- Pet/Vet
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by Skippack Pharmacy
Understanding Feline Herpesvirus (FHV-1)
Feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1) is a common viral infection in cats that often leads to upper respiratory symptoms and ocular disease. Many cats are exposed to FHV-1 as kittens, and once infected, the virus remains in their system for life. While it may stay dormant for long periods, stress, illness, or immune suppression can trigger flare-ups. One of the most frustrating symptoms of these recurrences is viral conjunctivitis or keratitis—inflammation of the eye’s surface that can cause redness, squinting, discharge, and pain.
The Role of Antiviral Therapy in Ocular FHV-1
Since FHV-1 is a virus, antibiotics won’t help unless there’s a secondary bacterial infection. That’s where antiviral therapy comes in. While there are several treatment options available, many require frequent dosing or are not well-tolerated by all cats. Cidofovir has emerged as an effective and convenient topical antiviral specifically for treating the eye-related complications of FHV-1.
What Is Cidofovir?
Cidofovir is a broad-spectrum antiviral medication originally developed for human use, but it has shown excellent efficacy in veterinary medicine, particularly in treating FHV-1 in cats. When used as an ophthalmic solution, cidofovir interferes with viral DNA replication, helping to reduce viral load in the eyes and speed up healing. Importantly, cidofovir is well-suited for cats because it typically only needs to be applied twice a day, making it far easier for pet parents to administer consistently.
Benefits of Compounded Cidofovir Eye Drops
At Skippack Pharmacy, we offer Cidofovir 0.5% in Artificial Tears, a sterile compounded ophthalmic solution specially prepared for feline patients. The use of artificial tears as the base helps soothe and hydrate the eyes while delivering the antiviral medication. Compounding allows us to prepare cidofovir at an appropriate concentration in a gentle, preservative-free vehicle that’s better tolerated by sensitive feline eyes.
Why Cidofovir?
Cidofovir eye drops provide an effective and manageable treatment option for cats suffering from herpesvirus-related eye infections. If your cat experiences recurring conjunctivitis or keratitis caused by FHV-1, talk to your veterinarian about whether cidofovir could help reduce flare-ups and improve your cat’s comfort and eye health. At Skippack Pharmacy, we’re here to support you and your feline companion with customized, sterile treatments that make a difference.
