KEELY is a six year old domestic short-haired indoor cat. Her owner, Debbie, is a Veterinary Assistant at Great Bridge Veterinary Hospital. Keely's favorite things are catnip, bird on a string toy and looking out the window at the birds and squirrels.
Keely has herpes (upper respiratory disease). This feline disease is not transmitted the same way that the human version is transmitted and is not contagious to humans. Cats catch it by contact with other infected cats via grooming, sharing bowls, or fighting. In Keely’s case, she was born with it (which means her mom had it). Her human mom keeps her indoors for two reasons: to keep her health at top-notch and to keep other cats from becoming infected by her. Keely is a beloved part of the family.
Feline Herpesviral Conjunctivitis is a medical term used to describe inflammation of the tissues surrounding the eye. These tissues include the lining of the lids and the third eyelid as well as the tissues covering the front part of the eye or globe. Conjunctivitis may be a primary condition (caused by an infection) or may be secondary to an underlying systemic or ocular disease.
Feline herpesviral conjunctivitis is a form of primary conjunctivitis caused by the highly infectious feline herpesvirus (FHV-1). Herpesvirus infection is common in cats and is the most common cause of conjunctivitis in cats. Many cats are infected with FHV-1 and do not show any signs of clinical illness (i.e. they have a latent infection). Fortunately, less than 45% of adult cats with latent herpesvirus infection develop recurrent ocular disease such as conjunctivitis. In most cases, herpesvirus conjunctivitis is self-limiting and will resolve within two weeks.
The most common clinical signs of conjunctivitis are squinting or closing of the eye, red, swollen tissue surrounding the eye and eyelids, ocular discharge that may range from clear to yellow-greenish in color, and upper respiratory infection symptoms such as sneezing or nasal discharge. These signs often appear suddenly and are especially common after stressful situations such as travel, boarding, surgery or illness. Chemosis, a condition in which the membranes that line the eyelids and surface of the eye appear to have fluid in them, is more commonly associated with chlamydial infections.
There is no cure for herpesviral conjunctivitis. The therapeutic goal is to reduce the frequency and severity of recurrences. Most cats respond well to medical management and lead relatively normal lives. Minimizing the chance of infection, feeding a premium diet, supplementing the diet with l-lysine daily, reducing stressful situations and proper vaccination against preventable causes are your cat’s best defense
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