Sinusitis, Colds, and Upper Respiratory Problems in Cats
Sinuses are bony cavities in the skull that communicate with the nasal passages. Sinus infections are caused by invasion by bacteria, fungi, or viruses; in cats, several viruses working together (respiratory complex) are thought to be the most common cause. Sometimes the problem is from underlying dental problems. And sometimes the problem is really related to hair or grasses that migrate up the back of the throat into the nasal passages. Other foreign bodies such as plant awns sometimes get up the nasal passages. Reflux from hairballs and other causes of indigestion or upchucking sometimes cause upper respiratory symptoms. All these possiblities underscore why it's best to go to the vet, even if you think "it's just a cold".
Clinical signs of sinus infection include discharge from the nose or eyes, coughing, gagging, and postnasal drip. In cats, one of the most common symptoms is sneezing.
Most cases aren't very serious and most of us vets simply shrug the problem off as a "cold" and each of us have various favorite remedies to help reduce the symptoms. But some cases are more serious, so it's possible that your vet will recommend or offer x-rays or even a CT-scan. Other tests that may be appropriate might include:
A white blood cell count
A culture and sensitivity
Blood work to rule out underlying diseases like leukemia or Aids
A Heartworm test
Treatment
Treatment will range from minimal to extensive depending on the severity and nature of the problem. Duh
The important take home message for you is to be observant for changes for the worse. You need to tell you vet if your cat stops eating, if the nasal discharge becomes thick and yellow, or the chest becomes obviously congested. Most upper respiratory problems in cats are successfully treated conservatively, but you have to watch for the exceptions.
Here's a list of possible treatments, again, depending on the severity of the case:
Nothing: that's right, occassionally nothing is needed except time. Although many cat colds last about a month.
Antibiotics: not a cure, but antibiotics seem to lessen symptoms and prevent the problem from getting worse. This is probably because while most upper respiratory problems are caused by viruses, there is a bacterial component. My theory is simply that bacterial organisms in the mouth, throat, and sinuses thrive when those tissues are red and raw from a viral cold. In addition, this is a time when the cat's immune system will be suppressed.
Afrin Nasal spray, Vapor Rub, Saline Squirts Etc: I'm not a big fan of any of these, although I suspect they help dilate and open up the sinuses ... it's just that I don't think the result is worth the effort. Most cats aren't too fond of such treatments.
Virasyl This is a brand of lysine supplement flavored for cats. There are probably other brands available
Anti-Histamines: sometimes small doses help make the cat more comfortable.
Steroids: Some vets are totally opposed to steroid use for colds as steroids cause immune suppression to some degree (and can possibly cause other side effects too). I personally think ...make that know ...that a short acting steroid makes the cat feel better, reduces the nasal irritation, and greatly reduces the symptoms. I think the problem of immune suppression and other side effects is minimal compared to the benefits.
Smelly Diets: This is no big deal, except that cat appetites are very much associated with smell, so it helps to keep them eating if they're all stuffed up by offering canned food or something with lots of aroma such as canned fish, etc. If your cat doesn't like such things, try microwaving it's dry food just a little to bring out the aromas.
Immune Stimulants: Not a likely treatment, but in the experimental stage. Your vet may offer them.
Feline Kennel Cough Vaccine: Considered by some to help stimulate the local immune system within the sinus passages and therefore speed healing. Maybe, most experts don't seem to think this vaccine is very effective
Vitamins and other supplements: I'm a believer that anti-oxidants, omega 3 fatty acids, vitamins, and other supplements help speed and aid healing, but whether, how much, which brands, and how important are still in debate.
My Favorite Treatment: For most of my cat patients suffering from sinus symptoms due to an upper respiratory "cold", here's what I do: (your vet may very well do things differently as my treatment is considered controversial or old fashioned)
After making reasonably sure that there aren't other more serious problems going on, I give a combination injection made up of long acting, high dose penicillin, gentocin, dexamethasone, atropine, and B12. I repeat this injection, if needed, every 1-3 days for 1-3 times. Each time the cat comes in for a repeat injection, I recheck the lungs, lymph nodes, eyes, general condition, history, and temperature. At our practice, these rechecks are free, and very quick, but this allows me to keep on top of any case not improving or getting worse. Plus the injections are much more potent than oral meds given at home and a lot more convenient for the client who has trouble medicating cats. Most improve quickly.
Again, whatever your vet prescribes, sinus and upper respiratory conditions occassionally get worse quickly, so be observant.
Some Feline Colds and Sinus Problems are more serious:
Rhinotracheitis is caused by a herpesvirus that attacks the eyes, nasal passages, and trachea (windpipe) of cats. Once infected, cats develop respiratory signs such as sneezing, coughing, and runny eyes and nose within 2 to 5 days; ulcers on the tongue and cornea and high fever may also be present.
Infection spreads rapidly from one cat to another by contact with discharge from the eyes, nose, or mouth directly from an infected cat, or by contact with contaminated clothing, hands, feeding utensils, or other articles. The virus can live for months in the mouth and nose of a cat after signs of infection have resolved, and can be shed by cats showing no clinical signs.
Human beings and dogs are not susceptible. The Herpes virus in not the same strain that causes herpes infection in humans.
Mild infection usually resolves within 1 to 5 weeks. Adult cats usually recover, but the virus can cause severe damage to the nasal cavity. In kittens, this is particularly dangerous, and kittens not treated early enough may die or lose an eye to these infections.
Some cats become chronically infected and suffer with persistent sneezing, nasal discharge, and periodic relapse. Chronically infected cats may or may not be a source of infection to other cats.
Sometimes this is because they have underlying immune system problems or diseases.
Calici virus infection has many similarities to rhinotracheitis. Cats become infected by inhaling or swallowing the virus, and signs of illness develop within 2 to 10 days of exposure. Early signs include runny eyes and nose, sneezing, depression, and poor appetite.
Ulcers may develop on the tongue and hard palate, and most infected cats drool heavily. Illness lasts from 1 to 4 weeks. Most cats recover, but fatalities do occur. Young kittens are most likely to be severely affected. Some cats that recover from the disease may continue to shed the virus for weeks or even years. The virus is hardy and can survive outside the cat on dishes and pans for 8 to 10 days.
As I mentioned before, these viruses are often present together along with bacteria.
These virus' is not transmissible to humans or dogs.
Treatment for such cases will be similar to that discussed above but may also include:
Hospitalization, oxygen therapy, vaporizers, injectable antibiotics etc, tube or forced feeding, nutrional support, and IV fluids.
If you have such a patient at home that you're treating, contact your vet if:
Your cat has trouble breathing or refuses to eat or drink
Your cat shows excessive inactivity, vomiting, or diarrhea
Your cat relapses after apparent recovery or develops new signs
Your cat's fever is higher than 104 F
Your cat's eyes are red, partially closed, or have a discharge
