The 411 on FIP

By Lynn Whittaker
Owner, Bow Wow U

Just recently, a friend who has been an avid cat lover for years, lost his youngest of three cats to a disease known as FIP, Feline Infectious Peritonitis. Abby, his cat, was just over a year old; far too young to die in my opinion. Although I have had cats in the past, I have no experience with this disease, so I wanted to educate myself on what this disease was all about.
Feline Infectious Peritonitis is an incurable disease that affects cats. Though the jury is still out on how this disease is actually caused, some scientists believe it is a mutated version of the Feline Enteric Coronavirus. Coronaviruses can affect humans and animals alike, as there are a number of these viruses in the environment. In fact, corona viruses play a significant role in the cause of most common colds.
The Feline Infectious Peritonitis has the ability to invade white blood cells, and because of this, it can cause serious inflammation in the cells of the bodies organs. Fewer than 1 in 20 cats actually survive this disease, but thankfully, it is not a highly common malady. 1 in every 5000 cats is affected in houses with multiple cats.
The disease is most common in multiple cat situations such as shelters, rescues or catteries. Cats can become infected by inhaling or ingesting the virus. It is transmitted most easily through feces, but can also survive on food bowls and even clothing. Despite the ease of contracting this virus, many cats can carry it without becoming ill. In this, it appears to be similar to the HIV virus. Some cats may be more prone to becoming ill because of their compromised immunity system, health or age. Some researchers believe that there may even be a genetic component associated with this disease.
Within this disease there are two types of viruses: FIP effusive (wet) or non-effusive (dry) types. While both are fatal, the wet (effusive) is the more common and aggressive form. Clinical signs of this form of FIP are fluid build up in the chest, or abdomen, causing respiratory distress, lack of appetite, diarrhea, weight loss and even jaundice. The non-effusive (dry form) has all the same symptoms but without the fluid retention. There are also neurological symptoms associated with the dry form, such as loss of sight, inability to walk correctly and even paralysis.
The symptoms of both wet and dry viruses can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are common among a variety of other illnesses. To get a definitive diagnosis, a biopsy of tissue needs to be taken from the cat. This is a very inexpensive type of testing. There are other tests that can be performed, but the histopathological (tissue testing under a microscope) examination appears to be the most commonly used and preferred method. After a vet has examined the cat for clinical signs such as fluid in the chest, or abdomen, he or she may suggest such a biopsy be performed.
Although there is no known cure for this disease, treatment is provided based on the symptoms and to decrease the severity of the symptoms associated with the virus. The veterinarian may prescribe an immunosuppressive drug, such as Prednisone, to help prolong the life of the cat, and depending on how the cat responds, his or her life can be prolonged weeks, or even months. The dry form of this disease is typically so aggressive that treatment is usually ineffective.
Once diagnosed, it isn’t necessary to quarantine other animals within the home as the Feline Enteric Coronavirus is a mutated form of the virus. Signs and symptoms can be easily overlooked and it is important that, if you own a cat, you regularly visit your veterinarian for examinations. Should you see any of the above symptoms, please make sure you tell your vet.
I dedicate this article in memory of Abby Atkins, a tortoise cat who stole the heart of her dad in her one and a half years of life.