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Can cats go blind from feline herpes?

Can cats go blind from feline herpes?

Young kittens with herpes viral conjunctivitis may have such severe infection that their eyes become sealed shut with discharged matter. In this situation, the eyes must be opened or permanent damage, even blindness, may occur.

How long does feline herpes viral conjunctivitis last?

In most cases, herpesvirus conjunctivitis is self-limiting and will resolve within two weeks. Many cats that are infected with FHV-1 do not show any signs of clinical illness (i.e., they have a latent infection).

What kind of herpes does a cat have?

Feline herpes is caused by feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1), also known scientifically as feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR). This virus infects cats and uses the cat’s own cells to make more of the virus. Because of this, herpesvirus is very challenging—if not impossible—to treat.

Can a latent carrier of feline herpes show symptoms?

Some cats who become infected with feline herpes are latent carriers. Even though they will never display symptoms, they can still pass the virus on to other cats. Stress can cause these carriers to “shed” the virus, exhibiting mild symptoms, which clear up on their own after a few days.

Is the feline herpes virus contagious to humans?

Feline herpes virus is not contagious to humans so you or I can’t get it. However, it is contagious to other cats. Cats transfer the virus via bodily fluids so any sharing of bowls, grooming or sneezes will spread the virus.

What causes ocular herpes in cats and kittens?

What causes Feline Ocular Herpes? The feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) is a highly contagious virus that is one of the major causes of upper respiratory infections in cats and kittens. One of the many potential long-term sequela of exposure to this virus is damage to the ocular and periocular tissues.

In most cases, herpesvirus conjunctivitis is self-limiting and will resolve within two weeks. Many cats that are infected with FHV-1 do not show any signs of clinical illness (i.e., they have a latent infection).

Can a kitten be infected with feline herpes?

Ocular infection with the feline herpesvirus is extremely common in cats. The virus is everywhere. Most cats are exposed as kittens. Kittens may be infected by the mother cat even at birth.

Some cats who become infected with feline herpes are latent carriers. Even though they will never display symptoms, they can still pass the virus on to other cats. Stress can cause these carriers to “shed” the virus, exhibiting mild symptoms, which clear up on their own after a few days.