Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)
Detailed information about Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)
Species: Cat
Breeds Affected: All breeds (most common in young cats <2 years; higher incidence in purebred and densely housed cats)
Overview
A fatal viral disease caused by a mutation of feline coronavirus. The mutant virus triggers an excessive immune response, leading to widespread vasculitis. FIP presents in a “wet” form (fluid accumulation) or a “dry” form (granulomas in organs). Recent antiviral therapies have shown promise.
Symptoms
- Initial signs are nonspecific: persistent fever unresponsive to antibiotics
- lethargy
- and weight loss. In the wet form
- fluid accumulates in body cavities (eg
- swollen
- pot-bellied abdomen or breathing difficulty). In the dry form
- signs depend on the organ affected (eg
- uveitis
- neurological signs
- liver or kidney failure).
Treatments
Antiviral therapy with a novel drug (GS-441524, a nucleoside analog) has shown remarkable success, often curing FIP even in advanced cases. Supportive care (eg, draining fluid, corticosteroids or immunosuppressants as a bridge) is also essential.
Medications
GS-441524 administered via injection or orally (as Remdesivir-related formulations) under veterinary guidance; interferon omega has been tried with inconsistent results; broad-spectrum antibiotics may be used to prevent secondary infections; corticosteroids (prednisolone) or immune suppressants have been used historically.
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