Symptoms and Types
Symptoms may range from very mild to extremely severe and
some infected cats may show no signs of disease at all.
The most common symptoms seen include:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Lethargy
- Lack of appetite
- Runny eyes
- Runny nose
- Fever
- Labored breathing
Some cats infected with H1N1 influenza have not survived,
but the majority of infected cats suffer mild to moderate symptoms.
Causes
The H1N1 influenza virus is the virus responsible for the
flu strain originally known as "swine flu" which first surfaced in
2009. The infection has been diagnosed throughout the world.
Diagnosis
The presence of flu-like symptoms in a human member of the
household may prompt the suspicion of an H1N1 infection in a sick cat with
similar symptoms.
A physical examination will reveal a pet with flu-like
symptoms.
Definitive diagnosis in pets is usually obtained through
PCR testing on swabs collected from the nose or throat or fluid collected from
the trachea. This is a molecular test that detects the presence of RNA from the
virus. Additional blood testing to rule out other diseases that can cause
similar symptoms may be necessary as well.
Chest X-rays may be recommended to evaluate the lungs for
signs of pneumonia or other changes.
Treatment
There is no cure for influenza and treatment is symptomatic
in nature. Nursing care may be required to keep the eyes and nose clean and
clear of discharges. Infected cats may need to be enticed to eat or even
hand-fed.
Antibiotics may be necessary to prevent or treat secondary
bacterial infections. Fluid therapy may be necessary to combat dehydration as
well.
Prevention
Attention to good hygiene is the best way to prevent H1N1
influenza. Wash your hands thoroughly and often. Encourage children in the
household to do so also.
Avoid contact, if possible, with people or other animals
who appear to be ill.
