A comparative study of the effectiveness of regimens for the treatment of calicivirus infection in cats-a comparative study

Abstract

© 2020, Veterinary Practitioner. All rights reserved. Feline calicivirus (FCV) is a frequent pathogen in cats. In most cases, it causes mild, self-limited acute diseases of the oral cavity and the upper respiratory tract or chronic diseases of the oral cavity. In recent years, virulent strains of FCV have been registered that cause severe, systemic diseases in cats, with a high mortality rate, and are not preventable with modern vaccines. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of various methods for the treatment of calicivirus infection in cats. The research was conducted on 30 stray cats with calicivirus infection. The animals were divided into three groups. We developed several treatment regimens based on antibacterial drugs (clindamycin and amoxicillin), as well as immune modulators, such as Phosprenyl and Maxidin. Additionally, globulin Globfel-4 was administered to the animals of the third group. Clinical signs and general health condition were recorded daily during 14 days, and again on days 20 and 30. Feline calicivirus presence was tested by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) on days 0, 10, and 30. It was found that the inclusion of a specific globulin in the complex therapy, namely Globfel-4, allows reducing the convalescence period and eliminating the pathogen.