โรคติดเชื้อระบบทางเดินหายใจส่วนบนในแมว (URI)

Key Facts

• 90% caused by herpesvirus and calicivirus; remainder by Chlamydophila, Bordetella, Mycoplasma
• Signs: sneezing, nasal discharge, runny eyes, cough, oral ulcers, fever, hoarse voice
• Herpesvirus: recurs with stress throughout life; contagious for ~2 weeks after episodes
• Calicivirus: continuous shedding possible; some cats shed for life
• Spread by sneezing, shared food bowls, toys, or human caretakers
• Infection rate in some areas exceeds 60% — most shelter cats are likely infected
• Most colds resolve in 7-10 days; kittens hit hardest
• Hospitalization needed if: appetite loss, open-mouth breathing, high fever
• Treatment: antibiotics for secondary infections, antivirals (famciclovir) for severe herpes
• Vaccination (FVRCP): core vaccine; minimizes severity but may not prevent infection
• Available as injectable or intranasal; nasal provides faster protection (3-4 days)
• Hemorrhagic calicivirus: rare but rapidly fatal virulent strain