Hi,

Eleanor
Tooting, United Kingdom

Watery eyes, often combined with sneezing, sniffling and nasal discharge, are the hallmarks of respiratory infections in kittens.

The most common causes of feline respiratory (or eye) infections sound like sexually transmitted diseases. They are not. Feline herpes virus is number one. Less often, infections with feline Chlamydia cause similar symptoms.

Feline herpes sometimes can be diagnosed with a corneal stain. Your vet did this. We therefore know that your kittens are infected with herpes.

Feline herpes virus is ubiquitous. Although it technically is contagious (highly so), it doesn’t always behave in a contagious fashion. That’s because almost every cat on earth already is infected and therefore can’t be infected again.

Feline herpes virus infections are life long. Many cats suffer from a single eye or respiratory infection as kittens, and then suppress the virus for the rest of their lives. Other cats experience intermittent problems from the virus throughout their lives.

Your kittens’ immune systems will have to suppress the infections. You can help this process by offering them plenty of food, water, companionship, and love–things that are good for the immune system. Supplementation with the naturally occurring amino acid L-lysine may also help.

Severe cases of herpes can be treated with antiviral drugs. Fortunately, these drugs usually aren’t necessary. Most kittens recover from respiratory infections without them.

Read more about respiratory infections on my website:

http://drbarchas.com/uri

Photo: Alamo Schmo’s eyes look good.

Share this entry with your pawple anywhere:

• Is Long-Term L-Lysine Safe for Cats?
• Why do Shelter Kittens Cough?
• Las Vegas Enacts Mandatory Spay/Neuter Law
• Oregon State Veterinarian Reports Possible Feline Fatality From H1N1 Influenza
• New Registry May Help Relieve Microchip Confusion . . . Eventually

A paper published in the July 1, 2009 Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association caught my eye. Here are some excerpts from the abstract.

Case Description–An 8-month-old sexually intact male rabbit was examined because of a 2-day history of [inappetance], [watering] of the left eye, [tooth grinding], [drooling], and [dizziness].

Despite aggressive diagnostics and treatments, the rabbit could not be saved. His condition deteriorated, and after seven days of treatment he was put to sleep. The cause of death was unknown until an autopsy was performed.

Histologic evaluation of brain tissue revealed [multiple irregularities]. The DNA of human herpesvirus-1 was detected in [nerve cells] . . . The rabbit’s owner, who reported having had a severe labial and facial herbesvirus infection 5 days before the onset of clinical signs in the rabbit, was suspected to be the origin of the infection for the rabbit.

(J Am Vet Med Assoc 2009;235:66-69)

In other words, the rabbit’s owner suffered from a severe cold sore (human herpesvirus-1 is the cold sore virus; herpesvirus-2 causes genital herpes). During the outbreak, it appears that the rabbit contracted the virus and subsequently suffered a fatal neurological infection.

Human herpesvirus-1 is ubiquitous. The vast majority of people in the world are infected. A small portion of infected humans suffer from intermittent cold sores (I am one such unlucky individual). If you own a rabbit and suffer from cold sores, be aware that your pet may be at risk during your outbreaks.

Share this entry with your pawple anywhere:

• DVM Newsmagazine: Rabies Rate in Cats Four Times That in Dogs
• How Can I Deal With Respiratory Infections in Kittens?
• JAVMA Papers Report on Alternative to Surgery for Bladder Stones
• Is Acupuncture Effective in Pets?
• JAVMA Study Reveals Many Vets Aren’t Following Feline Vaccination Guidelines

Just wondering if it is safe for a cat to be on
L-lysine for a long time or perhaps for the rest
of her life? I have tried to take her off it and
her runny eye and sneezing seems to come back, so
she really needs to be on this. I would rather
this than antibiotics that she has tried without
success.

Tina B
Vancouver Island, BC, Canada

L-lysine is a naturally occurring amino acid. It inhibits the replication of herpes virus.

In cats, herpes virus is not sexually transmitted. It is a highly contagious and extremely common cause of upper respiratory infections, or URIs. URIs are marked by eye discharge, squinting, sneezing, and and sinus congestion.

Almost every cat on earth is infected with feline herpes virus. Infection is lifelong. Feline herpes virus does not spread to people.

Most cats are able to suppress herpes virus with their immune systems. However, some cats suffer chronic or recurrent URIs as a consequence of infection with herpes virus. These cats may benefit from dietary supplementation with L-lysine.

L-lysine is a natural part of proteins. Adverse effects from long-term administration of L-lysine are extremely unlikely. If you feel that your cat is benefiting from the amino acid, I see nothing wrong with giving it for long periods. It is certainly safer than long-term antibiotics. And, since antibiotics do not treat herpes virus, L-lysine may also be more effective.

My 14-year-old cat has been sneezing and sounding
nasally congested. His eyes are bright, appetite
good, coat good, etc. is there anything OTC I can
give him for this?

Cheryl
Gainesville, Florida

Your cat sounds like he has a URI. Although many different viruses and bacteria can cause URIs, feline herpes virus is one of the most common culprits. L-lysine may help your cat. It is available over the counter (OTC). The recommended dose depends on the size of the cat, so talk to your vet about using L-lysine for this problem.

If L-lysine doesn’t help your cat, you should work with your vet to look for other possible causes of sneezing and congestion such as bacterial sinus infections or foreign objects such as blades of grass in the sinuses.

Share this entry with your pawple anywhere:

• How Can I Deal With Respiratory Infections in Kittens?
• Are Feeding Tubes Appropriate for Cats Who Don’t Eat?
• Can Cats Suffer From Bulimia?
• Are Oral Tumors Common in Two-Year-Old Cats?
• Why is my Cat’s Tongue Inflamed?