Found put adopted cat has fhv-1

[sphynxmama]

About a year ago I met a lady in charge of a cat rescue and told her that if she ever came across a sphinx to let me know. She ended up calling me and telling me they had one, but that it had a cold and was being treated for it. Today I picked her up, and was sent home with her meds for her to finish. I got to researching her meds after I heard her breathing was very raspy and found out the meds are for FHV-1.I put a call into the vet that has been treating her, but they are closed until 8am.My fear is for my other 2 cats. I have a 1 year old f3 Savannah, and a 10 year old Persian. Both are indoor, and have always been healthy. I am worried that I have put them at risk, and I am upset that I was told it is just a cold.What should I do?

[opus88]

wonderful...informative post CML thankyou!!!

[CML2014]

Hi Sphynx Mom,

Boy are you lucky. They are wonderful cats in addition to being expensive and rare. Not that we love them any more because of that. I have a little Street Cat, and she is everything to me.

She also has FHV-1 , I adopted her actually beacause she had this syndrome.  It is no Biggy--except they are prone to upper respiratory symptoms. Only if there is severe congestion or bacterial infecti need  do they need to see a vet for antibiotics.

My girl seems to always have the sniffles,  but only when her breathing becomes raspy do I take her to the vets. She also has Stomatitis and Asthma. I knew no one was going to give her the care I could, so she came home with me. Do have a dental check-up with the vet, as this syndrome can cause ulcerated gums--very painful-called Stomatitis. I had to have my girls teeth removed to cure her.

Anyway they are happy little creatures even with this--my cat is almost 10 years old. She is just a joy. I think they actually know you have saved their life. They cannot be any more devoted to you.

I have no other cats, and do usually take her into the isolation center at the vets when she has full blown  symptoms.
Just make sure she has separate Everything--just for her. No sharing litter boxes , food dishes, water, even toys. You other cats have probably already been exposed sometime in their lives and are not affected.

The vet calls these cats "Snifflers" because that is what they do.
Everything Opus and Jade have said I right on. Just wanted you to hear from someone who has a cat with this condition. Just to let you know, they will live a wonderful life if kept indoors and given what we all need--LOVE.

If your girl is raspy might want to get a chest x-ray, she may also , like mine, have asthma.

Just a note---Do get Pet Insurance now before any of her Doctors visit. Believe me it really helps with the cost of our babies. I have insurance called "pet Plan" out of Philadelphia. It pays 100% of all medical bills that are not pre conditions. Costs about $300 quarterly, and has been a life saver in more ways than you would believe. They are wonderful to work with.

Good luck and Congratulations on becoming a Sphinx MOM!!!!

CML

[Jade59]

Here's the link to iherb.  It's a tiny bit more expensive there than Amazon, but you'll get that $4 discount here.  

http://www.iherb.com/Carlson-Labs-L-Lysine-Amino-Acid-Powder-100-g/13608#p=1&oos=1&disc=0&lc=en-US&w=Powdered%20Lysine&rc=629&sr=null&ic=3

Ha, I also see below the code on my notes, I have 'iherb' written.  Duh!  Thanks for being on top of things, Opus!!!! :)  Maybe include YOUR code just in case mine doesn't work.  

[Jade59]

I forgot all about iherb!  I ordered it from Amazon last time; iherb the first time.  That code is for iherb, isn't it.  I think it is.  Oops!

[opus88]

Did you order yours frm amazon or I herb? I get mine at I herb but can't paste a link on this iPad. :(

[Jade59]

Also, here is the code that should give you $4 off as a first time buyer should you decide to go this route.  YOP328.  I'm not sure if that O is an O in the alphabet, or a ZERO, I didn't specify in my notes so if the first one doesn't work, try the other.  :)

[Jade59]

*dose

[Jade59]

Hi there, let me help.  Here is the link to the product both Opus and I use.  I've had my kitty on it for 2yrs.  It works well.  This link I'll post is for a jar of 100grams.  One jar has lasted about a year.  Start with 500mgs, then as kitty improves, 250mgs as a maintenance does.  You can buy a larger size if you want...it would be good for all your kitties to be on it, as not only does it treat herpes, but is an amino acid that boosts the immune system so you can't go wrong.  

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003BVIUWU/ref=wms_ohs_product_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1  

[opus88]

Hi and welcome mama:)
I wouldn't panic most cats have been exposed to this at one time, I am assuming yr other cats hv been vaccinated?

I would still definitely keep the sphinx isolated until she is clear of symptoms and along with the medication get her started on an Amino Acid called L-lysine....the Vet will have a form of this for sale in the clinic, later when I'm back on my computer(now using an iPad) I can send you a link to an even purer product.
This is not a death sentence like some believe, she will just always need to be kept healthy on a good grain free diet and some supplements to enhance her immune system to prevent further breakouts, wouldn't hurt to have the others do likewise.
Talk to yr Vet tomorrow for some reassurance, but plz don't be afraid to keep this little girl.
I will post more tomorrow when I hv access to more data.....