Cause:

• FeCV mutation leading to

History/Clinical signs:

CLINICAL APPROACH/DIAGNOSIS:

The diagnosis of cat flu or at least a strong suspicion of it can be gained from the history and clinical signs.

Diagnosis if necessary, via oropharyngeal swab and PCR

TREATMENT

In cases where there is a strong suspicion of cat flu, it can be appropriate to trial treatment:

·       Symptomatic/supportive treatments:

-        NSAIDs to reduce inflammation, bring down any pyrexia

-        Mucolytics (bromhexine)

-        Wiping nasal discharges

-        Use of steam (nebulisation or keep shower or in bathroom at home)

-        Tempt to eat, warm food (lack of smell may affect appetite, warming helps)

-        Appetite stimulants may be helpful in anorexic cases

-        Severe cases with dehydration will need IVFT

·       Antibiotics:

-        Not required in certain cases that are systemically well

-        Indicated for secondary bacterial infections in unwell cats e.g. purulent nasal discharge, pyrexia, off food

-        Example choices include doxycycline, potentiated amoxicillin, cefovecin etc.

·       Topical ophthalmic antibiotic preparations:

-        For secondary conjunctivitis

·       Other:

-        Antivirals e.g.  Oral Famciclovir

• May be beneficial in managing severe FHV infection

• Topical antiviral preparations for FHV associated ocular disease are also available e.g. Trifluorothymidine ointment

• Interferons may help in acute cat flu cases

-        L-lysine supplementation may be of some help with FHV

Prevention/control:

·       Vaccination

-        For FHV and FCV

-        Greatly reduces the risk of URT infections

-        Important for both indoor and outdoor cats

-        Cannot always 100% stop infection but cats tend to get a milder form if vaccinated

-        Some cats may have been exposed before the opportunity to vaccinate

·       Isolation and hygiene

-        The viruses are very infectious and can be shed into/infect the environment

-        Isolation of cats with clinical signs and good hygiene is essential in multi-cat households and rescue centres to try to control the disease

If no improvement:

·       Add in antibiotics if not already on them

·       Admit for supportive therapy

·       Screen for FeLV/FIV

·       Consider investigations to rule out other causes of sneezing and nasal discharge

The budget option:

If cats can be managed at home this reduces treatment costs.

CHRONIC RHINITIS

Cats suffer from chronic rhinitis often as a sequelae to many URT infections – particularly from FHV.

Cats present with chronic ‘snuffles’ or recurring conjunctivitis/sneezing and nasal discharge.

It can be very difficult to treat; many cases require intermittent antibiotic use.

An extended 6-week doxycycline course can be beneficial in these cases along with supportive treatments (Famciclovir L-lysine etc.). Prednisolone in some cases

It is important to rule out FeLV/FIV

In cases with a suspect stress component - helping this may help to decrease the frequency of the URT infection episodes (Feliway, L-tryptophan etc.)