Calici virus

[Yddraigoldragon]

Some advice please? Took young cat (4 years old) to vet, she has been losing fur on both ears, no sign of excessive grooming or scratching, just going bald.
Vet did a skin scrape, no sign of parasites, also checked her over. It looks like she has a dental issue, gums were red and she needs surgery.
He said this was unusual in at her age, and mentioned that she might have this virus, also mentioned herpes.

We will book her in for dental surgery in the next few days.

My question is, he cannot tell us what the virus might be, or establish there is none present without tests which sounded invasive and expensive. But was not clear on whether it was important to establish what the problem is. Is this something we need to know, or do we just treat symptoms as they arise?

Bit more background, we have three cats, she is sister to one, and we have an older unrelated cat.

The others do not have any signs of illness, and indeed she is on the surface fit and well.

[cozietoesie]

Here's some background for you - it has links through to more info about viral issues.

Poor lass.

[Yddraigoldragon]

Thanks cozie! Lots on there, I will read again tomorrow with a fresh head. It does seem to indicate that it is not necessary to know the virus is present, it is presumed.

I asked the vet about the other two, he said that they would have been well exposed already and if they were not showing signs were probably ok. I guess though that we should be careful about introducing another cat? Not planning it, three is enough but would be good to know where we stand for the future.

Also interesting to see the note about limping. She does sometimes get up and really stretch out her back legs (I know all cats do this but she makes a real production of it ) so there might be something there to keep an eye on.

[Lonecatwithkitten]

We can pick up the viruses by doing a mouth swab when they are under for the dental and using special transport medium to send it to Glasgow or Bristol uni for virus isolation. Whilst knowing doesn't change the treatment now if your cat develops full blown gingostomatitis it can be useful for planning treatment particular whether feline interferon is indicated or not.

[cozietoesie]

Is feline interferon an effective treatment, Lone? (I'm guessing it isn't cheap.)

[Lonecatwithkitten]

It can be very effective in some cats.

[girliefriend]

Hi reading this with interest (thanks Fluffy) my mums cat has been diagnosed with this virus. He had sore on his nose and in his mouth and is a young cat only 9 months.

This virus was been confirmed by a swab, apart from anti inflammatories and antibiotics not had any other treatment.

Didn't realise that limping and fur loss could be implicated with this virus as he has had both these symptoms as well. My mum is really upset, he was fully vaccinated etc.

Do you know what the prognosis is generally for these cats? Although he seems more or less fine now he has been on and off poorly with it

[Lonecatwithkitten]

Most of these cats require ongoing management, but do live normal length lives.

[Yddraigoldragon]

Thanks Lonecat, that is good news. Thanks Cozie for the info too. On balance I think we will get the tests done to work out exactly what we are dealing with, once I know I can process it.

[Yddraigoldragon]

All the best to your Mums fur baby girliefriend