Coryza in cats, A Veterinary Emergency

What are the symptoms of coryza in cats?

Coryza is a progressive cat disease that most often begins with upper respiratory signs. It is at this stage of the disease that you can suspect coryza if your cat presents one or more of the following symptoms:

1. Nasal discharge: A clear or thick discharge may be seen coming from the nostrils. As the infection progresses, the consistency of the discharge may change, becoming thicker, stickier, and potentially having a greenish or yellowish color.
2. Sneezing and coughing: The irritation of the nasal passages and throat may cause excessive sneezing and coughing, further impairing the cat's ability to breathe comfortably.
3. Eye discharge and conjunctivitis: Inflammation or swelling of the tissues surrounding the eye(s), often accompanied by discharge, eye redness, and excessive tearing or squinting.
4. Fever: An elevated body temperature in response to the infection can make the cat feel weak, tired, and unwilling to move or eat.
5. Loss of appetite and weight loss: Cats suffering from coryza may refuse food due to pain when chewing or swallowing resulting from mouth ulcers, nasal congestion, and a decreased sense of smell.
6. Mouth ulcers and drooling: Sores and ulcerations on the tongue, gums, or throat might lead to increased saliva production causing excessive drooling or difficulty eating.
7. Lethargy and depression: As the disease progresses, affected cats may become less active and show signs of emotional distress.

The presence of these symptoms on your cat should alert you, especially if it has not been vaccinated against coryza. To find out if your cat's situation is an emergency, contact us on 033 0027 0670. We can help!

What should I do if my cat has coryza?

If your cat has coryza, you can start first aid at home, especially if you have the first aid kit we recommend.

Restoring your cat's breathing is a matter of urgency.

Here are the first things you can do yourself before contacting the emergency vet:

1. Rinse the eyes with saline solution and compresses (see First Aid kit). Run the saline into the eye, keeping your cat's head tilted back. Wipe from the inside of the eye outwards to remove purulent crusts and dirt.
2. Clean the nostrils and try to clear the crusts blocking the nostrils. This will clear the upper airways and make your cat more comfortable. To remove the mucus plugs, soften them with saline solution and then scrape gently.

Once you've done this, contact us on 033 0027 0670! Our vet will come to your home to examine your sick cat and set up the next stage of treatment for coryza.

Why is coryza in cats a veterinary emergency?

Coryza is a protean disease. In its early stages, when only the upper respiratory tract is affected, coryza is not necessarily an emergency.

However, complications of coryza are common and can be a veterinary emergency. Here are the alarming symptoms that should prompt you to contact the out of hours vet:

1. Respiratory distress: shallow, rapid breathing and open mouth. This is an absolute emergency.
2. Abatement and intense prostration, possibly related to a high fever (over 104°F).
3. Coughing and emetosis (causing vomiting)
4. Cyanosis of the respiratory mucosa: traditionally pink mucous membranes may turn purple or blue, a sign of severe hypoxia.

In the vast majority of cases, cat coryza is a benign disease. When diagnosed late, the condition can become an emergency. To find out if the situation is a veterinary emergency, don't hesitate to contact us!

Emergency coryza care from our vet

The course of treatment for coryza depends on the severity of the infection, causal agents, and any underlying conditions. Commonly prescribed therapeutic measures include:

1. Antibiotics: Prescribed to treat or prevent bacterial infections associated with coryza. However, antibiotics are not effective against viral infections but can help mitigate secondary complications caused by bacteria.
2. Anti-inflammatory medications: Used to alleviate inflammation and discomfort in the cat's eyes or nasal passages.
3. Decongestants or nebulizer therapy: May be administered to help improve breathing, especially in cases of severe congestion.
4. Nutritional support: Cats infected with coryza often lose their appetite; therefore, proper nutrition remains crucial for recovery. Introducing a palatable, nutrient-dense diet with added moisture is recommended during this period.
5. Symptomatic treatments: May include alleviating fever with antipyretic drugs or addressing dehydration with intravenous fluids as necessary.

Preventing coryza in cats

While no foolproof prevention method exists, taking the following steps may considerably reduce the risk of your cat contracting coryza:

1. Vaccination: Regular vaccination beginning from kittenhood helps protect cats against common virus responsible for coryza (e.g., feline herpesvirus, feline calicivirus). Although vaccines do not provide complete immunity, they significantly decrease the likelihood of infection or lessen disease severity if the cat does become infected.
2. Minimize exposure: Since coryza spreads easily among cats, avoid introducing new pets or strays into your household without proper quarantine and health evaluation, including ensuring up-to-date vaccinations.
3. Keep a clean environment: Regularly disinfect surfaces, food bowls, and litter boxes to reduce the chance of infection. Additionally, maintain good hygiene practices like washing your hands after handling other cats outside of your home.
4. Stress reduction: Chronic stress weakens a cat's immune system, making them more susceptible to infectious diseases. Provide a stable, loving environment with ample opportunities for play and relaxation to ensure their emotional well-being.