Feline Herpesvirus (FHV-1): Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention Guide
Introduction Feline Herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1) is a very contagious virus that is the most common cause of URI among cats. After being infected by this virus, it remains within the cat’s body and can reoccur when the cat becomes stressed. Common clinical signs of FHV-1 include clear to mucopurulent discharge from the eyes and nose. Modes of Transmission The virus is transmitted via: Direct Contact with Ocular/Nasal Secretions from the infected cat. Inanimate Objects like food bowls, beds, and grooming instruments ( fomites ). Short-Distance Aerosol Droplets, i.e., through sneezing and coughing. Signs and Symptoms Also known as feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR), the typical symptoms include: Difficulty Breathing: characterized by sneezing and nasal congestion. Conjunctivitis: Inflammation of the eye linings, along with discharge. Dendritic Keratitis: Small ulcers forming on the surface of the cornea in a dendritic pattern – a unique symptom of FHV-1 i...