feline infectious peritonitis(FIP)

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), commonly referred to as “Feline Infectious Peritonitis,” is a chronic, progressive, and fatal infectious disease. Its main characteristics include peritonitis, accumulation of large amounts of ascites, and a high mortality rate. FIP primarily affects kittens aged 2 – 9 months, especially purebred cats, cats in multi-cat households, and stray cats, which are more susceptible to infection. The disease course can be sudden, leading to the death of kittens within one to two months, or it can progress slowly, lasting several weeks or even one to two months.

Etiology

The etiology of FIP is related to the mutation of the feline coronavirus. Cats typically carry the coronavirus for life, and the disease may develop when their physical condition declines. The mutated coronavirus leaves the intestines, invades other organs, and triggers inflammation, leading to FIP. Although the mutated virus is not highly contagious, cats carrying the virus can shed it through feces, infecting cohabiting cats via the oral and nasal routes. In rare cases, the virus can be transmitted through mechanical means such as clothing, feeding utensils, bedding, humans, or insects. The coronavirus is relatively fragile and can be killed by most disinfectants.

Clinical Symptoms

The symptoms of FIP are divided into two types: wet and dry.

Wet Form Symptoms

• High-protein exudate in the thoracic and abdominal cavities, causing dyspnea or respiratory distress
• Painless abdominal enlargement
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Moderate to severe anemia

Dry Form Symptoms

• Granulomatous lesions in organs, leading to progressive weight loss
• Eye opacity and visual impairment
• Some cases present with multiple neurological symptoms, such as hind-limb paralysis, spasms, and tremors

Both types may be accompanied by anemia, jaundice, anorexia, lethargy, and persistent fever.

Prevention and Treatment

Preventive Measures

• Routine vaccination
• Maintaining a clean living environment
• Reasonably controlling the number of cats
• Isolating infected cats
• Serological testing of queens

Treatment Measures

• Pharmacotherapy: Such as treatment with 441 injection
• Supportive Therapy: Including force-feeding, intravenous fluid administration to correct dehydration, and puncture when necessary

Despite the high mortality rate of FIP, many cases can be cured through early prevention, timely diagnosis, and targeted treatment. There are numerous successful cases of cures in veterinary hospitals, catteries, and among cat owners.