Rhinotracheitis in cats, also called hypervirus, is a contagious disease that is widespread. The virus, the causative agent of the disease, lives in the environment for up to two months. Rhinotracheitis in cats is quite specific and not dangerous for animals living indoors. It is not transmitted to humans.
How do cats become infected? A sick animal spreads a virus with nasopharyngeal secretions and feces. Chronically ill cats become contagious with exacerbation. The causative agent can be found on bowls, care items, and even on the wearer's clothing and body. Like many diseases of domestic animals, Herpesviridae is transmitted from a sick cat in a healthy way by the aerogenous route by the usual inhalation of the virus (by smelling infected feces, taking food from a common bowl, etc.).
The virus infects the upper layers of the epithelium. Being localized on the mucous membranes of the pharynx, nose, and mouth, it penetrates the cells and destroys them, as a result, the upper respiratory tract becomes inflamed. Very often, the eyes are affected, provoking the development of severe conjunctivitis. If the outbreak occurs during pregnancy, the cat is likely to fail. The incubation period is extended (1-10 days).
The risk group, in the first place, includes weakened animals (undergoing stress or previously sick), young (up to a year), living crowded (possibly cross-infection), receiving poor-quality (or defective) food. The peak of the disease is recorded in cold weather (spring, autumn). The risk is increased in uncontrollably mating animals. The period of “hunting” just falls at a time when the virus is especially rampant, and a sick cat when mating will certainly infect a healthy cat, since the pathogen is also in seminal fluid.
Some cat diseases have similar symptoms, so it is important to make a correct and timely diagnosis. If any signs of malaise appear, it is better to be safe and show the cat to veterinarians. Rhinotracheitis in cats is similar in symptoms to pyroplasmosis, which already poses a serious danger to humans. If the animal is strong, with good immunity, then the disease can proceed secretly, manifesting itself as mild rhinitis with periodic sneezing. After 5-6 days, rhinotracheitis in cats develops into another, chronic form.
The acute course of rhinotracheitis begins with a runny nose. After a day or two, the cat's activity decreases sharply, lethargy appears, and appetite is lost. Signs of rhinitis are amplified, the discharge becomes gray-yellow, viscous. Conjunctivitis develops. The eyelids become inflamed, swelling appears (sometimes with white spots). Then comes the turn of the bronchi: a cough begins with the separation of sputum (sometimes before vomiting), the throat becomes inflamed and swells. To 41 degrees the temperature rises. A stuffy nose makes the cat breathe through its mouth. Ulcers appear on the tongue and on the oral mucosa. Salivation may increase. If water is abandoned, dehydration occurs.
If the diagnosis is correct, the animal will recover in a week. Overdue diagnosis guarantees the transition of the disease into a chronic form. The prognosis is favorable, mortality with proper treatment is low. In young cats, rhinotracheitis can be complicated by pneumonia.
The chronic course of the disease does not manifest itself, but stress, hypothermia, poor nutrition or a new disease can cause a relapse, during which the cat becomes infectious.
The doctor confirms the diagnosis and prescribes treatment. "Folk remedies" are ineffective here. You need to start a drug course (antibiotics) immediately. Eyes and nose should be flushed with antiseptics. If you refuse food and water, you will have to introduce nutrient solutions intravenously. Cardiac agents may be prescribed. The treatment regimen is individual for each animal. The cat must be kept clean, warm (overheating or overcooling is by no means allowed). Periodic disinfection with formalin or phenol solutions is mandatory or a steam jet is used to treat rooms and objects, including the tray and bowls.
Food should be as light as possible, semi-liquid, without cereals and vegetables (fermented milk products, crushed eggs, fish fillets, low-fat broths, boiled meat). If before that the cat was eating industrial feed, give it a warm one.
When keeping several cats in the same house, the sick animal is isolated.
Vaccination is the only way to prevent it.