Lysine for Feline Herpes Virus

by LJ
(Northern NJ)

Our cat was diagnosed with Feline Herpes Virus, which affected his eyes, causing the third eyelid to be pronounced and red. Our veterinarian recommended the amino acid L-Lysine. We put a small scoop of powder in his food twice a day for several months. His herpes cleared up and, having been off the L-Lysine for about two years now, has been flare-up free!

Editor Comment Regarding Feline Herpes Virus Treatment with Supplements such as Lysine

Thank you for your suggestion.

L-Lysine or simply Lysine is an essential amino acid, which is supplied to cats as a dietary supplement. One lysine product formulated specifically for cats is Vetoquinol Viralys Powder.

In alternative medicine, Lysine, zinc, aloe vera, bee products and echinacea are considered to be effective dietary supplements when treating feline Herpes Virus infection. But, more research needed to prove this hypothesis.

However, in initial research it is noted that the aforementioned natural extracts are effective options to support a treatment approach, but it is not certain that if these supplements can be used as a specific therapy or as a way of confirming the presence of feline herpes virus infections.

It might be because of the mode of pathogenesis caused by the herpes virus (how the virus develops), which not only varies in different animals according to the nature of the infection, but also is affected by factors such as age, breed and the fact that even antiviral drugs are not effective against herpes virus. They cannot completely eradicate them from the body.

All measures, such as the use of antiviral drugs, antibiotics, anti inflammatory drugs, alternative medicine and supportive dietary measures are meant to reduce the severity of the condition and to eliminate the virus from the body.

Therefore, like many other researchers, we believe that many options including L-Lysine are effective in managing a Feline Herpes Virus infection, but this should not be considered a specific treatment. It only reduces the severity of symptoms and helps in achieving a symptomless eradication of the feline herpes virus from the body. It may take several years before herpes virus in cats is completely eradicated from body.

Thanks again for sharing information on this important supplement for cats with feline herpes virus.