Diagnosis of Feline Upper Respiratory Infections

Diagnosis of feline upper respiratory infections begins with a thorough physical examination of the afflicted cat, during this time the veterinarian will study the patient’s current and previous medical history.  Feline upper respiratory infections are highly contagious airborne diseases.  Cats with weakened immune systems and kittens are more prone to contracting this disease.  In some cases, the veterinarian may do blood work.  A comparison of the symptoms will assist the veterinarian in making a determination as to whether the upper respiratory infection was caused by calicivirus or by rhinotracheitis. 

During the diagnostic examination, the veterinarian will ask questions regarding vaccine status and possible incidents of exposure to an infected cat.

Laboratory testing, blood work, swab tests, and radiographs can aid the veterinarian in making a determination regarding the exact cause of a cat’s condition.  Sores in and around the mouth will lead to the conclusion that the infection was caused by calicivirus.   

Cats experiencing long-lasting or recurrent infections should be tested for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV).  These tests should be performed even if the cat was vaccinated.