CATNIP CARE TIPS #5
Herpes

Just like people, cats can become infected with Herpes virus.  (It is likely that there are, in fact, multiple Herpes viruses which may infect cats!)  Herpes infection in cats is a highly contagious disease.  Many, if not most, cats will be exposed to the virus at some time in their lives.  An exposed cat generally, though not always, becomes an infected cat.  Most exposures to the virus occur during interactions with unfamiliar cats.  However, kittens may also be infected “vertically” from their mothers.  Once infected, a cat will carry the virus for its lifetime.  Again, as in people, Herpes infections are not curable.  That is the bad news.  The good news is that many Herpes-infected cats do not show signs of disease or discomfort.  It is generally only during times of excessive stress, or immune system compromise, that the clinical signs of Herpes infection will be seen.  It is also during these “flare-ups” that infected cats are generally the most contagious.  Luckily, Herpes viruses are not transmissible between cats and their human family members.

Clinical signs of Herpes virus infection in cats typically involve the eye.  Corneal disease (the clear part of the eye) is the most common presentation.  The cornea may just appear generally irritated, it may appear cloudy or opaque/white or a black spot or “scab” (called a corneal “sequestrum”) may form.  Occasionally, the conjunctiva (the fleshy tissues surrounding the eye or on the undersides of the eyelids) may be involved.  There may be an obvious discharge or drainage from the eye.  One or both eyes may be affected. 

Less commonly, Herpes virus infection may affect the skin.  This results in redness and irritation of the skin.  One area in which this may occur is the chin, in which case the viral infection may be mistaken for the much more common feline “chin acne.”

Diagnosis of Herpes virus infection in cats is typically based on clinical signs presented at the time we exam the cat.  We may recommend a topical or oral antiviral medication for immediate treatment, and will discuss ways to help manage your kitty’s health and prevent possible “flare-ups”.  No human antiviral medications should ever be administered to a cat without express permission and instruction from the veterinarian.

It has been said that “every cat is infected” with Herpes virus.  While this is probably a bit of an exaggeration it may be truer than we would like to believe.  Herpes virus infection has to be on our list of possible causes most any time we are presented with an eye problem in a cat.  Although Herpes is a life-long infection in cats its clinical signs may be few to none.  Call Village Animal Hospital ASAP if you have any concerns about the health of your feline friend.

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