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Viral Infection

Illnesses caused by non-living molecular pathogens that replicate inside host cells and cannot be treated with antibiotics.

Key Facts

Viruses are collections of molecules that require living host cells to replicate and spread.
Common viral diseases in pets include parvovirus, distemper, and feline immunodeficiency virus.
Antibiotics have no effect on viruses and should not be prescribed for purely viral illnesses.
Treatment focuses on managing symptoms while the animal's immune system clears the pathogen.

Viral infections can compromise the immune system and create opportunities for secondary bacterial infections.

Supportive care is the primary treatment strategy for most viral infections in pets.

Antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections and should not be used to treat them.

The host immune system is primarily responsible for fighting off viral infections.