Expert: Jessica - 8/15/2010

Question
I am fostering a cat for a friend and she has clear fluid
leaking from her nose and mouth, What is the most likely cause
and do I need to take her to the vet?

Answer
Hi Stacy,

Yes, I would advise taking her to a vet.  I can’t say for sure what the cause would be.  Cats can suffer lots of different upper respiratory and oral ailments.  The most common cause would probably be a virus called calici.  This is an upper respiratory infection that causes a clear nasal discharge, usually with fits of sneezing, and oral ulcers that cause the cat to drool.  

Because calici is a virus, the cat’s immune system will need to fight off the infection on its own.  However, this infection leaves the cat open to many complications.  The oral ulcers usually become infected with bacteria.  Some cats also experience ulcers in the lungs, which lead to pneumonia.  Because of these risk factors, cats with calici are usually placed on antibiotics.  

Due to the pain of the ulcers, many cats will also stop eating and drinking, so food and water intake need to be monitored closely.  If the cat doesn’t drink enough, it will become dehydrated, and the vet will give her fluids under the skin.  If the cat doesn’t eat enough, a special food can be given that will stimulate appetite and may also be fed with a syringe if necessary.  Pain relievers can be prescribed to help the cat cope with the pain.  Some vets feel that a medication called sucralfate can help coat the ulcers in the mouth and throat to heal the sores more quickly and provide pain relief.

Calici symptoms usually clear up in about 10 days, but some cats can suffer for a few weeks.  Cats tend to become carriers of the infection for life, suffering flare ups from time to time.

There are definitely other causes for these symptoms, including polyps, tumors, bad teeth and severe nausea, but calici is the most common cause.  A vet visit is in order to determine the true cause and decide the best treatment plan.

Best wishes!

Jessica