Nasal Discharge In Cats

In cats, chronic viral nasal disease develops from onea polyp.
of two viruses involved in upper-respiratory tractIf the history suggest a systemic cause, then a
diseases. Both the feline rhinotracheitis virus (FVR)complete blood count, serum chemistry profile,
and feline calici virus (FCV) are extremely contagious.urinalysis, and chest x-rays are indicated. These tests
Clinically, the difference between these two viruses isshould also be done if there is any concern about
unnecessary for diagnosis and treatment.anesthetic risk for the next phase of the
Symptoms and Causesexamination.
The typical signs associated with chronic viral diseaseThe second phase of examination involves more
include sneezing, bilateral nasal discharge, nasalaggressive testing, such as skull x-rays, endoscopy,
bleeding, increased breathing sounds, and dischargeand nasal biopsies to eliminate non-viral causes for the
from the eyes. Any bleeding associated with viralnasal disease. You may or may not want to continue
disease is usually very minimal; however, if nasalwith this aggressive diagnostic path, depending on
bleeding becomes extreme, it may be suggestive ofthe severity of clinical signs and the evidence
a tumor.provided by the history, physical examination, and
Nasal discharge from one side of the nose is moreother less invasive tests.
typical of a foreign body, tumor, or tooth-rootTreatment
abscess. Moderate to severe bleeding or deformitySome form of antibiotic treatment is often
of the facial bones suggests an erosive process, suchprescribed for a cat with chronic viral nasal disease. If
as cancer fungal or a foreign body.the chosen antibiotic is going to be effective,
To differentiate chronic viral nasal disease from othersymptoms should improve noticeably in three to five
causes of feline upper-respiratory disease, you mustdays.
know the past health of the cat. Any previous signsIf improvement is evident, your veterinarian will
of acute infection would be expected with viraldetermine the length of time that the antibiotics
disease. An old injury or prior trauma might haveshould be continued. Normally, the dose is tapered off
healed externally but resulted in deep bone damageslowly. In some cats, intermittent bouts of sneezing
or changes in the nasal anatomy which can lead acan be controlled by continued administration of
patient to be predisposed to nasal disease.low-dose antibiotics.
DiagnosisSymptomatic treatment also includes the use of
A cat with chronic viral nasal disease is generally indecongestants, cortisone, and humidification. Your
good condition. Chronic viral nasal disease can beveterinarian will determine the best treatment for
diagnosed only by the elimination of other upperyour cat. Local decongestant therapy can be very
respiratory conditions, such as cancer, foreign bodies,helpful. Local treatment also decreases the chance of
bacterial disease, allergic disease, fungal disease,systemic side effects. Decongestants can be given
polyps, dental disease, and prior trauma. Not only willtopically or orally.
this guide your veterinarian in the proper course ofThe problem of using cortisone is that it can mask
treatment, but will also give you an accuratethe development of other problems or decrease the
prognosis. If the diagnosis becomes chronic viral nasalability of the abnormal nasal cavity to cope with
disease, you may expect a long-term treatment orinfection. Cats who are virus carriers may start
potentially negative results.actively shedding the virus. Consequently, cortisone
Your veterinarian will examine the skull and hardshould only be used if absolutely necessary and with
palate very carefully, along with an eye examination.close monitoring.
The viruses involved in upper-respiratory diseases doHumidification is a very simple way to provide relief
not cause mass lesions or inflammation of the innerto some patients. Increasing the moisture content of
structures of the eye. If these problems arethe nasal secretions makes it easier for all the
identified, then viral disease is unlikely.material in the nose to drain. Home vaporizers are
To rule out the possibility of cancer, the lymph nodesinexpensive and easily obtainable from local drug
around the cat's head and neck are also carefullystores. Placing the cat in a bathroom while the
examined. Your veterinarian may also look for ashower runs may also be helpful.
discharge from both sides of the nose or from theTo increase your cat's comfort, frequently clean your
cat's eyes. After antibiotics are discontinued, therecat's face, nose, and eyes with cotton balls and
may be sneezing and relapse of symptoms. Thesewater. You can also heat the food to help your cat
signs are similar to what would be seen in a cat withsmell it and increase the appetite.