Rhinotracheitis in cats is a herpesvirus disease, infectious and acute, associated with damage to the respiratory system and mucous membranes of the eyes. Cats of all breeds and regardless of age can get sick. An animal with rhinotracheitis acquires immunity.
Symptoms of the disease
The first symptoms of rhinotracheitis are fever, weakness, refusal to eat, nasal and eye discharge, possibly increased salivation. With a prolonged course of the disease, discharge from the nose and eyes becomes more abundant, sometimes coughing and shortness of breath appear. With prolonged rhinotracheitis, ulcers develop on the tongue, necrosis appears in the region of the nasal concha, in severe cases, the nasal bones are affected.
How to care for a cat with rhinotracheitis
Rhinotracheitis is not the most dangerous disease in cats and is rarely fatal. The virus itself does not tolerate high temperatures, so the cat needs to be kept warm, the temperature of the animal up to 39, 6 is not recommended to knock down. The main conditions for successful treatment are: maintaining the strength of the animal, preventing dehydration and exhaustion.
When refusing to eat, the pet should be forced to eat and drink, offering the most delicious and satisfying food. The cat should always have access to fresh water. Vitamin and mineral supplements will also be helpful. Depending on the severity of the illness, your veterinarian may prescribe additional medications to prevent dehydration.
Immunostimulants are important in the complex treatment of rhinotracheitis; in case of an exacerbation of the disease, ready-made serums are prescribed under the skin. An antibiotic can also help cope with the infection, usually it is taken 2 times a day for 7-10 days.
High temperatures have a beneficial effect on treatment, but a very high body temperature must be brought down with a special antipyretic for animals (with a dispenser). If the cat develops pneumonia, it is necessary to provide it with additional oxygen. Festering eyes and nose should be wiped with a special lotion with antiseptics every day. For the prevention of suppuration, eye drops and ointments are used, which do not include hormones.
A sick cat needs peace, so you need to provide her with a separate area with warm soft bedding and access to bowls of food and water. A separate place for a sick animal will not only provide him with a quiet rest, but also protect other pets from infection.
It is necessary to think about the prevention of rhinotracheitis even at the age of 6-8 weeks of the kitten's age. It is at this time that the first vaccination is done, revaccination is carried out after 2-4 weeks, and then annually. Kittens from the cattery are often given complex vaccinations, including the rhinotracheitis vaccine.
