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My cat has chronic asthma and a dry bleeding nose. What's wrong?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Siamese | Male | neutered | 8 years and 3 months old | 23 lbs

Hi, I have an 8-year old overweight male Lynx Point Siamese cat, that my parents are taking care of overseas.He has chronic asthma like breathing issue, time to time making that noise since his youth. He recently had more serious issue of dry bleed from nose. My parents took him to a Vet hospital in country, and they gave him Zylexis Shots (3 times) and my parents also used Zovirax and Acyclovir Cream on nose. It seems this issue is viral, but the dry blood is still there. What should we use?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Joy Fuhrman, DVM, MBA, CPA

Answered By Joy Fuhrman, DVM, MBA, CPA

Veterinarian

Published on December 7th, 2017

It sounds like Sher is being treated for for a Herpes Virus infection. Feline Herpes Virus (FHV) attacks the cells of the nose, throat and eyes. The virus will usually run its course in 10-20 days but if Sher is being treated with steroids for feline asthma she is likely more susceptible to herpes outbreaks. FHV cannot be cured and although the current outbreak may resolve, the virus remains latent in the system until the next outbreak.

You can try using a room humidifier or putting Sher int he bathroom while you take a shower to keep the mucous membranes soft and moist. L-Lysine is also recommended for patients with FHV.

If Sher becomes weak or is having difficulty breathing she may need to be hospitalized for supportive care.

Good luck! I hope Sher is feeling better soon.
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