Herpesvirus induced feline urolithiasis—A review

Abstract

Three viruses were isolated during early studies of feline urolithiasis. These viruses were: feline calicivirus, feline syncytium forming virus (FeSFV), and a previously undescribed cell associated herpesvirus (CAHV). Urolithiasis in all its manifestations (hematuria, urethral obstruction, and cystitis) has been reproduced in specific pathogen free (SPF) male cats following inoculation with the herpesvirus alone. The disease has not been induced in SPF cats with the calicivirus alone. However, when SPF cats were inoculated with both the CAHV and calicivirus, clinical signs of disease developed earlier and more urinary tract disease complications were produced. From these results, it is postulated that the calicivirus may act as an enhancing or complicating factor in the development of the disease. Because urolithiasis was produced in SPF cats without the FeSFV, it is further postulated that this virus either may have no role in pathogenesis of the disease, or it too may produce secondary complications.