Treatment should be supportive whilst the cat's own defences overcome the infection.
Basically aimed at:
- Controlling propensity for secondary bacterial infection.
- Combating dehydration.
- Restoring electrolyte imbalance.
Treatment therefore consists of:
- Parental, bactericidal, broad-spectrum antibiotic such as amoxycillin and clavulanic acid or a cephalosporin (since both gut absorption and the immune system are impaired).
- Subcutaneous or intravenous fluids: 5% dextrose saline, lactated Ringer's solution or more complex balanced electrolyte solutions all suitable.
- Whole blood: use equivocal as generally no anaemia. In early stages (< 5 days) may be useful as means of giving hyperimmune serum.
- An anti-emetic, such as metoclopromide, may reduce fluid loss.
- Oral and liquidised foods in later stages when gastro-intestinal signs have diminished. Low doses of diazepam can be used just before feeding to stimulate appetite.
- Vitamin supplements.
- Good nursing care: if treatment permits, home care best. (Remember marked resistance of virus to the environment and to many common disinfectants.)