What Can You Do If Your Cat Has Feline Herpes Virus?

People always say "Prevention is better than cure." About 80% of cats have been exposed to FHV at some point in their life. It is difficult to prevent infections. Vaccination is available for FHV, however it is not 100% protective. Vaccinations can only help to reduce the severity of the cat flu and conjunctivitis. The normal 4-in-1 or 3-in-1 vaccination that your cat receives does cover FHV along with other viruses.

To attempt to lessen the severity of viral cat flu in cats, it is recommended that all kittens receive their three kitten vaccinations starting from 6 to 8 weeks of age and an adult booster vaccination 1 year after the last kitten vaccination. The subsequent booster vaccinations frequency can then be determined by the vet based on the risk of infection.

If there is low risk of infection by the viruses that the veterinarians vaccinate against, then it be best to give a booster vaccination every 3 years instead of yearly vaccinations.

Can I catch herpes from my cat?
No, only domesticated cats and their close relatives can catch Feline Herpes Virus.

Cat flu has many causes apart from FHV. Please seek veterinary attention should your cat develop cat flu and/or conjunctivitis. Do not attempt to self-medicate at the detriment of your cat or kitten.

Read More On Related Topics:

1. What Is Feline Herpes Virus Infection?
2. Is There Any Cure For Feline Herpes Virus?
3. What Are The Treatments For Feline Herpes Virus?
4. What Can You Do If Your Cat Has Feline Herpes Virus?

What Are The Common Diseases In Rabbits?

Common diseases in rabbits are not too difficult to spot. That's only if you really take the time to observe and interact with your bunny everyday. We take a look at some of the common rabbit diseases so that you'll know when to seek veterinary advice if your rabbit does have any of them.

Common Diseases In Rabbits

• Dental Disease In Rabbits
• Diarrhea In Rabbits
• Snuffles: Respiratory Tract Infection In Rabbits
• Rabbit Disease: Red Urine
• Rabbit Disease: Sore hocks
• How To Get Rid Of Fleas, Lice, And Fur Mites On Rabbits?
• Help! My Rabbit Has A Bent Neck!
• Ocular Diseases In Rabbits: Epiphora and Dacryocystitis

Ocular Diseases In Rabbits: Epiphora and Dacryocystitis

Rabbits with epiphora (watery eye) or dacryocystitis (infection of the tear sac) often present with staining and wetness of fur at the corner of the eye and occasionally accompanied by squinting and redness of the eye, thick mucous discharge or fur loss around the eye.

Epiphora is the production of excessive tears whereas dacryocystitis is the production of mucoid discharge. Causes of ocular discharge include:

• Dental disease
• Primary bacterial infections
• Conjunctivitis
• Corneal disease
• Eyelid problems
• Foreign body and tear duct problems
• Environmental irritation by perfumes, fragrances, hair sprays, paint or cooking fumes, smoke, dust, etc.

To effect the best treatment, we will need to first try to identify the underlying cause and in order to do so, certain diagnostic tests may need to be performed before treatment may be instituted.

The What, the Why, and the Benefits of Sterilizing Our Pets

Sterilizing a pet involves a one-time surgical procedure to remove part of its reproductive organs. This permanently prevents the pet from reproducing.

Sterilization is most commonly carried out on dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs from the age of six months and upwards. Males have their testicles removed; females have their ovaries and uterus removed.

The surgery is performed by licensed veterinarians, and the animal is under general anesthesia throughout. Most are back to normal in 24 to 48 hours after surgery.

Why Do We Sterilize Our Pets?

The most pressing reason for sterilization is to prevent unwanted young from being born. There are already more than enough abandoned animals in the world, so sterilizing pets helps control the situation.

You may be responsible owner with no intention of breeding your pet, but "accidents" do happen. Your pet may escape from home and mate outside; another animal may enter your home without your knowledge; or it may mate with someone else's pet at a pets-and-owners gathering!

The Benefits and Precautions

Besides preventing unwanted litters, sterilization affects pets' hormones so they become less likely to wander in search of a mate or behave aggressively. They are also less prone to disease such as womb infections, and mammary and testicular cancers.

Because sterilized pets often become more home-loving, they may gain weight because owners do not correspondingly reduce their feeds! So control your pet's food intake and give it more exercise. And watch for complications like loss of bladder control in older pets - this can be treated with medication.

What Are The Treatments For Feline Herpes Virus?

Like with most viral infections, a lot of the treatment is relied on the cat's own body immunity to fight the virus. The human antiviral medications used to treat human herpes viral infections can be used in cats but not without grave side effects and high costs. Therefore they are not routinely used unless in life-threatening situation.

The human alpha-interferon and a newer feline omega-interferon are alternative treatment drugs that may aid in the management of some cats. It is unlikely to lead to a cure but used only to try to lessen the severity of the clinical signs. Both are costly drugs with low success rates.

Some veterinarians would normally treat cats with suspected FHV-related cat flu or conjunctivitis with an oral L-Lysine supplement. L-Lysine is an amino acid (building block for protein) that has some antiviral properties and is very safe to use in cats with little or no side-effects at all.

It does not cure the cat of the virus but it helps to lessen the clinical signs of disease in the cat. In my opinion this is by far the best and most cost-effective "treatment" for FHV with favorable results obtained in many cats.

L-Lysine supplements come in several forms: from liquid syrups (usually together with other B vitamins in Children syrups) to tablets (GNC Lysine tablets) and recently a newly introduced paste form (Enisyl-F) specially formulated for cats have been introduced in many veterinary clinics.

If there is severe conjunctivitis or greenish nasal discharge, topical antibiotic eye drops or oral antibiotics may be prescribed concurrently. L-Lysine supplementation is also recommended in times of stress or illness even if the cat does not show signs of cat flu or have an eye problem yet.

Read More On Related Topics:

1. What Is Feline Herpes Virus Infection?
2. Is There Any Cure For Feline Herpes Virus?
3. What Are The Treatments For Feline Herpes Virus?
4. What Can You Do If Your Cat Has Feline Herpes Virus?

Dog Breed: Yorkshire Terrier

Origins: The "Yorkie" was developed in Yorkshire, England, most likely from various small terriers and the Maltese.

Size: Small. About 23cm tall at the shoulder.

Physical Appearance: Glossy-coated, with fine, straight, silky hair. Yorkies should have hair of a dark steel-blue covering the body from neck to root of tail. This contrasts with tan-colored hair over the head, chest, and front legs. The contrast is especially striking in flawlessly groomed show dogs. Show Yorkies' coats need a tremendous amount of care.

Characteristics: Affectionate, lively, alert, fearless.

Colors: Dark steel-blue and tan.

Special Facts: Although Chihuahuas are generally acknowledged as the smallest breed of dog, the smallest officially recorded individual was a two-year-old Yorkshire Terrier which was only two-and-half inches tall at the shoulder, and which died in 1945. Even the smallest living dog is also a Yorkshire Terrier from the UK which stands three inches tall.

Help! My Rabbit Has A Bent Neck!

Head tilting is a common problem in rabbits. Affected rabbits have a bent neck with the head flopping to one side to varying degrees (up to 90 degrees). These rabbits may be anorexic, wobbly when walking, trembling, paralyzed, or have more severe neurological signs.

This condition is usually due to an ear infection, middle ear infection or brain infection with either a bacteria called Pasteurella or an organism called Encephalitozoon cuniculi. Some rabbits appear to spontaneously recover from the head tilt whilst others never do despite treatment. Depending on the severity, some rabbits can go on to lead "normal" lives despite having a head tilt. Treatment usually consists of lone term supportive care, antibiotics and/or antiprotozoal medication.