Phinehas and Malachi health issues - confirmed diagnoses: herpes virus in the eye

[katladyd]

I know how you feel. I've almost got $1,500 in vet bills paid off now. It's only taken me 3 months to do so I hope you and your boys can take a break from the vet for awhile. I'm sending your two precious boys all my good thoughts and hugs!!

[Catty1]

wolflady - have a look at the first link here. The second is more for special stuff, but it won't hurt to hold on to the link!

http://www.carecredit.com/vetmed/whycc.html

www.imom.org

[krazyaboutkatz]

Karen, I'm so sorry to hear this. I know that the herpes eye virus will come out when cats are stressed and unfortunately there's no known cure for it. Many people have been using L-Lysine and this helps to keep it under control. I know that you have the L-lysine gel in the tube so I'd start giving this to both cats. They also make a powder form that could probably be added to canned food.

I copied this from a link about herpes eye infections in cats:
Just wondering if it is safe for a cat to be on
L-lysine for a long time or perhaps for the rest
of her life? I have tried to take her off it and
her runny eye and sneezing seems to come back, so
she really needs to be on this. I would rather
this than antibiotics that she has tried without
success.

Thank you.

Tina B
Vancouver Island, BC, Canada

L-lysine is a naturally occurring amino acid. It inhibits the replication of herpes virus.

In cats, herpes virus is not sexually transmitted. It is a highly contagious and extremely common cause of upper respiratory infections, or URIs. URIs are marked by eye discharge, squinting, sneezing, and and sinus congestion.

Almost every cat on earth is infected with feline herpes virus. Infection is lifelong. Feline herpes virus does not spread to people.

Most cats are able to suppress herpes virus with their immune systems. However, some cats suffer chronic or recurrent URIs as a consequence of infection with herpes virus. These cats may benefit from dietary supplementation with L-lysine.

L-lysine is a natural part of proteins. Adverse effects from long-term administration of L-lysine are extremely unlikely. If you feel that your cat is benefiting from the amino acid, I see nothing wrong with giving it for long periods. It is certainly safer than long-term antibiotics. And, since antibiotics do not treat herpes virus, L-lysine may also be more effective.

Hopefully their eyes will clear up quickly and I'm glad that they can be reunitied again. I'll keep both of them in my thoughts and prayers. You take care too. (((HUGS)))