Podcasts

The Use of Lysine in Cats with Herpes – Dr. David Maggs | VETgirl Veterinary CE Podcasts

In this VETgirl online veterinary continuing education podcast, we interview Dr. David Maggs, BVSc, DACVO, Professor of Ophthalmology at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine on the use of lysine supplementation in cats with herpesvirus. Does it work? A recent paper adamantly debunked its use (Boll et al), and veterinarians are left wondering – should I be recommending this (safe and benign) medication? When in doubt, consider reaching for topical antivirals instead…

*Correction: I said the recent paper was published in JAVMA, but it was actually AJVR (see reference #2 by Drazenovich et al below!).

References:

  1. Boll S, Bunnik EM. Lysine supplementation is not effective for the prevention or treatment of feline herpesvirus 1 infection in cats: a systematic reviewBMC Veterinary Research 2015;11:284
  2. Drazenovich TL, Fascetti AJ, Westermeyer HD, et al. Effects of dietary lysine supplementation on upper respiratory and ocular disease and detection of infectious organisms in cats within an animal shelter. A J Vet Res 2009;70(11):1391-1400.

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