Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a serious, often fatal disease caused by certain strains of
the feline coronavirus (FCoV). It primarily affects cats with weakened immune systems and is
more common in multi-cat environments.

What is FIP?
– FIP is caused by a mutated form of feline coronavirus that infects macrophages and leads to
widespread inflammation.
– Not all cats infected with FCoV develop FIP; it occurs in a small percentage, especially in
immunocompromised cats.

Types of FIP
1. Wet (Effusive) FIP:
– Characterized by accumulation of fluid in the abdomen (ascites) or chest (pleural effusion).
– Rapid onset of symptoms and often more severe.
2. Dry (Non-effusive) FIP
– Presents with granulomatous lesions in organs like the liver, kidneys, eyes, and nervous
system.
– More insidious onset, with weight loss, lethargy, and organ-specific signs.

Signs and Symptoms
– Fever that doesn’t respond to antibiotics
– Weight loss and loss of appetite
– Lethargy and depression
– Abdominal distension (due to fluid) in wet form
– Icterus (jaundice)
– Neurological signs: ataxia, seizures, behavioral changes
– Ocular changes: uveitis, retinal hemorrhages, blindness

Diagnosis
– No definitive test: diagnosis is often based on clinical signs, history, and supportive laboratory
findings.
– Blood tests: anemia, elevated globulins, hyperbilirubinemia
– Effusion analysis: fluid analysis showing high protein content, inflammatory cells
– PCR testing: detecting coronavirus RNA (but not definitive for FIP)
– Imaging: ultrasound or radiographs revealing organ involvement and fluid accumulation

– Biopsy:definitive diagnosis via histopathology (organ tissue)

Treatment
– No guaranteed cure: FIP is traditionally considered fatal.
– Supportive care: fluids, nutritional support, anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressants.
– Antiviral treatments:** Recent advances include antiviral drugs like GS-441524, which show
promise in some cases, but are not universally approved or available everywhere.
– Prognosis: generally poor, especially for wet FIP; some cases of dry FIP respond to
experimental treatments.

Prevention
– Minimize stress and overcrowding in multi-cat households.
– Maintain good hygiene and hygiene protocols.
– Reduce exposure to infected cats, though FCoV is widespread, and complete prevention is
challenging.
Summary
FIP is a complex disease caused by mutated feline coronavirus, often fatal. Early recognition of
signs and supportive veterinary care are crucial, and recent antiviral therapies offer hope for
some cats.