3rd post (See below for original story)
We’re now taking votes on the name submissions! Visit our Facebook page to vote on a name today!
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2nd Post (See below for original story)
Our kitten loves to be held and have a conversation. Won’t you consider adding him to your household?
Our little kitty is improving and growing every day! In the past week, the discharge from his right eye has almost completely stopped. The swelling in his left eye has improved and he is able to close the eyelids. We hope that the eye will continue to heal and may not need to be removed. The other signs of his respiratory infection are going away as well.
His vaccination series was started and he was dewormed for intestinal parasites. He also received treatment with Revolution, which helps protect him from fleas, heartworm disease, ear mites and intestinal parasites such as roundworms and hookworms.
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Don’t forget – we still need names for our little tuxedo guy! Be sure to comment on this blog or our Facebook page with the perfect name for this little scamp.
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How is an Upper Respiratory Infection Diagnosed?
The most common way to diagnose the infection is based on the cat’s symptoms. Identification of the specific agent causing the infection is not always necessary. Cats with chronic infections (or infections that do not improve) may require diagnostic testing, such as culture and sensitivity, skull and chest x-rays, or blood tests.
How is an Upper Respiratory Infection Treated?
Uncomplicated infections can generally be treated at home with eye drops and/or antibiotics. Viral infections do not respond to antibiotics, but broad-spectrum antibiotics can be helpful in preventing/treating secondary bacterial infections. Primary bacterial infections are treated with appropriate antibiotics.
Cats also benefit from immune system support. There are a variety of immune support supplements that can be given as treats or added to the food, depending on your cat’s preference. The immune supplements are especially important long-term for cats that are chronically infected. Keeping the cat healthy (food, water, deworming, etc,) and free of stress are other ways to help support the immune system.
Cats with severe infections may require hospitalization for intravenous (IV) fluids and additional medications.
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1st Post
After providing him with medical care, we’ll be looking for a loving home for this young fella. But first, a little case history. (Warning! A few graphic photos below.)
This kitten is around 8 weeks old and was found outside of an apartment complex. He is quite sick with an upper respiratory infection, causing eye problems. His right eye is moderately infected, which causes squinting, inflammation of the eyelids, and discharge from the eye. The left eye (see below) is more severely infected, leading to rupture of the eyeball. He also has nasal discharge, increased upper airway sounds, an unthrifty appearance, and a distended abdomen.
Kitty on Monday, Nov. 4. Note the irritation and enlargement of his left eye.
He is responding to treatment with antibiotics, including drops for his eyes. He possibly will require enucleation (removal) of the ruptured eye. Before undergoing surgery, the kitten will need to gain some weight and build up his immune system – plus lots of snuggles. With our staff. we have more than enough to go around!
So here’s where you come in: This kitten will need a name! Help us name him by suggesting names on our Facebook page. When we’ve collected a good number of names, we will have a vote on the best name for him. After he’s passed his care checklist with flying colors, he will be available for adoption.
Stay tuned to learn more about the kitten’s progress, as well as information about upper airway infections and the problems they pose to cats.
(Click to enlarge) Kitten on Thursday, Nov. 7. Note how his eyes have cleared up due to treatment – and his spunky side has returned!
What’s a Feline Upper Respiratory Infection?
Feline upper respiratory infections are highly infectious among shelter and outdoor cats. Kittens are more susceptible due to their immune system not being completely developed. The most common agents that cause the infections are herpesvirus and calicivirus, and less commonly Chlamydophila, Mycoplasma, and Bordetella. Kittens can be infected with multiple agents. Secondary bacterial infections are common along with the viral infections.
Once infected with herpesvirus, the cat remains infected for life. The original infection lasts about 10 days but flare-ups are common throughout the cat’s life. Stressful events, such as surgery, boarding, and changes in the household, can cause a new episode. With maturity, the episodes may not occur as frequently and may go unnoticed.
What are the signs of Feline Upper Respiratory Infection?
The most common symptoms are :
Sneezing
Nasal discharge
Squinting
Runny/Inflammation of Eyes
Congestion
Coughing
Fever
Ulcers of the eye, around the eye or nose
Hoarse voice
Depression / lethargy
Loss of appetite
High fever
Please seek veterinary attention if any symptoms are present.