CLINICAL MANAGEMENT OF CONJUNGTIVITIS AND RHINITIS IN A HIMALAYAN CAT: A CASE REPORT

Abstract

The current upward trend in keeping purebred cats is accompanied by a high risk of disease, including respiratory and eye infections such as conjunctivitis. conjunctivitis and rhinitis are components of the feline upper respiratory tract disease, which commonly occurs in cats, particularly in brachycephalic breeds such as the Himalayan cat. The shortened facial structure and narrowed nasal passages characteristic of this breed predispose them to infections and inflammation of the mucosal surfaces. This case report aims to describe the management of bacterial conjunctivitis and rhinitis in a 1.5-year-old male Himalayan cat weighing 1.75 kg, presenting with clinical signs of sneezing, ocular discharge, and nasal discharge. Clinical examination, hematological analysis, cytology, bacterial culture, rapid testing for Feline Herpesvirus and radiography were performed to establish the diagnosis. Hematological findings revealed lymphocytosis, granulocytopenia, and macrocytosis. Cytological examination and bacterial culture of ocular and nasal swabs identified the presence of Staphylococcus sp. and Enterococcus sp., while the FHV rapid test yielded negative results. The treatment protocol consisted of topical and oral antibiotics, systemic corticosteroids as anti-inflammatory therapy, and supportive treatment in the form of multivitamin supplementation. Clinical improvement was observed on the third day of treatment, and complete recovery was achieved by the seventh day, as indicated by the resolution of sneezing and ocular and nasal discharge. Based on these findings, appropriate and integrated management provides a favorable prognosis in cases of bacterial conjunctivitis and rhinitis in Himalayan cats.