Calcitvirus in cats is a contagious, that is infectious disease, which is accompanied by a feverish condition and a defeat of the respiratory system. This disease causes calicivirus, which is quite resistant to heat, chloroform, ether. The source of infection is most often sick cats and virus carriers, in which the causative agent of calciviroza is excreted in urine, faeces, tear secret, secretions from the mouth and nose.
The consequence of calciticosis in cats is that an animal, once ill, will forever remain a carrier of the virus of this disease. The disease usually occurs in a cold period of time. Most often the kittens are sick at the age of one and a half months to two years. At this time, the immunity of the animal is still weak, so the disease affects several organs and systems in the body: vision, respiratory and gastrointestinal systems and even joints.
The course of calciticosis in cats is reminiscent of a catarrhal disease. First, the cat can refuse to feed, lose weight. She quickly becomes tired, her body temperature rises and often there is shortness of breath. Mucous membranes in the animal are pale, from the eyes and nose are abundant serous discharge. On the tongue, on the soft and hard palate and even on the nostrils, there may appear vesicles that later turn into sores. As a complication, pneumonia may occur, which in some cases is life-threatening. Sometimes in the defeat of the musculoskeletal system, the cat may have painful lameness.
If these symptoms occur, the cat should be shown to the veterinarian as soon as possible, which will establish an accurate diagnosis. For this, clinical signs and laboratory blood test data are analyzed. The doctor should exclude other diseases, the symptoms of which are similar to calciviroz: viral rhinotracheitis, chlamydia, and others.
Treatment of calciticosis in cats
What can I do to treat calciticosis in cats? After the diagnosis is established, the veterinarian may prescribe medications aimed at removing the inflammation of the affected organs. These can be broad-spectrum antibiotics, sulfonamide and nitrofuran preparations. In addition, corticosteroids, vitamins C, A, B12 should be prescribed. Sometimes at the very beginning of the disease it is advisable to appoint a heterolytic serum. To maintain immunity in the weakened organism of the kitten, immunomodulators and immunostimulants are prescribed. If you refuse to drink, prevent dehydration by injecting a solution of glucose or Ringer into the body. If the eyes are watering , ophthalmic antibacterial ointments and drops are prescribed. Ulcers in the mouth are washed with antiseptic agents, however, make sure that these preparations are not very bitter in taste. Bitterness can cause strong salivation and even vomiting in a cat. When arthritis is used, anti-inflammatory drugs.
Cat food should only be mild if there are painful ulcers in the mouth of the animal. With a refusal of food for more than three days, the cat must be forcibly fed with high-calorie feeds.
Prevention of calciticosis in cats
As you know, the disease is easier to prevent than to treat later. Therefore, the main measure for the prevention of calciticosis is the vaccination of all kittens at the age of six to eight weeks. Repeated vaccination should be conducted annually. If calciticosis is found in a pregnant cat, then there is a high probability of spontaneous abortion, early death of the fetus, or the birth of non-viable kittens. Before mating, females must be vaccinated against calciviroza.
If you take care of your cat's health, visit a veterinarian on a regular basis, if necessary, provide it with the necessary treatment, your pet will thank with its hot affection and love.