FIP (feline infectious peritonitis) is a perverse, mysterious and frustrating disease that is one of the leading causes of infectious mortality in young cats (most often from 2 months to 2 years of age).

FIP (feline infectious peritonitis)is caused by the feline coronavirus - FcoV (feline coronavirus). It is a disease that causes generalized inflammation. FIP is accompanied by recurrent fever, weight loss, worsening, formation of granulomas in organs and / or effusion in body cavities. So far, it is an incurable disease.

Feline coronavirus is divided into two biotypes in terms of pathogenicity:

  • Intestinal biotype(feline enteric coronavirus - FECV). This biotype is very common among cats. It is estimated that 50% of domestic cats have antibodies (i.e. that they have been in contact with the virus), and in large clusters (kennels, shelters), even 80-90% of cats have antibodies. The virus multiplies in intestinal epithelial cells, therefore its sowing occurs mainly through the faeces. An infected cat can spread the virus just 2 days after being infected. The intestinal biotype causes mild diarrhea and even asymptomatic infections. It seems to be completely harmless. However, as a result of a mutation, it can turn into:
  • Biotype triggering FIP- so-called "phipogenic" biotype (feline infectious peritonitis virus - FIPV). After mutation, this virus no longer multiplies only in the intestines, but becomes able to multiply in monocytes and macrophages (cells of the white blood cell system), which "spread" the virus throughout the body. As a result of the activation of the immune system, inflammatory mediators are released and inflammation develops in the vicinity of the blood vessels. The consequence is the formation of granulomas in various organs (kidneys, liver, intestines, spleen, nervous system and even in the eyes). Inflammation may be accompanied by the accumulation of exudate in the peritoneal and pleural cavities.

So the development of FIP is an individual event in the body of an infected cat. Even though your cat may be infected with the virus, it doesn't need to get FIP. Virus infection alone does not induce disease. FIP is considered to occur in uless than 10% of individuals infected with the coronavirus.

FIP: reasons

For FIP to develop, the virus must mutate in the host's organism. The state of the immune system and stress predispose to mutations. A cat, unlike a dog, is not a gregarious animal and being in a larger group of cats is always a great stress for it (even though it may not show it to us at all). Therefore, the most common mutations occur in large clusters of these animals and after the action of specific stressors, such as: change of owner, change of place of stay, hotel stay, treatments, vaccinations, injuries.

FIP: symptoms

When listing symptoms, another division should be made into two clinical forms of the disease: the so-called "Wet" - exudative and "dry" without exudation. Both forms of the disease begin with similar, nonspecific clinical symptoms:

  • wave fever (not responding to antibiotic treatment),
  • loss of appetite,
  • weight loss, weight loss,
  • dull hair,
  • pale or yellow mucous membranes.

The exudative formis accompanied by the accumulation of fluid - effusion in body cavities. It is the dominant symptom in this form. The abdominal shells enlarge. If fluid also accumulates in the pleural cavity, the cat's breathing becomes worse and more difficult. Dyspnoea may also appear as a result of the fluid that accumulates in the abdomen pressing against the diaphragm. The characteristics of the fluid are quite distinctive: it is yellowish, clear, malleable, high in protein, and may also contain fibrin.

The non-exudative formis not accompanied by characteristic symptoms, therefore the diagnosis of this form of the disease is quite difficult for doctors. In addition to progressive wasting and the general symptoms mentioned, uveitis may develop. There are also neurological disorders such as seizures, impaired coordination or behavioral changes. These symptoms may also accompany other diseases.

FIP: diagnostics and recognition

While the diagnosis of the exudative form is quite simple (based on the examination of the fluid collected from the body cavities), the diagnosis of the non-exudative form is difficult.

Hematology testreveals lowered lymphocytes and increased levels of neutrophils, and mild anemia may also appear.

The biochemical testshows in many cases a decreased albumin to globulin ratio, an increased level of bilirubin, sometimes an increase in the activity of liver enzymes is observed.

Serological testis notreliable, as it cannot distinguish whether the cat has developed antibodies after contact with the intestinal or phipogenic virus biotype. This test may be helpful, but it does not determine the final diagnosis.

PCR test- a method for detecting the genetic material of the virus. Although the genetic variability of the virus is very high (which causes diagnostic difficulties), this test is able to determine a greater likelihood of contact with a phipogenic virus than with an intestinal virus. It is relatively the most expensive test.

You must do it

How to reduce the risk of a cat getting FIP?

  • Systematically remove faeces from the litter box minimum 1x a day,
  • Change the litter every few days and disinfect the litter box,
  • Do not put food and water bowls near the litter box,
  • Ventilate rooms with cats regularly,
  • React quickly and heal any digestive system disorders in young kittens,
  • If you have a lot of cats, limit the number to a maximum of 10,
  • With more cats, divide them into herds of 3-4,
  • Separate aggressive individuals that may stress other animals,
  • Increase the number of litter boxes (1 litter box for 1-2 cats),

FIP: treatment

According to the current state of research, the disease is considered incurable. The prognosis for both forms is considered unfavorable. From the onset of clinical symptoms, the survival time is relatively short: in the wet form up to several weeks, in the non-oily form - up to several months.

In order to extend the survival time and comfort of the animal, pharmacological treatment trials are used in the form of:

  • glucocorticosteroids,
  • immunosuppressive drugs,
  • cat interferon omega.

Draining fluid from the body cavities brings temporary relief, but it also aggravates the state of dehydration and loss of proteins from the body. Due to the loss of proteins, it is recommended to follow a high-protein diet.

Worth knowing

FIP: prevention

So far, no effective vaccine for FIP has been invented. Therefore, only limiting the possibility of infection can be considered as a prophylaxis (which is difficult due to the widespread presence of the virus). It makes sense to wean young kittens from their mother (who can also be an asymptomatic carrier) early, while the kittens' immunity to infections expires - i.e. at 5-6 weeks of age. During this time, the kittens should be separated from the other cats and from the mother (if the mother has antibodies to the coronavirus).

Virus can persist inenvironment for several weeks. Therefore, a new cat should not be brought into the house before the min. 3 months after the death of a cat suffering from FIP. This applies to houses where only one cat is kept.

When selecting new animals to a home with FIP, it is recommended to introduce adult animals, as mature animals are usually more resistant to feline coronavirus infections.

About the authorEwa Korycka-Grzegorczyk, a veterinarian

A graduate of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin. She has experience in the treatment of companion animals, with particular emphasis on dermatology, cytology and infectious diseases. She gained professional experience in clinics in Lublin and Łódź. He is currently working at a veterinary clinic in Pabianice. He constantly deepens his skills by participating in courses and conferences.

Privately, a cat lover and owner of a beautiful, red Maine-Coon named Felin.

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