Help!! Michael Has Fcv!!!

[catmandu]

MY POOR ORANGIE HAS BEEN COUGHING SO I HAD OUR VET CHECK HIM OUT AND HE THINKS THAT MICHAELHAS FCV, FELINE CALIVIRUS.
IF ANYONE HAS HAD EXPPERIENCE WITH THIS , PLEASE TELL ME AND IF THERE ARE HERBAL REMEDIES , PLEASE LET ME KNOW TOO.
JOSEPHS AT THE VETS WITH OUR PET ANGELS WHO ARE HOLDING AND KISSING MY DEAR OLD FRIEND.
PLEASE PRAY FOR MY DEAR SENIOR GENTLECATS.

[Catty1]

Gary - post this in Cat Health and you will attract a few more responses, I think. I know that this is part of the standard cat vaccinations where I live, part of the "combo" shot.

What did your vet tell you about it?

I know it is also called "Cat Flu". Here is a link and some quotes from it:

http://www.cat-world.com.au/FelineCalicivirus.htm

In the healthy adult cat, the mortality rate is fairly low, however kittens & older cats are at greater risk. Feline calicivirus is most often seen in shelters & environments with over crowding, although it can occur in any household.

How is it treated?

Treatment is generally supportive. As calicivirus is a virus, antibiotics won't work, however they may be prescribed for secondary bacterial infections.

Removal of discharge from the nose & eyes will make your cat more comfortable.

If the cat has become anorexic, force feeding may be necessary. Fluids may also be required to treat dehydration.

Prevention of feline calicivirus:

Routine vaccination.

Avoiding overcrowding of feline populations, reducing stress.

http://www.cat-world.com.au/CatFlu.htm

How is cat flu treated?

Treatment depends on the cause of the cat flu. There are no drugs to treat viral infections & supportive care is necessary. This includes keeping the nose clear of discharge. A stuffed up cat will often lose it's appetite, therefore it is of utmost importance that you do everything you can to encourage your cat to eat & drink. If your cat refuses to eat/drink then please seek veterinary advice immediately.

Even if the cause is viral, antibiotics may be prescribed to protect against secondary bacterial infections.

[momcat]

Oh Gary, I've never heard of this but please know that many prayers are and will continue to be prayed for Michael! I hope this turns out to be something that can easily be treated and swiftly resolved. Please keep all of us updated?
Feel better lovies are on the way for Michael and of course JJJ3

[MoonandBean]

Prayers for Michael!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (I feel in my gut he will be fine)...probably will need some kitty steroids...then, uh-oh...he'll eat you out of house and home haha or get "roid rage"...nah...not sweet Michael

[Freedom]

Prayers for Michael and JJJ from RI! Heal up now you two and get back home to Gary and the Found Cats!

[Moesha]

I have never had any personal experience with this, so sadly I'm not able to offer any advice. I can offer wishes of good health and hope that helps. Is the virus something that is contagious?

[jenluckenbach]

I am sorry to say that I have no advice, but I do have prayers.

Ask the vet a lot of questions and keep us updated!!

[momtomany]

Gary, I am sorry. Prayers for the Dunn gang that all will be well Michael and Joseph. Please keep us updated.

[rosethecopycat]

Calici is something our rescue deals with at times. I've never had a cat with it though.
Characterized by heavy drooling, and other URI like symptoms.
It can last longer than a typical 'kitty cold'. Sometimes up to a month, but the cat usually recovers well, albeit slowly.

I'm sure your orangie can kick this, with your support.

We are all pulling for you.

[Grace]

Lots of prayers for Michael, and for the rest of the crew.

[Donnaj4962]

I have never heard of this before, so I have no advice for you Gary.

Me and the girls are sending LOTS of luvvins and prayers from Indiana though! (((hugs)))

[Medusa]

Same here, Gary. No experience w/it, so no advice. But you know I'll be saying those prayers for Michael and all of your sweet kitties and you, too, of course.

[kb2yjx]

No experience with FCV here either. Ralph has been dispatched to keep Michael company! Prayers that MIchael will be OK!! Do you have baby food on hand? When the cat's nose is stuffed up, they cannot smell, and will not eat their food. BUT they sure can smell the baby food. Also, a vaporizer helps with the nasal congestion....

[Moesha]

Here are a couple more quotes that I found online about it. I'm sure you're researching plenty yourself and may have found the same thing:

Zoologix

Feline calicivirus (FCV) infection causes upper respiratory tract (pneumotropic form) infection and occasionally causes joint pain and lameness (rheumatic form). Feline calicivirus is a single-stranded RNA virus with a worldwide distribution, affecting domestic cats and a few wild felid species.

FCV is transmitted by ingestion or inhalation of infectious virus present in saliva and excretions from affected cats. The oral route of infection is most important, and direct contact with infected cats or contaminated fomites is the primary method of transmission rather than aerosolized particulates. The virus is highly contagious. Cats of all ages can be affected by FCV infection but kittens are more likely to develop symptoms.

FCV mainly infects the oral and respiratory tissues. Different strains of FCV may have affinities to different tissues. Some strains have a predilection for the lung, and other strains have been found in the macrophages within the synovial membrane of joints. The virus can also be found in visceral tissues, feces, and occasionally in urine.

Infected cats usually develop vesicles and erosions of the tongue, hard palate, and nasal planum. Healing takes more than two weeks. Recovered cats often remain lifelong carriers of FCV and can shed virus continually. PCR testing of throat swabs is extremely helpful for the monitoring of viral shedding. Feline calicivirus carriers are quite common despite vaccination. Vaccination protects against full blown disease but does not reliably prevent infection.

An indepth article from AnimalHealthChannel.com

Symptoms
Calicivirus affects the upper respiratory system, the eyes, the musculoskeletal system, and the gastrointestinal tract. Common symptoms include the following:

Acute, painful lameness due to tenderness in the joints (arthritis) or muscles (myalgia)
Fever
Mild loss of appetite
Pneumonia, often accompanied by labored, difficult breathing
Ulcerations (pus-filled sores) on the tongue, palate, lips, or tip of the nose
Ulcers around the claws, on the bottom of the feet and between the toes
Upper respiratory infection with eye and nose discharge, (usually with little sneezing)
Calicivirus infection usually develops suddenly. Most infected cats appear healthy and alert; they may have ulcers and no other symptoms (i.e., no fever or pain). Some cats may have mild secondary bacterial infections that are similar to those associated with FHV.

I do find it interesting that none of the information I'm finding, these I posted and others, mention coughing as a symptom. Perhaps he has something else. Does he have any of these other symptoms being mentioned?

[catmandu]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THAT MOESHA, AS IT LOOKS LIKE JJJ3 , AND BO BO BOTH HAVE THIS AS WELL MY VETS SAYING THAT THEY MAY HAVE TO BE QUARANTEED WHICH THEY WONT LIKE, BUT THE SPRAE BEDROOMS QUITE COZY, AND THEY WILL HAVE THE SUN.
POOR OLD CATSARE SUPPOSED TO BE THIER GOLDEN YEARS.