The H1N1 variation of the flu virus, previously referred to as “swine flu”, is infectious to felines and in addition to individuals. Moreover, this virus is additionally known to contaminate dogs, pigs, and ferrets. In spite of the fact that the spread of this specific flu infection is no more thought to be a pandemic, it is still spreading around the world.
Symptoms And Types
Symptoms may range from mild to extremely severe, and some contaminated felines may not show any signs of disease at all.
The most common symptoms observed in felines include:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Lethargy
- Lack of appetite
- Runny eyes
- Runny nose
- Fever
- Labored breathing
Some cats that are infected with the H1N1 influenza virus have not survived, but the majority of infected cats suffer from mild to moderate symptoms.
Causes
The H1N1 influenza virus is the virus responsible for the flu strain originally known as “swine flu” which first surfaced in 2009. The infection has been diagnosed throughout the world.
Diagnosis
The presence of flu-like symptoms in a human member of the household may incite the suspicion of a H1N1 infection in a sick cat with comparable symptoms. A physical examination will reveal a pet with flu-like symptoms.
Definitive diagnosis in pets is generally acquired through PCR testing on swabs gathered from the nose or throat or fluid gathered from the trachea. This is a molecular test that detects the presence of RNA from the virus. Extra blood testing to rule out different illnesses that can bring about comparative symptoms may be vital also.
Treatment
There is no cure for influenza and treatment is symptomatic in nature. Nursing care may be required to keep the eyes clean and clear of discharges. Infected cats may need to be enticed to eat or even hand-fed.
Antibiotics may be necessary to avert or treat secondary bacterial infections. Fluid treatment may be necessary to battle dehydration also.
