Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis

Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis

Is your cat suffering from Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis? Find out what it is and what you can do to offer relief.

Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR) is a highly contagious disease afflicting cats with a variety of symptoms related to the eyes, nose, and mouth. It is also known as Feline Herpes Virus Type I. Most cats who have received regular vaccinations will have been immunized against FVR through a combination vaccine for various upper respiratory diseases. Like the herpes virus in humans, FVR can never be completely cured. Because it is a viral disease rather than bacterial, antibiotics have no effect. Sometimes antibiotics will be used to fight secondary bacterial infections. In its most serious stages FVR can lead to ulceration of the cornea which can lead to blindness or pneumonia. Death is also a possibility because some cats with FVR experience a complete loss of appetite. However, the symptoms of FVR will lie in remission unless triggered by stress.

SYMPTOMS

The symptoms of Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis can include the following:

• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Discharge from the nose and eyes
• Conjuntivitis (inflammation, swelling, and discharge from the inner eyelids)
• Sluggishness
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Ulcers in the lips, nose, and mouth
• Sensitivity to light

SUGGESTIONS FOR RELIEF

If your cat seems to have a loss of appetite, experiment with different types of dry and wet food. Sometimes your cat may have a partial loss of the sense of smell, and a more aromatic food will spark a better appetite. Try to prevent any unnecessary stress in your cat's life as this can trigger the symptoms of FVR. Also try the following holistic suggestions. All of these can be mixed in with your cat's food.

1. Vitamin C crystals
2. L-lysine: This can prevent ulcers.
3. Omega 3 fatty acids
4. Echinacea drops: Be sure to use the children's formula.

The best thing you can do is to give your cat extra love and attention.