Infectious upper respiratory diseases (IURD), caused by a variety of viral and bacterial pathogens, are a major problem in kittens, especially those housed in crowded conditions like shelters and catteries. A recent study from the University of California at Davis may achieve shorter treatment times for affected kittens.
This study investigated the addition of the antiviral drug famcyclovir to standard doxycycline therapy for the control of upper respiratory and ocular symptoms in 330 kittens under 12 weeks old. Kittens were divided into two groups. One group just got doxycycline, while the second group received doxycycline plus famciclovir, which has been used in the treatment of feline herpesvirus type-1 (FHV-1) in cats. Kittens had ophthalmic examinations on days 1 and 21. Kittens receiving the combo therapy recovered four to five days ahead of the other group. Addition of famiclovir will add some expense to the cost of treating these kittens, but the benefits should outweigh any costs.
Vernau, KM, et al “Doxycycline with or without famciclovir for infectious ophthalmic and respiratory disease: a prospective, randomized, masked, placebo-controlled trial in 373 kittens. American Association of Feline Practitioners, Nov. 1, 2024.
