Feline Viral RhinoTracheitis | |
Feline viral rhinotracheitis
is characterized by febrile reaction, rapid onset of sneezing copious
occulonasal discharges and ulcerative and necrotic stomatitis and
rhinotracheitis associated with presence of eosinophilic intranuclear
inclusion bodies in the lining epithelial cells of upper respiratory
tract, tonsils, and nicitating membrane. |
|
| Incidence of Feline Viral RhinoTracheitis All the domestic cats and wild felids are believed to be susceptible to the disease, which has a worldwide distribution. Causes of Feline Viral RhinoTracheitis Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis is caused by a single strain of feline Herpes virus-I (DNA virus), which is stable at room temperature. The virus is sensitive to chloroform and acids. The disease is often complicated with feline calcivirus and secondary bacterial infections caused by streptococci, pasteurella, mycoplasma, bordetella, etc. Transmission The saliva and respiratory discharges of clinically affected or carrier animals are the source of infection as they are rich in virus material. Transmission of disease occurs by direct contact or through inhalation and ingestion, apart from fomites. | |
Clinical signs of Feline Viral RhinoTracheitis
The important clinical signs are-
- Rapid onset of sneezing
- Coughing
- Pyrexia
- Leucopenia
- Anorexia
- Copious mucopurulent occulonasal discharges-often stick to nostrils
- Mild to severe rhinitis
- Diptheritic and ulcerative glossitis
- Stomatitis
- Conjuctivitis
Mortality is higher in young and emaciated animals.
Diagnosis of Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis Disease
1. Clinical signs diagnosis is very difficult. Lab diagnosis has to be made by attempting virus isolation and identification.
2. Electron microscopy study of vesicular fluids.
3. Histopathology of upper respiratory tract including demonstration of Cowdry type- A inclusion coupled with clinical signs
Treatment
The affected house cats may be treated with antiviral drugs such as 5-iodo-2'-deoxyuridine, cytosinearabinoside and acylogluanocine.
Prognosis
Rhinotracheitis is a fairly mild condition. Chronic rhinosinusitis (sneezing and nasal discharge) is noticed among certain cats. The infection may long last for at least 10 days when secondary bacterial infections develop.
Prevention and Control of Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis
The regimen of Fel-O-Vax as recommended for feline panleucopenia is followed for prevention of feline viral rhinotracheitis disease. The vaccine reduces the incidence of the disease but does not prevent infection.
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