Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) In Cats And Kittens

One of the most dreadful infections in cats and kittens that can even be fatal is Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP). It is believed to be the most difficult disease to diagnose and treat. This fatal systemic viral disease is caused by coronavirus, which also causes infection in dogs and pigs. Clinically, the FIP virus is known as Feline Coronavirus (FcoV). The benign form of this virus mutates into disease causing a form called the FIPV (Feline Infectious Peritonitis Virus).

Kittens are more prone to the infection that cats. The onset of this disease may be sudden. Before the symptoms begin to appear, the infection becomes well established in the body of the animal.

Types

FIP occurs in two different forms, including wet FIP and dry FIP. About 60-70% of infection is caused by wet FIP and shows more rapid progression then dry FIP.

• Wet FIP In these cases, the fluid gets accumulated in the body cavities, most commonly in the abdominal or thoracic cavity where it causes swelling and pain and breathing problems due to compression of lungs.
• Dry FIP There in less fluid built up in the body and certain organs are affected by lesions. These lesions lead to health problems like eye inflammation, neurological problems, kidney or liver failure, anemia and fever.
• Coronavirus infection is more common in those cats which share living space with kittens or other adult cats.

Causes And Risk Factors

FIP commonly affects young and old cats. Cats of about 16 weeks are the most vulnerable to this infection as their immune system is not completely functional. Persian and Burmese cats are shown to be at a higher risk of getting this disease. Cats living outdoor and those staying in catteries are more commonly affected by this infection as compared to indoor or solitary cats.

In most of the cats, this infection starts due to genetic mutation of feline enteric coronavirus (FECV). The mutant strains of FECV are known as FIPV. Research has indicated that cats have antibodies against FIPV, which makes the animal more sensitive to the mutant virus. These antibodies promote the disease process further which is commonly known as antibody-dependent enhancement. The infection is transmitted only when a healthy cat comes in direct contact with the infected cat or its feces.

Symptoms

Once the virus enters the cats body, it immediately starts its replication process in the cats pharynx and small intestine, from where it makes its way to the throat, lungs, and stomach. About 10 days after getting the infection, the disease becomes communicable to other cats. Some common symptoms associated with this disorder are mild respiratory infection, sneezing, nasal discharge, diarrhea, weight loss, loss of appetite, and fever. Effusive FIP is marked by symptoms like fluid accumulation in body cavities, pot-bellied appearance, heavy breath, gastrointestinal ulcers, and certain neurological abnormalities. Non-effusive FIP is indicated by increased water intake and urination, weight loss, anemia, vomiting, and conjunctivitis.

Treatment

There is no cure for Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), however, supportive care can be provided for some relief. The medication is provided as combination of corticosteroids, cytotoxic drugs, and antibiotics. Proper diet and fluid intake can provide a great deal of relief from such an infection.