Are There Any Drug Interactions I Should Be Aware Of
The following medications should be used with caution when given lysine: arginine or oral calcium supplements.
Vitamins, herbal therapies, and supplements have the potential to interact with each other, as well as with prescription and over the counter medications. It is important to tell your veterinarian about any medications that your pet is taking.
Alternatives To Lysine For Cats
Did you know that whenever your cat leaves your home, it may be susceptible to Feline Herpes Virus ? This virus can cause problems in the cats bodies and is usually treated by an amino acid supplement for cats called lysine. But sometimes, cat owners may prefer to use some other supplement, in which case, there are many alternatives to lysine for cats.
If you are looking for a substitute for lysine for your cat, look no further, because we have compiled all the information you need in this article.
How Long Can The Virus Live In The Environment
When saliva or other discharges from an infected cat contaminate the environment, the virus can survive in the material as long as it stays moist. Fortunately the secretions usually dry up in a fairly short period of time, and once the secretion dries up the virus will die. Viral particles that get onto hands or other skin surfaces usually remain infective for about half an hour, while contaminated items such as food or water bowls, kitty litter boxes, blankets, cleaning cloths, and cat toys will be infective as long as the secretions on them remain moist – under normal conditions, the secretions will dry up in a few hours.
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One pack comes with 30 bite-sized chews in a tasty fish flavor your pet will pounce on. Ingredients like salmon oil, safflower oil, taurine, lysine, oat flour, and rye flour provide healthy fats, whole-grain fiber, and amino acids. This supplement also contains several vitamins and minerals like calcium, vitamin D, magnesium, zinc, Vitamin B12, Vitamin A, folic acid, and biotin. It’s also got brewer’s yeast, which can help repel fleas.
How Can The Virus Be Killed
The virus is readily killed in the environment by disinfectants, as long as the disinfectant contacts all contaminated surfaces. A bleach solution is an effective disinfectant for surface disinfection or for use on objects that can be bleached. Contaminated objects should be soaked in bleach solution for a minimum of 5 minutes. Blankets or toys can also be disinfected by regular machine washing using hot water and detergent. Objects that cannot be bleached may be decontaminated by thorough washing with plenty of soap and water. Upholstered furniture may be decontaminated with upholstery shampoo, although in most cases furniture only serves as a source of virus for a short period of time after being contaminated by an infected cat.
After touching an infected cat, hands can be sanitized by washing with soap and water , followed by application of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
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Recovery Of Lysine Allergy In Cats
Once lysine is removed from your cats diet, the symptoms he is experiencing should resolve themselves. It is a good idea to work closely with your veterinarian to find other options that will help your cat strengthen his immune system. A strong immune system is particularly important if he has been exposed to the herpes virus as his immune system can keep the virus in check so that symptoms are not experienced.
What Is The Treatment For This Infection
Cats with an uncomplicated infection caused by FVR will usually be treated symptomatically. Treatment will be determined by the specific clinical signs and problems that your cat is showing.
Infection involving the eyes may be treated with topical eye medications. It is extremely important to treat corneal ulcers aggressively in order to prevent permanent damage to the eyes. Cats with recurrent FVR conjunctivitis infections will often require treatment with antiviral ophthalmic drops or oral anti-viral medications such as famciclovir . Some cats may respond to supplementation with L-lysine, an amino acid that may help reduce the severity of the disease as well as decreasing spread of the infection. Your veterinarian can recommend a specific dose.
Antibiotics are often prescribed to control secondary bacterial infections from complicating the disease, particularly in kittens. Commonly used antibiotics are doxycycline, azithromycin, and clavamox. It is important to administer doxycycline in liquid form as pills can cause severe damage to the esophagus. If a pill must be used, it should be coated and at least 6 ml of water should be given afterward.
A probiotic called FortiFlora® has been proven effective at reducing the length of illness.
A new treatment called polyprenyl immunostimulant claims to boost the catâs immune system to help It fight the virus and early studies show less illness in treated cats.
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How Is Cat Herpes Treated
Cat herpes can be treated with a few different antiviral drugs. Some of the most common options include:
- Systemic antiviral therapy: This uses a human anti-herpes antiviral drug, also known as Famciclovir, that has been proven to be safe in cats. It is given by mouth and helps manage severe infections.
- Topical ocular antiviral therapy: These anti-herpes drugs, known as idoxuridine, trifluridine, and cidofovir, can be used as eye drops in treating cat herpes. Eye drops are usually given daily and sometimes combined with other treatment options.
- Nursing care or hospitalization: In severe cases, your veterinarian may recommend that your cat is hospitalized so they can receive nutritional support or intravenous fluid therapy .
Bacterial infections often complicate cat herpes. Combined with antibiotics, supportive treatment for your cat is essential for their recovery. With the right medication and care, your cat can live a long and healthy life.
What Is Lysine Allergy
Lysine is an amino acid that is used as a supplement in people as well as cats. Lysine will help in improving supplemental calcium absorbency and is often recommended in the treatment of herpes. It works by decreasing the amount of arginine, which is an amino acid that is considered necessary for the herpes virus to reproduce.
Cats with feline herpes will display a respiratory infection with flu-like symptoms like wheezing, fever, lethargy and conjunctivitis . Many cats experience exposure to the feline herpes virus however never show symptoms of the illness. If your cat has been exposed to the virus and his immune system becomes weak, the virus may flare up and cause symptoms in your cat. Lysine may also be used for cats that are experiencing allergies.
Lysine is available as a pill or in a powder that can be mixed into your cats food. Unfortunately, while lysine has few side effects, some cats will experience an allergy to it.
An amino acid given as a supplement, lysine can be helpful in keeping the herpes virus under control. While it has minimal side effects, should your cats immune system overreact, he will experience an allergy.
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How Does A Cat Become Infected With Feline Herpesvirus
A cat becomes infected with this virus by direct contact with virus particles. The virus is spread in saliva and in discharges from the eyes and nose of an infected cat. Therefore, an infection occurs when a susceptible cat comes into direct contact with an infected cat, or comes into contact with inanimate objects that have been contaminated with viral particles.
Diagnosis Of Lysine Allergy In Cats
Should you notice concerning symptoms in your cat, you will want to visit your veterinarian, who will conduct a physical examination. Your veterinarian will ask you questions in regards to the symptoms you have noticed, when you first noticed them and any changes that have occurred. You will also be asked for details in regards to his diet, medications and supplements that he takes and whether there have been any recent changes.
Depending on the physical examination, your veterinarian may conduct a complete blood count, serum chemistry analysis, urinalysis and stool sample evaluation. These will help your veterinarian determine if there is an underlying illness that is leading to your cats symptoms. Your veterinarian may obtain a sample of your cats skin cells and view them under a microscope to see if mites, fungus or bacteria may be causing your cats symptoms.
If your veterinarian feels that your cat is experiencing an allergy to something he is consuming, like lysine, he will work with you on developing a plan to eliminate different elements of his diet. Should your cat be taking different supplements, your veterinarian may recommend eliminating them first to see if his symptoms are resolved. You can then add them back in one at a time and see if the allergy is triggered, thereby confirming what your cat is reacting to.
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How Is Lysine Given
Lysine is given by mouth in the form of a powder, crushed tablet, chewable tablet, or paste/gel. Mix the powder in a small amount of food unless otherwise directed.
This medication can take up to a few weeks before full effects are noted, but gradual improvements are usually noticeable after a few days.
Treatment Of Lysine Allergy In Cats
Should it be determined that your cat is experiencing an allergy to lysine, it is important to eliminate the supplement from your cats diet. If your cat has been exposed to the herpes virus and lysine has been helping to strengthen his immune system, your veterinarian may be able to recommend other supplements that can replace lysine.
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How Can I Reduce Flare
Flare-ups of the cat herpes virus are commonly treated with ointments or eye drops. Your veterinarian may recommend giving your cat amino acid supplements to boost their immune system.
You can also help your cat reduce flare-ups by providing them with a clean, comfortable environment. All bedding and blankets for your cat should be washed regularly. Bowls, trays, and litter boxes should be cleaned daily and kept in an area that is easy for your cat to access.
Continued
Alternative To Lysine For Cats: 5 Efficient Options
Lysine is an amino acid that has been promoted for the prevention and treatment of Feline Herpes Virus Type-1 infection. It has proven ineffective and its not without side effects. There are, however, more than one alternative to lysine for cats.
They might be very helpful in boosting your cats immune system and the management of FHV-1. Here are some of them.
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What Are Lysines Side Effects
Along with the conflicting L-lysine research, a L-lysine allergy can be a threat when the immune system overreacts, causing the skin to become inflamed and itch. The root of a L-lysine allergy is quickly addressed and resolved by removing the L-lysine from the cats diet altogether.
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Texas feline practitioner Gary D. Norsworthy, DVM, Dipl ABVP, who co-edited The Feline Patient, 4th Edition, said, Some cats have a convincing response despite what science says. I do not recommend it as a first-line treatment for feline herpes virus, but I also do not discourage it Its use should be on the cats response, whether scientific or not.
QUESTION: Are there other illnesses that could be confused with the feline herpes virus?
ANSWER: Veterinarypartner.com estimates 90 percent of cat respiratory infections are a result of the herpes virus, or a similar virus known as, Calicivirus.
QUESTION: What causes FHV-1 to flare-up?
ANSWER: According to The Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine, After a stressful event, the virus reactivates in carriers, and they can affect other animals. Stresses can induce virus shedding, including a change of housing, kittening, etc. Some cats show clinical signs during a reactivation episode, which is a useful indicator theyre likely to be infectious.
QUESTION: Does L-lysine suppress FHV-1?
QUESTION: Do studies fail to demonstrate that L-lysine effectively treats FHV-1?
QUESTION: Does L-lysine have no side effects?
What Is The Role Of Lysine For Cats
Amino acids in any animal body are essential for the body to survive. They take part in almost every bodily function. Lysine is an essential amino acid that helps produce antibodies and aids in calcium absorption. This is important, so our kitties can fight diseases and have healthy bones. Cats do not make lysine on their own. They must obtain it through their food and supplements.
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Best Alternatives To Lysine For Cats
If your cat leaves the home it is vulnerable to Feline Herpes Virus Type One, otherwise known as FHV. Lysine is often promoted as an effective preventative remedy and treatment for FHV but it comes with a host of side effects and, more to the point, has been proven to be ineffective.
However, there are good alternatives that will help protect your cat by boosting her immune system and better manage the symptoms of FHV. In this article we will look at five good alternatives.
So, in no particular order here are five good alternatives to lysine to help protect your cat against FHV.
Are There Any Potential Side Effects
Side effects are uncommon, especially when the supplement is mixed with food. In humans, stomach pain and diarrhea have been reported, but the significance of this in veterinary patients is unknown. This short-acting medication should stop working within 24 hours, although effects can be longer in pets with liver or kidney disease.
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Other Side Effects Of L
L-lysine can negatively impact cats in other, less damaging ways, which can nonetheless be uncomfortable for your cat. These side effects include:
- Seizures
- Facial swelling
- Pale gums
L-lysine supplementation may also interfere with other medications that your cat is taking. Always talk to your veterinarian about other medications, supplements, or vitamins that your cat is taking before beginning L-lysine treatment. Large doses of L-lysine may interact with certain antibiotics and increase the antibiotics toxicity.
Cats with digestive disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome or ulcers, might find their chronic conditions worsened when taking L-lysine supplementation, due to negative interactions with other prescribed medications. Occasionally, a cat may develop an allergy to the L-lysine medication, resulting in difficulty breathing, dizziness, and rashes.
Recovery And Management Of Cat Colds
Most healthy cats are able to make a full recovery from a cat cold without medical intervention in about 7-10 days. If your cat experiences more severe symptoms and medical treatment is required, the recovery period may last longer and be harder, depending on how serious it was. Adding in at-home care can help with a cats recovery.
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A New Study Sheds Light On L
The veterinary communitys attitude toward L-lysine and cats began to change when a 2015 study was published in the BMC Veterinary Research journal. The researchers found that there was no proof that L-lysine supplementation suppressed the feline herpesvirus in infected cats. They recommended that veterinarians stop prescribing L-lysine immediately due to the lack of evidence concerning its effectiveness. The study was summed up as follows:
- No evidence was found that L-lysine prevented cats from FHV-1 infection
- L-lysine did not prevent recurrences of FHV-1 and its symptoms
- No proof exists that L-lysine can alleviate FHV-1 and its symptoms
Frequent use of L-lysine as a supplement lowers levels of arginine, an amino acid essential to cats low arginine levels may cause serious health issues in felines. Arginine is responsible for critical body functions, such as kidney filtration, immune system function, hormone function, and wound healing.
Lysine and arginine compete with each other for absorption within the body. Initially, researchers thought that lower arginine levels helped prevent FHV-1hence the L-lysine recommendationbut the 2015 study has caused scientists, researchers, and veterinarians to adopt a more cautious attitude toward the use of L-lysine.
How Vets Diagnose Cat Colds
If your cat is showing symptoms of a viral infection, your cats veterinarian will perform a thorough examination. It is important that you give your vet a thorough medical history about your cat, including the onset and nature of the symptoms.
Based on their exam findings, your cats veterinarian may recommend routine diagnostic tests to check for possible complications of a cold. These tests may include a complete blood count to check white and red blood cell and platelet counts, a serum biochemistry to see if the internal organs are functioning appropriately, and chest X-rays to check for pneumonia or other conditions such as asthma or fungal infection.
An upper respiratory PCR panel may be recommended by your cats veterinarian in order to figure out what virus or bacteria is causing her symptoms. This test is performed by collecting secretions from the eyes and nose with swabs and submitting them to a laboratory, where they are analyzed for pathogens that cause respiratory disease.
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