What is feline calicivirus in cats? 

FCV is a highly contagious RNA virus affecting cats that is a significant cause of upper respiratory and oral infections. In fact, FCV causes more than 50 percent of cat respiratory infections. This virus most commonly occurs in multi-cat environments, such as shelters, breeding colonies, or pet stores. This virus readily mutates and vaccinations may not fully prevent new strains. However, most cats who contract FCV will recover. In rare cases some cats may contract a severe case of FCV-associated virulent systemic disease (FCV-VSD), which is fatal in 60 percent of cases. FCV spreads through direct contact with saliva, eye discharge, nasal discharge, or aerosolized sneeze droplets from infected cats. Common ways a cat may become infected include:

• Direct contact with an infected cat
• Kittens born to a FCV-carrier mother
• Sharing food bowls, water bowls, or litter trays with an infected cat
• Contact with a human who recently interacted with an infected cat
• Contact with contaminated environments and objects, including bedding or grooming tools

Feline calicivirus signs in cats

FCV signs in cats are similar to other infections that may cause an upper respiratory infection. Severity will depend on the viral strain type, and the strength of the infected cat’s immune system. Young cats, kittens, and cats who have other chronic conditions have an increased risk for more severe FCV signs. Signs may occur between 2 and 14 days following the initial infection and can persist for more than six weeks. Cats who contract FCV may shed the virus for more than three weeks following an infection, and some pets may become long-term FCV carriers. Signs may include:

• Uncontrollable, sudden sneezing attacks 
• Nasal congestion
• Excessive eye blinking and squinting
• Mouth and tongue ulcers
• Inflamed gums
• Drooling
• Clear, yellow, or green nasal and eye discharge
• Redness around and in the eye
• Loss of smell
• Fever
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Painful joints

Cats who contract FCV-VSD may show the following signs:

• High fever
• Swelling of the head and legs
• Crusting sores around the face and mouth
• Hair loss around the nose, ears, eyes, and foot pads
• Skin yellowing

Feline calicivirus diagnosis and treatment in cats 

Your cat needs a veterinary examination if they are showing FCV or FCV-VSD infection signs, which are similar to other respiratory infections including feline viral rhinotracheitis. Ensure you inform your veterinarian if your cat has interacted with a potentially infected kitten or adult cat, or if they have recently been adopted from a shelter. Diagnosis is based on your cat’s medical history, clinical signs, and potential FCV exposure history. A PCR test to look for FCV DNA in samples of an infected cat’s eye, nose, or throat will provide a definitive diagnosis. Other diagnostics tests may include a complete blood count to check for secondary infections or an associated disease and a serum biochemistry test to evaluate organ function. Specialized eye tests to check for corneal ulcerations and dry eye may also be recommended. An X-ray may be recommended to check for joint swelling or pneumonia. 

No treatment can stop an FCV infection, although cats who receive immediate veterinary care have a good prognosis. Most pets will recover following at-home supportive care and treatments, including keeping their nose and eyes clean. Kittens or adult cats with severe signs or cats who have FCV-VSD may require hospitalization. Treatments may include:

• Intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration from excess nasal or eye discharge
• Antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infections
• Decongestants 
• Oxygen therapy 
• Topical eye medications
• Antiviral medications
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications to decrease fever and alleviate any oral ulcer or joint pain
• L-lysine supplements for immune system support
• Environmental humidification or nebulization
• Specialized diet   

Financial options for your cat’s feline calicivirus treatment  

FCV often requires treatment for several weeks in addition to multiple follow -up appointments. Cats with severe cases may require an extended hospital stay, and such care can result in a large veterinary bill. However, several payment options are available to cover treatment costs including:

• Pet health insurance such as Trupanion which will ensure you can cover the costs for your pet’s emergency FCV treatment 
• Care Credit and Scratch Pay which allow payments to be spread out over longer periods
• Pet health savings accounts or short-term loans offered by most financial institutions

Feline calicivirus prevention in cats

Vaccinating your cat when they are young is the best prevention against a severe FCV infection. The FVRCP vaccine is a core cat vaccine that provides protection against FCV and other dangerous respiratory agents. FCV is a mutating virus (i.e., vaccinated cats can still be infected), but disease severity will be greatly reduced, and some infected cats may never show signs. Do not let your cat outside or around other cats or people with cats until they are fully vaccinated against the virus. FCV can survive in the environment for extended periods, so ensure you use diluted bleach to clean areas where an infected cat was present. Use hot water and detergent to clean an infected cat’s bedding. 

Ensure your cat is vaccinated by your family veterinarian to prevent a severe FCV infection. If your cat is showing FCV signs after hours, bring them to Animal Emergency Care for immediate care. #AECprevents

Sources: 

https://www.petmd.com/cat/wellness/what-fvrcp-cat-vaccine

https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951489

https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/baker-institute/our-research/animal-health-articles-and-helpful-links/feline-calicivirus

The post Feline Calicivirus: More Than a Cold appeared first on Animal Emergency Care (AEC) Bellingham, WA.

What is Bordetella in dogs? 

Bordetella bronchiseptica is a gram-negative bacteria and the primary pathogen that causes kennel cough (i.e., infectious tracheobronchitis) in dogs. These extremely contagious bacteria attach to the protective respiratory cilia and prevent specialized immune cells from destroying them. Dogs with bordetella shed these infectious bacteria in their respiratory secretions. Any breed, age, or sex is at risk for kennel cough although unvaccinated pets, puppies, and senior dogs are at increased risk of severe infection. Transmission occurs when secretions from an infected dog travel through the air and are inhaled by a healthy dog. The bacteria can also be passed through dog bowls, toys, or other objects that an infected dog has contacted. Transmission commonly occurs in places such as:

• Crowded kennels or animal shelters
• Boarding facilities
• Areas with poor ventilation
• Dog parks 
• Pet stores
• Obedience classes
• Grooming salons

What are signs of Bordetella infection in your dog?

Dogs who are infected with Bordetella will show symptoms 2 to 14 days after the initial infection. They will experience a harsh, hacking cough as if something is stuck in their throat. Some dogs will have only a mild cough and will recover in two weeks without any treatment or further concerns. However, in more severe cases, dogs may experience a persistent and severe cough and pneumonia. Other clinical signs may include:

• Fever
• Lethargy
• Decreased appetite
• Sneezing
• Nasal discharge
• Eye discharge
• Retching

Pets with a more complicated form of bordetella will likely have secondary infections from other bacteria or viruses. This complex infection is referred to as canine infectious respiratory disease (CRD) and usually occurs in dogs older than 6 months. Ensure you keep your dog away from other pets to avoid spreading this contagious disease. These bacteria remain in their system for up to three months after infection and can easily spread to other dogs. 

What is Bordetella treatment in your dog?

Dogs with an uncomplicated Bordetella infection will recover quickly without any treatment. Animals with a chronic cough or more severe signs associated with pneumonia may require more involved treatments and possible hospitalization. Bring your dog to your family veterinarian if they have any Bordetella signs. Dogs with Bordetella will usually cough when their neck is gently massaged over their trachea. Other diagnostic tests may be recommended including X-rays to check for bronchitis and pneumonia, blood work for infection evaluation, and a respiratory disease screening test. Dogs with mild signs may be prescribed a course of antibiotics and a cough suppressant while dogs with severe infection may require hospitalization and the following treatments:

• Intravenous (IV) fluids  
• IV antibiotics 
• Oxygen therapy
• Cough suppressants

Financial options for your dog’s Bordetella treatment

Treatment for kennel cough or more severe CRD infection can lead to a high veterinary bill, especially for pets who require hospitalization for pneumonia. Pet insurance plans like Trupanion Express offer policies that can help cover the costs associated with unexpected veterinary treatment. Many financial institutions offer pet health savings accounts that can help ensure money is available to cover high veterinary expenses. Pet parents can also take advantage of other payment methods such as Care Credit and Scratch Pay and spread out veterinary bill payments over an extended period. 

How to prevent Bordetella in your dog

Regular vaccination is vital to protect your dog against Bordetella infection. Several vaccination types are available, and some also protect against other common respiratory bacteria and viruses that can occur with bordetella. Your family veterinarian will recommend a vaccination based on your pet’s lifestyle and behavior. Bordetella vaccine types include:

• Intranasal  — This vaccine also protects against other respiratory agents that can cause CRD. Some dogs may experience sneezing or nasal discharge for a few days after vaccination.
• Oral —The oral vaccine protects against Bordetella bacteria only but may be more easily administered to some dogs, especially those with small or narrow nasal passages. 
• Injectable — Aggressive dogs or dogs with behavior problems will most likely receive the injectable bordetella vaccine for protection against Bordetella bacteria. 

Ensure your dog is vaccinated well in advance of possible exposure such as boarding or grooming facilities and avoid bringing them to crowded or poorly ventilated areas where infections can easily be spread. 

Call our office if your dog has any Bordetella infection symptoms and your family veterinarian is unavailable. We recommend regular check-ups with your family veterinarian and keeping your dog’s vaccinations current to protect them from this potentially serious respiratory infection. #AECprevents

Sources: 

https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951478

https://www.merckvetmanual.com/respiratory-system/respiratory-diseases-of-small-animals/tracheobronchitis-in-small-animals

The post Bordetella Basics: Keeping Your Dog Infection-Free  appeared first on Animal Emergency Care (AEC) Bellingham, WA.