Feline Infectious Diseases

Question 1

Most prevalent viral causes of Feline URTD (cat flu) are

Answer 1

1. Feline Calicivirus (FCV) - 80%
2. Feline Herpesvirus (FHV-1) - 20%
   Both incubation 2-6d, shedding 2wks
   Bacterial secondary infection common

Question 2

CSs severe URT disease

Answer 2

hunched over
dehydrated
salivating
nasal discharge - serous then mucopurulent
eyes semi closed
copious discharge from the medial canthi of both eyes

Question 3

FHV-1 can latently infect the

Answer 3

trigeminal ganglion

Question 4

Severe CSs seen with FHV-1, usually in young or debilitated cats

Answer 4

anorexia, pyrexia, depression, sneezing, nasal and ocular discharge, severe conjunctivitis

Question 5

FHV-1 ocular signs

Answer 5

Severe conjunctivitis & corneal changes
Fluoroscene straining - pathognomonic - branching ulcers.
Symblepharon - adherence of conjunctiva to the cornea. Can be followed by globe rupture.

Question 6

Neonatal infection with FHV-1 can cause

Answer 6

Osteolysis of turbinates and persistent rhinitis and sinusitis

Question 7

FHV-1 infection in a pregnant queen may cause

Answer 7

Abortion or foetal reabsorption.

Question 8

FHV-1 transmission

Answer 8

Via close contacts and fomites, aerosol less important

Question 9

Dx FHV-1 infection

Answer 9

No specific lab abnormalities.
Def dx not possible on cx unless dendritic ulcers present.
Virus isolation + PCR best

Question 10

What drug can exacerbate FHV-1 infection?

Answer 10

Steroids

Question 11

Potential tx FHV-1

Answer 11

Famciclovir - prodrug converted to pencyclovir inhibits viral DNA polymerase.