Effect of a Pheromone on Stress-Associated Reactivation of Feline Herpesvirus-1 in Experimentally Inoculated Kittens.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Stress contributes to reactivation of feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1). The usage of pheromones to decrease stress in FHV-1 experimentally inoculated kittens has not previously been investigated. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To determine whether a feline pheromone would lessen stress, resulting in decreased recurrence of FHV-1-associated illness in kittens. ANIMALS: Twelve 5-month-old, purpose-bred kittens. METHODS: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Kittens previously infected with the same dose of FHV-1 were randomized into 2 separate but identical group rooms. After a 2-week equilibration period, a diffuser containing either the pheromone or placebo was placed in each of the rooms, and the kittens acclimated for an additional 2&#xa0;weeks. Every 2&#xa0;weeks thereafter, for the 8-week study period, housing was alternated between kennel- and group housing. Blinded observers applied a standardized clinical and behavioral scoring rubric daily. After each 2-week period, serum cortisol concentrations and quantitative PCR for FHV-1 and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) ratios were evaluated. Clinical, behavioral, and laboratory test results were compared between groups within individual and combined study periods. RESULTS: Sneezing occurred more frequently in the placebo group during individual (P&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.006) and combined study periods (P&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.001). Sleep at the end of observation periods occurred more frequently in the pheromone group during individual (P&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.006) and combined study periods (P&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.001). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The findings suggest that the pheromone decreased stress, and the decrease in stress response may have resulted in decreased sneezing associated with FHV-1.