This cat disease FVR (feline viral rhinotracheitis) is one of the most common cat diseases out there.
It is especially very important that you don't let the name fool you, not every cat
with this disease has sneezing as a symptom.
What are the symptoms to look out for?
- Sneezing is 1 of them
- Lack of appetite
- Sores in the mouth or eyes
- Cat has excessive saliva
- Drowsiness
- Fever
- Inflammation of the eye mucosa
FVR is more common in cats that live in large groups, think shelter,
Cattery or cozy house full of cats. But again don't mislead yourself because
ordinary house cats can also get this disease.
Cats with reduced resistance have a higher chance, as do cats that have not been
vaccinated or older cats.
The feline herpesvirus is a co-causer of the symptoms of FVR disease, which usually
leads to potentially life-threatening disease symptoms.
Usually cats make a full recovery, however, recovery can take several weeks. Sometimes
a cat is left with permanent damage, such as excessive sneezing, sinusitis,
chronic rhinitis, damaged mucous membranes.
Treatment with antibiotics then offers temporary improvement of the remaining symptoms.
To make sure that your cat has this disease you will of course visit your veterinarian,
they will look at the symptoms and then do a laboratory test by taking some
oral mucosa with a swab (cotton swab) and sending it in.
Treatment for this disease will include antibiotics to prevent further infections and
perhaps medication to make the mucus a little tougher so your cat can breathe
easier throughout.