Joseph Hahn Information Specialist University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a deadly virus that lethally infects cats and, until recently, had no vaccination. While there is no cure, there are preventive measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of your cat contracting this disease.
FIP is part of the coronavirus family that also includes the less deadly feline enteric coronavirus (FECV), say veterinarians at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. FECV causes mild intestinal upset in kittens. Vomiting, diarrhea, and a low fever are common signs. Adults infected with FECV generally show no signs of disease.
FIP affects the membrane lining in the intestines, causing them to be inflamed and destroying them. Two forms of this disease are recognized by veterinarians, a wet form and a dry form.
The wet form of FIP is characterized by fluid accumulation in various organs of the body. This will cause swelling of the abdomen and the chest, making it difficult for the cat to breathe. Additional signs may include depression, loss of appetite, pale gums, and a chronic fever that is unresponsive to antibiotic therapy.
The dry form of FIP will have many signs similar to the wet form. The major difference is the lack of fluid accumulation. The dry form, however, may also affect the eyes or central nervous system.
FIP is difficult to diagnose by blood tests. Biopsy and examination at a diagnostic lab is a more accurate means of diagnosis. A diagnosis of FIP is often made after ruling out other diseases with similar clinical signs.
There are a number of steps that can be taken to help minimize the risk of your cat contracting FIP. Since FIP (and FECV) are transmitted in feces, excellent hygiene is important in reducing risk. Keeping cats exclusively indoors and away from strays will also help reduce the risk.
There is a relatively new vaccine available for FIP. It is a liquid that is squirted in the cat's nasal passages. This vaccine is a modified form of the virus that will survive in the lower temperatures of the nasal passages, where it will cause a protective immune response but will not cause the disease. The form of the virus in the vaccine cannot survive at the higher internal temperatures in the cat's intestine, where the virus would normally cause damage. More research is still needed to determine the effectiveness of this vaccine.
There is currently no treatment for FIP. Corticosteroids or some cancer therapy drugs may provide some relief to the clinical signs of this disease. They do not cure it. The best candidates for this treatment are those cats who are eating well, are in good physical health, have no severe anemia, are negative for FeLV, and have no apparent central nervous system involvement. Few infected cats will have these ideal conditions.
If you have any questions or suspect that your cat has FIP, contact your local veterinarian.