They cannot survive on a vegan or vegetarian diet. Multiple cat foods and treats also include L-lysine as an ingredient, although care should be taken to not exceed the proper dosage for your cat. Typically, it is recommended for cats to have 400-500mg of lysine each day, especially when trying to treat ailments. www.felineliving.net is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. For a potent source of dietary lysine that is easy to blend into wet or dry cat food, this powder from NOW could be exactly what you're looking for. Notice that I said MAY affect the other. It is typically administered to cats. In these cases, cats can be given anti-virals, antibiotics, along with lysine to help fight the diseases taking over. So you're the Barn Cat Lady. There are many products containing L-lysine with the intention of being used as a supplement for cats. There are many studies published that have proved that lysine supplementation is completely ineffective in FHV cats and/or INCREASED virus shedding and symptoms. Science and evidence is always evolving based on new evidence all the time. However, there is some anecdotal evidence (for example owners saying that their cat goes downhill every time they stop lysine) that lysine can help cats with feline herpes virus. Always talk to your veterinarian about other medications, supplements, or vitamins that your cat is taking before beginning L-lysine treatment. Along with the conflicting L-lysine research, a L-lysine allergy can be a threat when the immune system overreacts, causing the skin to become inflamed and itch. Stress associated with the administration of L-lysine in cats may negate its potential benefits. Lysine helps halt the replication of herpesvirus in your pet. By law, they're not supposed to. Hi! Stress is a key factor in the reoccurrence of the feline herpes virus as well! Symptoms of cat flu caused by the herpes virus include: . This study tested all combinations of lactoferrin, lysine, and antibiotics. Read on for my reasoning! Generally, it is recommended that a cat consume the entire dose in one sitting. Whether lysine is actually beneficial is now under question. Today, its sinusitis is gone, but it left some little remain, I hear it, when he sleeps and snores. See, we need a group that wasn't given ANY treatment to determine the percentage of cats that recover WITHOUT TREATMENT. Sorry, but my experience is very much the opposite!! I have no idea if lysine would help with Shingles issues or not, that's one thing I didn't research. The better the nutrients a cat ingests, the better the cats overall health is, including the immune system. ANSWER: Veterinarypartner.com estimates 90 percent of cat respiratory infections are a result of the herpes virus, or a similar virus known as, Calicivirus. The researchers found that there was no proof that L-lysine supplementation suppressed the feline herpesvirus in infected cats. Please contact the site administrator. } This amino acid is present in every cat's body, but some cats do not have enough of it to ward off infections and illnesses. I am completely satisfied, I found useful information and tips in this article, Article was somewhat helpful, but could be improved. Knowing all the risks and information that is involved when giving lysine is important. Lets state this plainly: Lysine is NOT a supplement for immune support. This is still true. Self-educated pet care nerd. The feline herpes virus needs the amino acid arginine to reproduce. Some reviewers have expressed concerns over its grainy texture. Once cats have the herpes virus, most become carriers. Lysine has been considered a natural remedy for some of the symptoms of cat flu, helping to reduce the symptoms and trying to prevent the symptoms from recurring. Large doses of L-lysine may interact with certain antibiotics and increase the antibiotics toxicity. She is an avid reader, coffee addict, gamer, and a writer (as Selenity Jade). display: flex; How Does L-lysine Work in Cats? Your email address will not be published. Learn more about how Purina and Petfinder are making a difference together. Lysine coats the herpesvirus and interferes with another amino acid known as arginine, which the virus needs in order to replicate. Cats may take L-lysine as a snack or treat, and its recommended that they consume it in one sitting. If you check your cat food ingredients label,you might see some of these foods listed. Many times they can suggest a dose that is different than what the bottle suggests. Read morehere. Rania Gollakner, BS, DVM, MPH, Contributors: Rania Gollakner, BS, DVM, MPH. You want to determine if Lysine works better than NO treatment. L-Lysine from Pet Natural's comes in a delicious chicken liver bite sized chew that cats love! (Though no evidence shows it does reduce arginine in cats). However, recent work has shown that oral L-lysine can exacerbate the feline herpes virus.. As a lifelong animal lover and cat owner, Rochelle has over 30 years of experience with our feline companions. So far, I have not found any studies that actually state the arginine is reduced in medical studies. If you go vegan for health reasons or because you yourself can't eat animals, then that's perfectly fine when you own a cat, who has to eat meat in his or her food. Can L-lysine help a cat with an eye infection? If your cat is prone to colds, sniffles, and conjunctivitis, this could be a good option for your pet. Many cat caretakers, shelters, sanctuaries, and vets have recommended lysine supplementation in cats who have Feline Herpes Virus (FHV), a type of feline upper respiratory infection. Not only can it improve their upper respiratory infection (URI) symptoms, but also inflammation of the eyes and conjunctivitis (eye discharge) caused by feline herpes. Though, if youre still interested in trying lysine supplements for your cats, you can find some on Amazon or Chewy. I love this site. Or not? Now I don't use it anymore. Veterinarians were of the thought that L-lysine interfered with the replication of the FHV-1 virus by preventing the uptake of a second amino acid, arginine. IF I get a cat sneezing and clear mucus .. 500 MG twice a day . This amino acid is present in every cats body, but some cats do not have enough of it to ward off infections and illnesses. Just that you think it helped your cat's mysterious eye problem. We have no idea. One anecdotal case of it 'curing' a mysterious eye problem doesn't mean lysine helped. In anectotal evidence as when people swear something happens, they tend to associate one thing with getting better. Lysine does NOT have antiviral properties and will not improve a cats immune system, as I stated previously. However, I went back to the lysine (I forget why now) and have been giving it to her in her nightly wet food snack and it has since cleared up (for about the past year). That's why they test improvement rates against placebo groups. There have been a few reports of a skin reaction, such as itching, too. Nearly all feline illnesses can get better or worse on their own with no interference from people, which is why they have a control group. Lysine contains anti-viral properties which helps to keep cold sores at bay. And of course, enforcing the cat with nutrition, vitamins, fish oil etc. A: Always consult the package or bottle for specific storage instructions. That's probably why they recommend Lysine because of the financial element. It wouldn't work on an unknown eye condition even unless it was runny or swollen shut from the feline herpes virus, IF it worked as people claim. To put it simply, lysine and arginine use the same intracellular transporter system and thus too much of one may affect the metabolism of the other. These chews feature an appealing chicken flavor that most cats seem to enjoy. but the basic is the antibiotics, both for the body, and for the eyes (drops). If it DOES limit arginine, that could be dangerous in cats, as they do not produce their own. A: Lysine is an oral supplement. } A vegetarian or vegan who chooses that diet for non-health reasons should understand that, for HEALTH REASONS, they have to feed their cat/s meat. Arginine is very important to detoxify ammonia, which results from the breakdown of proteins. By using lysine, you are blocking the amino acid arginine. How much lysine to give a cat with runny eyes? Administration of L-lysine should be a pleasant experience for your cat. Right now I am trying a mixture of very high quality cat food with all that mixed in with medium grade cat food and some extra supplements. However, generally, lysine is considered safe for cats at the recommended dose! Cats need about 1.5 grams of . I can't go vegan for health reasons myself, but if I went vegan, it'd be because of the animals and the environment. By We are a community that offers to share information between the veterinary enthusiasts. This can put their body at risk and make it harder for them to ward off infection, illness, and disease. @media screen and (max-width:480px) { Bad food is still better than NO food, definitely. Easy to add to a cat's diet intermittently during times of heightened stress. So no, I dont use lysine supplements nor do I recommend them for people caring for cats with upper respiratory infections. Thats 4 cats treated with lysine and 4 cats in the control group to compare the two. That's how they're designed. Anyway, glad to see another person who does their research on cat supplements! Recommended Veterinary Brands by Our Team, A Comprehensive Guide About the Things You Werent Told Before You Got a Pet Pig Part Two, Vet Clinic of the Week: East Lake Veterinary Center, I Love Veterinary - Blog for Veterinarians, Vet Techs, Students. Some animals will improve in the placebo group, but if something works, it needs to do better than the placebo group. Hey Lexie: Your spelling is perfect - better than a LOT of grownups. One of the main roles of lysine in a cat's body is to create enzymes, antibodies, and other compounds that support a healthy immune system. . Thanks, Jessica! The cat was found in the neighborhood near to death, dehydrated, with serious weight loss, and serious rhino sinusitis, actually nose and lung infection. Disclaimer: I am not a veterinarian and this does not constitute veterinarian advice. And my doctor and I learned I did not do well, even WITH a ton of supplements. They MUST get this amino acid through their diet. This is especially important if your cat has a medical condition, or is on any medication. In case youre wondering, it also not effective for preventing cold sores or other herpes symptoms in humans either! FHV-1 is comparable to the common cold in humans. L-lysine is still recommended by many veterinarians for use in household cats with a history of herpes virus. Viralys oral powder has been traditionally used for treatment and management of the feline form of herpes virus. To hedge your bets though, it still may be a good idea to add a lysine supplementsome pet owners think of it as an extra insurance policy for their kitty's well-being. Thanks for your support! For most products available, this equates to about 1ml of gel, one chew, or a single scoop of powder. But this product is still high quality and provides a good source of lysine if your animal needs it for an immune boost or other reason. So the cat ate meat. It can be found in cat food, but it is not necessary for your cat to eat this type of food. Never give your pet two doses at once or give extra doses. What are the Benefits of Using Lysine for Cats? We continued, the cat started to eat, and get weight every day. That doesn't make lysine supplementation worthless. USE CAUTION WHEN ADMINISTERING THIS DRUG TO PETS WITH KIDNEY OR LIVER DISEASE. However, cats CANNOT synthesize their own arginine. You are absolutely right that cats must have meat. I tried lysine and another immune booster I read about (forget now what it was) and neither seemed to help much. padding: 10px; Be the first to get our latest updates, insider videos, cat health resources, and more. Fortunately, side effects of L-lysine are rare. Use cautiously in pregnant and lactating pets as studies are limited, although use of this supplement is likely safe. It could have actually been something that lysine actually helped, for whatever reason, and not a feline upper respiratory infection at all. The MSD veterinary manual suggests a dose of lysine of 250 mg by mouth, 2 to 3 times a day. L-Lysine for cats can also help fight off other illnesses. Sarah-Jane Molier wanted to be a veterinarian from around the age of ten. The vet also recommended having him get shots for FHV regularly but he is so traumatized by going to the vet and the l-lysine world better than more shots ever did. .medication-table .table-row{ The basis of lysines role in helping with feline herpesvirus is that it competes with arginine in its role with herpes viruses. Dr. Vanderhoof lives in the Northern Virginia area with his family, including 3 cats. The meat industry IS changing thanks to all of that. The key factor is time. Lysine for cats is a dietary amino acid supplement often administered to cats. He usually just treats the secondary infection with antibiotics and waits for the cat's immune system to fight off the virus. It is taken by mouth or applied directly to the skin. There is evidence at multiple levels that lysine supplementation is not effective for the prevention or treatment of feline herpesvirus 1 infection in cats. My vet isn't a big proponent of most animal supplements, he syas they just pee them out without any real affect. Where this essential amino acid is deficient, supplementation is recommended. width: 115px; I'm vegetarian, BTW. What benefits does lysine have for cats? Contains some undesirable additives like soy lecithin. May the inner of the nose, had some distruction by the long time infection. It can be a powder, a treat, a gel, or a paste. Some just have better immune systems to fight it and rarely show signs. probiotics help to maintain a healthy gut in your cat. I don't recommend lysine for upper respiratory infections. I am always trying to figure out if I should be giving them extra vitamins, probiotics etc. Lets focus on the. The MSD veterinary manual suggests a dose of 250 mg of lysine by mouth, 2 to 3 times a day. L-lysine does not have antiviral properties. Q: Are there any drug interactions to be aware of when giving my cat Lysine? Not EVERYONE can go vegan, as nice it would be. Often, veterinarian appointments and prescribed medications are necessary to help a cat recover from her cold. Consult your veterinarian to determine if your cat is dealing with a kitty cold or a persistent bout of FHV-1. But did the flu vaccine actually give them the flu? Vitamins, herbal therapies, and supplements have the potential to interact with each other, as well as with prescription and over the counter medications. Science is always evolving and changing based on new discoveries. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. However, lysine does not antagonize arginine in cats, and evidence that low intracellular arginine concentrations would inhibit viral replication is lacking. Another suggestion is that arginine supplements actually INCREASE immune system responses in cats! Thanks for supporting the kitties! You don't want to prove Clavamox works better. Lysine is recommended for cats that need added immune support, respiratory health support and for other conditions that are responsive to lysine. Too much lysine, caused by ineffective catabolism, and you can have neurological issues. FHV and other upper respiratory infections cause sneezing, congestion, runny or inflamed eyes, coughing, or other symptoms like fever, pneumonia and in some cases, death. If you've ever tried buying supplements for yourself, then you know how much of a headache this can be. Along with the conflicting L-lysine research, a L-lysine allergy can be a threat when the immune system overreacts, causing the skin to become inflamed and itch. VetriScience Laboratories have created a delicious and nutritious snack for kitties needing a lysine-boost. However, at least in shelter cats, it has not been shown to significantly improve or prevent upper respiratory tract infections. This is because there are fewer parts of a virus for a drug to target than there are for bacteria. Sneezing and sniffling: those are sounds that every cat parent dreads. Two of my cats in fact could not do without it -- within a week they will have sever eye issues and will be sneezing out awful snot if they do not have it. Unfortunately, there is not enough evidence to say for sure that lysine is effective in cats with a cold. Cats are OBLIGATE carnivores--they MUST eat meat. Now cats can't be fooled by the placebo effect, but a lot of the time, URIs will self resolve on their own as they're viruses and require the cat's own immune system to fight off. Cat respiratory infections kitty coldsare common illnesses that are difficult for a cat to shake. Lysine (brand names: Enisyl-F, Incremin, Viralys, Felisyl, Optixcare) is an amino acid supplement used to treat clinical signs associated with feline herpes virus infection in cats. If you miss a dose, give it when you remember, but if it is close to the time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and give it at the next scheduled time, and return to the regular dosing schedule. Sign up for weekly pet health tips and insights from our veterinarians. It is often used to treat cold sores and herpes. A large majority of cats presenting with signs of sneezing and eye discharge have underlying herpesvirus infection. .medication-table .table-row .item{ Good for you for getting info on your own! 7 Signs Your Cat Is Not Getting Enough Love, 7 Common Cat Vocalizations And What They Mean. It has also been reported that it may cause diarrhea. I have no choice. However, significant differences between groups were not demonstrated.. I'm always reminded about people who SWEAR they got the flu after the flu shot. Initially, researchers thought that lower arginine levels helped prevent FHV-1hence the L-lysine recommendationbut the 2015 study has caused scientists, researchers, and veterinarians to adopt a more cautious attitude toward the use of L-lysine. Multiple cat foods and treats also include L-lysine as an ingredient, although care should be taken to not exceed the proper dosage for your cat. justify-content: space-between; You should always let your veterinarian know of any clinical signs, so they have a proper history and are aware of any future flare-ups. Maybe your cat is just lysine deficient and that's why it helps! Especially in cats living with owners, rather than in shelters, for example. } The following medications should be used with caution when given lysine: arginine or oral calcium supplements. Lysine is an amino acid. Because Read More, Hey, cat lovers! found considerable variability among the studies they looked into. We also routinely update and review our own reviews ensuring that any changes by manufacturers are brought to your attention. But it didn't work for me and all studies I could find testing lysine on FHV indicate it doesn't perform any better than a placebo. The placebo group is the control group. Jaclyn has already created her own blog called The Four Legged Nurse (@thefourleggednurse) and looks forward to contributing to I Love Veterinary! Do not give your pet two doses at once. Amino acids in any animal body are essential for the body to survive. I've heard a little bit about lysine in cats but to be honest nothing so comprehensive as this, so Iappreciate your knowledge on the subject. Its common for kittens to come down with the virus, and because their immune system is not as developed, it makes it harder for them to fight. Now, whatever caused your cat's eye to close was never diagnosed. They compare the results of giving lysine to one group and giving a placebo to another group. No evidence was found that L-lysine prevented cats from FHV-1 infection, L-lysine did not prevent recurrences of FHV-1 and its symptoms, No proof exists that L-lysine can alleviate FHV-1 and its symptoms. If your cat has feline herpes virus or another chronic health condition, it's best to speak with your vet before adding any new supplements to her dietand feel free to ask him or her about their understanding about the conflicting research! A: Lysine is an oral supplement. L-lysine has long been administered by veterinarians as a mode of prevention and treatment of feline herpesvirus, also known as FHV-1. Despite its promise, L-lysine has a varying record in research studies. She is a cat behavior expert, a colony caretaker, community cat advocate, and is often found TNRing local colonies. Not only can it improve their upper respiratory infection (URI) symptoms, but also inflammation of the eyes and conjunctivitis (eye discharge) caused by feline herpes. There is some evidence that l-lysine may help to reduce the severity of asthma attacks and improve a cat's overall respiratory health. This is important, so our kitties can fight diseases and have healthy bones. Most lysine supplement products are labeled for use in kittens. Thank you for cats.com. It is also common for cats to develop secondary infections because their immune system is not in tip-top shape and has trouble fighting any foreign pathogens. You think I'm kidding, but I'm really not. L-lysine undesirably lowers arginine levels, and since cats can't synthesize the amino acid themselves, an arginine deficiency can result in hyperammonemia. Basically, if someone THINKS they are getting real medicine, they actually FEEL better, even if they were given sugar pills. Cat Lysine or L-Lysine for cats is used to treat upper respiratory problems or feline herpes.Not only can it improve their upper respiratory infection (URI) symptoms, but also inflammation of the eyes and conjunctivitis (eye discharge) caused by feline herpes. Supports the immune system by helping treat the symptoms of a respiratory infection. But here's the problem with anecdotal evidence. Tweety's story is Read More, Feral and community cats face a lot of danger living their lives outside. If I went completely veggie, I'd do it so no animal had to die for me to eat, but I'd understand that by choosing to have a cat, I was still supporting the killing of animals for food. It has been proven that L-Lysine helps support overall health in cats by helping their bodies resist certain diseases . We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Jessica. We work to make the world a better place for cats, and we're getting better for you. But in some cases, the cat can be saved with a medium eye damage, but she will have vision after all. Home Visits:8am 7pm (Mon Sat), varies by location, On-call Support:9am 9pm EST (Mon Fri)10am 6pm EST (Sat). Fortunately, there are some wonderful lysine supplements which mayhelp your kitty feel and function better. People use it to make medicine. Sometimes they may even shed the calicivirus and thus be contagious to other cats. I don't think it's hypocritical to care for a cat (or multiple cats) and be vegetarian or vegan. So I say thank God for Lysine. Lysine is given by mouth in the form of a powder, crushed tablet, chewable tablet, or paste/gel. Also Read: The 7 Best Cat Vitamins And Supplements. I do NOT recommend it for the use of controlling FHV. ), Worms and Cats: Types, Symptoms, & Treatments. ANSWER: Dr. Jennifer Coates of PetMd wrote, It will be hard for me to continue to endorse the use of lysine in the face of this recent article. Ah, but was it the lysine that helped or was it something else? Purrfect! Side effects dont seem to be common, especially if lysine is given with some food. FHV-1 is likely to flare up when cats immune systems are weakened through concurrent diseases or stress. All animals (and humans, for that matter) need amino acids in their bodies to support overall health. Dr. Chris Vanderhoof is a 2013 graduate of the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine (VMCVM) at Virginia Tech, where he also earned a Masters in Public Health. Lysine works by interrupting that relationship, therefore making it less likely for the virus to worsen, and will show a diminution in the clinical signs. If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately. Some people swear by L-Lysine. padding: 5px 10px; This means that the manufacturer does not have to prove the quality, or amount, of the active ingredient present. For decades it was thought to slow the growth of the herpesvirus in the cat, as well as reduce the level of virus being shed in tears or nasal secretions. Calicivirus on the other hand usually gets the cat sick one time, though they may end up infected for months, years, or their entire life. I have a cat that came from the shelter with some sort of URI, his eye got gunky and he sneezed bad. In order to complete your request, please complete the following information. It worked, curing the condition within 10 days!!! So lysine is not a drug, but a supplement. Lysine is an amino acid. That's all I meant by that particular comment. So it's a toss-up. I liked the way you explained lysine that was my first question. If its in close proximity, then its best just to skip that dose. The side effects of lysine are rarely seen; however, no medication or supplement is without them. I haven't seen any positive reviews for arginine supplements either. border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; This medication can take up to a few weeks before full effects are noted, but gradual improvements are usually noticeable after a few days. This amino acid is present in every cat's body, but some cats do not have enough of it to ward off infections and illnesses. L-lysine, or lysine for short, is an amino acid supplement. Dietary supplements are substances that can be used to supplement the diet, such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, herbs, botanicals, enzymes, and probiotics. Expiration Range: Loves a good book (about animals) and playing the piano. Just be sure to close the package's seal well to keep the treats from drying outwhich some reviewers say tends to happen regardless. There was NOT a control group that was given NOTHING. However, there is some anecdotal evidence that it works. This powder cat supplement is formulated to support a healthy immune system and respiratory system in cats, plus maintain normal eye health and function. Stopping lysine alongside treating the symptoms (if needed) should be enough to reverse any side effects in most cats. But we don't know if it was THAT that helped, the body's immune system, or even something else they took finally started working. Do Not Sell Or Share My Personal Information, Respiratory issues: panting, coughing, difficulty breathing. Some cats will definitely get better on it, simply because they would have gotten better without it. The feline herpes virus is one of two types of viruses that cause most of the upper respiratory infections in cats. There is no specific monitoring that needs to be done while your pet is taking this medication. L-lysine chews under the brand Optixcare have 500mg per soft chew treat. Thanks! Compared with cats in the control group. Arginine deficiency will result in hyperammonemia, which may be fatal. But I did not say vegans were hypocrites. L-lysine has long been administered by veterinarians as a mode of prevention and treatment of feline herpesvirus, also known as FHV-1. Totally right! It's straightforwardness such as your post here that will not only help people care for their cats, but also keep the hospitals and vets honest. It is usually caused by the feline herpes virus or feline calicivirus, both of which are highly contagious. When I think I was tempted to remove this lovable feline's eye ( who already had his teeth removed when I adopted him), I cringe. Does lysine for cats really work? Previously, veterinarians thought L-lysine interfered with the FHV-1 virus replication by interfering with the uptake of the amino acid, arginine. L-lysine is an amino acid, a pure organic compound that is used as a supplement for humans, canines, and felines. ^_^, Feral and community cats face a lot of danger living their lives outside. Not a single person caught the flu from the flu shot during clinical trials. Recent research is contesting that L-lysine may not be beneficial for treating cats with feline herpes virus like previously believed. Lysine for cats is recommended at a . If you make a purchase through one of our links, we may earn a referral fee. Animal adoption advocate. Lysine is designed to be given daily to cats, but you should only do so under the direction of your veterinarian. FHV-1 generally induces a more severe disease than FCV", "FHV-1 causes upper respiratory tract disease [URT] with oculonasal discharge, conjunctivitis, sneezing, and sometimes hypersalivation and coughing.The primary treatment involves supportive therapy Robust evidence that orally administered L-lysine ameliorates the signs of FeHV-1 infection is lacking. So he too has been eating it for the past 6-9 months and has not had ANY diarrhea issues! You love what you see? This is why supplementation is so essential for a lot of kitties (let alone their human parents). And just to say, there is no evidence it reduces cold sores either. Bot fly Read More, If you've been caring for cat colonies, barn cats, or fostering kittens, you've probably gotten Read More, There's a lot of misconceptions and confusion about cat food in general, but especially regarding Read More, There is a lot of debate over this one question: what do cats hunt for Read More, Cat caretakers are always trying to figure out how to keep outdoor cats safe. The problem with herpesvirus is that while symptoms may come and go, it can never truly be removed from the body. color: #fcb040!important; What Is the Difference Between a Stray Cat and a Feral Cat? What's funny is most of the time, they got sick before the flu shot was even given and they experienced symptoms immediately after the shot. It also means they do not have to prove that it works. border-bottom: 3px solid #fcb040; I've tried getting him to eat pumpkin, and coconut oil, to help supplement his diet (didn't work - he wouldn't eat it). Sinus issues: sneezing, congestion, sinus discharge, Cold sores, fever blisters, and mouth sores. The use of lysine has been shown to suppress the shedding of the virus and to reduce the severity of conjunctivitis in experimental conditions. If the powder is used and mixed with food, it should be eaten all at once and not snacked on throughout the day. In these cases, cats can be given anti-virals, It has also been noted that lysine can cause allergic reactions and can stay in the system longer for any cats with kidney or, make a safe and calming environment to avoid stress in your kitty. We adopted a kitten that was diagnosed as having FHV or a URI. Other studies indicate it isn't effective at all. I'm more concerned with your vet. This means its best to only use a lysine preparation that has been recommended by your veterinarian. Many vegans suffer pangs because they feed their cats meat. Thats the same amino acid that lysine is supposed to reduce! While L-lysine can be given during flare-ups as well, it likely has more preventive action for cats that show chronic signs of herpesvirus, if used consistently. at a glance: our top 4 picks for lysine for cats. The levels of lysine in the blood increase, but that doesnt mean levels of arginine decrease throughout the body. It could have been anything as your cat could have been given other medication, could have had a severe eye irritation that cleared up as soon as the foreign body was removed, or any other such thing could have happened. I stick to diluted apple cider vinegar on my cat's fur since that is actually anti-viral and works wonders. As mentioned though, it's still wise to consultwith the kitty doc before adding it in. HE didn't know what to do. .medication-table h2{ Simply put, this means the studies were designed in different ways and had different results. The authors of this reviewfound that some studies actually show lysine supplementation mayincrease the rate and severity of feline herpes infection. How much lysine do cats need daily? Lysine is considered one of the essential amino acids, along with tryptophan, methionine, and a few others. Severe eye infections and discharge, known as conjunctivitis, Eye ulceration: ulceration of the clear layer in front of the iris and pupil, called the cornea. Treat especially severe flare-ups with antiviral medications and secondary bacterial infections with antibiotics. Veterinarians can also use lysine to . It is thought that lysine lowers the levels of arginine and that low levels of arginine in the cells prevent the herpes virus from replicating. It's an evolutionary thing humans started developing after they started drinking cow milk. No If they have a cat, they would have to be buying meat. But there seems to be heavy evidence that treatment is not any more effective and it's simply the cat's immune system. Jaclyn is a Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) who has a bachelors degree in journalism. Q: Does my cat need to be monitored while taking this medication? Thanks for visiting. Too little will lead to various deficiency symptoms. It helps create a baseline on the average number of cats/people who get symptom improvement with NO medicine versus a group given a medicine. Another possibility is supplementing with salmon oil as the results are promising for that as well. display: block; I dont. However, there is some anecdotal evidence (for example owners saying that their cat goes downhill every time they stop lysine) that lysine can help cats with feline herpes virus. The most important thing you can do to help a cats immune system is diet, to be honest! Now, Im not going to go TOO technical here, but a quick rundown of what it is might be useful for you. It also has an important function in the urea cycle. The tragedy is always, if you lost time, and you lost an eye, or the worst, both of the eyes. Staying in touch with your veterinarian on your cats current health status along with providing supplements and medication will aid in great health care. Hi, I just finished reading some very good points here I think it's probably the same with pharmaceutical companies for humans they are more interested in making money than people's health. So having something on hand that can help them is comforting. This powder supplement from Strawfield contain high quality lysine, and is designed to help with feline herpes, immune system function and overall health. It is also important for normal growth and muscle turnover, and to build carnitine, a substance found in most of your cells! margin: 0!important; Below is a list of typical clinical signs of FHV-1: Its important to consider your cats overall health when choosing to treat FHV-1. Or if you have a serious case, you go to the vet for antibiotic injections as the start of the therapy, and you continue antibiotics by mouth, and eye drops. She and her staff are passionate about animals and work hard to provide you with a wealth of information for you and your cat. Doses can be given once or twice a day. Thanks! Veterinarians typically prescribed L-lysine for cats to eliminate respiratory infections because of the assumption that the amino acid reduces the symptoms and prevents future flare-ups. . Oral gel, oral powder, oral chews. suggests a dose of lysine of 250 mg by mouth, 2 to 3 times a day. The veterinary community's attitude toward L-lysine and cats began to change when a 2015 study was published in the BMC Veterinary Research journal. Chelsea McGivney, DVM, Nestle Purina Pet Care. Does a cat have to eat meat? They can choose only organic, or only humanely raised, etc. The forms intended for cats are less stressful to administer (in chew treat, tasty gel form, or as a flavored powder that can be mixed with food). Veterinarians typically prescribe L-lysine supplements because of a long-held assumption that the amino acid eliminates the aforementioned symptoms of the infections and also prevents future flare-ups from occurring; nearly 90% of veterinarians recommend the use of L-lysine to treat these conditions. Take the info or leave it, but I'm going to use it because I can't stand listening to my poor guy sneeze, shake his head, and mope around miserable. What does lysine do for cats. In other words, more research is needed! These are alternative names for lysine, and they all refer to the same essential amino acid. In the past, administering L-lysine for cats was thought to be helpful in fortifying the immune system, while warding off respiratory infections - specifically, feline herpes virus, also known as FHV-1. I hope you find lots of great information, tips, and advice for you and your kitty. This article has been fact checked and verified by our veterinary adviser.. To say the truth, I also help the cat with good nutrition and vitamins. L-lysine For Cats: Overview, Dosage & Side Effects. L-Lysine from Pet Naturals contains no wheat, corn or artificial ingredients. You can do this by steaming up your bathroom and bring in your cat. It cannot be synthesized into the body and must be gained through food and supplements. My vet could not treat it and in exasperation suggested we could just remove the eye!!!! If that doesn't work, THEN he suggests those tests.) Leave me a comment! Simply sprinkle over food. Lysine is an amino acid that is commonly found in food and supplements. This can cause a number of problems, including gastrointestinal issues, kidney problems, and seizures. Gastroenteritis In Cats: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment, View all posts by Dr. Chris Vanderhoof, DVM, MPH, Imodium For Cats: Overview, Dosage & Side Effects, Proviable For Cats: Overview, Dosage & Side Effects, Are Cats Smarter Than Dogs? There are no specific contraindications or risk factors for lysine. They just 'phrased' it as lysine "COULD BE" be an effective first line of treatment for feline herpes and viral shedding. .medication-table .table-row .item{ Is it safe? L-lysine lowers arginine levels, can cause allergic reactions, and has research negating its effects. By all means, keep using it if it's working. It is also common for cats to develop secondary infections because their immune system is not in tip-top shape and has trouble fighting any foreign pathogens. Improve in the blood increase, but my experience is very important to detoxify ammonia, which results the! 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