Feline Upper Respiratory Disease and Distemper

»	What is feline upper respiratory disease?
»	What is feline distemper?
»	How does my cat get these infections?
»	What can I do to protect my cat from these diseases?
»	Should I anticipate any side effects from the vaccine?

What is feline upper respiratory disease?

The most common feline diseases are respiratory infections. Young kittens and unvaccinated cats are most susceptible. Up to 90% of feline upper respiratory disease is caused by either feline herpesvirus-1, also known as "rhinotracheitis virus," or feline calicivirus.

Clinical signs may include sneezing, coughing, discharge from the eyes or nose, fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Ulcers may develop in the mouth. Illness usually lasts 5 to 7 days. Some cats may develop long-lasting (chronic) disease. Others may be affected so severely, they die from the infection.

What is feline distemper?

Feline distemper, also known as "panleukopenia," is caused by a feline parvovirus. It is a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease seen most commonly in young kittens. Clinical signs develop within 4 to 6 days of infection and include reduced activity, loss of appetite, and persistent vomiting and diarrhea.

How does my cat get these infections?

Feline rhinotracheitis virus and calicivirus infections are transmitted most commonly through close contact between cats. Sick cats are important sources of infection for susceptible cats. They shed virus in sneezed droplets or in the discharge from the eyes or nose.

Some cats become “carriers” after recovering from upper respiratory disease. These cats generally appear to be healthy but they continue to shed virus and can be a source of infection for other cats. Cats with rhinotracheitis virus may shed virus periodically, especially if the cat is stressed. Calicivirus may be shed continuously for months to years.

Feline distemper virus is shed in high numbers in the feces of infected cats. The virus can survive in the environment for prolonged time periods. Susceptible cats usually are infected by ingestion of virus from a contaminated environment (such as in the home or in a shelter facility previously contaminated by an infected cat) or from contact with feces from a sick cat.

What can I do to protect my cat from these diseases?

Fortunately, vaccines are available that can help protect your cat from these diseases. After administration of the vaccine, the cat’s immune system produces antibodies against the viruses.

Viruses gain entry into the body through the eyes, nose and mouth. Therefore, it makes sense to apply a vaccine into the nose (intranasal) where it will stimulate immunity in the very tissues through which infective viruses enter the body. The HESKA^® Feline UltraNasal^® Vaccines were designed for this type of application. In addition to producing local immunity, these vaccines stimulate production of circulating antibodies. Your cat benefits from both local immunity (respiratory tract and mouth) and systemic immunity (antibodies in the blood). Ask your veterinarian about these innovative vaccines from Heska Corporation.

Should I anticipate any side effects from the vaccine?

The viruses in Heska’s intranasal vaccines have been modified to minimize potential reactions. The most common side effect is occasional sneezing for a few days.