Be Alert: Symptoms of Feline Calicivirus Infection in C

When a cat contracts the Feline Calicivirus (FCV), it can lead to a range of symptoms. However, some pet owners may overlook these signs, or they might not realize that these symptoms could be indicative of a contagious illness. This article aims to shed light on the common symptoms that cats often exhibit after being infected with FCV!

1. Respiratory Symptoms

• Sneezing: Frequent sneezing is a hallmark of FCV infection, often due to inflammation or mucus irritation in the nasal passages.

• Runny Nose: Nasal discharge can vary from clear to thick, mucopurulent, and may lead to nasal congestion, affecting breathing.

• Coughing: Some cats may experience dry or wet coughs, particularly when the virus inflames the trachea or bronchi.

• Rapid or Labored Breathing: If the infection spreads to the lower respiratory tract, it can cause pneumonia, leading to rapid or labored breathing.

2. Eye Symptoms

• Conjunctivitis: The conjunctiva around the eyes may become red and swollen, often accompanied by yellow or green puslike discharge.

• Keratitis: FCV infections can sometimes lead to keratitis, characterized by red, watery eyes, photophobia, and, in severe cases, corneal ulcers.

3. Oral and Throat Symptoms

• Oral Ulcers: These are a typical feature of FCV infection, especially small, painful ulcers on the tongue, hard palate, gums, and throat. These ulcers can cause cats to refuse food or water due to the pain during swallowing.

• Excessive Drooling: Painful ulcers can lead to increased drooling, sometimes resulting in saliva dripping from the mouth.

• Bad Breath: Oral ulcers and secondary infections can cause a noticeable bad odor.

4. General Symptoms

• Fever: During the early stages of infection, cats may exhibit a fever with a temperature rise, usually between 39°C and 40°C.

• Decreased Appetite: Due to oral ulcers and respiratory discomfort, cats may show a lack of appetite, or even refuse to eat.

• Lethargy: Cats may appear listless, sleepy, and less active during the infection.

• Weight Loss: Prolonged refusal to eat can lead to weight loss, particularly in kittens or older cats.

It's important to note that symptoms can vary from cat to cat, and some may be quite mild, easily overlooked. If your cat shows any of these symptoms, it's advisable to seek veterinary care promptly to catch and treat the condition early.

Veterinarians will initially assess your cat's symptoms to determine if FCV infection is present, and they may use PCR testing, serological tests, and imaging studies for a definitive diagnosis.

Treatment and Management

While there is no specific cure for FCV infection, there are measures that can be taken to alleviate symptoms, control complications, and speed up recovery:

• Supportive Care: This includes maintaining hydration, providing easytodigest food, feeding through a feeding tube if necessary, and ensuring a comfortable environment.

• Antiviral Medications: For severe cases, veterinarians may prescribe antiviral drugs like valacyclovir to help inhibit viral replication.

• Antibiotics: If secondary bacterial infections occur, antibiotics such as Clavamox (amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium) may be prescribed to control the infection.

• Corticosteroids: For severe immunemediated stomatitis, veterinarians may recommend corticosteroids like prednisolone to reduce inflammation and pain.

Ultimately, it's crucial for pet owners to be wellinformed about the common symptoms of feline infectious diseases. Don't ignore any symptoms in your cat, and seek veterinary attention if symptoms are severe or persist without improvement.