My cat has pus from his nose, what should I do? The cat has pus from the nose: possible consequences

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If an animal has nasal discharge, then the pet urgently needs treatment. Pus from a cat's nose can form due to allergies, a virus, or mechanical damage. You can find out what caused the snot from your veterinarian.

Pus from the nose of a kitten or an adult cat can be of a different nature.:

• Serous;
• Mucous;
• Mucopurulent;
• Purulent;
• Bloody;
• Bloody-purulent.

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If a cat has pus flowing from its nose, which prevents it from breathing and changes its color to yellow or green, then the pet should be taken to the doctor immediately. Yellow discharge most often indicates a bacterial infection in your pet. If they have a yellowish tint, then the pet is infected with a viral infection.

Rhinotracheitis, calcivirosis and other upper respiratory tract infections

Feline upper respiratory tract infection is a general term for respiratory infections caused by one or more viral or bacterial agents.

The infection may be caused by one or more viral and/or bacterial agents. The most common viruses that cause upper respiratory tract infections in cats are:

• Herpesvirus type 1 is also known as feline rhinotracheitis virus or FVR.
• Calcivirosis (FCV).

The most common bacteria that cause upper respiratory tract infections in cats are:

• Bordetella bronchiseptica.
• Chlamydophila felis.

Rhinotracheitis and calcivirus cause approximately 90% of all secondary respiratory tract infections in cats. Other, less common pathogens that can lead to purulent discharge and inflammation of the nose are:

• Mycoplasmosis.
• Rotavirus.

Feline rhinotracheitis

Animal owners often come to us with the question: Do cats have a runny nose, do they get the flu, like humans?

Today we will talk about feline rhinotracheitis - a disease that occurs very often and causes a lot of problems for the pet.

Rhinotracheitis or feline herpes virus infection

(the virus belongs to the herpesvirus family, hence the name) is an acute, highly contagious viral infection transmitted by airborne droplets and through contact between cats (during games, licking each other, through grooming products.) Young animals and kittens are most often affected, In adulthood, the disease can be more severe than in youth.

The main complaints with which animal owners turn to a veterinarian: their beloved cat has become lethargic, constantly lies down, does not play, sneezing is often noted, crusts form on the nasal mucosa, the cat rubs its muzzle and tries to scratch its nose, eyes. Purulent, gray, yellow discharge is noted from the eyes; the eye seems to be covered with a film. Appetite is often weakened or absent. This is due to the fact that due to rhinitis, cats have difficulty smelling odors that stimulate appetite, and elevated temperatures, like in humans, discourage the desire to eat.

When examined by a doctor, the following is revealed: acute purulent/catarrhal rhinosinusitis, blepharospasm, conjunctivitis, ulcerative herpetic keratitis, often animals experience fever, body temperature rises to 41-41.5 C (at normal 38.0-39.5 C). In adult animals, one leading symptom often dominates: chronic rhinosinusitis, or ulcerative herpetic keratitis, which can last for months without causing fever or general lethargy.

Diagnostics

Many viral and bacterial diseases of cats and oncological diseases can give similar symptoms: feline chlamydia, feline calicivirus, nasal tumors in adult animals. In order to diagnose rhinotracheitis, our doctors take a swab from the nasal cavity, from the eyes, and use the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to isolate the DNA of the pathogen from this material. Since the technical feature of PCR diagnostics requires 3-5 days to obtain the result, we begin treatment immediately, because 3-5 days can cause irreversible changes in the body. In this case, the diagnosis only confirms our preliminary diagnosis.

Treatment

For treatment, it is mandatory to use antipyretic drugs at high temperatures to restore water and electrolyte metabolism. During a fever, cats experience a large consumption of fluid in the body; this must be replenished until the animal begins to eat and drink on its own. Antibacterial drugs, immunomodulators, vitamins, and local treatments (sanitation) of the nose and eyes are required. For herpetic keratitis, drops are administered 4-5 times into the eyes over several weeks.

How not to get sick?

Vaccination of cats against rhinotracheitis can protect the animal from severe illness, while the cat can become infected and get sick in a mild form, without complications. First of all, this applies to those animals that have free range or live on the street. Vaccinated cats kept in apartments rarely develop rhinotracheitis. In this case, the risk of a domestic cat getting sick increases if you pick up another kitten from the street, from the poultry market.

Vaccination of cats is carried out from 8 weeks of age - twice, with an interval of 3-4 weeks, then annually.

Look at your pet's passport; vaccinations must have been completed within the last year.

Symptoms of upper respiratory tract damage

Nasal discharge, even if it is purulent, is a very “vague” symptom that does not provide a complete picture for diagnosis. Typically, if a cat's nose is “running,” the inflammation affects the throat and eyes, so secondary symptoms include:

• Sneezing and nasal congestion.
• Cough.
• Labored breathing.
• Swelling of the mucous membranes.
• Conjunctivitis.

With rhinotracheitis and calcivirosis, the cat may develop ulcers in the mouth. Additional symptoms are:

• Fast weight loss.
• Lethargy.
• Fever.
• Enlarged lymph nodes.
• Blepharospasm (squint).

Crusts on a cat's nose

The cause of sores and crusts on the nose in cats can be malignant neoplasms. Most often, this is squamous cell carcinoma that occurs on the skin and mucous membranes in the head area. The cause of the disease is excessive exposure to the sun. It is more common in areas with a warm climate and plenty of sunny days.

The risk group includes individuals who are white or have large white spots on their bodies. The likelihood of malignant degeneration increases as the animal ages and with increasing time spent outside the home during hours of active UV radiation (from 10-11 a.m. to 4-5 p.m.).

Symptoms of the disease:

• long-term non-healing erosions on the skin;
• dark red spots with a cauliflower-like surface;
• crusty, concave ulcerations surrounded by an edematous ridge.

When cancerous lesions become infected with bacteria or fungi, a film or plaque with an unpleasant odor appears on them.

If the sore does not heal within 10-15 days, and progression of symptoms is observed (expansion of the affected area, enlargement of lymph nodes, deterioration in the pet’s general well-being), you should consult a veterinarian. In the absence of adequate therapy, squamous cell carcinoma gradually not only destroys the nasal cavity, but also spreads to neighboring areas. As a result, the animal may die.

The diagnosis of the disease is carried out by a specialist. He prescribes a biopsy of the affected area and blood tests. If necessary, an MRI is performed and an X-ray is taken. Timely diagnosed squamous cell carcinoma responds well to treatment: the affected areas are surgically removed. If the tumor is small, it is subjected to laser ablation.

Routes of infection

The causative agents of rhinotracheitis and calcivirosis are widespread. The carrier spreads the virus throughout the environment through saliva, nasal discharge, feces and urine. Vaccinated cats become infected through contact with carriers. Animals that have not received vaccination are at risk of getting sick from contact with soil, water and environmental objects.

In most cases, cats become infected through direct contact with a carrier, as viruses and bacteria can survive in the environment for up to 18–24 hours. The danger of rhinotracheitis and calcivirosis is that a visually healthy (recovered) animal can remain a carrier for a long time.

Treatment and prevention

In most cases, unless the upper respiratory tract infection is complicated by secondary diseases, the cat can be treated at home. For complex therapy the following are prescribed:

• Immunostimulants.
• Nasal, ear and eye drops.
• For purulent nasal discharge, antibiotics are prescribed.
• For specific fungal infections, narrow-spectrum drugs are prescribed (destroying only the pathogen).

To speed up the healing process, it is recommended to maintain normal air humidity. In summer and winter, a humidifier will help cope with this task. If the cat cannot breathe through its nose, steam therapy is indicated once a day for 10–15 minutes.

Prevention of purulent nasal discharge and upper respiratory tract infections:

• Protecting cats from contact with stray animals and unsupervised walking.
• Vaccination according to schedule.
• Balanced diet.
• Compliance with the rules for keeping animals.
• Regular preventive examinations at home.
• Preventive visits to the veterinarian at least once every six months.

How to put it in your nose correctly

If the veterinarian prescribes treatment, then it is the owner who should administer the drops into the cat’s nose. This should be done in the following sequence :

• Hold your pet under your armpit or have someone hold it. You can wrap it in a blanket so that the animal does not scratch anyone;
• Throw back the animal's head, tilt it slightly;
• Carefully bring the dispenser to the muzzle;
• Wait until the drops flow back, tilt your head in the other direction and repeat the same actions.

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You need to instill one, maximum two drops. The animal is treated in this way for a week, but if the infection is viral, it will take longer.

Other causes of purulent nasal discharge

There are many reasons why a cat's nasal discharge may become purulent. In addition to viral infection, you need to exclude:

• Nasal polyps are benign neoplasms that arise as a result of modification and proliferation of the tissues of the mucous membranes.
• Bacterial infection (post-viral rhinitis). A bacterial infection occurs after rhinotracheitis, as a result of which the mucous membranes of the nasal cavity are damaged, which allows bacteria to enter the body.
• Fungal infection – cryptococcus and aspergillosis are fungal infections that parasitize the nasal passages and sinuses of cats.
• Malignant tumors affecting the upper respiratory tract and skull.
• Head injury.
• Entry of foreign objects into the respiratory tract.
• Allergies.
• A cleft palate is a congenital defect.
• Nasopharyngeal fistula is a consequence of an advanced inflammatory process.
• Cheyletiellosis is a tick-borne disease in which parasites can get into the sinuses.
• Diseases of teeth and gums.
• Pneumonia.

Dermatological diseases

The cat's body is susceptible to autoimmune diseases. In such cases, the immune system attacks the body's own tissues where the target cells are located. Dermatoses of this type include:

1. Pemphigus foliaceus. The intercellular epidermal tissue is affected, which leads to the appearance of pustular rashes on the face. May be accompanied by hyperthermia, lethargy, and refusal to eat. A biopsy of the affected areas is necessary.
2. Common pemphigus. The epidermis stratifies with the formation of bubbles filled with liquid, which burst, turning into ulcers on the nose, lips and in the oral cavity. May be fatal. A histological examination of the damaged mucosa is required.
3. Erythematous pemphigus. Most often, only the nose is affected. Accompanied by pigmentation disorders, rashes, ulceration of the nasal planum, bridge of the nose and bridge of the nose, and the formation of scabs.
4. Pemphigus vegetans. A relatively mild form of dermatosis. Main symptoms: rash and blisters.
5. Systemic lupus erythematosus. Skin manifestations are observed in the discoid form, involving the nose, ears, eyelids, lips. The process begins with changes in pigmentation and redness, then ulcers form. Systemic disorders include: damage to the hematopoietic system (anemia, decreased blood clotting), kidneys, joints, gastrointestinal tract, central nervous system. Tests for antinuclear antibodies and a biopsy of the epidermis are necessary.
6. Vasculitis. The disease affects blood vessels, which leads to a deterioration in the blood supply to tissues and their subsequent death. Most often, the nose, lips, tip of the tail, ears, paw pads, and genitals are affected.
7. Cold agglutinin disease. Reason: at low ambient temperatures, red blood cells interact with immunoglobulins. The same areas are damaged as with vasculitis. They acquire a bluish coloration, pigmentation is disrupted, and hair falls out. In severe cases, necrosis may occur.

If these symptoms appear, you should contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. He will prescribe the necessary tests, conduct an examination and make a diagnosis. Treatment of autoimmune diseases is a complex and lengthy process, including therapy with corticosteroids and immunosuppressants.