Calicivirus infection in cats: treatment at home + VIDEO recommendations

Feline calcivirosis is an acute infection, in severe cases leading to the death of the patient. It is not transmitted to other pets and humans, but in cats it causes inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eyes, the oral mucosa, spreading to the respiratory organs. Antiviral vaccination, as well as timely, properly selected treatment contribute to an almost complete cure.

Description of the ailment

The disease is caused by the pathogenic microorganism Feline calicivirus (FCV). It is distributed throughout the world, including in Russia. There are more than 40 types of dangerous strains, differing from each other in symptoms and severity. Like the flu virus, the bacterium is capable of being variable and mutating into a more dangerous form. The disease has another international name - calcivirus.

Immunologists note that the virus is resistant to high temperatures and persists in a humid environment. For example, in a dry atmosphere it remains active for up to 3 days, but in a slushy environment or snow cover its survival increases to 12 days.

Methods and probability of infection

Viral pathology affects the respiratory tract and mucous membranes. Kittens from one month of age, as well as adults with weakened immune systems, can get sick. Residents of shelters or nurseries often suffer due to crowded housing and unsanitary conditions that contribute to the spread of infection.

Symptoms appear suddenly, the active phase lasts from 7 to 25 days. After this, the pet’s recovery occurs in the case of correctly selected drug therapy. The likelihood of death of an unvaccinated cat depends entirely on the length of time between the appearance of the first signs and the start of treatment. The shorter the time period, the more favorable the prognosis for a complete cure of the patient. Autumn and winter are the most favorable periods for the spread of the disease.

Can a person become infected?

Feline calcivirus is not dangerous for its owner or other four-legged animals. But other representatives of the cat family are at risk. Moreover, both wild and domestic individuals are at risk.

It is worth remembering that a person, although not susceptible to calcivirus, may well be its carrier. There are cases when the virus was transmitted from one animal to another without direct contact: through human clothing and shoes, unwashed hands, etc. Therefore, disinfection of the room and clothing of the person caring for a sick cat is mandatory.

Prevention of calicivirus

Currently, the best prevention is timely (annual) vaccination of cats. It provides strong immunity or an easier course of the disease in case of infection. The calcivirosis vaccine is available as part of complex vaccines.

Prevention also contributes to:

• Compliance with hygiene standards when keeping animals in groups.
• Observance of basic hygiene by the owner (washing hands after contact with other animals)
• Isolate an animal that has recovered from calicivirus from other cats for a period of at least 30 days.
• Disinfection of dishes and other items used by a sick animal.

(c) Veterinary center for the treatment and rehabilitation of animals “Zoostatus”. Varshavskoe highway, 125 building 1. tel. 8 (499) 372-27-37

Causes of calcivirosis in cats

Infection occurs in several ways, but the exact route has not been fully established. Scientists can only talk about the factors of microorganism reproduction in the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, conjunctiva, and tissues of the respiratory system.

Infected animals transmit the infection into the environment through secretions from the nose, eyes, or mouth. When you sneeze, the bacteria spreads through the air many meters around. The virus can easily be brought into the house on outer clothing, shoe soles, or dirty hands. Often, infection can be caused by communication between a pet and a selected street cat, which has become a carrier of a dangerous pathogen.

The main methods of transmission of calcivirus include:

• direct contact with an infected cat;
• airborne droplets;
• through cat household items: bowl, tray, toys.

Most often, penetration occurs through inhalation through the mouth or nose; less often, the pathogen is transmitted through the excrement of the carrier. Unfortunately, often the owner does not know whether the pet has a pathogenic microorganism. In this regard, the risk of spreading the infection increases when he visits public places, walks in public with other cats, or during mating. When an infected animal lives in the same place with other baleen animals, the use of one bowl for all animals is sufficient for infection.

The pathogen does not persist outside the body of the individual for a very long period of time. Thus, the maximum survival period is about 18 days. This must be taken into account when choosing a new cat to replace one that died from the disease.

Symptoms

The severity of symptoms and the specific clinical picture depend on the age of the animal and the type of calcivirus virus that is in the body.

Signs:

• sneezing;
• discharge from the eyes;
• nasal discharge similar to a runny nose
• hyperthermia;
• ulcerations on the mucous membranes of the mouth, lips and nose;
• pneumonia;
• labored breathing;
• lameness;
• depressed state;
• loss of appetite (anorexia).

The incubation period (from the time of infection to the onset of symptoms) is 4-6 days.

The diagnosis can only be made by a doctor based on examination of the animal and mandatory testing to determine the virus.

Signs of calcivirosis in cats

Like other viral infections, in adult cats and kittens, calcivirosis begins its manifestations with a depressed general condition, discharge of fluid from the nose, eyes, and lack of appetite. Hyperthermia, associated with an increase in body temperature, is detected on the 3-4th day, but in 2-3-month-old kittens it manifests itself immediately. Vomiting can be multiple or single, but sometimes it is completely absent.

This clinical picture is characteristic of most bacterial diseases, so diagnosing the disease at this stage is quite difficult. Because of this, it is possible to miss the initial stage of development of a dangerous strain, which leads to an advanced form of illness with all the ensuing complications and consequences.

For example, in a domestic cat that spends a lot of time outside, the listed symptoms are often attributed to poisoning from selected food or an infectious rodent.

Acute calcivirosis

The acute form involves the manifestation of characteristic symptoms immediately after infection. This course of the disease is frightening, but it allows for a more accurate diagnosis. Even an experienced cat breeder without the help of a veterinarian will be able to recognize calcivirosis if he has already encountered it. However, this does not mean that you should postpone a visit to the doctor - on the contrary, you need to go to the clinic as soon as possible.

The most characteristic sign is considered to be small ulcers on the lips, nose, palate, and tongue. At first they are sporadic, and near the nose can be explained by cold discharge. Therefore, diagnosis based on this symptom is one of the most accurate.

The owner may notice that the cat is hungry and asks for food, but when starting a meal, he immediately refuses it. The animal greedily sniffs the treats, but cannot take them into its mouth, since the ulcers are very painful and interfere with eating. In severe cases, the sick person may refuse water: then he will have to pour in slightly warmed water through a syringe without a needle.

The next stage is difficulty breathing and complications in the form of viral pneumonia. Sometimes there is an impact on the pet’s musculoskeletal system, resulting in arthritis.

Warning signs for the spread of the disease:

• unexplained refusal to eat;
• increase in animal body temperature;
• heavy, rapid breathing;
• a feeling that the pet wants to push something out of the mouth.

It happens that the body partially resists the virus, and it proceeds slowly and with vague symptoms. Then we are talking about the chronic form.

Chronic calcivirosis

This form is more dangerous because it can be easily confused with other diseases: for example, poisoning or heat stroke. The cat becomes lethargic, eats and drinks little, and mouth ulcers appear in isolated cases.

As soon as the exacerbation phase begins, everything falls into place: the veterinarian makes a preliminary diagnosis without tests. But, unfortunately, if chronic calcivirosis worsens, it may be too late: the animal is exhausted, and even intensive treatment does not always help.

The course of calcivirosis in a kitten

Doctors note that kittens under 3 months of age have less chance of recovery than adults. The fact is that the virus manifests itself suddenly and very strongly: the baby’s temperature rises sharply, discharge from the eyes and nose appears, profuse salivation, inflammation of the oral cavity, which quickly spreads to the larynx. Due to malaise and pain, the kitten refuses food and water, so death in a fragile organism can occur 2-4 days after the onset of the disease.

If you notice even one sign of calcivirosis in a kitten, urgently take it to the veterinary clinic. Doctors will take a whole range of measures to save him:

• will introduce serum of the required dosage;
• they will give you an antibiotic;
• they will puncture an IV if the kitten is dehydrated and exhausted, and prescribe vitamins in the form of injections;
• They will administer a strong painkiller to ease the baby’s suffering.

At home you need to give the kitten maximum attention and care. It is necessary to give injections several times a day and lubricate the little patient’s oral cavity with products prescribed by the doctor. If the kitten’s body is strong, and treatment is started on time and carried out intensively, its condition will improve within a few days. The baby will begin to eat, drink and even play on his own.

Complications

Calcivirosis is considered a dangerous disease for cats with a weakened immune system, for older animals and small kittens. If animals in this group become infected, the risk of death increases. The disease also poses a serious danger for pregnant cats, in these cases the risk of stillbirth increases.

Calcivirosis can provoke the development of two complications:

1. Interstitial pneumonia. During this disease, there is a serious impairment of respiratory functions;
2. Arthritis and pain in the limbs. Often, animals that have recovered from calcivirus develop joint problems, this is due to the virus damaging the joint tissue.

Diagnosis by a veterinarian

If the owner notices the warning signs described above, then it is time for an emergency visit to the veterinary clinic. At a doctor's appointment, you need to answer questions about the presence or absence of a pathological desire in your pet to inhale chemicals and washing powder. It is necessary to find out whether he chewed toxic house plants, for example, Kalanchoe, aloe. Explain what was included in the last feeding and what the pet has been doing over the past 24 hours.

The veterinarian may also ask leading questions that may not seem entirely meaningful to the patient’s owner. Most likely, the doctor will ask whether there is air conditioning in the house, when and with what the pet was last bathed. Thanks to questioning, a general picture of the disease emerges, which helps to make the correct diagnosis.

The veterinarian prescribes a PCR test to determine the presence of the virus in the animal’s DNA. Repeated studies are often performed, especially if the results are negative but the symptoms do not subside. If it is not possible to conduct such an analysis, the disease is determined by the clinical picture.

Establishing diagnosis

If signs of calicivirus are detected, the cat must be quarantined and immediately shown to a veterinarian. The doctor will examine the pet and, based on the presence of characteristic symptoms, make a preliminary diagnosis, which can additionally be confirmed only after the necessary tests have been carried out.

Diagnostic methods

To confirm or refute the diagnosis in a veterinary clinic, the following methods are used:

1. Examination of discharge from the mouth and nose. This diagnostic method identifies the virus using PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and allows you to detect the genetic characteristics of this virus.
2. General urine analysis.
3. Serological study.
4. Blood chemistry. Typically, when infected with calicivirus, a blood test shows a decrease in the level of leukocytes and hemoglobin by 25-30%.

Material for testing is collected at the time the infection is detected and 2 weeks after the first symptoms appear. If during this time the titer of antibodies against FCV in the cat’s blood increases, then the diagnosis of calicivirus is confirmed.

Differential diagnoses

To successfully treat feline calicivirus, it is important to differentiate it from other diseases with similar symptoms. These include rhinotracheitis (herpes virus infection), chlamydia, various types of stomatitis, panleukopenia (feline distemper), and rabies.

With rhinotracheitis, stronger salivation, weakness, sneezing, discharge from the nose and eyes, and inflammation of the cornea (keratitis) are observed. Also, with a herpes virus infection, the animal does not have lameness.

With chlamydia, the third eyelid appears on the eye, but there is no increased salivation or ulcers in the mouth.

Stomatitis is accompanied by increased salivation, the formation of ulcers and an unpleasant odor in the mouth, loss of appetite, and weakness. However, there are no signs of calicivirus such as coughing, sneezing, discharge from the eyes, or runny nose.

Panleukopenia, like calicivirus infection, is characterized by vomiting and a decrease in the level of leukocytes in the blood. However, it can be distinguished from other pathologies by abdominal pain, changes in the color of urine, and the presence of traces of blood in the feces.

When a cat has rabies, there are convulsions and general weakness, but there is no runny nose, cough, sneezing or mouth ulcers.

Treatment of the disease

How to treat calcivirus in cats? Therapy must begin with a correct diagnosis. Without this, treatment cannot be started, because each infection has its own pathogen, which requires specific treatment. So, for calcivirus, it is necessary to prescribe a special hyperimmune serum that contains antibodies to the pathogenic microorganism.

However, if the disease is uncertain, a multicomponent serum should be immediately administered against three viral ailments: panleukopenia, calicivirus, and rhinotracheitis.

If the pet does not eat for a long time or has vomiting, frequent loose stools, or an elevated body temperature, then it is important to place IVs and inject subcutaneous saline solutions of sodium chloride, glucose, and Ringer-Locke. They are used 20-50 ml every 6-12 hours. It should be taken into account that no more than 20 ml of saline solution can be injected under the skin into one place.

It is good to alternate injections and droppers with each other when treating calcivirosis in cats. In the morning you can use sodium chloride, and in the afternoon you can introduce a glucose solution, then again a saline solution, and then glucose. A glucose solution removes intoxication well, promotes the removal of toxins, and a sodium chloride solution helps restore the water-salt balance that occurs due to dehydration. Such alternations help avoid further death of body cells.

After the cat’s body has become sufficiently strong as a result of drug therapy, a therapeutic diet is necessary. Probiotics, that is, drugs that restore intestinal microflora, are introduced into the menu as prescribed by a veterinarian.

Medicines to treat an infected person:

• antibiotics that prevent the development of inflammation and pneumonia;
• vitamin and mineral complexes that strengthen and restore the strength of the convalescent;
• means that speed up metabolism and completely remove intoxication from the body;
• symptomatic treatment that supports the cardiac, respiratory, and digestive systems in a healthy state.

Mostly, medications are administered by injection, since the animal’s oral cavity is very sensitive due to ulcers. Tablets and liquid preparations will only increase the pain of the furry sufferer. Therefore, you will have to learn how to give injections yourself or invite a visiting nurse.

Features of treating a pregnant cat

Unfortunately, doctors are rarely able to save the offspring of a sick female. This is due to the fact that the body devotes all its strength to protecting the mother cat, and the fetus is practically defenseless. A specialist selects the appropriate treatment based on many factors: gestational age, number of fetuses, severity of the disease, etc. The owner’s task is to show the pet to the doctor on time and devote enough time to its treatment.

Features of kitten treatment

It is necessary to start therapy on the very first day the first symptoms appear, otherwise the chances of recovery are greatly reduced. The doctor prescribes a small patient a whole range of therapeutic measures, which include injections, rinsing and lubricating the mouth with medications, and a therapeutic diet. In some cases, hospital treatment may be required.

The main difficulty in treating children is choosing the dosage. Often a microscopic dose of a particular drug is required, and only a doctor can determine it. You cannot do this on your own - it will only harm the kitten.

The main rule for kittens less than six months old is to carry out a full course of treatment. If you complete the course recommended by the doctor a day or two earlier, the disease may return, with a vengeance and unpleasant consequences. It is optimal if the therapy ends after a complete examination of the patient at the veterinary clinic and the doctor confirms that the baby is healthy.

Aftercare

It should be remembered that after the final recovery, the pet will not be safe. Immunity is restored only within six months, but the danger of transmitting the virus remains.

Calcivirosis is considered one of the most serious diseases for felines, so it is worth taking care of the complete comfort of your pet. If there are other cats living at home, it is advisable to separate them from the sick person for a while. Be sure to check other cats for the presence of the virus by taking tests. If they are healthy, then it is necessary to vaccinate, and after quarantine and complete recovery of the patient, the animals can be placed together again.

Provide your cat with a comfortable bed or allocate a place on the sofa, chair, or bed. Try to stay nearby all the time.

Be sure to make sure that the water in the bowl is clean and warm: ulcers make it painful to drink liquid at room temperature. The food should be soft, puree-like: depending on the cat’s preferences, buy him pate or boil and chop lean meat (chicken, turkey, rabbit). The menu can be adjusted with the help of a veterinarian: he will recommend therapeutic nutrition and also prescribe the necessary vitamins and supplements. Some of them will have to be given in the form of injections.

How dangerous is calicivirus (calcevirus) infection for kittens?

The most dangerous pathology is for kittens, since their immune system is not fully formed and is not able to resist the introduction of the pathogen.

A lesion on the nose of the upper lip in an adult cat due to a calicivirus infection; the disease developed after the owners abandoned a young, apparently healthy kitten on the street

The danger of the virus is that kittens do not fully display clinical signs , and this makes diagnosis difficult. In most cases, they are similar to the symptoms of laryngitis, tracheitis and pneumonia, and a blood test shows anemia. Only diagnosing ulcerative glossitis helps to identify calicivirus.

Characteristic symptoms in kittens:

• apathy;
• lethargy;
• diarrhea;
• vomit;
• refusal to eat;
• photophobia.

Delayed treatment can cause death. If a pregnant cat is infected, the mortality rate for newborn kittens is 84-90% of all diagnosed cases.

Be sure to read:

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Consequences of calcivirosis in cats

After completing a course of medication, the recovered pet acquires specific immunity to the pathogen. Re-infection is extremely rare, but it is premature to talk about stable immunity in those who have recovered from the disease.

Is the cat still a carrier of calcivirus?

Often the cat does not show any visible symptoms after suffering from an illness. The owner should remember that an apparently healthy pet can be very contagious to other relatives.

Research by scientists from the UK has confirmed that during the first month after the cessation of the disease, all former patients remain active carriers of the bacterium. During this time period, it is necessary to avoid visiting places where there are unvaccinated or young individuals under 1 year of age. It is not recommended to invite guests who have mustachioed pets into the house so that they cannot spread the infection on outer clothing, shoes or hands.

Over time, the transmission activity of the pathogenic microorganism decreases greatly. So, after two and a half months, only about 50% of recovered animals remain carriers. Unfortunately, there are individuals with a very weakened immune system who continue to remain a carrier of the infection for life.

It is quite simple to identify a cat carrying the virus: it still has problems with the oral cavity. They are expressed in a very unpleasant odor, periodic stomatitis or gingivitis. Any redness in the mouth and excessive salivation should alert the owner. In a cat that has had calcivirus within the last year, this becomes the reason for a trip to the veterinary clinic.

Owner Irina:

My cat suffered from calcivirus at a young age. Now the person who has recovered from the disease is left with bad breath and the fear of going hungry (he could not eat during his illness). But overall, this is an absolutely healthy cat - so don’t waste your time and energy! Calcivirosis is treatable, and you can do without terrible consequences.

Prognosis for recovery

The prognosis is favorable if we are talking about an adult and timely initiation of treatment. In small kittens and very elderly animals, it is more difficult to make predictions: it all depends on the body’s resistance. The veterinarian will definitely warn you that death is possible, but with proper care and intensive treatment it is reduced to almost zero.

Repeat tests for complications

Many veterinarians tend to believe that calcivirosis and its treatment place a heavy burden on the kidneys and lead to early chronic renal failure (CRF). Research is currently underway in this regard. At risk are animals that have suffered a severe case of calcivirus, as well as kittens that were ill at a young age.

The virus can cause complications in other body systems: the gastrointestinal tract, liver, lungs and trachea. Many disorders occur latently for several years, and then make themselves felt in the final stage, when treatment comes down to maintaining a decent standard of living - and nothing more.

To prevent dangerous consequences, it is important to donate blood after the animal is completely cured after 6-8 months for general and biochemical analysis. If any organ is damaged as a result of a severe course of the calcivirus, tests will show this. The owner will be able to begin timely treatment.

Calcivirosis - what is it?

Calcivirosis is a respiratory disease that causes inflammation in the upper respiratory tract, oral cavity and conjunctiva of the eyes. The virus does not have its own envelope and is able to multiply inside the cell, forming virus-neutralizing antibodies.

The causative agent is RNA viruses belonging to the Caliciviridae family. The virus is quite viable: in a dry environment it survives for up to three days, and in a humid environment for up to ten. Inactivated by chlorine-containing solutions.