What stressful events may precipitate viral re-activation?
The three most common stressful events that cause FHV re-activation are: 1) a new cat or dog is brought into the household 2) your cat is moved to a new household 3) you go away on vacation Basically, anything that alters the normal daily routine of your cat may permit viral re-activation. How should FHV be treated? The severity of the disease and the eye structures involved will determine the treatment. Acyclovir is an oral antiviral that may be used to control FHV. Topical antivirals include Idoxuridine and Betadine eye drops. L-lysine (an amino acid) works to prevent future attacks in some cats. L-lysine can be purchased over-the-counter at GNC and other nutrition stores. The proper dose of L-lysine for a cat is 1000mg each day orally with food. Sometimes surgery is required to repair the damage done by the virus. Will the virus come back? Topical and systemic antiviral medications can control FHV, but they cannot completely eliminate the virus from your cat’s body. Early treatment
