct communication.

Contact– from pieces of furniture, clothing, bowls, bedding, litter trays.

Sexually– contact of the mucous membranes of two individuals, exchange of physiological fluids.

Through liquids(tears, saliva, urine).

With feces– for a healthy animal it is enough to smell the carrier’s feces.

Note! Feline rhinotracheitis is not transmitted to humans! But with lightning speed it affects other cats living in the house or in contact with the owner of the carrier.

In fact, the herpes virus is the “trigger” of ARVI in cats, but what it will develop into depends on the physiological strength of the animal. In veterinary practice, it is generally accepted that rhinotracheitis is the root cause:

(rhinitis)– swelling of the mucous membranes of the nose, nasopharynx and eyes, caused by viral microorganisms.

– inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, affecting the trachea. Ignoring it causes the virus to descend and cause laryngitis and bronchitis.

– also a disease of the upper respiratory tract, it is severe, accompanied by sputum production, cough, and fever. If treatment is ignored, it becomes chronic or provokes pneumonia. For unknown reasons, there is a myth that bronchitis is not contagious; in fact, any disease caused by a virus can be transmitted to healthy individuals.

– a dangerous disease that affects the alveoli of the lungs, leading to disruption of gas exchange (oxygen starvation). Ignoring treatment leads to the death of the animal.

Note! In veterinary practice, the herpes and calicivirus viruses are often “combined.” The diseases are indeed very similar - the root causes of development, the rate of spread, symptoms, course and consequences are common, but the ailments are caused by different “agents”.

Read also: Main types of trematodes in cats: general information and treatment

Causes and diagnosis of feline herpes

More than 200 varieties of herpes have been identified on the planet, proceeding according to the same principle. Herpes is a DNA-containing virus, that is, it is introduced into the animal’s body so “masterfully” that the immune system does not notice the “enemy”. The disease is latent - it remains in the carrier’s body throughout his life and manifests itself when immunity declines. Simply put, if a pet has herpes once, it means it is there, will remain for life and can “rage” again. The disease is transmitted to offspring in the womb, or less often, in the birth canal, so it is ineffective, and rather pointless, to wean kittens from milk if herpes is detected in a nursing cat.

Important! Kittens born to a carrier cat are infected in 100% of cases, however, the probability of the disease developing into an acute form is no more than 50%, with proper care, of course.

The herpes virus is activated for all sorts of reasons that have a detrimental effect on the immune system, from improper feeding and hypothermia to hidden pathology. The incubation period for active lesions is 3–7 days, after which they begin the first symptoms appear:

Swelling of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract– in a cat it is often missed, the animal reduces activity, but generally behaves as usual.

Epithelial damage– small ulcers appear on the lips, tongue, and palate, which periodically dry out and crack – see photo. Reporting, excessive lacrimation is noticeable in the eyes, and as it progresses, conjunctivitis occurs.

Active secretion of mucus– the fur on the nose becomes covered with brown or yellow crusts, which are clearly visible after sleep.

Read also: Jaundice in cats: signs and care for a sick animal

If your pet is lucky, the disease will be limited to the above symptoms. But this does not mean that herpes can be ignored! The acute course of the disease is more dangerous and the cat may not live to see the “peak” of respiratory tract damage – pneumonia.

Herpes in a cat in the acute stage is accompanied by:

Fever – an increase in base body temperature above 40°.

Sudden weight loss and refusal to eat.

Heart failure and rapid breathing.

Purulent conjunctivitis.

Extinction of intestinal microflora – indigestion, constipation.

Breathing through your mouth.

Severe coughing attacks with expectoration of mucus.

Note! Without treatment, the cat is sick for 14 days and either dies or becomes a lifelong carrier - the disease becomes chronic.

Treatment of herpes in cats

To begin with, forget that herpes can be diagnosed “by eye” or treated with folk remedies - unrealistic, useless, dangerous! Homemade compresses, ointments and “talkers” are used only for symptomatic treatment, for example, conjunctivitis. Before diagnosing herpes and determining how to treat the disease at a specific stage, blood is donated. Moreover, this is not a biochemical analysis, but PCR (polymerase chain reaction) or ELISA (often gives a false negative result). Oral rinses can be prescribed to clarify the diagnosis.

After confirming the presence of the causative agent, the veterinarian determines how to treat the cat, but even here everything is complicated. An animal may be a carrier of a non-activated herpes virus, but suffer from another disease with similar symptoms, for example, mycoplasmosis. In addition, there is no treatment specifically for herpes, and any “attempts” by the veterinarian will be useless until the virus begins to “rage” and destroy the body.

Based on materials from the website www.icatcare.org

Infectious rhinotracheitis in cats is caused by the feline herpes virus (Feline herpesvirus, FHV, FHV-1). This highly contagious virus is considered one of the main reasons leading to the development of infectious diseases of the upper respiratory tract or influenza in cats (cat flu). In the vast majority of cases of ARVI in cats, the cause is feline herpes virus or feline calicivirus.

How is feline herpes virus spread?

The feline herpes virus, which causes mainly acute respiratory diseases in cats, is also associated with some other diseases (see below). The virus can be transmitted in the following ways:

Direct contact - the virus is transmitted through saliva, nasal and eye discharge;
Airborne - when an infected cat sneezes;
Through common objects - saucers, drinking bowls, toilet trays, etc.;

Infection through contaminated objects (including beds and grooming tools) with feline herpes virus is less likely than with feline calicivirus, since FHV is much less persistent and lives in the air for no more than one or two days.

After infection with the feline herpes virus, in almost all cats the virus remains latent (in the nerve cells). This means that once a cat becomes infected, it carries the virus throughout its life. FHV does not cause problems in many cats, and many cats do not spread the virus, meaning they do not pose a risk to other cats. However, some cats may periodically begin to shed the feline herpes virus again, most often during stressful situations or when the immune system is suppressed (for example, when treated with corticosteroid medications). During such periods, the cat exhibits (in a weakened form) clinical signs of rhinotracheitis. Chronic FHV infections can cause eye disease in some cats (see below).

Diagnosis of feline herpesvirus.

Acute infectious diseases of the upper respiratory tract are the most common sign of a cat being infected with the feline herpes virus. Typical signs of FHV are:

Discharge from the eyes and nose;
lacrimation;
Increased salivation;
Pharyngitis;
Lethargy, loss of appetite;
Fever;
Cough (rare);

Symptoms last from a few days to a few weeks in cats, with the cat remaining infectious for (approximately) three weeks. The clinical signs of feline herpesvirus are similar to those of calicivirus, but are more severe.

Keratitis. Although less common, one sign of chronic feline herpes infection in many cats is conjunctivitis and keratitis (infection and inflammation of the cornea of the eye - the front most convex transparent part of the eyeball). Although keratitis has many possible causes, feline herpes virus causes the development of multiple small branching ulcers on the cornea (dendritic or dendritic keratitis). The presence of such keratitis confirms the diagnosis of FHV in a cat.

Herpesvirus dermatitis(FHV-associated dermatitis) is a sign of chronic feline herpesvirus infection, manifested in the form of inflammation on the skin and the formation of ulcers. It is most often seen around the cat's nose and mouth, but can develop in other places, such as the front legs. Fortunately, dermatitis from feline herpes rarely develops.

In most cases, diagnosing infectious rhinotracheitis in cats does not require any specific procedures. The presence of typical signs of infectious diseases of the upper respiratory tract is a sufficient basis for a preliminary conclusion about FHV and (or) calicivirus infection. If in-depth diagnostics are required, swabs containing samples of secretions from the cat's eyes or mouth are sent to a veterinary laboratory, where a culture is grown or, more commonly, the virus is detected using polymerase chain reaction methods (PCR - a technology that detects the genetic material of the virus at the molecular level ). The presence of the virus can also be determined using a biopsy, which can be useful in diagnosing herpesvirus dermatitis (skin infections).

Treatment of infectious rhinotracheitis in cats.

Herpesvirus diseases in cats are often complicated by secondary bacterial infections, so supportive treatment with antibiotics is usually required. The cat needs to be well cared for during recovery, sometimes requiring hospitalization for intravenous fluid therapy and nutrition (in severe cases). Inhalation and nebulization may be used to treat severe nasal congestion. Since the cat in such cases does not smell food well, the food used should be slightly warmed up.

Unlike calicivirus infection, antiviral drugs have been developed against feline herpes virus, the use of which can significantly reduce the clinical signs of the disease.

Main treatments include:

Systemic antiviral therapy: famciclovir is a “human” antiherpes medicine that is safe for cats and gives a good therapeutic effect. It can be given to a cat orally, which may be particularly useful in treating severe acute infections.
Antiviral eye therapy: Idoxuridine, trifluridine, and cidofovir, antiviral medications developed for humans, have been used successfully as eye drops to treat herpesvirus-induced conjunctivitis and keratitis in cats. Some of the medications are given several times a day and can be combined with interferon drops to increase effectiveness.

In cat colonies (kennels, shelters), any cat with symptoms of FHV should, if possible, be isolated, and the premises should be disinfected and sanitary hygiene measures should be tightened. Cats should use separate dishes, litter trays, etc. It is better for cat owners to use disposable gloves and equipment, wash their hands thoroughly and strictly follow normal sanitary requirements.

Vaccination of cats against herpes virus infection.

Vaccination against herpesvirus infection should be carried out for all cats. For kittens, a course of two to three injections is recommended, starting at eight weeks of age. Upon reaching the age of one year, the cat is revaccinated, then repeated every 1-3 years.

It should be understood that even vaccination cannot completely protect a cat from the feline herpes virus, however, it significantly reduces the severity of the possible disease. Unlike calicivirus, the disease is caused by only one strain of FHV, so vaccination is much more successful.

Rhinotracheitis or herpesvirus infection is an acute infectious disease in cats. This disease most often affects the upper respiratory tract, but can also develop in other tissues. For people, feline herpes is not dangerous, but it causes a lot of problems for the animals themselves. How to recognize it and whether it is possible to get rid of a herpes infection, read our article.

Who is susceptible to the rhinotracheitis virus?

Males and cats of different breeds can become infected with the rhinotracheitis virus.

Animals that are most susceptible to the disease are:

suffered from hypothermia;
with a poor and unvaried diet;
with poor living conditions.

Pathogens

The causative agent of herpes infection is a “DNA containing virus” - “Feline viral rinotracheitis-2”. The virus family is “Herpesviridae”.

It is difficult for him to survive in the external environment and can survive in humid conditions for only 18 hours, and in dry conditions even less - 16 hours.

The virus is unstable and very sensitive to any influence. It is precisely these properties that do not allow it to reach the epidemiological threshold. But despite this, although not often, it still happens.

Reference!

Routes of infection. Can a cat get infected from a person?

A cat can become infected in several ways:

through contact with a carrier of the herpes virus;
from the external environment.

Most often, infection is airborne, that is, through direct contact with a sick animal. In addition, a person can bring the herpes virus from the external environment - from the street, on shoes.

How does this happen? In animals, the disease develops in the upper respiratory tract. From there, through the nasal, conjunctival or oral routes, the virus enters the external environment.

Attention!

The localization of rhinotracheitis is extensive. The virus lives and actively develops on the mucous membranes (nasopharynx, tonsils) and other tissues (conjunctiva, tongue, lymph nodes), which are a good breeding ground for them.

Cat susceptibility

The virus spreads very quickly. If you have several animals at once and one of them gets sick, then there is a high probability that symptoms will soon appear in other pets.

Incubation period

It is possible to detect the presence of the virus in a cat in laboratory conditions within a day after infection.

The incubation period of herpes is from two days to a week. The virus can remain in the body for up to three weeks.

Causes of development of herpes viral infection

The cause and development of herpes viral infection is a highly infectious virus (Feline herpesvirus, FHV, FHV-1), which can exist in the external environment.

Virus resistance

The virus is stable, but only in conditions that are comfortable for it.

It is introduced into the body in such a way that sometimes the immune system does not even notice it.

An illness that once appears in a pet can remain with it for life and will manifest itself every time the immune system is weakened.

Rhinoracheitis in cats: symptoms (with photos)

Most often, the presence of the virus is determined by the initial symptoms, which appear approximately 15 days after infection:

lacrimation;
nasal discharge;
and cough;
copious mica secretion;
blisters and ulcers on the mucous membranes and lips;
weakness and apathy;
decreased appetite;
increase in body temperature.

Nasal congestion often makes cats reluctant to eat or drink, which can lead to general dehydration. In this case, the animals have to be taken by force.

Eyeballs

Important!

When infected with the virus, the organs of vision are affected and a characteristic symptom is inflammation of the eyes.

Inflammation is often accompanied by purulent discharge, which contaminates areas near the nose and eyes. The conjunctiva becomes swollen. The cat's eyelids stick together due to secretions, and the consequence of this is a narrow palpebral fissure.

On the lip

The herpes virus may lie low for a while and not manifest itself.

That is why its symptoms on the lip sometimes appear a week after infection.

In this case, small ulcers and blisters appear, which are filled with clear liquid.

Immunodeficiency virus

If the immune system does not respond to infection and does not fight the virus, then it begins to accumulate in the animal’s cells. Thus, the cat becomes a carrier and releases the virus into the external environment.

Symptoms of immunodeficiency virus in cats:

enlarged lymph nodes;
stomatitis;
diseases of the genitourinary system;
damage to the nervous system.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of the disease is made in veterinary institutions based on tests and the clinical picture of the disease. This is necessary in order not to confuse herpes infection with calcivirus, the clinical picture of which has similar symptoms.

To detect the presence of the herpes virus, it is necessary to send the discharge for analysis.

The virus veterinary laboratory will test samples for the presence of virus bodies.

If they are detected, the animal will be diagnosed with rhinotracheitis.

The disease can occur in two forms: acute and chronic.

The acute form lasts about two weeks and, most often, ends with recovery.
Chronic form - can last up to one and a half months. To all the symptoms inherent in herpes is added the development of ulcerative keratitis and blindness.

Reference!

Lethal outcome is possible only when the virus is introduced into the body of a kitten or animal with very weak immunity.

Treatment regimen at home

When the diagnosis of herpesvirus infection is confirmed, it is necessary to ensure correct and timely treatment. The longer the disease lasts, the more difficult it will be to get rid of it.

Important!

If the disease is left to chance, it can lead to infection with other infections, various complications and, in rare cases, death.

Complications of herpes infection can be:

inflammation of the trachea;
pneumonia;
inflammation of the bronchi.

As a rule, a cat, even after undergoing treatment, remains a carrier of the virus for a long time. Only animals with strong immunity are completely freed from it.

Complex treatment

A whole range of drugs and antibiotics are used for treatment.

Reference!

Local treatments of the affected areas, saline solutions, which are used as injections, and immunoglobulins help well.

In addition, during complex treatment of herpes virus infection, you need to pay special attention to the pet’s diet and its maintenance.

Provide the animal with comfort and peace; it is advisable to keep it in a warm room.

With proper treatment, significant improvements are observed within three days, and after one and a half to two weeks the animal recovers.

Drugs

Treatment with drugs takes place at home, but under the strict supervision of veterinarians and constant examinations. The following medications are most often prescribed.

Anti-inflammatory ointment "Acyclovir". Used to protect tissue from damage and inflammation. To protect the cornea, it is recommended to apply a 5% product under the lower eyelid. You can use the ointment up to six times a day. The price of the ointment is quite affordable. You can buy the product for, on average, 30 rubles.
The drug for external use "Chlorhexidine" is used to treat ulcers in the oral cavity. In addition, it can cleanse fur and skin of purulent secretions. The average cost is only 15 rubles.
Immunomodulator "Anandin" for instillation into the eyes and nose. Has anti-inflammatory and healing effects. You need to instill three drops 2-3 times a day. The course of treatment should not exceed two weeks. The average price is 80 rubles.

Antibiotics

Broad-spectrum antibiotic drug "Cefazolin". To administer the injection, you need to prepare a suspension. To do this, the powder is diluted with water in accordance with the instructions. The dose and number of applications are prescribed by a veterinarian. The cost of one bottle is 15 rubles.

Important!

Do not self-medicate or prescribe the drug yourself! This should only be done by a veterinarian based on the clinical picture of the disease and tests.

Ulcers

A common symptom of herpes virus infection is numerous ulcers. To get rid of them you can use:

antibiotics;
intravenous drips;
ointments and gels;
pills.

Catcat's atony

Atony is a lack of muscle tone. It can be caused by illness, improper feeding, or the animal's advanced age.

Symptoms:

vomit;
lack of appetite;
reducing the daily amount of feces;
difficulty defecation.

Important!

If any symptoms are detected, you should immediately take your pet to a veterinarian. To enhance peristalsis, he will prescribe Glauber's salt and other effective remedies.

Temperature

When infected with the rhinotracheitis virus, animals often experience an increase in body temperature of up to 40 degrees, sometimes higher. What to do in this case?

First, you need to make sure that the temperature is elevated. Measure it rectally, using an electronic thermometer.
If the temperature is still elevated, then you need to contact a veterinary clinic. The doctor will prescribe antipyretic medications.
Make sure that the animal has free access to fresh water.

Forecasts

The prognosis in the fight against rhinotracheitis is always positive. As already mentioned, complications are possible only with improper treatment. There are practically no lethal outcomes with this disease. They occur only in very weakened or young kittens.

Attention!

Take care of timely and proper treatment for your pet. The disease is easier to treat at the initial stage.

Prevention

The best way to prevent rhinotracheitis is timely vaccination.

Preparations for vaccinating cats against herpes:

Multifel;
Quadriket;
Nobivac Tricat;
Korifelin.

To disinfect the room in which the sick cat was located, you can use:

formalin;
chloroform;
ether and phenol;
sodium hydroxide.

Useful video

In the video below, a veterinarian talks about treatment for rhinotracheitis in cats.

Conclusion

A sick animal needs a cozy, calm, homely atmosphere. Provide your pet with peace, surround him with care, and he will recover very quickly. Do not neglect our advice and do not self-medicate under any circumstances. This will avoid dire consequences. Be healthy!