Support normal respiratory and ocular health in patients with feline herpesvirus infection

As you know, feline herpes virus-1 (FHV-1) is one of the most common causes of upper respiratory infection and ocular problems in cats. The virus is widespread in the cat population and is similar to the human herpesvirus in that it remains latent in the nervous system of carrier cats for life, occasionally flaring up after periods of stress.

First-time infections with FHV-1 usually occur in neonatal kittens or young cats. These cats develop signs of respiratory infection that may include sneezing, pyrexia, lethargy, inappetence, nasal discharge, and conjunctivitis.

While most cats spontaneously recover from a first-time FHV-1 infection within 10 to 14 days, approximately 80% become latent carriers. Of these cats, 45% will either have clinical signs that recur after periods of stress or will shed the virus without any outward signs of illness.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for FHV-1. And that can be a distressing message to deliver to clients. Wish there were more you could do?

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Arm your team to educate clients by requesting copies of this free brochure on feline herpesvirus.

In addition or as an adjunct to other supportive therapy for cats with FHV-1 infection, L-lysine supplementation is thought to help suppress viral replication, which may reduce clinical signs and shedding of the virus. It is well tolerated by most cats.

In published studies of herpesvirus infected cats, L-lysine supplementation resulted in less severe clinical signs and helped reduce viral shedding in latently infected cats (as compared to placebo or control groups).1,2  And the use of L-lysine has been advocated by many veterinary specialists, particularly in chronic cases of FHV-1.

Arm your team to support affected cats (and their owners) by requesting free FHV-1 educational materials for your clients here.

1  Stiles J, Townsend WM, Rogers QR, Krohne SG. Effect of oral administration of L-lysine on conjunctivitis caused by feline herpesvirus in cats. American Journal of Veterinary Research, January 2002, 63(1): 99-103

2  Maggs DJ, Nasisse MP, Kass PH. Efficacy of oral supplementation with L-lysine in cats latently infected with feline herpesvirus. American Journal of Veterinary Research, January 2003, 64(1): 3-42

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