Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Single oral famciclovir dose reduces herpesvirus signs in shelter cats
By Litster, A L et al.·Published in Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)·2015·Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Clinical and antiviral effect of a single oral dose of famciclovir administered to cats at intake to a shelter.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of cats entering a shelter showed signs of respiratory illness, including sneezing and nasal discharge, and were tested for feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1). They received either a single dose of famciclovir, an antiviral medication, or a placebo. Unfortunately, the treatment did not improve their symptoms or reduce the virus in their systems, and many cats continued to show signs of illness even after the medication. The study concluded that famciclovir was not effective when given at the time of shelter intake for these cats.
People also search for: cat sneezing treatment · feline herpesvirus symptoms · famciclovir for cats · cat respiratory illness care
Abstract
Although famciclovir is efficacious in feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1)-infected cats, effects of a single dose early in disease course have not been reported. In this two part, randomized, masked, placebo controlled study, cats received a single dose of 125 mg famciclovir (n = 43) or placebo (n = 43; pilot study), or 500 mg famciclovir (n = 41) or placebo (n = 40; clinical trial) on entering a shelter. FHV-1 PCR testing was performed, bodyweight and food intake were recorded, and signs of respiratory disease were scored prior to and 7 days following treatment. FHV-1 DNA was detected in 40% of cats in both parts at study entry. In the pilot study, ocular and nasal discharge scores increased from days 1 to 7 in famciclovir and placebo treated cats. Sneezing scores increased and bodyweight decreased in famciclovir-treated cats. The proportion of cats in which FHV-1 DNA was detected increased over time in all cats in the pilot study. In the clinical trial, food intake and median clinical disease scores for nasal discharge and sneezing increased from days 1 to 7 in both groups and demeanor scores worsened in famciclovir-treated cats. The proportion of cats shedding FHV-1 DNA was greater on day 7 than on day 1 in cats receiving 500 mg famciclovir. A single dose of famciclovir (125 or 500 mg) administered at shelter intake was not efficacious in a feline population in which 40% were already shedding FHV-1.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25542064/