I rescued a cat with conjunctivitis, upper respiratory infection, ear mites, fleas, well she was a reck. Now that her symptoms are gone, they came back.In researching proactive methods of slowing down the progression of Chumley's FIV, the FIVtherapy site had quite a bit of information up on the anti-viral properties of Lactoferrin. There are a number of both in vitro and clinical studies of Bovine Lactoferrin for various things: one of them is Feline Herpes Virus.
In fact, one was published just this year. Evaluation of Lysine and Lysine-Lactoferrin Association in Cats Infected by Feline Herpesvirus-1
From the study:
Here's an in vitro study from 2003: Effects of bovine lactoferrin on in vitro replication of feline herpesvirus. - PubMed - NCBI
I've been giving Billy various doses of L-lysine to get him to stop sneezing. We got his runny eyes under control with lysine, but he remained very sneezey.
When I found the information on Lactoferrin in regards to herpes (I didn't have the 2013 study at the time, but human study papers), I added Bovine Lactoferrin to his supplement regimen.
I didn't track how long it took to take effect. :anon: I just noticed one day that he rarely sneezes any longer. I asked Gary if he'd heard Bill sneezing much, and upon reflection, he said "I can't remember the last time I heard him sneeze."
I confirmed with Jarrow that their lactoferrin is Bovine Lactoferrin. This is important, because lactoferrin is also made from transgenically modified rice that produce human lactoferrin.
I am giving my cats 250mg daily, split into two doses, 125mg in the morning and 125mg in the evening. The Jarrow lactoferrin comes in 250mg capsules: easy to open and sprinkle on half a capsule and mix into food. I did not buy the 2013 paper to see the doses used for either lysine or lactoferrin.
It is palatable to all of my cats, some of whom are very picky (it has so many benefits, I give it to all of them now).
Tonight, I cleaned their ears. Now my other cat is having eye drainage and red scleara's.
I have added L-Lysine in the past. I'm considering getting that Lactoferrin to put in their food also.
Both cats have been vaccinated for Kitty HIV and Kitty HEPC.
My shelter cat is on antibiotics because of the red sclera. Do I take them both to the vet and ask for the shot? Or will home regimen of Lactoferrin and L-Lysin do the trick?
One of them has tearing. Now the other one has tearing. It's getting to be a mess.
I'm glad you posted about this. I have been researching, looking for something.