Well I got the results of PJ's blood work in.
For those who didn't see my update in my last thread, I took PJ for a second opinion on his eye. I went to an Opthomoligist this time (last week). He said PJ doesn't need surgery, but thought he might have Herpes. They drew blood and I got the results today. He tested positive for Herpes.
I have NO idea how he got it, but that doesn't really matter now. He starts on eye drops tomorrow for a month. Then in a months time on oral medicine for the rest of his life.
Has anyone here ever had a cat with herpes? I know it can be passed on to other animals if he sneezes, but are there any other ways he can spread it?
Also if I ever have to go out of town for any reason and can't get someone to come in, would places who board animals turn my cat away out of fear of him passing it on to other pets?
Anyways I'm relieved that I don't have to shell out $1000 for surgery...only $54 for drops and whatever is oral meds will cost me per round.
The only thing I'm disappointed in is that I can't get another cat as long as I have PJ. I would never put another animal at risk like that.
Update: It's Official...PJ has Herpes
Re: Update: It's Official...PJ has Herpes
PJ's Mom..please speak to your vet in greater detail about this condition.
You can aquire another cat if you wish. The chances of transmission are slim (vaccinating the new cat affords more protection for that cat). Feline herpes is usually a condition that was aquired in vitro or in early development and may have been 'dormant' until an episode of stress or other health issue exacerbated it. Many cats can test positive for herpes yet never develop clinical signs of the condition, or, they may only develop mild, intermittent symptoms which can be treated. Some cats must be treated for life, but cats can lead normal, healthy lives with the condition as long as the symptoms are treated to provide relief of the individual symptoms.
If you do decide to aquire another cat or kitten, ensure all his/her booster vaccinations are given for rhinotracheitis, this is an added protective measure (3-way FVRCP, which includes rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panluekopenia).
As for boarding, there is no reason he can't be accepted for boarding, and I would suggest boarding only at your vet's for that purpose. If PJ requires medication during the time of boarding, your vet/staff will be available to administer the meds and monitor him for symptoms.
Talk to your vet more about the condition and PJ's medication requirements. Keep his stress levels reduced at all times, stress is usually the most common denominator in flare-ups of symptoms.
You can aquire another cat if you wish. The chances of transmission are slim (vaccinating the new cat affords more protection for that cat). Feline herpes is usually a condition that was aquired in vitro or in early development and may have been 'dormant' until an episode of stress or other health issue exacerbated it. Many cats can test positive for herpes yet never develop clinical signs of the condition, or, they may only develop mild, intermittent symptoms which can be treated. Some cats must be treated for life, but cats can lead normal, healthy lives with the condition as long as the symptoms are treated to provide relief of the individual symptoms.
If you do decide to aquire another cat or kitten, ensure all his/her booster vaccinations are given for rhinotracheitis, this is an added protective measure (3-way FVRCP, which includes rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panluekopenia).
As for boarding, there is no reason he can't be accepted for boarding, and I would suggest boarding only at your vet's for that purpose. If PJ requires medication during the time of boarding, your vet/staff will be available to administer the meds and monitor him for symptoms.
Talk to your vet more about the condition and PJ's medication requirements. Keep his stress levels reduced at all times, stress is usually the most common denominator in flare-ups of symptoms.
..........Traci
Re: Update: It's Official...PJ has Herpes
oh wow! I didn't know that he coulda been born with it. I suspected he might have come in contact with it at the humane society before I got him or from before they got him.
That would explain how he has it despite the fact that I am religious about keeping up with his vaccinations.
I will ask the vet more when I go back in a month for a checkup. At that time he said he will determine if PJ needs to go on oral meds for life.
Thanks for the advice. I am not planning to get another cat for a while...but it's good to know that the risk of getting Herpes from PJ is minimal.
That would explain how he has it despite the fact that I am religious about keeping up with his vaccinations.
I will ask the vet more when I go back in a month for a checkup. At that time he said he will determine if PJ needs to go on oral meds for life.
Thanks for the advice. I am not planning to get another cat for a while...but it's good to know that the risk of getting Herpes from PJ is minimal.