'Mad Itch' Pseudorabies Virus Infection in Cats

Suid Herpesvirus in Cats

The pseudorabies virus infection (or Aujeszky's disease) is an uncommon but highly fatal disease found in cats, especially those that come into contact with swine. Unfortunately, many cats infected with this virus die suddenly, often without characteristic signs.

When symptoms do occur, they include excessive salivation, intense itching, and neurologic behavioral changes. Because of the extreme itching it causes, pseudorabies is sometimes referred to as “mad itch.”

The virus infects both dogs and cats -- primarily those living on farms -- as well as other domestic animals such as swine, cattle, sheep, and goats. Otherwise, there is no breed, gender, or age predilection for this viral infection.

If you would like to learn more about how this pseudorabies affects dogs, please visit this page in the PetMD health library.

Symptoms and Types

As previously stated, it is possible a cat suffering from pseudorabies displays no symptoms at all. However, some signs which may be seen include:

• Fever
• Vomiting
• Excessive salivation
• Rapid and labored breathing

Other symptoms and signs may be neurological in nature, such as:

• Depression
• Lethargy
• Ataxia
• Convulsions
• Reluctance to move
• Lying down excessively
• Intense itching and self-mutilation from scratching
• Coma

Causes

Other than direct contact with swine, cats may contract the pseudorabies virus (or Suid herpesvirus 1) by eating contaminated, uncooked meat or offal from swine, or by ingesting infected rats.

Diagnosis

Your veterinarian will make a diagnosis of the pseudorabies virus infection by comparing it to diseases with similar symptoms. For example, cats with the regular form of rabies will attack anything that moves, and there is no itching or sudden death. Meanwhile, a cat that has been poisoned displays no signs of itching or personality change.

If your cat does recover from this infection, a blood test will reveal pseudorabies virus antibodies. If sudden death should occur, your veterinarian will examine its brain tissue for confirmation of pseudorabies.

Treatment

Unfortunately, there is currently no effective medical or medicinal treatment for the pseudorabies virus.

Living and Management

Expected course and prognosis:

• Classic Form of the Infection -- in 60 percent of cases the condition lasts 24 to 36 hours; it is almost invariably fatal.
• Atypical Form of the Infection -- in 40 percent of cases the condition lasts more than 36 hours; it is almost invariably fatal.

There is a mild potential for human infection. Precautions should be taken when treating infected animals, and when handling infected tissues and fluids. Cat-to-cat transmission does not usually occur.

Prevention

• Avoid contact with infected swine, the reservoir host
• Avoid ingestion of contaminated pork
• Avoid ingestion of infected rats