Rhinotracheitis

This is a disease of cats caused by a herpes virus. The herpes virus may be in combination with other viruses and bacteria causing a severe respiratory disease, with cough, discharge of pus from the nose and eye, ulcers in the eyes, pneumonia, and lethargy. The virus is highly contagious, passing easily from cat to cat. The disease rarely causes death but it is debilitating, very painful and readily spread.

Treatment for herpes virus infection is primarily supportive, with antibiotics to control secondary bacterial infections and with medications to boost the immune system. Severely affected animals may need to be hospitalized in order to be given fluids and medication intravenously.

Vaccination is highly effective to prevent herpes virus infection.