Feline rhinosinusitis

General Information

Feline bacterial rhinosinusitis is an upper respiratory tract infection of cats that often follows a herpesvirus or calicivirus infection (viral rhinosinusitis). Infection from these viruses as a kitten can cause permanent damage to the nasal mucosa and turbinates, which could predispose the cat to chronic bacterial rhinosinusitis throughout it's life. These viruses are also difficult for the body to clear completely and though they may go dormant for a time, the cat can become ill from them again, especially in times of stress. Damage of the mucosa and turbinates makes effective antibiotic treatment difficult and relapse is common. Surgical intervention may be necessary for cure to be achieved.

  Clinical Signs

Sneezing, ocular discharge, and yellow-green mucopurulent or bloody nasal discharge, and ocular discharge in one or both eyes are the common clinical signs. Corneal ulcers are common with several of the viral infections as well. Untreated a corneal ulcer can cause permanant vision impairment. Many cats are usually active, have a normal appetite, and are otherwise normal. Treatment becomes necessary if the illness is affecting behavior and appetite.

Diagnosis Often the diagnosis is made based on a physical exam and history. Sometimes a culture and sensitivity can be run to determine the specific bacteria causing the infection. In chronic cases a feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) test should be performed to rule out immunosuppression as an underlying cause. Radiographs may be helpful in identifying other potential causes such as a mass or polyps.

Treatment

1. Treatment is supportive and a complete cure is unlikely.
2. Intermittent therapy may be required throughout your cat's life. It is important to give your cat all medications for the full time prescribed even if your cat seems to be feeling better. Stopping treatment early makes a relapse that is resistant to treatment much more likely.
3. Humidity is helpful. Use a vaporizer or bring your cat into a steamy bathroom as often as possible.
4. Clean your cat's nose with warm water at least twice a day to prevent it from becoming plugged with dried nasal secretions. You can also use a saline nasal spray to help moisten your cat's nasal passages. You can find these in the children's section of any pharmacy.
5. Squinting, excessive ocular discharge, conjunctival swelling should be seen by a vet immediately so treatment can be started and permanant damage prevented.
6. Be aware that anything that stresses your cat out could lead to a relapse. Boarding, being grommed, a trip to the vet, company visiting, fireworks, a new cat in the neighborhood that your cat sees through the window, etc. are all potential causes of stress.

Prognosis

Prognosis is excellent in the short term. Most infections, except for in the very young and very old, are self limiting and don't even require medication. Long term prognosis is guarded and many cat's will have clinical signs periodically throughout their lives.