Page 591 - Problem-Based Feline Medicine

27 – THE CAT WITH SALIVATION 583

Tongue ulceration is common – ulcer is usually large, Severe clinical signs are usually associated with a
in the central tongue it is often butterfly-shaped. very short incubation period (1–4 days) (i.e. severity
Ulceration of the nose philtrum, dorsal surface hard of signs is virus dose-responsive).
palate, footpads can also occur.
Salivation is followed by varying degrees of pharyngi-
Most commonly in kittens 8–12 weeks of age. tis, laryngitis, tracheitis and esophagitis and classical
signs of viral upper respiratory tract infection, i.e.
Salivation due to ulceration and pain in the tongue.
coughing, sneezing, runny eyes and nose.
Occasional viral pneumonia, lameness (“limping kit-
May have concurrent FeLV, FIV, calicivirus, bordetella
ten syndrome”).
or mycoplasma infection.
Growth rate of kittens is often temporarily delayed.
Diarrhea can occur and be protracted. Clinical signs

Hypersalivation syndrome usually occurs in adult
Diagnosis unvaccinated or poorly vaccinated cats, with novel
exposure.
Clinical signs.
Severe drooling salivation with depression and rapid
Response to antibiotics.
dehydration precedes classical signs of viral upper res-
PCR, viral isolation. piratory tract disease.

Pyrexia usually lasts for period of hypersalivation
Treatment (24–48 h).

Supportive nursing and broad-spectrum antibiotics, e.g. Often followed by severe pharyngitis, laryngitis, tra-
doxycycline (2.5 mg/kg PO q 24 h), cephalexin (30 cheitis, esophagitis (retching, choking cough, vomit-
mg/kg PO q 12 h). ing) and requires long periods of intensive care if signs
are severe.
Maintain hydration.

Diagnosis
FELINE HERPES VIRUS** PCR, viral isolation.
Classical signs of viral upper respiratory tract infection
Classical signs
(i.e. sneezing, coughing etc.) follow salivation within
● Sudden onset of severe ptyalism. 24–48 h.
● Depression, inanition, dehydration.
● Pyrexia followed by sneezing, coughing Treatment
naso-ocular discharge.
Rapid dehydration can occur – IV fluid support, steam
See main reference on page 7 for details (The Cat With inhalation therapy.
Acute Sneezing or Nasal Discharge).
Place feeding tube (esophagostomy, gastrostomy).
Be prepared for 2–4 weeks intensive nursing if signs
Pathogenesis
are severe.
Caused by feline herpes virus I.
Prevent secondary bacterial rhinitis and sinusitis with
Viral replication in oral mucosa and/or perhaps salivary broad-spectrum antibiotics, e.g. cephalexin (30
glands causes massive production of saliva in the very mg/kg PO; 15 mg/kg q 12 h) or amoxycillin/clavulanic
early stages of the course of the disease. Viral paro- acid (12.5 mg/kg PO q 12 h) which should be contin-
tiditis could be involved in the cause of salivation. ued for 4 weeks minimum.