Download Facts on FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis)

Facts on FIP
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a fatal viral disease of
cats. FIP begins in a cat as the relatively common
coronavirus (FCoV), which is usually benign and causes
mild, if any, symptoms as the cat generates an immune
response.
Most cats who are infected with FCoV will never become
sick with FIP. However, in a very small proportion of cats,
after a period of time, the infection progresses to FIP
through mutation of the virus and/or the body’s abnormal
immune response.
There are two forms of FIP: wet (effusive) FIP which involves fluid accumulating
in the abdomen or chest, and dry (non-effusive) FIP which involves
granulatomous lesions developing on organs such as the liver and kidneys.
Some cats progress from dry to wet FIP, and cats can have a combination of
both forms simultaneously
FIP symptoms can include high fever, lethargy, weight loss, inappetance,
abdominal swelling and laboured breathing, as well as possible ocular changes.
Diagnosis of FIP is based on a combination of clinical history and laboratory
findings which may include ultrasound/x-ray, examination of effusions, as well as
bloodwork.
FIP is not considered to be contagious, and it is impossible to predict which cats
will develop FIP after being infected with FCoV. A cat’s immune response
seems to determine whether FCoV will mutate and cause FIP, and genetics are
presumed to play a role. Young cats are at a higher risk of developing FIP.
With questions and concerns please contact us at GTHS: [email protected]
By: Heather Cole-Brownlow, GTHS Assistant Shelter Manager