Feline calicivirus: diagnosis, symptoms, treatment and prevention

The main aim of the study was to evaluate diagnostic methods of cats calicivirus, clinical signs, treatment and preventive measures. Feline calicivirus infection is a specific virus-induced disease of the FCV, the main clinical features of which are ulcers and erosion in the oral cavity or on the tongue, hypersalivation, reluctance to eat, upper respiratory tract inflammation and (or) fever. The virus is spread through the oral, nasal and conjuctival routes. Most commonly, they are contagious by direct contact. The distribution of viruses in most cats after recovery is ≥30 days. This disease is very dangerous and occasionally lethal for unvaccinated kittens. While vaccination even in adult cats does not provide complete protection, it is very important to effectively determine, treat and protect cats from the spread of this disease. The study was conducted in 2017 September by 2018 September. During this period, data were collected at X veterinary clinic and Y animal shelter. The study involved 30 cats, 15 of them suspected to be infected with feline calicivirus, based on clinical signs, another 15 reported as a comparative group and were investigated for a possible distribution of the virus without obvious clinical signs. The influence of certain factors on morbidity was evaluated. The highest incidence of the disease was detected in September, and 5 cases were recorded (33.3% of all cases diagnosed). According to the obtained data, males were found to be more likely to develop in the clinical form (11 test cats, 36.7%). The minority of the symptomatic form of the disease occurred in age group III in 3 cats. After detection of antibodies of calicivirus from blood serum, 16 test cats (53% of the cases) were positive, 14 of them were mixed breed (87.5%), 2 pedigree cats (12.5%). Upon assessment of the clinical manifestations, 100% of the ulcers in the oral cavity were identified in cats with the form of a clinical illness (all 15 cases), even 73.3% cats refused to eat or decreased their appetite