The sneezing in the cat they do not always and only indicate feline viral rhinotracheitis due to Herpesvirus. If you notice, in trivalent vaccine basic kit also includes the Calicivirosis of the cat. It is a disease that, in most cases, has a benign course. But in some cases it could cause decidedly more serious symptoms, even leading to the death of the cat. And this not only in kittens, the elderly or immunosuppressed subjects. In fact, there is a form of systemic calcivirus with serious symptoms that also affects healthy adult cats.
Cat calicivirosis, causes and how is it transmitted?
Feline calicivirosis is caused by Feline calicivirus or FCV if you want the acronym. It is one of the pathogens that we find most often in what is defined as feline upper respiratory tract infection syndrome (along withHerpesviruses which causes feline viral rhinotracheitis). Calicivirus is a RNA viruses without envelope (which means that it resists lipid detergents, but is inactivated by sodium hypochlorite). There are various strains of this virus in circulation, some more pathogenic than others. (READ also: Can you recognize the symptoms of viral cat colds? Here’s what to watch out for)
Both cats and cheetahs are susceptible to the infection. Man and doghowever, are not affected by this disease. The main route of transmission is direct contact with sick animals or even carrier cats. Indirect contagion is also possible through contaminated objects or through passive carriers such as humans (which means remembering to always wash your hands well).
Those most affected are young kittenswithin the year of life. A big problem are the carrier cats: while cats healthy carriers of Herpesvirus eliminate it only following stressful conditions, cats healthy carriers of Calicivirus eliminate it continuously, regardless of stressful factors. Consider that cats that recover and do not become carriers can eliminate the virus for more than two months after recovery.
Once the virus enters the body, usually via the oral-nasal route, it replicates in the tonsils and respiratory system. There is a first phase viremia which lasts 3-4 days. Another viremic phase follows where the virus also extends to other organs (in fact the virus has also been found in the conjunctiva, feces and urine).
The virus destroys skin cells, which explains why it can cause blisters and ulcers.
Is cat calicivirus contagious to humans?
No, the feline Calicivirus is not contagious either for humans (it is not a zoonosis) or for dogs. But it is very contagious to other cats.
Calicivirus symptoms in cats
Hard to say How long does Calicivirus last in cats? as the infection can give rise to different forms. This is because the symptoms and damage caused by the virus will both depend on the virulence of the strain than on the age and state of the cat’s immune system.
To complicate matters, then, there is also the fact that the Calicivirus can occur in conjunction not only with the Herpesvirus, but also with FIV and FeLV.
These i symptoms most typical:
However, Calicivirus can cause other pathologies with related symptoms:
Treatment for feline calicivirosis
Unfortunately . Mild forms may be self-limiting. However, often, it is necessary to set supportive care and symptomatic therapies. Which means using antibiotics for secondary bacterial superinfections, anti-inflammatories to reduce pain and feline omega interferon.
In more serious cases, with pain and anorexia, it is possible that it is also necessary to feed the cats with the tube.
Given the fact that many cats remain carriers and the potentially serious symptoms, it would be good to remember to vaccinate the cats on schedule. Ask your vet how to proceed.
You might also be interested in:
