When Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) affects a cat’s nervous system or eyes, it manifests in a couple of specific ways:
Neurological FIP - This form affects the cat’s brain and spinal cord
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You might notice your cat having trouble with coordination or balance, such as stumbling or walking in circles
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They might also show changes in behavior, like being unusually withdrawn or aggressive
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In severe cases, there can be seizures or problems with their vision
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Their pupils might be different sizes which is called anisocoria
Below are some examples of anisocoria
Ocular FIP - This form impacts the eyes
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Cats with ocular FIP might have inflammation in the eyes, which can cause symptoms like eye redness, cloudiness, or swelling
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They might also have changes in their vision, which could make them bump into things or appear disoriented
Below are some examples of ocular FIP
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FIP is actually a MUTATION of the very common Feline Coronavirus (FECV)
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Almost every domestic cat will be exposed to the Feline Coronavirus in his or her lifetime and about 90% of cats who are exposed will either show ZERO symptoms or just have what amounts to a stomach bug and go on to make a full recovery
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It’s the unfortunate 10% of the population who will experience the mutation of the virus into FIP
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Because FIP is a result of a mutation, it is not currently believed to be contagious from cat to cat
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FIP tends to strike kittens and young cats under the age of 2 years old but can develop in cats of any age
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Cats as old as 18 have been treated and cured
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. More detailed information on FECV infection and clinical manifestations of FIPV disease can be found at:
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The most common form of the disease is referred to as “wet" FIP
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With wet FIP, fluid can be present in the abdominal or chest cavities causing visible bloating or labored breathing
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Other symptoms commonly seen with wet FIP are:
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loss of appetite & weight loss
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depression & lethargy
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jaundice
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fever
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If your cat has wet FIP and the fluid is in the ABDOMEN, do not have the fluid drained unless it it causing breathing or organ function issues
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If the fluid IS causing those issues, do not allow for more than 30% of the TOTAL FLUID VOLUME to be drained as it can send the cat into shock
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If your cat has wet FIP and the fluid is in the CHEST CAVITY, you may allow for 100% of the chest fluid to be drained by a veterinarian
Below are examples of cats with wet abdominal FIP
WET FIP
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FIP can also take a different form referred to as “dry FIP”
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Dry FIP, as the name implies, is not associated with fluid accumulations in the abdomen or chest, but can include localized masses in the kidneys, spleen, liver and terminal bowel, eyes, and the linings of the lungs and heart, and central nervous system
DRY FIP
NEUROLOGICAL & OCULAR FIP
RELAPSES & REINFECTIONS
WHAT IS FIP?
The form of disease that is manifested is referred to simply as wet or dry.
The wet form occurs in about two-thirds of cats and the dry form in one-third.
These two forms are easily distinguishable, although there may also be transition forms between the two.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF FIP
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Although rare, relapses can occur during the 12-week observation period
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When a relapse DOES occur, treatment is restarted at a dosage of 5m/kg higher than the previous round of treatment
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Reinfections are even more rare than relpases and occur in less than 1% of the cured cat population
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Reinfections can be treated at the same dosage as the first round of treatment OR at a dosage 5mg/kg higher - depending on the recommendation of the supervising veterinarian
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By looking at the symptoms the cat is presenting with, blood work results, cat’s age, breed, environment (is it a stressful environment?) along with any diagnostics from cat’s vet such as x-rays, ultrasound, fluid PCR testing on ascites or pleural fluid, a diagnosis can often be confirmed.
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We do not rely on titers and/or any Coronavirus test as they are not helpful in diagnosing FIP
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Fluid PCR tests can have up to 30% false negatives so we don’t rely on them alone
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If fluid is present, fluid cytology can be done to determine protein content and composition
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Neurological/Ocular cases may have very normal or close to perfect blood work
Your vet may decide to treat diagnostically - which means putting kitty on GS without a FIRM diagnosis. If we see improvements, we know we are most likely on the right track. Waiting for extensive diagnostic results before starting treatment can be catastrophic so it’s recommended to start as soon as FIP is being considered.
HOW IS FIP DIAGNOSED?
There is no single definitive test for FIP at this time which can make diagnosis a lot like putting the pieces of a puzzle together
We tend to see the following FIP indicators in bloodwork:
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A/G ratio less than 0.7
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Total WBC high
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Lymphocytes low
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Albumin low
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Globulin high, above 5.0
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Total protein high, above 8.0
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Neutrophils high
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Anemia, usually non-regenerative
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Liver enzymes high