Antibiotics for feline herpes speed recovery in kittens with upper respiratory infection

A new clinical study from the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine found that famciclovir, an antiviral drug for feline herpes, speeds recovery in cats with infectious upper respiratory tract infection (IURD). and may help reduce corneal disease in some cats.¹

“…IURD is a common and serious health problem for cats around the world, especially those living in high-cat environments, such as animal shelters, rescue groups, and catteries. ,” the study authors wrote.²

The main viruses responsible for IURD in cats are herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1), feline calcivirus (FCV), Chlamydia felis, Bordetella bronchiseptica and Mycoplasma felis.² In areas with large numbers of cats, methods such as social isolation, population reduction, and vaccination are used to control IURD. However, these have their own problems, as isolating individuals can take time, resources and space; and reduced overcrowding may require improved housing policies related to animal adoption and euthanasia. Additionally, puppies under 4 weeks of age may face challenges when it comes to vaccinations, as vaccines are generally not recommended for patients under 4 weeks of age.²

Another treatment option for IURD is the antibiotic doxycycline, which is often given because of its effectiveness against 100 cats, 100,000 catsand B bronchisepticaas well as several other common bacterial respiratory infections.² According to the authors of the study, these antibiotics are often preferred over azithromycin and topical treatments for treatment. 100 cats.²

A study by UC Davis researchers examined the effects of adding famciclovir to doxycycline in a group of 373 cats with eye problems associated with IURD. The cats were divided into 3 age groups and classified according to the severity of their condition – mild or severe.

During the 3-week period, the pups were assigned to receive doxycycline plus placebo or doxycycline plus famciclovir. The results showed that puppies with mild disease who received famciclovir achieved full recovery 4 to 5 days faster than those treated with doxycycline alone. In addition, fewer pups receiving famciclovir developed corneal disease.

A larger sample size could also pave the way for further research opportunities, according to a university release.¹ “Because we had so many kittens and monitored their growth every day, we realized the potential of side projects,” Karen M Vernau, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology), author education major, said in a release. Some of these kittens had hypothyroidism, worms and other conditions that we can study.

In the release, Vernau praised the Orphan Kitten Project, run by veterinary students at UC Davis, and the YOLO County SPCA for taking the initiative to keep the project afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic. he was involved.¹

Vernau said in the release, “Since many shelters were closed at the time, these two groups did a lot of work to care for many homeless cats.”¹ “This clinical trial could have easily been shut down, but the school’s partnerships with these rescuers, as well as animal-focused organizations such as Maddie’s Fund and the Orphan Kitten Club, were instrumental in completing this study. I am very proud of these teams working together to make this happen. “

References

1. Min E. Antiviral discovered to speed healing and reduce corneal disease in cats with herpesvirus. News release. UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. November 1, 2024. Accessed November 4, 2024. https://vetmed.ucdavis.edu/news/antiviral-discovered-speed-recovery-and-reduce-corneal-disease-kittens-herpesvirus#:~:text =A% 20 recent%20clinical%20trial%20was made,above%20respiratory%20death%20(IURD).
2. Vernau KM, Kim S, Thomasy SM, et al. Doxycycline with or without famciclovir for ophthalmic and respiratory infections: a prospective, randomized, masked, placebo-controlled trial in 373 kittens. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. 2024;26(11). doi:10.1177/1098612×241278413