Comparing Feline Mycoplasma Infection vs. Feline Rhinot

What is Feline Mycoplasma Infection?

Mycoplasma, a type of prokaryotic organism that straddles the line between bacteria and viruses, invades host cells by absorbing nutrients from receptors on the cell surface and releasing toxic substances. This process damages the host cells and tissues. Feline mycoplasma has a certain zoonotic potential.

What is Feline Rhinotracheitis?

Feline rhinotracheitis, also known as feline influenza, is caused by Feline Herpesvirus 1 (FHV1). It can lead to upper respiratory infections and pulmonary infections in cats. Symptoms typically manifest in the mouth, nose, and eyes.

Surveys show that around 80% of cats worldwide have been infected with this virus. While healthy cats can carry the virus for life without showing symptoms, kittens with weaker immune systems can face a 100% infection rate and a 50% mortality rate, highlighting the severity of feline rhinotracheitis.

Differences Between Mycoplasma Infection Symptoms and Rhinotracheitis

Mycoplasma infections often target the eyes and upper respiratory tract. Cats with mycoplasma may exhibit symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, excessive eye and nasal discharge, rapid breathing, redness around the anus, and polyarthritis. This can lead to mycoplasma conjunctivitis, causing severe conjunctival congestion and edema. There is no specific treatment for this disease, and treatment usually involves antibiotics and antiinflammatory eye ointments.

The symptoms of feline rhinotracheitis begin with sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, and loss of appetite. Initially, there may be no significant fever. As the condition progresses, fever, purulent nasal discharge, and excessive mucus in the eyes and nostrils can occur. If these purulent secretions are not cleared promptly, it can lead to respiratory distress.

Differences in Treatment for Mycoplasma Infection and Rhinotracheitis

Feline Mycoplasma Treatment:

The primary infections caused by mycoplasma are respiratory or urinary tract infections. Clinical treatment involves medications containing tetracyclines, florfenicol, and other ingredients. Treatment can be lengthy and prone to recurrence, so it's essential to seek professional veterinary care promptly to avoid selfmedication and recurrent illness in your cat.

Feline Rhinotracheitis Treatment:

Even with appropriate treatment, 80% of cats will carry the feline rhinotracheitis virus for life. To prevent the spread and replication of the virus, prevention is key. Treatment includes routine antibiotic antiinfection therapy, fluid replacement, nutritional supplementation, and antiviral treatments. It is crucial to consult a professional veterinary hospital for timely diagnosis and treatment.

About the Differences Between Mycoplasma Infection and Feline Rhinotracheitis

We hope this information helps all cat owners. Both of these diseases are not curable by cats on their own, so if you notice any of these symptoms, please consult an online veterinary doctor or take your cat to a veterinary hospital immediately to avoid missing the best treatment window.