Feline Herpes Virus Another case example shows a cat with hypersalivation accompanied by encrusted discharge around the external nares. Corneal involvement can be manifested as keratitis or herpetic ulcers. Ulcers can have a punctate, oval, or branching (dendritic) pattern. Most cats are febrile, listless, and inappetant. All of Lancelot's clinical signs are typical for herpes virus infection.
Feline herpes virus is the most likely diagnosis in this cat. Herpes causes the disease called feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR) which is characterized by rhinitis, tracheitis, laryngitis, and conjunctivitis. Clinical signs can include sneezing, serous to mucopurulent naso-ocular discharge, cough, hypersalivation, and loss of voice. Other examples of cats with FVR-related naso ocular discharges are depicted in the next four photos. Notice that in some cases the discharge is more serous and in others it is mucopurulent. Notice also that the severity of discharge and blepharospasm is variable and that in some cases the nasal discharge is worse and in others the ocular involvement seems worse.
