Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Virulent systemic feline calicivirus causes ulcers and swelling
By Pesavento, P A et al.·Published in Veterinary pathology·2004·School of Veterinary Medicine, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Pathologic, immunohistochemical, and electron microscopic findings in naturally occurring virulent systemic feline calicivirus infection in cats.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of seven cats with a serious infection from a strain of feline calicivirus (FCV) showed symptoms like swelling under the skin and painful sores in their mouths. Some of these cats also had skin ulcers and issues with their lungs, pancreas, liver, and spleen. The infection can be severe and even fatal, as it damages the cells in the body and affects blood vessels. Treatment details weren't specified, but it's important for pet owners to be aware of these symptoms and seek veterinary care immediately if their cat shows signs of severe illness.
People also search for: cat calicivirus symptoms · cat mouth sores treatment · why is my cat swelling · feline calicivirus infection care
Abstract
Infection with feline calicivirus (FCV) is a common cause of upper respiratory and oral disease in cats. FCV infection is rarely fatal, however, virulent, systemic strains of FCV (VS-FCV) that cause alopecia, cutaneous ulcers, subcutaneous edema, and high mortality in affected cats have recently been described. Seven cats with natural VS-FCV infection all had subcutaneous edema and ulceration of the oral cavity, with variable ulceration of the pinnae, pawpads, nares, and skin. Other lesions that were present in some affected cats included bronchointerstitial pneumonia, and pancreatic, hepatic, and splenic necrosis. Viral antigen was present within endothelial and epithelial cells in affected tissues as determined by immunohistochemical staining with a monoclonal antibody to FCV. Mature intranuclear and intracytoplasmic virions in necrotic epithelial cells were identified by transmission electron microscopy. VS-FCV infection causes epithelial cell cytolysis and systemic vascular compromise in susceptible cats, leading to cutaneous ulceration, severe edema, and high mortality.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15133174/