Feline herpesvirus: when the eyes have it

Feline herpesvirus: when the eyes have it


Cats face a number of viral challenges, perhaps none more insidious than herpes.

Feline herpesvirus is one of the main causes of upper-respiratory disease in cats and kittens. Infections often cause fever, lethargy, sneezing and discharge from the nose and eyes. Conjunctivitis—or inflammation of the pink tissue protecting the eyes—can be severe, sometimes resulting in corneal ulcers, scarring and decreased tear production.

Even after treatment, herpesvirus can hide out in nerves of the face and eyes, sometimes causing signs to recur during times of stress, other illness or treatment with steroids.

Vaccination against herpesvirus is advised for all cats. It can’t stop all infections or completely eradicate virus in an infected cat, but it can reduce the clinical effects.

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