How long do cats live with FHV?
How long do cats with FHV-1 live? Cats that clear the infection are carriers of the virus for life. As chronic carriers, recurrent active infections (when cats show signs and can transmit disease) can occur.
Is FHV curable in cats?
Treatment. Though both conjunctivitis and corneal ulceration can be treated successfully, there is unfortunately no permanent cure for FHV. Therapy involves L-lysine therapy, treating episodes of active disease, and minimizing stress in your cat’s life.
What causes FHV in cats?
How does a cat become infected with feline herpesvirus? A cat becomes infected with this virus by direct contact with virus particles. The virus is spread in saliva and in discharges from the eyes and nose of an infected cat.
Can you test for FHV in cats?
The definitive diagnosis of feline herpesvirus infection is accomplished by laboratory testing done on swabs of the oral, nasal, or ocular discharge. Blood tests are not an accurate way to test for the disease. Because of the prevalence of this viral infection, it is not always necessary to do the testing.
Do all cats have FHV?
It’s not uncommon, in fact almost all cats are exposed to FHV-1 as kittens, either by their mother or by another cat. Up to 80% of cats develop a hidden (referred to as dormant or latent) infection and become carries of FHV-1 for life.
Is FVR contagious?
FVR is a highly contagious infectious disease affecting cats, and a major cause of upper respiratory infections (URI).
Is FVR in cats fatal?
Feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR), a type of herpes virus, is a very common disease in cats that causes sneezing, eye discharge, and other signs of respiratory illness. Although it is not curable once contracted, it can usually be managed well with proper treatment, and a cat can live a normal life with the virus.
What percent of cats have FHV?
Feline Herpes Virus (FHV) is a major cause for conjunctival and corneal disease in cats and is one of the most frustrating diseases to manage for the cat, owner, and veterinarian. Infection with FHV is common and affects greater than 90% of the cat population.
How contagious is FVR?
FVR is very contagious and can cause severe disease, including death from pneumonia in young kittens. It can cause flat-chested kitten syndrome, but most evidence for this is anecdotal. All members of the family Felidae are susceptible to FVR; in fact, FHV-1 has caused a fatal encephalitis in lions in Germany.