Feline infectious peritonitis FIP

Feline infectious peritonitis FIP

What is FIP in cats?

Feline infectious peritonitis is a viral disease that develops into a coronavirus once in the host, most often occurring in cats under two years of age (about 80%). It can come in multiple forms, which vary in how they affect the cat. The name ‘peritonitis’ comes from the swelling of the abdomen that is most characteristic of the disease:

Wet or Effusive Disease

Swelling of the blood vessels – called vasculitis – causes fluid to leak and accumulates in the abdominal and/or thoracic cavity, making breathing difficult and giving the appearance of extreme bloating. This fluid is generally thick and tinged yellow, although other conditions such as liver disease and some cancers can contribute to similar fluid accumulation.

Dry FIP

Collections of viral and inflammatory cells called granulomas can form around the body. These masses can appear anywhere in the body but the most common parts to be affected are the eyes and brain (30% of cases each, respectively).

While the presentation differs, it is likely cats will have both at different times or concurrently.

What causes FIP in cats?

The virus that causes FIP is a coronavirus unique to cats, affecting the upper respiratory or gastrointestinal system. This coronavirus is very common in cats, with up to around 40% of felines being infected during their lifetime (this increases among large groups of cats living together, whether in a home or in stray colonies).

Most cats experience no to mild symptoms, such as diarrhoea that resolves shortly. The danger arises when the coronavirus mutates while in the cat. If the immune system reacts to the virus’ presence, it can develop into FIP. This means that just because coronavirus is found in a cat, it does not always mean they are FIP positive.

 

What are the symptoms of Feline infectious peritonitis?

Signs of FIP infection vary depending on the type they develop (wet or dry) and can be vague. Some symptoms to look out for include:

  • Fluctuating fever
  • Lethargy and general weakness
  • Inappetence
  • Neurological signs – unstable stance
  • Bleeding from orifices such as the eyes or nose
  • Bloated appearance

 

How is FIP diagnosed?

Feline infectious peritonitis is generally considered a diagnosis of exclusion; once other likely scenarios have been ruled out, FIP may be the last possible answer to what is causing certain symptoms. Even then, FIP is difficult to diagnose definitively.

Some factors may make FIP more likely, but are not definitive:

  • Cats exhibiting clinical symptoms in line with FIP
  • Cats in high-risk categories, such as high-density living or the very young
  • Changes in routine blood test results
    • Lymphopenia (low lymphocytes)
    • Neutrophilia (increased neutrophils)
    • Anaemia (low red blood cells)
    • High globulin
    • High liver enzymes
    • High bilirubin

It should be noted that these abnormalities may not be present at early stages of the disease and can develop months after infection. Therefore, it is important to have a baseline so blood tests can be repeated in the future.

If free fluid is present in the thorax or abdomen, a sample may be taken for analysis. This fluid is high in protein and can be tested for presence of the virus. Other diagnostic tools such as radiographs (x-rays) and ultrasounds may also be utilised.

As any cat can contract the coronavirus without necessarily developing FIP, testing for coronavirus antibodies is not considered a useful diagnostic tool.

 

How can we treat FIP?

FIP was previously a fatal diagnosis, but recent developments in medical research have offered up new avenues of treatment.

Recent studies have shown results from antiviral drugs with varying degrees of effectiveness – around 80% recovery at present. Although these results are promising, treatment is expensive and requires a long course (84 days), so it is not always a feasible option for owners.

How can I prevent my cat from contracting FIP?

Feline infectious peritonitis is least common in domestic pets due to their breeding and rearing (in most cases). If possible, ensure you get your cat from a low-density household or breeder who has their cats up to date on veterinary care.

There is a vaccine available for FIP, however, its efficacy is still being debated and it cannot be said to definitively prevent FIP. It also cannot be given until 16 weeks of age, which may miss the coronavirus infection window.

Some good practices include:

  • Keeping cats in small groups, including avoiding multiple litters at once
  • Have multiple, clean litter boxes available away from food and water sources (the golden rule is one litter box each +1)

Where FIP is discovered in breeding groups, its spread can be prevented in a number of ways:

  • Pause breeding for a minimum of six months, and have all cats checked by your veterinarian
  • Breed from older cats, who are more likely to have been infected with coronavirus and less likely to have FIP
  • Isolate queens from other cats to prevent coronavirus spread

If you want to know more about FIP in cats call our friendly team at 02 9416 1300 or book an appointment online.

 

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