Even people whose immune systems are weakened by cancer chemotherapy, immunosuppressive drugs, or the human immunodeficiency virus don’t have to worry about catching other species’ herpes viruses.
FHV-1 is one of the most common viral causes of sneezing, nasal discharge, and eye disease in cats. The disease it causes is called rhinotracheitis, essentially a cold like the one Lily has, except that many cats also experience lethargy, loss of appetite, and fever.
The virus is easily transmitted among cats, especially young cats that haven’t been vaccinated and live in a crowded environment.
Once infected, almost all cats carry herpes virus in their bodies for the remainder of their lives. Many carriers develop another episode of rhinotracheitis when they are stressed.
Stressful events include moving to a new home, dealing with new cats or dogs in the family, fighting another disease, or undergoing major surgery. Medications that suppress the immune system, such as corticosteroids, also can provoke another bout of rhinotracheitis.
After Lily recovers from her infection, keep her healthy and minimize stress by following your veterinarian’s recommendations. Have your vet vaccinate her against feline viral rhinotracheitis, the “FVR” in the FVRCP vaccination. Ensure that she stays inside, away from diseased cats, predators, and other risks.
The one-time cost includes initial veterinary care, microchip, sterilization, collar/harness/leash, crate/carrier, and the first obedience training course. Excluded from the calculation is the adoption fee or purchase price of the dog.
Routine lifelong costs include dog food, treats, semiannual or annual veterinary exams, booster vaccinations, lab work, year-round heartworm/flea/tick preventive, professional dental cleaning, dog license, toys, training, health insurance, and grooming supplies or professional grooming.
These ASPCA estimates assume the dog remains healthy throughout life, but that’s usually not the case, so you should add veterinary care for illnesses and long-term medications to your budget. Additional expenses may include specialty food and supplements, a dog walker or doggie daycare for long work days, and a pet sitter or boarding kennel when you go on vacation.
The adoption fee at many shelters and rescue organizations includes sterilization, a microchip, and initial vaccinations, which will save you some money. For additional ways to save on veterinary care, email me at [email protected].
