Feline Herpesvirus
Feline Herpesvirus
Feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) is a common cause of eye and upper respiratory infection in the cat. This virus is very common in the cat population, but it is not contagious to people and other species of animals such as dogs.
What's really going on
Herpesvirus is easily passed from one cat to another through sneezing, coughing, grooming, and/or simply living in the same household with an infected cat. Most cats contract this infection from their mothers before they are even weaned. Some cats affected with FHV-1 may only have mild conjunctivitis of one or both eyes. Other cats have more severe disease with ocular and nasal discharge, coughing and sneezing. Cats may also develop ulcers of the cornea.
After initial recovery, an estimated 80% of cats become carriers. The disease goes into temporary remission but the cat may still be infectious. Stress and illness can reactivate the virus, causing repeated infections throughout life. Repeated or chronic infections have been associated with dry eye, symblepharon, corneal sequestrum, and possibly eosinophilic keratitis.
How a specialist helps
Treatment is aimed at controlling clinical signs and reducing secondary complications. There is no cure for herpesvirus; once infected, your cat has the virus for life. Therapy typically includes topical antiviral drops or ointment for the eye and occasionally an oral antiviral medication. Starting medications prophylactically before a known stressor can reduce the severity of recurrent infections. Vaccination against herpesvirus is included in the typical feline vaccination schedule and minimizes clinical signs but does not prevent future outbreaks.