Feline Herpes Viral Keratitis
Feline Herpes Virus Type 1 is a common disease that affects cats. Over 80% of cats have been exposed to the virus, most of them as kittens. Most kittens recover from the initial infection however some “carry” the virus forever as adults. Of the cats that are carriers, some will shed the virus without getting sick, but a minority will have recurrent symptoms. For those cats with repeated infections, management can be frustrating for the owner and patient.
Kitten Symptoms
Kittens show upper respiratory tract or flu-like symptoms. These may include sneezing, nasal discharge, loss of appetite, weakness and difficulty breathing. Eye signs include ocular discharge, swelling of the conjunctiva and squinting. In some kittens, the inflammation causes severe permanent scarring of the tear ducts and cornea. These cats may have chronic watery eyes as adults and reduced vision.
Adult Symptoms
Most adult cats that we see have symptoms of corneal inflammation (keratitis), specifically inflammation and ulceration of the cornea. Other common signs include ocular discharge, a very painful eye that is held shut, redness and cloudiness. In these cases, the reactivation of the virus is the most likely cause and stress is thought to be a significant factor.
Complications of untreated corneal disease include:
Diagnosis
Most cases seen here are diagnosed upon the clinical appearance, however, additional diagnostic tests may help to confirm the cause of conjunctivitis and keratitis. These tests include conjunctival or corneal cytology, PCR testing, bacterial cultures, bloods and FIV/FeLV status. Determining the exact causes and the general health status is very important for patients with recurrent infections.
Treatment
Treatment is effective but takes dedication and patience. Various treatments include:
Whilst most patients are successfully managed with medications alone, some patients will need surgery to manage their corneal disease.
Prognosis
Overall in patients with recurrent herpes infections, “a cure” is not a realistic goal. Management and control of infections as they occur are more realistic. Patients generally do well but patience and minimising stress are vital.
Should you have any questions or concerns please contact us on 03 9545 0103.
Feline Herpes Virus Type 1 is a common disease that affects cats. Over 80% of cats have been exposed to the virus, most of them as kittens. Most kittens recover from the initial infection however some “carry” the virus forever as adults. Of the cats that are carriers, some will shed the virus without getting sick, but a minority will have recurrent symptoms. For those cats with repeated infections, management can be frustrating for the owner and patient.
Kitten Symptoms
Kittens show upper respiratory tract or flu-like symptoms. These may include sneezing, nasal discharge, loss of appetite, weakness and difficulty breathing. Eye signs include ocular discharge, swelling of the conjunctiva and squinting. In some kittens, the inflammation causes severe permanent scarring of the tear ducts and cornea. These cats may have chronic watery eyes as adults and reduced vision.
Adult Symptoms
Most adult cats that we see have symptoms of corneal inflammation (keratitis), specifically inflammation and ulceration of the cornea. Other common signs include ocular discharge, a very painful eye that is held shut, redness and cloudiness. In these cases, the reactivation of the virus is the most likely cause and stress is thought to be a significant factor.
Complications of untreated corneal disease include:
- Abnormal blood vessel growth into the cornea
- Secondary bacterial infections leading to perforation of the eye
- Sequestrum development - dark brown to black discoloured area of dead cornea
- Eosinophilic keratitis – white inflammatory cells present on the cornea
Diagnosis
Most cases seen here are diagnosed upon the clinical appearance, however, additional diagnostic tests may help to confirm the cause of conjunctivitis and keratitis. These tests include conjunctival or corneal cytology, PCR testing, bacterial cultures, bloods and FIV/FeLV status. Determining the exact causes and the general health status is very important for patients with recurrent infections.
Treatment
Treatment is effective but takes dedication and patience. Various treatments include:
- Anti-viral medications – Either oral tablets called famcyclovir or topical eye drops called cidofovir can be used to control the viral infection. These treatments are expensive and may take more than 3 weeks to be effective.
- Lysine – Some cats may benefit from the use of lysine. Laboratory studies have shown that lysine does reduce viral replication. Anecdotal observations suggest that lysine reduces the duration of infection and recurrence rates. Musashi powder 1/4 of a teaspoon twice daily during the infection and then once daily as long term management. Tablets can also be used 500 mg once daily.
- Antibiotics – Doxycycline is used to promote a more stable corneal healing environment as well as acting as an antibiotic. Sometimes antibiotic eye drops will also be used.
- Pain management – where possible it is important to alleviate discomfort. Providing there are no contraindications, such as kidney or gastric disease, systemic non-steroidal anti-inflammatories should be used.
- Stress management – This can prove challenging. Avoiding change, avoiding stays in catteries, using Feliway, encouraging play and/or cat nip may help. It is important to note that minimising owners stress can also help. Other stress management techniques can be discussed with your local veterinarian.
Whilst most patients are successfully managed with medications alone, some patients will need surgery to manage their corneal disease.
Prognosis
Overall in patients with recurrent herpes infections, “a cure” is not a realistic goal. Management and control of infections as they occur are more realistic. Patients generally do well but patience and minimising stress are vital.
Should you have any questions or concerns please contact us on 03 9545 0103.
