Sneezing cats need real help

Question:

We have a 10 year old cat named Mary. She has been sneezing for almost 2 years. We can find no correlation nor cause for this. We tried chlorpheniramine with no result. Mary recently had a full panel bloodwork and UA with nothing outstanding. She is in good health. Her sneezing is clear.

Dr. Nichol:

Poor Mary. That infernal sneezing needs to end. Her lab profile ruled out major infection; the failure of chlorpheniramine, an antihistamine, suggests that she is not allergic.

This is not a rare problem. Most cats with a history of upper respiratory symptoms start with a feline herpes virus infection (FHV-1), leading to long term inflammation. The downside can be permanent changes to the “architecture” of their nasal passages, making it impossible to reach a cure. Tooth root infections are another consideration. Sadly, for a feline senior, another possibility is cancer.

Chest x-rays would allow Mary’s doctor to identify lung or airway lesions. Your girl can then be safely anesthetized for a thorough dental evaluation, oral x-rays, and a gander above her soft palate. A CT scan would be ideal. There are specific medications that can make a big difference for bacterial infection (secondary to a viral cause), smoldering fungal disease, or if chronic nasal inflammation is responsible. Finding the underlying cause will be essential.

Cats are famous for reoccurring FHV-1 symptoms. Many are infected as infants because their mothers or other nearby cats were carriers. An amino acid supplement called l-lysine has been approved for treatment but more recent research shows that it may have little to no benefit. You can be fooled into thinking it’s helped when, in reality, kitties can cycle out of their symptomatic phase on their own. The sneezing and, in many cases, an eye discharge may reoccur throughout their lives. Some end up with severe damage.

An antiviral medication, famciclovir, can knock out FHV-1 but cats with a long history with this disease may continue sneezing and spraying mucus. Thankfully, people, dogs, and other creatures won’t get this infection. Proud Mary needs help soon.

For help with behavior problems, you can sign-up for a Zoom Group Conference on my website, drjeffnichol.com.

Dr. Jeff Nichol is a residency-trained veterinary behaviorist. He provides consultations in-person and in groups by Zoom (drjeffnichol.com). Each week he shares a blog and a video to help bring out the best in pets and their people. Sign up at no charge at drjeffnichol.com. Post pet questions through my website, drjeffnichol.com/contact/ or by US Post to 4000 Montgomery Blvd. NE, Albuq, NM 87109.