The Merck Veterinary Manual is available online and it's free. The veterinarians' resource can be accessed at www.merckvetmanual.com. Anytime, anywhere. The reference, first introduced in 1955, covers the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of animal disease.

The Merck Veterinary Manual CE Portal Merck is committed to bringing out the best in medicine. As part of that effort, Merck has created The Merck Manuals, a series of books for human and animal health care professionals and for the general public. As a service to the community, the content of The Manuals is available free of charge in enhanced online versions. The online versions are updated regularly with new information and contain illustrations and audio and video material not present in the print versions. Utilizing content from the Merck Veterinary Manual, VetMedTeam is please to provide the veterinary practice team with free educational opportunities for RACE approved non-interactive CE. Click on a course title below to view more details about a course and to enroll.

At a glance: About: Calicivirus is a common viral infection which causes flu-like symptoms in cats. Kittens, senior and immunocompromised cats are most at risk. Transmission: The virus is spread by direct contact with respiratory droplets from an infected cat and contaminated surfaces such as food bowls and bedding (fomites). Symptoms: Calicivirus produces similar symptoms to the common cold in people, including; fever, nasal and eye discharge, sneezing, mouth ulcers, loss of appetite, lethargy, red gums and limping.

Diagnosis: Complete physical examination, accompanying symptoms and history. Baseline tests such as complete blood count, biochemical profile and urinalysis to evaluate the overall health of your cat. In most cases, a diagnosis of calicivirus is based on presenting symptoms. Treatment: Supportive care such as fluids and nutrition while your cat fights the infection. Antibiotics will be given if a secondary infection is present. Keep eyes and nose free of discharge. What is Feline Calicivirus?

Calicivirus (FCV) is a common viral infection found in cats that is characterised by the presence of flu-like symptoms such as upper respiratory infection. It is a member of the Caliciviridae family.

Around 80 – 90% of all feline respiratory disease complex is due to feline calicivirus or feline rhinotracheitis virus (feline herpesvirus). Dual infection with both feline calicivirus and feline herpesvirus are fairly common. [1] Calicivirus usually affects the throat, eyes, nasal cavity and oral cavity in cats although sometimes the lungs, musculoskeletal system, and intestines can also be affected. In the healthy adult cat, the mortality rate is relatively low, however, kittens, older cats, and immunosuppressed cats are at increased risk. Feline calicivirus is common in shelters and over-crowded environments. The geographical distribution of calicivirus in cats is worldwide. Transmission: Infection occurs via direct contact, aerosol or fomites (objects such as floors, food bowls, clothing, caregivers).

Direct contact and aerosol: The most common mode of infection is direct transmission from an infected cat. The virus replicates in the respiratory tract and oral tissues and is shed in oral, eye and nasal secretions as well as urine and feces. Indirect contact and carrier cats: • Contaminated food bowls, litter trays, flooring, bedding, caregivers etc. Calicivirus is resistant to many disinfectants and can live in the environment for several weeks. • It is possible for cats to remain carriers for years after infection. Digitizeit 1.5.8 serial numbers.

This means even though they have contracted the virus, become sick and recovered, the virus is still being shed in excretions and it is possible to infect other cats. Once the cat recovers from calicivirus he will either stop shedding the virus completely after two to four weeks or go on to become a chronic carrier and shed the virus from time to time, particularly during stressful periods or when he is sick. These carrier cats may or may not display symptoms when they are shedding. Symptoms: The incubation period of calicivirus is between 2-6 days. There are several strains of calicivirus which infect cats, and symptoms differ depending on the virulence of the particular virus causing infection. Some strains may cause mild symptoms only, others severe.