Feline Herpesvirus 1
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This article is still under construction. |
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Pathogenesis
- Upper respiratory tract infection *
- Erosions can affect the bronchi, resulting in interstitial pneumonia
- Most common cause of keratitis and corneal ulcers in cat and gummy eyes in kittens
- Rupture is a particular risk
Epidemiology
- Widespread
- Serious infection
- Latent infection can be reactivated on boarding
Diagnosis
- Nasal swabs on first week of infection can be cultured for virus isolation
Treatment
For keratitis with corneal ulcers:
- Subcut omega interferon
- Topical trifluorothymidine (thymidine analogue) on eyes
Control
- Killed and live vaccines are available
- Live vaccines have provoked symptoms in immunosuppressed kittens and are no longer used in the UK