Vetoquinol now offers Enisyl-F, a newer option for the treatment of the feline herpes virus (FHV). It's estimated that up to 85% of cats have FHV, but many aren't symptomatic. For those that are, prescribed treatment is available to help ease symptoms.
FHV Explained
FHV doesn't have a cure and causes upper respiratory infections and flu-like symptoms in cats. When a cat has FHV he’ll sneeze, have a runny nose, an inflamed eye and reproductive complications. A link has been observed between stress and FHV flare-ups in infected cats.
FHV is most commonly seen in kittens whose mothers were infected with the virus, cats in close quarters and those that don’t have a proper diet. Cat’s that haven’t been vaccinated against FHV are at the greatest risk of contracting this virus.
FHV Treatment with Enisyl-F
Ventoquinol, a manufacturer of a veterinary medicine, has created Enisyl-F. L-lysine, an amino acid found in Enisyl-F, has proven to help control the symptoms associated with FHV and has helped decrease in the amount of ulcers seen on a cat’s cornea and labored breathing. The amino acid makes it difficult for the herpes virus to reproduce within a cat so flare-ups can more easily be controlled. Enisyl-F not only helps control FHV symptoms, but helps reduce the number of infections and their severity.
Enisyl-F comes in the form of a paste that has a pleasurable taste to cats. It typically comes in a container that looks like a syringe that has a special dial that administers the right dose of medication needed. Pet owners have reported that they like the fact that the medicine is easy to dispense, isn’t expensive, and can be taken by kittens and adult cats. It’s recommended that the medication be mixed in with a cat’s food or administered when he’s eating so the side effects, though rare, are less likely to occur. Reported side effects of Enisyl-F are mostly gastrointestinal and include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
A pet owner will notice a cat will begin to feel better after starting treatment with Enisyl-F in as little as a week. The length of time a cat will be taking the medication, however, depends on the severity of his symptoms. A veterinarian may recommend a cat take Enisyl-F for at least 30 days, which is common. It’s also common for a vet to recommend a cat take the medicine everyday of his life to prevent further outbreaks, especially if the cat has high levels of anxiety.
Enisyl-F Dosing
An adult cat with FHV is typically given 1 to 2 ml of Enisyl-F two times a day, per the recommendation of a veterinarian. A kitten should only have 1 ml of Enisyl-F twice a day. Don’t give a cat Enisyl-F or any other FHV treatment without first consulting a veterinarian.
Even though there isn’t a cure for FHV, there’s fortunately a way to help ease a cat’s pain and distress when he falls ill from the virus. Enisyl-F may be a good treatment option for a cat with this disease if others have failed.