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What is
Feline Calicivirus? Calicivirus
are members of the Caliciviridae family, and there are several
strains which can infect cats.
80 - 90% of
all feline respiratory disease complex
are caused by either feline calicivirus or feline
rhinotracheitis virus (feline herpesvirus).
Dual infection with both feline calicivirus & feline
herpesvirus are fairly common. [1] Calicivirus usually affects
the throat, eyes, nasal cavity & oral cavity in cats
although sometimes the lungs & intestines are
affected. In
the healthy adult cat, the mortality rate is fairly low,
however kittens & older cats are at greater risk. Feline
calicivirus is most often seen in shelters & environments
with over crowding, although it can occur in any
household. There
is a particularly virulent form known as 'virulent systemic feline calicivirus'
with a mortality rate of 67%.
What
is a virus? A
virus is a ultramicroscopic infectious agent which consists of
either DNA or RNA wrapped in a protein coat. It is only able
to replicate inside living cells. The phrase "a piece of
bad news wrapped in protein" is a very well known saying
regarding viruses. Viruses
are not living organisms, they don't respirate, process
nutrients or generate waste products. What
are the symptoms of feline calicivirus? There
are several strains of calicivirus which infect cats, and
symptoms differ depending on the virulence of the particular
virus causing infection. Some strains may cause mild
symptoms only, others severe.
Symptoms
of calicivirus are often similar to that of a head cold in
humans such as sneezing, nasal discharge, fever, rhinitis
(inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes) runny eyes,
salivation, ulceration of the tongue & palate are also
regularly seen in cats with calicivirus. More virulent
strains of calicivirus can cause pneumonia.
Calicivirus
can also cause lameness in cats (known as limping syndrome).
This has been seen in not only naturally occurring calicivirus
but also after vaccination. [2]
Feline
calicivirus can be complicated by secondary bacterial
infections, anorexia & dehydration. Feline
calicivirus has been observed in the mouths of some cats with
gingivitis. How
do cats become infected?
-
Direct
contact: Infection is passed from an sick or carrier
cat via eye, nasal & mouth discharges.
-
Indirect
contact: Contaminated food bowls, bedding etc.
Calicivirus is resistant to many disinfectants & can
live in the environment for long periods of time.
It is
possible for cats to remain carriers for years after
infection. This means even though they have contracted the
virus, become sick & recovered, the virus is still being
shed in excretions & it is possible to infect other cats.
How
is feline feline calicivirus diagnosed? A
presumptive diagnosis is usually based on clinical signs in
the cat. As stated earlier in the article, feline herpesvirus
& feline calicivirus account for 80 - 90% of
all feline respiratory disease complex.
If oral ulcers
are present, calicivirus is most likely.
If corneal ulcers are present (eyes), herpesvirus is most
likely. How
is it treated? Treatment
is generally supportive. As calicivirus is a virus,
antibiotics won't work, however they may be prescribed for
secondary bacterial infections. Removal
of discharge from the nose & eyes will make your cat more
comfortable. If
the cat has become anorexic, force feeding may be necessary.
Fluids may also be required to treat dehydration. Prevention
of feline calicivirus: Routine
vaccination. Avoiding
overcrowding of feline populations, reducing stress. Can
I catch feline calicivirus from my cat? No,
it is not possible for humans to become infected with feline
calicivirus.
Further Reading:
Cat Flu References: [1]
The Merck Veterinary Manual [2]
Cat Lovers
Vet
Please note:
The medical
articles on this site have not been written by a
veterinarian & should not be considered a replacement for a
veterinarian visit. The articles are provided for
informative purposes only.
Always seek
immediate veterinary advice for any problems (health or
behavioral) in your pets.
While great
care has been made in the creation of these articles, we
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If in any doubt whatsoever, seek professional medical
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