How to Test for Cat Herpes
There are many reasons your cat may come down with an upper respiratory disease, but the feline herpes virus tends to produce the most severe symptoms, according to the Winn Feline Foundation. Kittens under one year of age are particularly susceptible to FHV or cat herpes, although it can infect cats of all ages. The virus type that infects cats is similar to herpes viruses noted in humans, such as those that cause oral herpes and chickenpox; however, FHV cannot be transmitted to humans.
Some cats show obvious signs of herpes infections, while others are carriers of the virus--the Winn Feline Foundation states that almost all cats who become infected with cat herpes become carriers. Even those who are vaccinated against FHV can shed the virus and infect other cats as well, which is why cat herpes is problematic in multi-cat households and catteries. The feline herpes virus can remain latent for long periods of time, with signs emerging only when the cat is stressed or when certain medications, such as steroids, are administered. This makes test for cat herpes challenging even for veterinary professionals.
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Instructions
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Feline Herpes Testing
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Have your cat examined by a veterinary professional if you note signs of cat herpes: sneezing, discharge from the eyes and nose, fever and lack of appetite. Ulcers may also be present on your pet's tongue.
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Ask your veterinarian to run additional testing for an affirmative diagnosis of FHV. According to the Winn Feline Foundation, the usual method of testing for FHV is to swab the cat's throat and send the culture to a laboratory so the virus can be isolated. Also, a newer method of FHV testing, the polymerase chain reaction test, may also be available.
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Treat your cat according to your veterinarian's instructions, if cat herpes is diagnosed. Currently, there are few anti-viral medications that effectively treat cat herpes. Generally, broad-spectrum antibiotics are employed to fight secondary bacterial infections. Additional therapies, such as nose drops, ophthalmic ointment, nebulization and oral lysine may be recommended, based on the severity of your cat's symptoms.
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Tips & Warnings
The American Veterinary Medical Association indicates that FHV and feline calicivirus are the cause of between 80 and 90 percent of all feline upper respiratory tract diseases that are infectious.
The AMVA highly recommends that all cats be vaccinated against FHV and FCV.
As noted by the Winn Feline Foundation, signs of upper respiratory illness in cats overlap; it's never wise to diagnose cat herpes without the assistance of a qualified veterinary professional. FHV is contagious to other cats and can cause serious health complications--kittens who don't have the immunity to fight the virus may die.
