Cat Sinus Infections

The sinuses of any mammal, even cats and humans, are bony cavities at the front of the skull, which communicate with the nasal passages. Sinus infections in cats are frequently caused by bacterial, virus, or fungi infections. Often cats develop a respiratory complex that incorporates different strains of infecting agents all at once, which is thought to be the most common cause of sinus infections in cats. Other causes could be related to dental infections, and grasses, vomit, or other foreign bodies that work their way into the sinuses from the back of the cat's throat.

  1. Clinical Signs

    • Generally, most infections are mere colds and are self-limiting, although in cats that can mean a month or so of the sniffles you wish you could teach the cat to use a tissue to alleviate, the good-morning sneezes delivered point blank in your face as your cat works to get you out of bed. Then last, but not least, are the eye and nose discharges cats are generally oblivious to, even if you are not, while trying to eat your dinner.

      But even a slight case of the sniffles can turn violent in a short amount of time, and the sinus cavities are situated very close to the brain, so should bone infection develop, the results could really be costly and disastrous.

    A Good Precaution: Veterinary Evaluation

    • Most times, a veterinarian will probably inject antibiotics in case part of the "complex" is bacterial, or because it is fertile ground for a new bacterial strain to open up shop. Some cases, however, upon veterinary examination are more serious and might require X rays or a CT scan. Other evaluations ordered by the vet could include a white blood-cell count; a culture of the nasal-cavity discharge; blood work to rule out leukemia or Feline AIDS; or a heartworm test

    Treatment

    • Treatment may mean anything from "do nothing" to "do all of these things" as ordered by the vet. Most of all, be observant for any changes for the worse, or if the cat stops eating, the discharge becomes thick and of an obscene color, or if the cat seems to be developing lower respiratory (lung) congestion. While these downturns are rare, they can come on suddenly, so please be observant.

      The following is a list of possible treatments the vet may order.

      Do nothing (it will resolve naturally); Antibiotics administered; Afrin Nasal Spray, Vapor Rub, Saline Squirts Etc; Virasyl; antihistamines; steroids; smelly diets (feed canned salmon or chicken); immune stimulants; Feline Kennel Cough Vaccine; vitamins, holistic medications, and other supplements.

    Words to the Wise: Some Feline Colds / Sinus Problems Are Quite Serious:

    • Rhinotracheitis is caused by a herpes virus of upper-respiratory nature. It can be easily spread between cats by contamination with the infected cat's nasal or eye discharge, or any other surface, object, or clothing that has been contaminated. Mouth ulcers are possible, and the virus may live for months in the upper-respiratory area of cats who were once actively infected, but whose symptoms have subsided. Dogs and people are not susceptible, and this herpes virus is not to be confused with the one that does infect humans. The cat version of the virus may be anything from mild to severe in nature, perhaps causing the loss of an eye. Kittens are highly susceptible, and may be permanently injured or die from the virus.

      A Calici virus infection has many of the same traits as the Rhinotracheitis virus, and medical intervention is necessary for this virus too.

      In the worst cases, hospitalization, oxygen therapy, vaporizers, injectable antibiotics etc., tube or forced feeding, nutritional support, and IV fluids may be necessary.

    If Treatment Is Underway...

    • Contact your vet if:

      The cat has trouble breathing or refuses to eat or drink; the cat shows excessive inactivity, vomiting, or diarrhea; the cat relapses after apparent recovery or develops new signs; the cat's fever is higher than 104 F; the cat's eyes are red, partially closed, or have a discharge.

      Most important, follow your vet's prescription and notify him or her of any of these changes, because seemingly simple conditions can worsen quickly at times.