Calcitovirus in cats

The causative agent of calciviroza is the Feline calicivirus (FCV) virus, the RNA virus of the calicivirus family. A cat can become infected with calcivirus infection through carriers of the disease (these include both sick cats and healthy animals in the body of which the virus is contained), as well as through contaminated items (clothes, shoes, toys, a bowl, etc.). However, in the external environment, the virus does not live long, so most often cats are infected from each other.

As we mentioned above, calcivirus infection is susceptible to cats of any age, but Kittens most often fall in the age from two months to a year. The peak of the disease occurs in cold weatheryear, as well as the period of rains, when the animals weakened immunity. The disease has a short incubation period, the first symptoms of calcivirosis appear 3-5 days after infection.

Calcitvirus in cats is accompanied by a lesion of the respiratory tract. Typical manifestations of infection - abundant discharge from the eyes and mouth,short-term fever, damage to the oral and nasal mucosa (eg, reddening of the gums, sores in the tongue), sneezing, photophobia, apathy, conjunctivitis.

The animal can begin to eat worse (completelyloss of appetite, or interest in food is preserved, but the cat can only use liquid food and water). In more severe cases, shortness of breath, cough, pneumonia, arthritis (manifested by lameness, which usually occurs after 1-2 days) can be observed. The severity of the course of the disease depends on what kind of virus (serotype) is present in the animal's body.

Only a veterinarian can give a diagnosis of "calcivirus infection" after taking the tests, since it is almost impossible to distinguish calciviroz in cats from other respiratory diseases "by eye" - many respiratory diseases manifest themselves almost identically.

Treatment of calciticosis is also prescribed by a veterinarian. First you need to activateimmune response, for this purpose prescribe vitamins and immunostimulants. To combat the secondary bacterial infection, antibiotics of a wide spectrum of action are prescribed. When fever and lack of appetite may require infusion therapy (in other words, a dropper). It is very important to ensure that your pet has comfortable conditions and maintain a diet.

By itself, calciticosis is not too dangerous forhealth of an adult cat, but secondary infections are often attached to it, and a combination of two infections can kill an animal, especially if the cat is weakened by immunity. therefore in no case can one ignore the symptoms of the disease or engage in self-medication.

Duration of the disease is usually 1-3 weeks. After recovering the cat for a whilecontinues to isolate the virus, remaining the carrier of the infection. Most cats excrete the virus within 30-75 days after infection, but some animals continue to secrete it throughout their life, being the constant carriers of calciviroza.

Like all infectious diseases, calcitvirus in cats is easier to prevent than cure. The best way to prevent calcification is vaccination. It does not guarantee 100% protection against the virus, but if the vaccinated cat does get sick, the disease usually takes place in an easy form, not dangerous for life, or even hidden.

Please note that To get infected through objects can even a domestic cat that never goes outsideTherefore, it is impossible to violate the vaccination scheme, and somore - neglect vaccination in general. Despite the fact that the sick animals get enough immunity, it's not an excuse to refuse vaccination: usually cats are vaccinated with a complex vaccine that protects not only from calciviroza, but also from some other infections.

Also must comply with the conditions of the cat, regularly conduct wet cleaning indoors, do not allow the cat to walk uncontrollably outdoors.