Took Adopted Kitties To The Vet.....

[wealthy1]

Orion and Missy Aerial has been sneezing for the last 2 weeks. According to the Vet its an upper respiratory infection. She said to continue to give them Lysine everyday and a probiotic. She thinks it’s hereditary....which is odd to me.

There seems to be mixed views on the internet. Also I’m doing the steam to help unclogged Orion, his URI seems to be the worst with the hacking and such.

Can a URI be hereditary?

 

[silkenpaw]

Maybe she means they contracted the infection from their mother. No, I don't think a URI can be hereditary.

Hope Orion and Missy Aerial get better soon. Are they eating well?

 

[wealthy1]

Maybe she means they contracted the infection from their mother. No, I don't think a URI can be hereditary.

Hope Orion and Missy Aerial get better soon. Are they eating well?

They are only eating the kibble and not the wet cat food. According to the vet, it’s probably because they can’t smell the wet cat food. Which is odd, because I mixed the dry/wet. She suggests a very foul smelling wet cat food to encourage them to eat it.

 

[Margret]

No, I don't think a URI can be hereditary.

No, but there could be a genetic propensity to acquire URIs.

They are only eating the kibble and not the wet cat food. According to the vet, it’s probably because they can’t smell the wet cat food. Which is odd, because I mixed the dry/wet. She suggests a very foul smelling wet cat food to encourage them to eat it.

I find that very believable. We had an elderly dog once who began preferentially eating the cat's food. The vet said it was because his sense of smell had deteriorated in his old age; he wanted the cat's food because it tends to be more stinky than dog food, so he could actually smell it despite his waning nasal abilities.

Margret

 

[theyremine]

Maybe the vet was referring to herpes which can be passed from mother to kittens?

 

[wealthy1]

Maybe the vet was referring to herpes which can be passed from mother to kittens?

Is there a way to test for herpes?

 

[theyremine]

From my experience, vets tend to make the diagnosis based on observation of symptoms. Feline herpes is very common. I have heard estimates that up to 85% of cats are infected. However, in most cats it is no big deal after the initial outbreak.

 

[stephanietx]

The Real PCR URD test will test accurately for herpes. If they do have herpes, there's a lot you can do to boost their immune system and keep the flare ups to a minimum.

You can try warming up the wet food with some warm water or in a water bath to help enhance the aroma. Steam them in the bathroom to help clear the nose. You can also put 1-2 drops of plain saline nose drops (I use Little Remedies Little Noses PLAIN drops) several times a day.

 

[PushPurrCatPaws]

Feline herpes (FHV-1) is a very common upper respiratory disease, so much so that most owners and vets just take it as a given that cats and kittens (like in shelters, rescues, etc) have been exposed to it.

stephanietx is right that the URD PCR panel can test specifically for particular URD (upper respiratory diseases).

When my kitten was young, the vets just figured her symptoms were from FHV-1 but I guess I just wanted to get her tested so that I would know for certain what I was dealing with. It did cost me $166 to do this, though!
This is what those PCR URD test results can look like:
Feline Herpes

 

[stephanietx]

wealthy1 how are your kitties today?

 

[wealthy1]

wealthy1 how are your kitties today?

The sneezing has subsided somewhat. The Lysine has helped a lot! For the most part the sneeze about 3 times per day.

 

[stephanietx]

Excellent!! Glad to hear they're doing better!