Which feline conjunctivitis cause is linked to oral ulceration?

The association between calicivirus and oral ulceration in cats is well-documented. Calicivirus is a significant viral pathogen that affects feline health, particularly in young or unvaccinated cats. When a cat is infected with calicivirus, one of the hallmark clinical signs can be the development of oral ulcers, which may occur along with conjunctivitis.

In this context, conjunctivitis is often one of the manifestations of a systemic infection, as the virus can affect multiple mucosal surfaces. These painful oral lesions often accompany respiratory signs, making calicivirus a systemic disease with potential ocular involvement, including conjunctivitis. Thus, recognizing calicivirus as linked to both oral ulceration and conjunctivitis aids in diagnosing and managing affected cats effectively.

Feline herpesvirus is also known to cause conjunctivitis but is less commonly associated with oral ulceration compared to calicivirus. Chlamydia typically causes conjunctivitis without oral lesions, and allergies primarily result in ocular signs without the systemic involvement that leads to ulceration.