WHAT IS FIP IN CATS?
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a viral disease in cats caused by certain strains of the feline coronavirus. FIP is a complex & can be a fatal disease that primarily affects young cats, elderly cats, or cats with weakened immune systems.
HOW IS FIP TRANSMITTED:
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is caused by a mutated strain of the feline coronavirus (FCoV). The virus is typically shed in faeces & can be transmitted through close contact between cats, such as grooming, sharing litter boxes, or through mutual contact with contaminated objects.
In multi-cat households, shelters, or catteries, where cats are in close proximity, the risk of transmission is higher. Stress & other factors that weaken the immune system can also increase the likelihood of a cat developing FIP after exposure to the virus.
However, not all cats exposed to the feline coronavirus will develop FIP. Most cats infected with FCoV will either show mild or no symptoms, or they may develop a gastrointestinal illness. Only a small percentage of cats infected with FCoV will develop FIP.
SYMPTOMS OF FIV
FIP can manifest in two forms: effusive (wet) or non-effusive (dry).
The “wet” form is characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen or chest, while the “dry” form affects various organs such as the kidneys, liver or central nervous system (CNS).
Effusive (Wet) FIP
Ascites: The most distinctive sign, where fluid accumulates in the abdomen causing swelling.
Difficulty Breathing: Caused by fluid accumulation in the chest cavity.
Fever: Often fluctuating and unresponsive to antibiotics.
Lethargy & Loss of Appetite: Common in both forms of FIP.
Non-Effusive (Dry) FIP
Weight Loss & Poor Appetite: More gradual than in wet FIP.
Ocular Symptoms: Inflammation in the eyes, leading to changes in eye appearance or vision problems.
Neurological Symptoms: Including seizures, ataxia (uncoordinated movements), or behavioral changes.
Fever & Lethargy: Similar to wet FIP but without fluid accumulation.
TESTING FOR FIP
Diagnosing FIP can be challenging, as there is no single test that can conclusively diagnose the disease in a living cat.
Other tests, such as a PCR or immunoperoxidase can diagnose the presence of the virus but due to the mutation of the virus, the tests have its limitations & may lead to false negative or false positive results.
Diagnosis is often made based on a combination of clinical signs, blood tests showing changes consistent with FIP (such as high protein levels & anemia), such as:
Analysis of fluid in “wet” FIP
Cat has a low number of white blood cells
Cat has an unusually high number of white blood cells
Cat has elevated concentrations of protein in the blood
Cat shows yellowing of the gums or eyes
TREATMENT FOR FIP
Historically, treatment options for FIP in cats were limited & primarily focused on supportive care to alleviate symptoms. However, recent years have seen significant advancements.
Antiviral Medications: Remdesivir / GS-441524 etc (treatments can be expensive and may need to be administered for several weeks to months)
Supportive Care: Includes fluid therapy, feeding tubes for cats that refuse to eat, and medications to manage symptoms such as fever, inflammation, and pain.
PROGNOSIS
While the disease was once considered almost always fatal, many cats now have a chance at a full recovery if diagnosed early & treated aggressively with the right antiviral medication. It's important to note that treatment can be costly & not all cats respond; however, the overall outlook is much more positive than in the past.
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