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FIP in Cats (Feline Infectious Peritonitis) A Serious, Yet Preventable Disease

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a severe and potentially fatal viral disease in cats. If your cat has been diagnosed with FIP, don't panic! This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the essential information about FIP in cats, from causes and symptoms to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

What is FIP?

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a viral illness that specifically targets cats. It is caused by a coronavirus and can lead to fatal outcomes. The disease is more prevalent in not only young cats and those with compromised immune systems, While most cats can contract the feline coronavirus, only a small percentage develop the more serious FIP form.
Symptoms of FIP include loss of appetite, weight, and fluid buildup in the abdomen chest, Lost of sight or the inability to use the back legs. Regrettably, there is no known cure for FIP, but supportive care can help alleviate symptoms.

Cause and Risk Factors

  • Feline Coronavirus: The core culprint behind FIP.

  • Weakened Immune System: Kittens(Because  the Immune systems is still developing), Senior cats, and cats with underlying health conditions are at higher risk(Especially FeLV and FIV cat). 

  • Stress: A stressful environment can trigger FIP development, because it weakened the immune system.

  • Genetics: Some breeds may have a genetic predisposition to FIP.

Symtoms of FIP in Cat

  • Wet (Effusive) Form: Fluid accumulation in the abdomen or chest, leading to a swollen belly and difficulty breathing.

2 cat lay down on the bed one of it have a huge abdomen that spot a FIP wet form sign

Feline infectious peritonitis(FIP) wet form: Noticeable abodominal selling in a cat

  • Dry (Non-Effusive) Form: Inflammation in various organs such as the eyes, brain, kidneys or lost albility to use a back legs.​

FIP Cat's eye

Feline infectious peritonitis(FIP) Dry form: Ocular Noticeable blurry eye

Other common symtomps include:

  • Persistent Fever

  • Loss of appetite and weight loss

  • Diarrhea or Vomiting

  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) because anemia

FIP Checklist

Wet FIP Symptoms
Dry FIP Symptoms

If your cat has 3 or more of these symptoms, they may have FIP. 

Diagosis of FIP

FIP symptoms mimic other diseases, need to rely on a combination of:

  • Physical examination and Patient interview (Background History and How owner pet)

  • Blood Tests (*AG Ratio Albumin/Globulin)

Blood Test Result From Central Lab

Result of Blood Test from Central Lab

  • Fluid analysis (if present) (Rivalta test(for wet form only), RT-PCR, FCoV rapid test)

FCoV Test Kit Detect Positive FIP

FCoV Test Kit Show Positive

Rivalta test positive. A blue liquid has a shape like Jelly fish falling in testing tube.

Rivalta Test show positve(the liquid have a shape like jelly fish) 
(Ref. Author Kalumet from Wikipedia)

  • X-rays or ultrasounds

Feline X-rays film, show full of fluid in cat abdomen

X-Ray flim Show full of fuid in abdomen

  • RT-PCR

FIP_PCR_TEST.jpg

RT-PCR From Central Lab Show Positive sign

Treatment for FIP

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), once considered fatal, is now treatable thanks to groundbreaking research by Dr. Pedersen. The antiviral medication GS-441524 has shown remarkable success in curing cats with FIP. However, diagnosing FIP can be challenging due to its overlapping symptoms with other conditions, such as anemia and hepatitis.

  • Symptomatic Treatment: Fluid therapy, fever reducers, pain medication

  • Antiviral Medications: May help slow down disease progression

  • Supportive Care: Focuses on ensuring the cat is as comfortable as possible

GS-441524 is an antiviral medication indicated for the treatment of FIP in cats.

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Preventing FIP

  • Stress Reduction: Create a calm and safe environment for your cat. This point is they best way but cat owner need to observe your cat and seek which acvitities that trgger their cat mood.

  • Good Hygiene: Regularly clean litter boxes and your cat's belongings.

Conclusion:

FIP can be a serious concern, but with knowledge and preparation, you can safeguard your cat's health. Consult with our team for personalized advice and support tailored to your cat's specific needs.

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