By Raeshell Rozet and Laurie Rich
CAINE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH FELINE HERPES IN 2002. DURING A HERPES FLARE-UP, HE RECEIVES DAILY EYE DROPS OF THE MEDICATION IDOXURIDINE.
Feline herpesvirus type 1, also called FHV-1 or rhinotracheitis, is a virus that affects the eyes and upper respiratory tract of an infected cat. The good news is that this disease is not life-threatening except in rare cases (typically, young kittens and elderly cats). However, this condition can reoccur throughout the cat's lifetime, so diagnosis and treatment are important.
A Closer Look at Feline Herpes
Rhinotracheitis is a virus that attaches itself to a cat's DNA, making the cat susceptible to reoccurring outbreaks. Symptoms of an outbreak include coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, watery eyes, fever, congestion, rhinitis (inflammation of the nose), conjunctivitis (inflammation of the membrane lining the eyelid), and lack of appetite. These symptoms can range from mild to severe. An outbreak usually runs its course within 7 to 10 days unless a secondary bacterial infection sets in.
Feline herpes is shed through discharge from an infected cat's eyes, nose, and mouth. It may be transmitted from one feline to another during close contact such as grooming or playing, or during contact with contaminated objects such as food and water bowls, litter pans, or the pet owner's hands or clothing. Several days of close contact are necessary for infection to occur. Many felines who are carriers of the virus are infected by their mother at birth. Feline herpes is not transmissible to other animal species or to humans.
How Can I Tell if My Cat Has Feline Herpes?
If your cat is exhibiting any of the symptoms noted above, he or she should be checked by your vet, who will perform a physical exam and conduct tests to confirm the presence of the herpes virus.
Treatment
Depending on the symptoms or the occurrence of secondary infections, medications used to treat the herpes outbreak may include the following:
- Eye drops or ointments such as Idoxuridine, Vidarabine, or Interferon to help suppress the virus in the cat's eye
- Oral antibiotics to prevent or treat secondary bacterial infections
- Eye ointments to treat ulcerative keratitis (inflammation and ulceration of the cornea)
- Decongestants (e.g., nasal drops) to decrease nasal discharge
- Oral administration of the amino acid L-lysine to decrease the severity of ocular symptoms and reduce viral shedding
Supportive care during a herpes outbreak is important, and may include:
- Minimization of stress
- Ensuring that the cat is eating and drinking enough
- Keeping the cat's eyes and nose clean and clear of discharge
- Using a humidifier to help break up the mucus in the upper airway
Most cats weather herpes outbreaks well, but extra care must be given to kittens and elderly felines who are more vulnerable to complications.
Prevention
Routine vaccination against feline herpes can prevent the development of severe disease, but it does not always prevent infection. Talk with your vet about a recommended vaccination schedule for your cat.
References and Resources
Feline Herpes Virus. www.animalhealthchannel.com
Feline Rhinotracheitis. www.maybeckvet.com/herpes.html
Respiratory Diseases in Cats.
http://www.2ndchance.info/rhinotracheitis.htm
Feline Herpes Support Group. http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/felineherpes 
About the Authors
Raeshell lives in a lively house with two boys and two dogs. She loves writing for animal rescue organizations. She dedicates her volunteer work for cats in the memory of her best childhood friend (and cat), Peanut Butter, who lived to be a wise twenty years old! Laurie is an FFR board member and volunteer who lives with her husband Larry and their six kitties, including Caine, who has feline herpes.