TVMDL detects feline calicivirus in multi-cat household
By Cheryl Maguire, DVM
Recently, the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) detected feline calicivirus (FCV) via qPCR in three cats who live in a multi-cat household. All cats had clinical signs consistent with feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS) and tested negative for feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency viruses.
Feline chronic gingivostomatitis is one of the most common clinical diseases of the feline oral cavity. This disease is painful and debilitating for cats and frustrating for their owners and veterinarians. Although the etiology remains unclear, feline calicivirus has been reported to be more prevalent in cats with FCGS than in the random feline population. In addition, some veterinary dentists believe that FCV positive cats have a more guarded prognosis even with treatment (Dodd, J. personal communication, April 24, 2018).
PCR technology can be used to identify oral calicivirus carriers. If you have any questions about this case or TVMDL’s Feline Calicivirus qPCR test please call Dr. Cheryl Maguire, veterinary diagnostician at 979-845-3414. For more information about TVMDL’s test catalog, visit tvmdl.tamu.edu.
References
1. Gracis M. Inflammatory Oral Diseases in Cats. World Small Animal Association World Congress Proceedings; 2015
2. Thomas S., Lappin D DF., Bennett D., Nile C., RIggio MP., Prevalence of feline calicivirus in cats with odontoclastic resorptive lesions and chronic gingivostomatitis. Elsevier; 2017