Infectious Feline Respiratory Disease Flashcards
Which organisms are associated with infectious feline respiratory disease?
FHV-1 (AKA Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis)
Feline Calicivirus
Chlamydophila felis
Bordetella bronchiseptica
Also less important:
mycoplasma, Feline Reovirus and Cowpox virus
Which causative organism usually causes the most severe clinical signs of respiratory disease in cats?
FHV-1/FVR
Which organism causes ocular and respiratory signs in cats?
Chlamydophila felis
Which causative organism is associated with lameness, respiratory and sometimes severe fatal systemic disease in cats?
Feline Calicivirus
Why are vaccination programs effective at providing adequate immunity against FHV-1?
Virus is v. homogeneous
How is ‘cat flu’ diagnosed?
Based on clinical signs. Not usually necessary to find to causative agents
When is it useful to identify the causative agent of respiratory disease in cats?
Following outbreaks in catteries/colonies.
How can you identify the causative agent of respiratory disease in cats?
Virus isolation for FHV and FCV
PCR for viruses and Chlamydophila
Bacteriology for Bordetella
How is cat flu managed/treated?
Isolation Assist respiration Adequate fluid therapy Nutritional support \+/- broad spectrum ABs to prevent secondary infections
If C. felis or B. bronchiseptica are known to be present in cats with respiratory disease, what ANbs can be used?
Tetracyclines - oxytet or doxycycline
Why should tetracycline therapy be avoided in young animals?
Enamel staining
Outline the shedding behaviour of FHV and FCV
FHV - intermittent (stress)
FCV - continuous
How may susceptible individuals be exposed to FHV or FCV?
Close contact
Environmental conditions
Persistent carriers shedding
How long can FHV survive in the environment?
24 hours
How ling can FCV survive in the environment?
1 week
