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Feline Infectious Peritonitis

The Basics

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) can affect cats of any age, sex and breed. The disease is caused by feline coronavirus (FCoV). It is spread from cat to cat and requires close and continuous contact with infective secretions. The incubation period is 2 to 3 weeks or longer. 75% of cats exposed to the virus experience no apparent infection. Mild respiratory infection with a runny nose or eye discharge is the most common sign. Cats that recover from mild infection can become asymptomatic carriers. Less than 10% of cats infected with feline coronavirus (FCoV) develop the secondary fatal disease known as FIP.

FIP is most common in kittens and cats between 3 months and 3 years old. There is a higher rate of infection in catteries because conditions are more likely to be crowded and cats are more likely to have continuous and prolonged exposure.

Cats poorly nourished, rundown or suffering from other illnesses (for example, FeLV) are most susceptible.

The virus acts on capillary blood vessels throughout the body, especially the abdomen, chest cavity, eyes, brain, internal organs and lymph nodes. Damage to these minute blood vessels results in loss of fluid into tissues and body spaces.

Clinical Signs

There are two forms of FIP, both are invariably fatal.

Wet or Effusive Form
This form targets the body cavities.
Early signs are non-specific - weight loss, loss of appetite, listlessness, depression. The cat appears chronically ill. As fluid accumulates in body spaces, laboured breathing from fluid in the chest or abdominal enlargement from fluid in the abdomen may be seen. Sudden death may occur from fluid in the pericardial sac (around the heart). The cat may have a fever of up to 106F, dehydration, anaemia (anemia), vomiting and diarrhoea (diarrhea). Jaundice and dark urine are caused by liver failure.

Dry or Disseminated Form
This form targets a variety of organs.
Early signs are similar to the wet form, but fluid is not produced. The dry form is more difficult to diagnose. A variety of organs are affected - eyes, brain, liver, kidney and pancreas. Sticky mucus or strands of fibrous protein may be seen on the surface of the liver, spleen or intestines during exploratory surgery. 10 to 20% of cats infected with the dry form of FIP are also infected with FeLV.

Diagnosis

The wet form is relatively easy to diagnose based on clinical signs. The dry form is difficult to diagnose accurately. There is no single diagnostic test.

Diagnosis of FIP is suspected on clinical signs and abnormal blood count, liver function tests and abnormal serum protein pattern.

Analysis of the peritoneal or chest fluid is helpful in the wet form.

Serologic blood tests to detect coronavirus antibody are not always conclusive and can lead to false positives.

The only certain way to confirm FIP is with an organ biopsy.

Treatment

The cat will die within a few weeks once it develops signs of secondary disease (either the wet or dry form).

Medications can be given to make the cat more comfortable. Life may be prolonged by chemotherapy or corticosteroids.

Prevent exposure to other cats.

Prevention

An intranasal modified vaccine is available but is not recommended as part of the normal vaccination schedule.

Provide a stress-free environment by maintaining good nutrition, controlling parasites, treating health problems and grooming regularly. Physical and environmental stresses will lower a cats immunity and increase its susceptibility to the virus.

FIP is most hazardous in multicat households, boarding establishments and catteries.

The virus is easily killed by household disinfectants such as bleach (1:32). Disinfect the cats quarters regularly (cages, food and water dishes).

Provide a spacious enclosure for each cat and allow ample opportunity for exercise.

Isolate infected cats to prevent the disease spreading to other cats.

Minimize exposure to stray cats.

Restrict household cats to indoor environments.

References

Carlson DG & Giffin JM, Cat Owners Home Veterinary Handbook, New York: Howell Book House, 1995

Tilley LP & Smith FWK, The Five Minute Veterinary Consult - Canine and Feline (2nd Edition), Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, 2000

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