URI - Alternative Management of Chronic Herpes & URI in Cats
by Laurie Goldstein
Updated 2019
ON LYSINE
Please note that a 2015 meta-analysis of Lysine in feline herpes found its use is ineffective for managing FHV-1: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4647294/ and Merck Veterinary Manuals has removed it from FHV-1 management. For more, please see http://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/lysine-for-fhv-researchers-say-dont-bother/
You’ll note that there were only a few studies, not well controlled, in that meta-analysis. Opthalmologists using lysine with efficacy will point out that in several the dose was not high enough at 500mg twice per day versus 1,000mg twice per day for flares. One of my vets informs me that a presentation at a recent conference (notice this update is 2019, four years after the meta-analysis was published) by a Small Animal Opthalmologist Specialist indicated that lysine can be very effective at managing chronic herpes and preventing flares but is not effective for treating herpes flares.
Finally, I feel it is important to note: lysine is frequently misrepresented as an “immune system booster.” This was never the reason for its use in herpes management. Lysine binds with arginine, which is what herpes uses to reproduce. There is NO (known / direct) immune system impact, and lysine does not work directly to help the body fight infection. This is why many say “lysine never worked for my cat” and this could easily be why the meta-analysis found lysine ineffective at managing herpes: Many vets diagnose weepy eyes, ulcerated eyes, snotty noses, etc as “herpes” without performing an Upper Respiratory PCR Panel. This of course is true in rescues, where two of the studies were conducted. Many other infections can cause the same symptoms: Calicivirus, Chlamydia (a bacterial infection); Mycoplasma (a distinct group of bacteria as they lack any rigid wall, and distinct from other bacteria on an evolutionary basis); and bordatella (bacteria). One of the kittens we rescued in May 2018, Maxz, was diagnosed with “chronic herpes” (no PCR panel done). He also had bartonella. When we treated for bartonella, his “herpes” symptoms went away - and have never come back.
So How DO We Manage URIs in Our Cats?
Of course, it is always best to take your cat to the vet. But my vets do not treat URIs prophylactically with antibiotics, as they are often viral infections. If with supportive care they do not resolve within about five days, they’ll consider there may be a secondary infection that needs treatment. One can always request an Upper Respiratory Panel (UR PCR Panel). Swabs of eye and/or nose discharge are taken, and testing is done to check for a list of pathogens. This way we can target the actual cause of the infection. This, however, is expensive, and many need an alternative.
SUPPORTING THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
I have a large multi-cat home. I also have a number of FIV+ cats. If someone starts with weepy eyes or the sniffles, I do NOT want it spreading through all of them. It’s a nightmare.
I have gone through a number of different protocols. This is what I currently use, as it has proven the most effective at treating unspecified causes of URIs AND at preventing their spread through the clowder. When ONE CAT shows symptoms, they ALL get these supplements, and I continue them for two weeks beyond when the symptoms resolve. Supporting discussion and references are listed after the protocol. Please note, lactoferrin works DIRECTLY on the immune system and there is research on its antiviral activity as re: herpes and calici.
The Protocol
REMEMBER: If you are treating an IBD cat for a URI, you MUST introduce any supplements slowly. The last thing you want with a URI is an IBD flare. Bovine lactoferrin can trigger vomiting in some cats or diarrhea in others (though Jarrow S boulardii with MOS may control diarrhea with lactoferrin, I’m not familiar with anyone that’s needed to try). I use Jarrow brand: Nutricology brand is expensive, but cats are less prone to vomiting with it. Becoming ever more popular in alternative health management, more brands are making lactoferrin available (for humans. I use human supplements in my cats). Colostrum almost always triggers the cat if there is a lactose intolerance, though a combination of colostrum and lactoferrin may be more effective than either alone. Again, it is the lactoferrin that has been proven in studies, though colostrum is high in zinc, which is also effective immune system support as it acts directly on the thymus. Please see item #4, Zinc, below.
I provide all of these things at the start of symptoms and continue providing them for a full two weeks AFTER the URI symptoms have cleared up. Again, if one cat shows symptoms, they all get it.
I recommend you discuss the use of these supplements and these doses with your vet. I have.
Bovine Lactoferrin (not “Laktoferrin,” which combines bovine lactoferrin and colostrum) dosed to 20mg per pound of cat and given twice a day. The capsules I use come in 250mg each, so I just give the adults 250mg 2x per day. Most accept this in food. It can trigger vomiting in sensitive cats. I use Jarrow brand.
Spirulina. I give to the tolerance of the cat to eat it in food, though 500mg twice per day is the goal. (250mg twice per day is my minimum. Not sure it would be effective below that). Most accept this in food. Brand vetting is VERY important as spirulina can be quite contaminated with many things we don’t want. Nutrex, Maju, BRI Nutrition (human supplements) and Mercola’s pet product are all clean and safe.
Vitamin D (or D + K). Remember this is for short-term use for a specific purpose, thus toxicity is not a risk even on top of properly balanced food. I use 300iu (or about this) once a day for small cats and 400iu (or about this) once a day for larger cats, my “break point” being about 10 pounds of cat. I’ve used the NOW D-3 + K2, 1000iu / 45mcg capsules and various dry Ds. Whatever you have for yourself, you can just eyeball the needed portion. Or purchase a 400iu product (Jarrow, NOW, Pure, Solaray… all good brands) as this is common, and it’s easy to adjust as needed with that.
Zinc. In this protocol, I provide 25mg of Zinc Picolinate twice a day for the first three days (to all cats over the age of 8 weeks though the cat should be at least one pound), then I give it once per day. AAFCO has established 2,000mg of zinc per KG of food on a dry matter basis to be an upper safe limit for long term feeding (about 225mg of zinc per pound of food as fed, assuming 75% moisture). Zinc Picolinate in 50mg capsules is easy to find, most brands carry it. I use half the 50mg capsule (twice a day for 3 days, then half the capsule - 25mg - once per day for the duration of the protocol). Zinc Gluconate is also well absorbed. If you're not comfortable with a total of 50mg daily at first, use half the capsule just once a day throughout, or a number of manufacturers carry either 30mg or even 15mg capsules if you want to use a lower dose.
Vitamin E. I provide all cats 100iu of a mixed tocopherol regardless of weight. I use Solaray dry Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols). No upper safe limit has been established in cats.
Vitamin C. I provide 100mg of vitamin C 2x a day irrespective of weight of the cat. I use Solgar Ester-C, which also contains Rose Hips. Vitamin C is bitter, the Ester-C with rosehips is “softer” / milder when I touch it to my tongue. Mine accept this in food and the Ester-C is the most easily absorbed form. Small Animal Clinical Nutrition notes in the discussion of Feline Chronic Kidney Disease that 150mg of vitamin C has been established not to contribute to the development of oxalate stones or crystals in cats. I note this is not for long term use, but if you have a cat prone to oxalates, you may want to use 50mg – 75mg twice per day instead of 100mg.
Thymus Glandular. The research is done with thymus peptides / thymus extracts. These are expensive, and quality and potency can vary greatly. I use a glandular instead. I use Nutricology, though Ancestral Supplements also has a Thymus Glandular (that includes a bit of liver) and if you’re a fan of Standard Process products, they have several thymus-related products (Thymex and Thymus PMG 90). I am not familiar with their use.
I use Nutricology brand (500mg per capsule) 2x per day in food to all cats regardless of weight.
Transfer Factors. Due to the expense, I no longer use these. If you have a few cats, I would consider including them. Used 1 capsule of 4Life Classic Transfer Factor in food 3x per day. The alternative is 4Life Classic Transfer Factor Plus, which includes zinc and medicinal mushrooms. If using the “PLUS” version, do NOT add additional zinc to the protocol, this provides it, and give cats of 5 pounds or less the PLUS version just twice per day. I do credit the 4Life Transfer Factor Plus with very rapid improvement in a bad URI in my Chumley (FIV+) some years back before I had much else on board for support other than lactoferrin.
SUPPORTING INFORMATION
1) Lactoferrin. This is a component of colostrum, and it has been shown to act directly on the immune system, notably specifically to fight a range of viral infections. The piece from which this is quoted is a discussion as it relates to FIV, but it explains lactoferrin’s anti-viral – and importantly – its anti-inflammatory mechanisms of action. The discussion concludes with “In discrete studies, lactoferrin has been shown to inhibit replication of both feline herpes virus [18] and calici virus [19]; in a small in vivo study, its sister transferrin, ovotransferrin, which has a biochemical action very similar to lactoferrin's, has shown an ability to both prevent and cure feline upper respiratory infections in FIV+ cats [12]. Finally, lactoferrin has shown an ability to inhibit metastisis of a variety of forms of cancer [20] and to potentiate other cancer treatments by enhancement of T and NK cell activity [21].” http://www.fivtherapy.com/lactoferrin.htm The references are at the end of this piece. Please see the appendix at the end of this article for more research information on lactoferrin.
2) Spirulina. Spirulina has many medical benefits, including antiviral, anticancer, antiallerergic and anti-inflammatory effects; detox of heavy metals, arsenic and radiation; but of importance here, it has proven in studies to be an effective antiviral specifically for several strains of herpes, influenza and increases CD4 counts in humans with HIV thus likely has benefit to FIV+ cats.
“Clinical trials show that Spirulina can stimulate the production of antibodies and up- or downregulate the expression of cytokine-encoding genes to induce immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory responses.” Wu et al 2016. The antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory activities of Spirulina: an overview, Arch Toxicol. 2016 Aug;90(8):1817-40. Epub 2016 Jun 3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27259333
“Spirulina helps in building immunity and improving resistance to viral infections. Spirulina can enhance components of the mucosal and systemic immune system as it activates the cells of innate immune system. Several pre-clinical animal studies have shown good immune stimulatory effects in a variety of species. In humans, mammals, chicken and fish Spirulina produces an immune stimulating effect by enhancing the resistance to infections, the capacity of influencing haemopoieses, and stimulating the production of antibodies and cytokines. Spirulina has also been shown to activate macrophages, T and B cells[36]. Sulfolipids derived from spirulina have also proved effective against HIV. Extracts from Spirulina biomass have also been found active against herpes virus, cytomegalovirus, influenza virus, etc. Spirulina extracts have also been shown capable of inhibiting carcinogenesis [37]. Spirulina use leads to higher levels of natural killer cells, interferon gamma and more potent production of interleukins[38]. It has also been seen to have an inhibitory effect on the release of histamine from mast cells during an allergic inflammatory response. Ingestion of spirulina contributes to the functional preservation of the intestinal epithelium which acts as a first line of mucosal barrier against infections [39]. Inhibition of humoral immune response, cell mediated immune response (delayed type hypersensitivity) and TNF-alpha was noticed in a dose-dependent manner in mice[40].” Mohanet al 2012. Spirulina-The Nature’s Wonder: A Review Scholars Jour Applied Med Sci., 2014; 2(4C):1334-1339. https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/6408/2f62eeebfaee102eb8913cb6b2398da7c169.pdf
Spirulina also most likely has benefits in FIV: Ngo-Matip et al 2015. Impact of daily supplementation of Spirulina platensis on the immune system of naïve HIV-1 patients in Cameroon: a 12-months single blind, randomized, multicenter trial, Nutr J. 2015; 14: 70. Published online 2015 Jul 21. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4508814/
Also see Karkos et al 2011. Spirulina in Clinical Practice: Evidence-Based Human Applications, Evidence-Based Comp and Alt Med 2011; Article ID 531053
3) Vitamin D (or D+K). Vitamin D for many years was thought to have its primary role as fixing calcium into bone. But anecdotal evidence pointed to a role in the immune system. In 2010, scientists at the University of Copenhagen found “that vitamin D is crucial to activating our immune defenses and that without sufficient intake of the vitamin - the killer cells of the immune system -- T cells -- will not be able to react to and fight off serious infections in the body. The research team found that T cells first search for vitamin D in order to activate and if they cannot find enough of it will not complete the activation process.” Science Daily has an easy to understand review of the breakthrough findings: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100307215534.htm
Other important research not directly related to its role in URIs, but as it relates to cats and to IBD
Cats with Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Intestinal SmallCell Lymphoma Have Low Serum Concentrations of25-Hydroxyvitamin D (2014) https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/jvim.12294
Vitamin D Status Predicts 30 Day Mortality in Hospitalised Cats (2015) https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0125997
4) Zinc. So far, science has elucidated two significant roles of zinc in the immune system: one helps it respond via a vital role in creation of the T cells in the thymus; the other helps put the brakes on the inflammation our immune systems creates when attacking infection. The study authors that found this "braking" mechanism suspect this is an important aspect of zinc’s observed benefit in feeling better during a cold.
The thymus gland requires zinc for creating the immune system T cells (thymopoiesis). Zinc Supplementation Increases Zinc Status and Thymopoiesis in Aged Mice Journal of Nutrition, 2009 https://academic.oup.com/jn/article/139/7/1393/4670485
Research published in 2013 “suggests that zinc helps control infections by gently tapping the brakes on the immune response in a way that prevents out-of-control inflammation that can be damaging and even deadly…. scientists say these findings might also help explain why taking zinc tablets at the start of a common cold appears to help stem the effects of the illness." Again Science Daily summarizes: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130207131344.htm
5) Vitamin E. “Dozens of animal experiments have found that vitamin E offered protection against infections caused by viruses and bacteria.” It also has an important role in thymus gland health and T-cell differentiation. Vitamin E and Immunity: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10714244
6) Vitamin C. “Vitamin C contributes to immune defense by supporting various cellular functions of both the innate and adaptive immune system. Vitamin C supports epithelial barrier function against pathogens. … Furthermore, supplementation with vitamin C appears to be able to both prevent and treat respiratory and systemic infections. “ Vitamin C and Immune Function [2017] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29099763
7) Thymus peptides / extract / glandular. Research on Thymus extracts proliferated in the 80s and 90s – and continues to today, as it has been shown to be quite effective in immune system management, especially as re: fighting viral infections. WebMd states:
“Thymus extract is used for infectious diseases including recurrent respiratory infections, colds, flu, H1N1 “swine” flu, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), mononucleosis, herpes and shingles, sinusitis, and AIDS/HIV. It is also used for asthma, hay fever, food allergies, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Other uses include maintaining white cell production in cancer patients treated with radiation or chemotherapy, and preventing the effects of aging.”
For a list of citations, please click on the “View clinical references for this vitamin or supplement” at WebMD’s write-up on Thymus Extract: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1009-thymus%20extract.aspx?activeingredientid=1009&activeingredientname=thymus%20extract
This article “Thymus Therapy 2013: A Forgotten Gland and Its Influence in the Body” was a presentation at the Veterinary Meeting & Expo 2013. https://www.vetfolio.com/learn/article/thymus-therapy-2013-a-forgotten-gland-and-its-influence-in-the-body
8) Transfer Factors. (WebMD on Transfer Factors. Again, references are available. A plain English more hype-y explanation).
APPENDIX
BOVINE LACTOFERRIN
There are quite a number of both in vitro and clinical studies of Bovine Lactoferrin for various things: one of them is Feline Herpes Virus.
In fact, a study in cats with herpes was published in 2013, Evaluation of Lysine and Lysine-Lactoferrin Association in Cats Infected by Feline Herpesvirus-1: http://www.medwelljournals.com/abstract/?doi=javaa.2013.181.185
From the study abstract:
Viral shedding in oculo-conjunctival samples gradually decreased in almost all cats. These data suggest that the association lysine-lactoferrin could be a first choice in FHV-1 infected cats for reducing clinical signs and viral shedding.
Apparently it was the lactoferrin that was effective, not necessarily the lysine. Here's an in vitro study from 2003, Effects of bovine lactoferrin on in vitro replication of feline herpesvirus: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12950656
For a much more complete list of references, click on the “View clinical references for this vitamin or supplement” at WebMD’s write-up on (BOVINE) Lactoferrin: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-49-lactoferrin.aspx?activeingredientid=49&activeingredientname=lactoferrin
A nice review piece, published in November 2014 (full article available for free) in the Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy, Lactoferrin for prevention of common viral infections:
http://www.jiac-j.com/article/S1341-321X%2814%2900286-4/abstract
An interesting article that discusses a wider view of lactoferrin, written in “plain English.” It is referenced: http://www.naturopathic.org/content.asp?admin=y&contentid=526
The references from the FIVtherapy website discussion of lactoferrin as it relates to issues other than FIV:
18) Ammendolia MG, Marchetti M, Superti F. Bovine lactoferrin prevents the entry and intercellular spread of herpes simplex virus type 1 in Green Monkey Kidney cells. Antiviral Res. 2007 Dec;76(3):252-62. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17881064
19) Addie DD, Radford A, Yam PS, Taylor DJ. Cessation of feline calicivirus shedding coincident with resolution of chronic gingivostomatitis in a cat. J Small Anim Pract. 2003 Apr;44(4):172-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12703869
20) Yoo YC, Watanabe S, Watanabe R, Hata K, Shimazaki K, Azuma I. Bovine lactoferrin and Lactoferricin inhibit tumor metastasis in mice. Adv Exp Med Biol. 1998;443:285-91.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9781371
21) Varadhachary A, Wolf JS, Petrak K, O'Malley BW Jr, Spadaro M, Curcio C, Forni G, Pericle F. Oral lactoferrin inhibits growth of established tumors and potentiates conventional chemotherapy. Int J Cancer. 2004 Sep 1;111(3):398-403.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15221967
Other early studies – feline herpes virus and calicivirus in vitro:
There is also an in-vitro study as re: feline herpes virus that shows that lactoferrin has an “inhibitory effect on in vitro replication of FHV-1.”
2003 “Effects of bovine lactoferrin on in vitro replication of feline herpesvirus.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12950656
An in-vitro study indicated lactoferrin interferes with calicivirus infection:
2003 “The effect of bovine lactoferrin and lactoferricin B on the ability of feline calicivirus (a norovirus surrogate) and poliovirus to infect cell cultures.”
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1046/j.1365-2672.2003.02071.x/pdf
There are many studies in humans that indicate the efficacy of lactoferrin as an antiviral. Here are review pieces:
2014 “Lactoferrin for prevention of common viral infections”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25182867
2011 “Antiviral properties of lactoferrin--a natural immunity molecule.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21847071
2001 “Antiviral activities of lactoferrin”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11675140
Updated 2019
ON LYSINE
Please note that a 2015 meta-analysis of Lysine in feline herpes found its use is ineffective for managing FHV-1: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4647294/ and Merck Veterinary Manuals has removed it from FHV-1 management. For more, please see http://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/lysine-for-fhv-researchers-say-dont-bother/
You’ll note that there were only a few studies, not well controlled, in that meta-analysis. Opthalmologists using lysine with efficacy will point out that in several the dose was not high enough at 500mg twice per day versus 1,000mg twice per day for flares. One of my vets informs me that a presentation at a recent conference (notice this update is 2019, four years after the meta-analysis was published) by a Small Animal Opthalmologist Specialist indicated that lysine can be very effective at managing chronic herpes and preventing flares but is not effective for treating herpes flares.
Finally, I feel it is important to note: lysine is frequently misrepresented as an “immune system booster.” This was never the reason for its use in herpes management. Lysine binds with arginine, which is what herpes uses to reproduce. There is NO (known / direct) immune system impact, and lysine does not work directly to help the body fight infection. This is why many say “lysine never worked for my cat” and this could easily be why the meta-analysis found lysine ineffective at managing herpes: Many vets diagnose weepy eyes, ulcerated eyes, snotty noses, etc as “herpes” without performing an Upper Respiratory PCR Panel. This of course is true in rescues, where two of the studies were conducted. Many other infections can cause the same symptoms: Calicivirus, Chlamydia (a bacterial infection); Mycoplasma (a distinct group of bacteria as they lack any rigid wall, and distinct from other bacteria on an evolutionary basis); and bordatella (bacteria). One of the kittens we rescued in May 2018, Maxz, was diagnosed with “chronic herpes” (no PCR panel done). He also had bartonella. When we treated for bartonella, his “herpes” symptoms went away - and have never come back.
So How DO We Manage URIs in Our Cats?
Of course, it is always best to take your cat to the vet. But my vets do not treat URIs prophylactically with antibiotics, as they are often viral infections. If with supportive care they do not resolve within about five days, they’ll consider there may be a secondary infection that needs treatment. One can always request an Upper Respiratory Panel (UR PCR Panel). Swabs of eye and/or nose discharge are taken, and testing is done to check for a list of pathogens. This way we can target the actual cause of the infection. This, however, is expensive, and many need an alternative.
SUPPORTING THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
I have a large multi-cat home. I also have a number of FIV+ cats. If someone starts with weepy eyes or the sniffles, I do NOT want it spreading through all of them. It’s a nightmare.
I have gone through a number of different protocols. This is what I currently use, as it has proven the most effective at treating unspecified causes of URIs AND at preventing their spread through the clowder. When ONE CAT shows symptoms, they ALL get these supplements, and I continue them for two weeks beyond when the symptoms resolve. Supporting discussion and references are listed after the protocol. Please note, lactoferrin works DIRECTLY on the immune system and there is research on its antiviral activity as re: herpes and calici.
The Protocol
REMEMBER: If you are treating an IBD cat for a URI, you MUST introduce any supplements slowly. The last thing you want with a URI is an IBD flare. Bovine lactoferrin can trigger vomiting in some cats or diarrhea in others (though Jarrow S boulardii with MOS may control diarrhea with lactoferrin, I’m not familiar with anyone that’s needed to try). I use Jarrow brand: Nutricology brand is expensive, but cats are less prone to vomiting with it. Becoming ever more popular in alternative health management, more brands are making lactoferrin available (for humans. I use human supplements in my cats). Colostrum almost always triggers the cat if there is a lactose intolerance, though a combination of colostrum and lactoferrin may be more effective than either alone. Again, it is the lactoferrin that has been proven in studies, though colostrum is high in zinc, which is also effective immune system support as it acts directly on the thymus. Please see item #4, Zinc, below.
I provide all of these things at the start of symptoms and continue providing them for a full two weeks AFTER the URI symptoms have cleared up. Again, if one cat shows symptoms, they all get it.
I recommend you discuss the use of these supplements and these doses with your vet. I have.
Bovine Lactoferrin (not “Laktoferrin,” which combines bovine lactoferrin and colostrum) dosed to 20mg per pound of cat and given twice a day. The capsules I use come in 250mg each, so I just give the adults 250mg 2x per day. Most accept this in food. It can trigger vomiting in sensitive cats. I use Jarrow brand.
Spirulina. I give to the tolerance of the cat to eat it in food, though 500mg twice per day is the goal. (250mg twice per day is my minimum. Not sure it would be effective below that). Most accept this in food. Brand vetting is VERY important as spirulina can be quite contaminated with many things we don’t want. Nutrex, Maju, BRI Nutrition (human supplements) and Mercola’s pet product are all clean and safe.
Vitamin D (or D + K). Remember this is for short-term use for a specific purpose, thus toxicity is not a risk even on top of properly balanced food. I use 300iu (or about this) once a day for small cats and 400iu (or about this) once a day for larger cats, my “break point” being about 10 pounds of cat. I’ve used the NOW D-3 + K2, 1000iu / 45mcg capsules and various dry Ds. Whatever you have for yourself, you can just eyeball the needed portion. Or purchase a 400iu product (Jarrow, NOW, Pure, Solaray… all good brands) as this is common, and it’s easy to adjust as needed with that.
Zinc. In this protocol, I provide 25mg of Zinc Picolinate twice a day for the first three days (to all cats over the age of 8 weeks though the cat should be at least one pound), then I give it once per day. AAFCO has established 2,000mg of zinc per KG of food on a dry matter basis to be an upper safe limit for long term feeding (about 225mg of zinc per pound of food as fed, assuming 75% moisture). Zinc Picolinate in 50mg capsules is easy to find, most brands carry it. I use half the 50mg capsule (twice a day for 3 days, then half the capsule - 25mg - once per day for the duration of the protocol). Zinc Gluconate is also well absorbed. If you're not comfortable with a total of 50mg daily at first, use half the capsule just once a day throughout, or a number of manufacturers carry either 30mg or even 15mg capsules if you want to use a lower dose.
Vitamin E. I provide all cats 100iu of a mixed tocopherol regardless of weight. I use Solaray dry Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols). No upper safe limit has been established in cats.
Vitamin C. I provide 100mg of vitamin C 2x a day irrespective of weight of the cat. I use Solgar Ester-C, which also contains Rose Hips. Vitamin C is bitter, the Ester-C with rosehips is “softer” / milder when I touch it to my tongue. Mine accept this in food and the Ester-C is the most easily absorbed form. Small Animal Clinical Nutrition notes in the discussion of Feline Chronic Kidney Disease that 150mg of vitamin C has been established not to contribute to the development of oxalate stones or crystals in cats. I note this is not for long term use, but if you have a cat prone to oxalates, you may want to use 50mg – 75mg twice per day instead of 100mg.
Thymus Glandular. The research is done with thymus peptides / thymus extracts. These are expensive, and quality and potency can vary greatly. I use a glandular instead. I use Nutricology, though Ancestral Supplements also has a Thymus Glandular (that includes a bit of liver) and if you’re a fan of Standard Process products, they have several thymus-related products (Thymex and Thymus PMG 90). I am not familiar with their use.
I use Nutricology brand (500mg per capsule) 2x per day in food to all cats regardless of weight.
Transfer Factors. Due to the expense, I no longer use these. If you have a few cats, I would consider including them. Used 1 capsule of 4Life Classic Transfer Factor in food 3x per day. The alternative is 4Life Classic Transfer Factor Plus, which includes zinc and medicinal mushrooms. If using the “PLUS” version, do NOT add additional zinc to the protocol, this provides it, and give cats of 5 pounds or less the PLUS version just twice per day. I do credit the 4Life Transfer Factor Plus with very rapid improvement in a bad URI in my Chumley (FIV+) some years back before I had much else on board for support other than lactoferrin.
SUPPORTING INFORMATION
1) Lactoferrin. This is a component of colostrum, and it has been shown to act directly on the immune system, notably specifically to fight a range of viral infections. The piece from which this is quoted is a discussion as it relates to FIV, but it explains lactoferrin’s anti-viral – and importantly – its anti-inflammatory mechanisms of action. The discussion concludes with “In discrete studies, lactoferrin has been shown to inhibit replication of both feline herpes virus [18] and calici virus [19]; in a small in vivo study, its sister transferrin, ovotransferrin, which has a biochemical action very similar to lactoferrin's, has shown an ability to both prevent and cure feline upper respiratory infections in FIV+ cats [12]. Finally, lactoferrin has shown an ability to inhibit metastisis of a variety of forms of cancer [20] and to potentiate other cancer treatments by enhancement of T and NK cell activity [21].” http://www.fivtherapy.com/lactoferrin.htm The references are at the end of this piece. Please see the appendix at the end of this article for more research information on lactoferrin.
2) Spirulina. Spirulina has many medical benefits, including antiviral, anticancer, antiallerergic and anti-inflammatory effects; detox of heavy metals, arsenic and radiation; but of importance here, it has proven in studies to be an effective antiviral specifically for several strains of herpes, influenza and increases CD4 counts in humans with HIV thus likely has benefit to FIV+ cats.
“Clinical trials show that Spirulina can stimulate the production of antibodies and up- or downregulate the expression of cytokine-encoding genes to induce immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory responses.” Wu et al 2016. The antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory activities of Spirulina: an overview, Arch Toxicol. 2016 Aug;90(8):1817-40. Epub 2016 Jun 3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27259333
“Spirulina helps in building immunity and improving resistance to viral infections. Spirulina can enhance components of the mucosal and systemic immune system as it activates the cells of innate immune system. Several pre-clinical animal studies have shown good immune stimulatory effects in a variety of species. In humans, mammals, chicken and fish Spirulina produces an immune stimulating effect by enhancing the resistance to infections, the capacity of influencing haemopoieses, and stimulating the production of antibodies and cytokines. Spirulina has also been shown to activate macrophages, T and B cells[36]. Sulfolipids derived from spirulina have also proved effective against HIV. Extracts from Spirulina biomass have also been found active against herpes virus, cytomegalovirus, influenza virus, etc. Spirulina extracts have also been shown capable of inhibiting carcinogenesis [37]. Spirulina use leads to higher levels of natural killer cells, interferon gamma and more potent production of interleukins[38]. It has also been seen to have an inhibitory effect on the release of histamine from mast cells during an allergic inflammatory response. Ingestion of spirulina contributes to the functional preservation of the intestinal epithelium which acts as a first line of mucosal barrier against infections [39]. Inhibition of humoral immune response, cell mediated immune response (delayed type hypersensitivity) and TNF-alpha was noticed in a dose-dependent manner in mice[40].” Mohanet al 2012. Spirulina-The Nature’s Wonder: A Review Scholars Jour Applied Med Sci., 2014; 2(4C):1334-1339. https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/6408/2f62eeebfaee102eb8913cb6b2398da7c169.pdf
Spirulina also most likely has benefits in FIV: Ngo-Matip et al 2015. Impact of daily supplementation of Spirulina platensis on the immune system of naïve HIV-1 patients in Cameroon: a 12-months single blind, randomized, multicenter trial, Nutr J. 2015; 14: 70. Published online 2015 Jul 21. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4508814/
Also see Karkos et al 2011. Spirulina in Clinical Practice: Evidence-Based Human Applications, Evidence-Based Comp and Alt Med 2011; Article ID 531053
3) Vitamin D (or D+K). Vitamin D for many years was thought to have its primary role as fixing calcium into bone. But anecdotal evidence pointed to a role in the immune system. In 2010, scientists at the University of Copenhagen found “that vitamin D is crucial to activating our immune defenses and that without sufficient intake of the vitamin - the killer cells of the immune system -- T cells -- will not be able to react to and fight off serious infections in the body. The research team found that T cells first search for vitamin D in order to activate and if they cannot find enough of it will not complete the activation process.” Science Daily has an easy to understand review of the breakthrough findings: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100307215534.htm
Other important research not directly related to its role in URIs, but as it relates to cats and to IBD
Cats with Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Intestinal SmallCell Lymphoma Have Low Serum Concentrations of25-Hydroxyvitamin D (2014) https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/jvim.12294
Vitamin D Status Predicts 30 Day Mortality in Hospitalised Cats (2015) https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0125997
4) Zinc. So far, science has elucidated two significant roles of zinc in the immune system: one helps it respond via a vital role in creation of the T cells in the thymus; the other helps put the brakes on the inflammation our immune systems creates when attacking infection. The study authors that found this "braking" mechanism suspect this is an important aspect of zinc’s observed benefit in feeling better during a cold.
The thymus gland requires zinc for creating the immune system T cells (thymopoiesis). Zinc Supplementation Increases Zinc Status and Thymopoiesis in Aged Mice Journal of Nutrition, 2009 https://academic.oup.com/jn/article/139/7/1393/4670485
Research published in 2013 “suggests that zinc helps control infections by gently tapping the brakes on the immune response in a way that prevents out-of-control inflammation that can be damaging and even deadly…. scientists say these findings might also help explain why taking zinc tablets at the start of a common cold appears to help stem the effects of the illness." Again Science Daily summarizes: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130207131344.htm
5) Vitamin E. “Dozens of animal experiments have found that vitamin E offered protection against infections caused by viruses and bacteria.” It also has an important role in thymus gland health and T-cell differentiation. Vitamin E and Immunity: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10714244
6) Vitamin C. “Vitamin C contributes to immune defense by supporting various cellular functions of both the innate and adaptive immune system. Vitamin C supports epithelial barrier function against pathogens. … Furthermore, supplementation with vitamin C appears to be able to both prevent and treat respiratory and systemic infections. “ Vitamin C and Immune Function [2017] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29099763
7) Thymus peptides / extract / glandular. Research on Thymus extracts proliferated in the 80s and 90s – and continues to today, as it has been shown to be quite effective in immune system management, especially as re: fighting viral infections. WebMd states:
“Thymus extract is used for infectious diseases including recurrent respiratory infections, colds, flu, H1N1 “swine” flu, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), mononucleosis, herpes and shingles, sinusitis, and AIDS/HIV. It is also used for asthma, hay fever, food allergies, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Other uses include maintaining white cell production in cancer patients treated with radiation or chemotherapy, and preventing the effects of aging.”
For a list of citations, please click on the “View clinical references for this vitamin or supplement” at WebMD’s write-up on Thymus Extract: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1009-thymus%20extract.aspx?activeingredientid=1009&activeingredientname=thymus%20extract
This article “Thymus Therapy 2013: A Forgotten Gland and Its Influence in the Body” was a presentation at the Veterinary Meeting & Expo 2013. https://www.vetfolio.com/learn/article/thymus-therapy-2013-a-forgotten-gland-and-its-influence-in-the-body
8) Transfer Factors. (WebMD on Transfer Factors. Again, references are available. A plain English more hype-y explanation).
APPENDIX
BOVINE LACTOFERRIN
There are quite a number of both in vitro and clinical studies of Bovine Lactoferrin for various things: one of them is Feline Herpes Virus.
In fact, a study in cats with herpes was published in 2013, Evaluation of Lysine and Lysine-Lactoferrin Association in Cats Infected by Feline Herpesvirus-1: http://www.medwelljournals.com/abstract/?doi=javaa.2013.181.185
From the study abstract:
Viral shedding in oculo-conjunctival samples gradually decreased in almost all cats. These data suggest that the association lysine-lactoferrin could be a first choice in FHV-1 infected cats for reducing clinical signs and viral shedding.
Apparently it was the lactoferrin that was effective, not necessarily the lysine. Here's an in vitro study from 2003, Effects of bovine lactoferrin on in vitro replication of feline herpesvirus: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12950656
For a much more complete list of references, click on the “View clinical references for this vitamin or supplement” at WebMD’s write-up on (BOVINE) Lactoferrin: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-49-lactoferrin.aspx?activeingredientid=49&activeingredientname=lactoferrin
A nice review piece, published in November 2014 (full article available for free) in the Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy, Lactoferrin for prevention of common viral infections:
http://www.jiac-j.com/article/S1341-321X%2814%2900286-4/abstract
An interesting article that discusses a wider view of lactoferrin, written in “plain English.” It is referenced: http://www.naturopathic.org/content.asp?admin=y&contentid=526
The references from the FIVtherapy website discussion of lactoferrin as it relates to issues other than FIV:
18) Ammendolia MG, Marchetti M, Superti F. Bovine lactoferrin prevents the entry and intercellular spread of herpes simplex virus type 1 in Green Monkey Kidney cells. Antiviral Res. 2007 Dec;76(3):252-62. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17881064
19) Addie DD, Radford A, Yam PS, Taylor DJ. Cessation of feline calicivirus shedding coincident with resolution of chronic gingivostomatitis in a cat. J Small Anim Pract. 2003 Apr;44(4):172-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12703869
20) Yoo YC, Watanabe S, Watanabe R, Hata K, Shimazaki K, Azuma I. Bovine lactoferrin and Lactoferricin inhibit tumor metastasis in mice. Adv Exp Med Biol. 1998;443:285-91.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9781371
21) Varadhachary A, Wolf JS, Petrak K, O'Malley BW Jr, Spadaro M, Curcio C, Forni G, Pericle F. Oral lactoferrin inhibits growth of established tumors and potentiates conventional chemotherapy. Int J Cancer. 2004 Sep 1;111(3):398-403.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15221967
Other early studies – feline herpes virus and calicivirus in vitro:
There is also an in-vitro study as re: feline herpes virus that shows that lactoferrin has an “inhibitory effect on in vitro replication of FHV-1.”
2003 “Effects of bovine lactoferrin on in vitro replication of feline herpesvirus.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12950656
An in-vitro study indicated lactoferrin interferes with calicivirus infection:
2003 “The effect of bovine lactoferrin and lactoferricin B on the ability of feline calicivirus (a norovirus surrogate) and poliovirus to infect cell cultures.”
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1046/j.1365-2672.2003.02071.x/pdf
There are many studies in humans that indicate the efficacy of lactoferrin as an antiviral. Here are review pieces:
2014 “Lactoferrin for prevention of common viral infections”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25182867
2011 “Antiviral properties of lactoferrin--a natural immunity molecule.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21847071
2001 “Antiviral activities of lactoferrin”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11675140