A recent clinical trial by the University of California (UC) Davis School of Veterinary Medicine has demonstrated the antiviral drug famciclovir, used to treat feline herpes, can speed up recovery in kittens suffering from infectious upper respiratory disease (IURD).
The research, published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, also indicates that famciclovir may help reduce corneal disease in certain kittens, which is an important finding since ocular issues are reportedly a common manifestation of IURD.
This clinical trial specifically examined the impact of combining famciclovir with doxycycline in 373 kittens diagnosed with IURD-related ocular issues. The study found that kittens with mild disease receiving famciclovir reached full recovery up to five days ahead of those receiving only doxycycline, and significantly fewer kittens on the antiviral drug developed corneal disease.
In a statement by the university, lead authors Dr. Karen Vernau and Dr. David Maggs note quicker recovery may help free shelter space and boost adoption chances, as younger kittens are adopted more quickly.
For more information, visit the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine website.