Calcivirus infection or calcivirus infection in a cat is an acute disease. It is accompanied by a sudden increase in body temperature in the animal and damage to the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. The infection is rapidly transmitted and contagious.
Those cats that have been ill with this disease subsequently have persistent, and most importantly, long-lasting immunity. This is a viral infection, its pathogen belongs to the family Caliciviridae. All types of this group are distinguished by high sensitivity to solutions of chloramine and bleach. They are resistant to heat and ether. They prefer a moist environment in which they are able to live up to 10 days. That is why calcivirosis in a cat is detected more often if it has open access not only to the street, but also to the basement.
The main source of the disease is sick animals with vivid signs of the disease, and with a hidden form. They secrete the virus into the environment not only from the nasal and oral cavity, but also with urine and feces. Therefore, we can say with confidence that calcivirosis in a cat appears during transmission not only by contact, but also by food and aerogenic. Young animals from 1 month to two years are especially sensitive to this disease. Most often, the disease manifests itself in the cold season.
Calcivirosis in a cat can occur in different ways. Often the disease is invisible, has hidden symptoms. It is combined with other, mycoplasmal and
bacterial infections, this fact causes
death in almost 90% of cases
. Such disappointing statistics are explained by the lack of treatment and neglect of the disease.
The first signs of infection are easy to identify. This is primarily a discharge from the eyes and nose. Gums also become inflamed, while they acquire an unnatural pale pink color. In a later period of the disease, ulcers can be seen in the oral cavity, while the cat begins to cough. Vomiting and difficulty with bowel movements are noted, a sick animal suffers from diarrhea, then constipation.
But in fact, there is only one sign that precisely determines calcivirosis - this is the duration of the course. A cat can show all the signs of the disease for more than a week, and then abruptly recover. But this is only apparent prosperity, because the disease very soon again makes itself felt. In this case, the animal regularly eats and drinks. This is insidious calcivirosis in cats, its treatment should be continuous and timely. Of course, the asymptomatic form is much worse and more dangerous. You can watch a playful and healthy animal in the morning, and in the evening get a fatal outcome.
Often this disease is an epidemic. Where several animals live at once, the disease is rapidly transmitted by air. Do not assume that if the cat does not have access to the street and lives only in the apartment, then calcivirosis is not afraid of it. Owners can very easily bring the virus into the house on the sole of the shoes. That is why at the first suspicion it is necessary to immediately lead the animal to an appointment with a veterinarian. Of course, the opinion that calcivirosis of cats is dangerous for humans is erroneous, but still it is worth observing all sanitary rules for keeping pets.