Calicivirus

Is there a reliable test for it? Is it blood or a swab?

Based on symptoms, I believe that Kizzy has become a chronic carrier (believed that months ago, but it became more apparant with Pax's rapid onset of deteriorating health, the smyptoms match a calicivirus based URI which proceeded into pnemonia.)

I am thinking about getting another kitten to help ease Kitchi's loss. But I will NOT do so, if there's the remote chance that someone could get it sick which right now there is. In 3wks Kitchi will get his last kitten boosters (at 17wks old), and Kizzy has already finally had all his shots.

If I were to get another kitten, it would need at the bare minimum, 2 sets of shots. (my vet explained that sometimes the first shot doesn't work, which is why the need for boosters after the initial shot).

Right now, Kizzy is presenting URI symptoms so he is seperated from Kitchi now untill his symptoms subside. Which of course, made Kitchi cry half the night

If I ever do decide to get another kitty, I need to know what virus Kizzy is carrying for sure, so that I can weigh out the odds. Right now, we do not know for sure, probally about 90% sure....but that's different than 100% when it comes to possibly introducing someone else to the household.

Dear Lord, Snake_Lady/Chris - you have really been hit with it. Kizzy is showing symptoms? I have no advice, just megathat this bad luck leaves your household, and soon!

Originally Posted by threecatowner

Dear Lord, Snake_Lady/Chris - you have really been hit with it. Kizzy is showing symptoms? I have no advice, just megathat this bad luck leaves your household, and soon!

Click to expand...

Thanks

This is normal for Kizzy....he's fine for weeks, then gets mild URI symptoms that usually pass in a few days. I'm guessing it was brought on by the stress from last week.

Diagnosis

Calicivirus is usually diagnosed on the basis of clinical symptoms and the cat's medical history (i.e., the cat's vaccination status and past exposure). Blood tests aren't usually informative. Other laboratory tests may be conducted to isolate the virus and confirm the diagnosis, such as:


Advertising Disclaimer

* Immunofluorescent assays of lung tissue — special proteins labeled with a fluorescent chemical to detect the presence of FCV antigens, proteins the immune system manufactures to fight the virus
* Oropharyngeal (throat) cultures
* Serum testing— to identify paired serum samples, a rise in titer over the course of 2 weeks is considered a positive diagnosis
* X-ray—to detect pneumonia

Differential diagnosis
Clinical symptoms are similar to those of other feline upper respiratory infections, but cats with calicivirus are more likely to have ulcers in their mouth or on their paws.

Cats with rhinotracheitis virus sneeze more, have more eye discharge and inflammation, and are more likely to have pneumonia. Cats with feline chlamydiosis have chronic conjunctivitis (discharge, pain, and swelling of the eye caused by inflammation of the membrane lining the eyelid).

Click to expand...

http://www.animalhealthchannel.com/c...symptoms.shtml

I also heard one of the symptoms of calicivirus is arthritis/joint pain...
I think it is pretty hard to know 100% Chris... IMO it might be easier to test him for Herpes, and do it by elimination; if the test is positive, then herpes it is... if not... Calicivirus...
I am on the same boat as you - Bugsy is a chronic one... I have been pretty successful in keeping it at bay with daily L-Lysine 500mg+ some that I add in the water, Transfer Factor, and the digestive stuff... It has been GREAT for Bugsy... He also takes CoQ10 for his gingivitis... Anyways - I HIGHLY recommend transfer factor - it can be expensive, but since Bugsy started on this combo he has never gotten sick again - and that is HUGE for him...

Originally Posted by carolinalima

http://www.animalhealthchannel.com/c...symptoms.shtml

I also heard one of the symptoms of calicivirus is arthritis/joint pain...
I think it is pretty hard to know 100% Chris... IMO it might be easier to test him for Herpes, and do it by elimination; if the test is positive, then herpes it is... if not... Calicivirus...
I am on the same boat as you - Bugsy is a chronic one... I have been pretty successful in keeping it at bay with daily L-Lysine 500mg+ some that I add in the water, Transfer Factor, and the digestive stuff... It has been GREAT for Bugsy... He also takes CoQ10 for his gingivitis... Anyways - I HIGHLY recommend transfer factor - it can be expensive, but since Bugsy started on this combo he has never gotten sick again - and that is HUGE for him...

Click to expand...

Thanks, we're pretty certain it is not herpes (99% sure), and 90% sure its calicivirus based. I'll give the vet a call and see which method they use... Throat swab would be best (easiest and less stressful).