Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
because the lab tests that
isolate viruses are expen-
sive, can take weeks for
results and may only be 50
percent accurate. Don't get
too frustrated if your vet-
erinarian cannot make a
positive call on the cause of
infection. Continue to pur-
sue treatment options if
you think your cat is
uncomfortable.
Feline rhinotracheitis is a very common cause of upper respiratory
infection, and because it is a herpes virus, it can cause recurrent disease.
Cats infected with rhinotracheitis can have colds and conjunctivitis off
and on as kittens, but they tend to grow out of it by the time they are
two years old.-
CAN MY CAT CATCH
MY COLD?
Cats get upper respiratory viruses
and people get upper respiratory
viruses, but we do not pass them
back and forth. Cold viruses are
host-specific.That means the kinds
of viruses that attack cats do not
attack people, and vice versa.
Bacterial Infections
Bacterial upper respiratory infections can occur on their own or as sec-
ondary infections along with viruses.The clinical signs associated with
bacterial infections are:
•Fever
•
Enlarged lymph nodes
•
Yellow to green discharge from the nose and/or eyes
•
Sneezing
•
Coughing
•
Decrease in or loss of appetite
•
Lethargy
•
Dehydration
Treatment is aimed at killing the bacteria and supporting the cat.
Treatment can include antibiotics, fluids, ophthalmic medications, anti-
histamines, pediatric nasal sprays, immunostimulants and hand feeding.
Bacterial cultures are not routinely run on cats that develop
acute
upper
respiratory infections, but they may be performed if the infection does
not resolve, worsens or becomes chronic.
