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?