Infection
Feline infectious peritonitis refers to one of the diseases that
can result from a coronavirus that affect cats. It affects only
cats, not humans or dogs.
The virus is spread through close physical contact such as
sneezing and mutual grooming and through the feces, urine,
saliva and respiratory secretions. Infection occurs through
repeated contact to result in viral replication in the gut.
Situations favoring lots of interactions between cats (i.e.
catteries and multi-cat households), and especially between
older and younger cats, favor transmission of this virus.
Although not usually long-lived outside the cat, it can survive
in the environment in the right conditions so that litter trays
and food bowls are another potential source of spread between
cats. Cats of any age can be affected, but most cats that are
ill with FIP are usually less than 2 years old.
Prevention
Minimizing interactions between cats, especially between younger
and older cats, is helpful to decrease the chances of
transmission of this virus. If you are obtaining a kitten or cat
from a breeder, ask about the presence of FIP in the cattery.
There is a vaccine for FIP, but it has questionable efficacy,
and thus, it is not routinely recommended.
Clinical signs
The disease can manifest in two forms, depending on the type of
immunity the cat develops.
The "wet" form- so called for production of fluid that develops
in the chest and/or abdomen from inflammation of the tissues.
These cats have signs of lethargy, fever, weight loss, decreased
appetite and fluid in the abdomen or chest with subsequent
abdominal distension and difficulty breathing.
The "dry" form- so called for the lack of fluid production.
Granulomatous lesions or plaques form in the kidneys, eyes and
brain, and occasionally the liver and pancreas. This form of FIP
is less common and can be more subtle in its presentation than
the wet form. Weight loss and decreased appetite often occur.
When FIP affects the eyes, it can cause a color change of the
iris or deposits on the cornea, and when FIP affects the brain,
it can cause staggering, weakness and seizures.
Diagnosis
This can be based on several tests. Body protein levels are
often increased. Analysis of fluid, when present in the "wet
form", is typical in appearance- yellow in color and high in
protein.
There is no specific test for FIP that can reliably test for
this virus since it cross reacts with other viruses. Unlike the
tests for feline leukemia (Felv) and feline immunodeficiency
virus (FIV) that indicate a positive or negative status, the
test for FIP is a titer, a measurement of antibody levels.
If a cat tests positive for FIP, it may indicate that:
1) It has FIP or
2) It was exposed to FIP and is now immune or
3) It was exposed to one of the other non-fatal forms of
coronovirus.
While interpreting the FIP titer can be difficult, a high titer
along with signs of FIP does suggest active infection.
Treatment
Unfortunately, there is no treatment for this disease. Often,
supportive care is needed (nutrition, fluids) and occasionally,
anti-inflammatory drugs (i.e. prednisone) and antibiotics can be
helpful, but these are ineffective against the virus.
Immuno-modulating drugs such as interferon can be useful in some
cases in improving the cat's quality of life. These drugs,
however, do not change the cat's viral status.
Prognosis
For cats that have active disease with signs of FIP, there is a
poor prognosis and the disease is fatal. However, not all cats
that test positive for FIP will die, especially those not
exhibiting signs of illness.
If there are questions regarding this disease and its treatment,
don't hesitate to contact your veterinarian.
The above is general veterinary information. Do not begin
any course of treatment without consulting your regular
veterinarian. All animals should be examined at least once every
12 months.
|
