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WHAT CATS ARE AT RISK? Despite the highly contagious nature of all the feline upper respiratory agents, it is important to realize that most cats are at very small risk for exposure. In other words, in order to get this kind of infection, a cat must be in the same home as an infected cat or share the same human caretaker, toys or food bowls. Typically infected cats come from the shelter, are outdoor cats, or are housed in close contact with lots of other cats (experiencing crowding stress). Persian cats are predisposed to upper respiratory infection due to their inherent facial flattening. The average house cat who is not exposed to any rescued kittens, lives with only one or two other cats at most, and never goes outside is unlikely break with infection. Kittens are predisposed due to their immature immune systems and are usually hit the hardest. Viruses are spread by the wet sneezes on infected or carrier individuals. COURSE OF INFECTION To some extent, the combinations of symptoms and course of infection is determined Most feline colds run a course of 7 to10 days regardless of treatment but A cat with herpes is contagious to other cats for a couple of weeks after a stressful event. WHEN TO BE CONCERNED SIGNS A CAT REQUIRES HOSPITALIZATION
A cold for a cat is usually just a nuisance as a cold usually is for one of us. If you think your cat or kitten is significantly uncomfortable with a cold you should seek veterinary assistance with an office visit. HOW IS THIS USUALLY TREATED? Since 90% of cases are viral in origin and we have no antibiotics against viruses, it seems odd that feline upper respiratory infections are frequently treated with anti-bacterial medications. The reason for this is that it is common for these viral infections to become complicated by secondary bacterial invaders. The antibiotics act on these. Further, the next most common infectious agents (after herpes and calici) are Chlamydophila felis (formerly known as Chlamydia psittaci) and Bordetella bronchiseptica, both organisms being sensitive to the tetracycline family (such as doxycycline). For this reason, when antibiotics are selected, tetracyclines and their relatives are frequently chosen. For congestion, some human nose drop products can be used for relief. Consult your veterinarian before attempting any sort of home treatment. Other therapies frequently employed include low doses of interferon-alpha (to generally stimulate the immune system) and oral lysine supplementation (which interferes with herpesvirus reproduction). For younger kittens that are infected, often the most significant factor in their throwing off infection is maturation and gaining a more effective immune system with growth. Occasionally infections can lead to more chronic symptoms, In selecting a vaccine against upper respiratory infections, there are some choices one can make. First, one must choose between a nasal vaccine and an injectable vaccine. The injectable vaccines which typically include feline distemper, were developed first and when vaccines for upper respiratory infections were created, they were simply added to the basic distemper injectable vaccine. Since that time science has developed a more localized form of vaccination to better address more localized types of infections. If one selects the injectable route of vaccination, one must then decide if There is some feeling that nasal vaccines may provide a more complete stimulation to the area of the immune system responsible for defense against the infection in question. Nasal vaccination provides protection especially rapidly (3 or 4 days). Herpes and calicivirus vaccines can be given either nasally or injectably.
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