Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
FIP is a mutation of a common virus called feline enteric corona virus
(FECV). Why this virus mutates to become deadly FIP in some cats is
not known. It is possible that stress, genetics, a poor immune system and
concurrent diseases may predispose a cat to developing FIP.
The clinical signs associated with FIP can include:
•Fever
•
Failure to gain weight or weight loss
•
Lethargy
•
Poor appetite
•
Vomiting
•
Diarrhea
•
Fluid buildup in the abdominal or chest cavities
•
Neurological disorders
There are two forms of FIP: wet and dry.The wet form is the “clas-
sic” disease, in which fluid builds up in a cat's abdominal and/or chest
cavity, making the animal uncomfortable and giving him a potbellied
appearance. In the dry form, the virus is present but does not create fluid.
Cats with FIP have a waxing-to-waning illness. This means they
have good days and bad days, so an owner may not be able to tell how
sick the cat really is.The progression of signs is slow, and cats with FIP
can have undiagnosed illness for months.
A kitten can be exposed to FECV by his mother, start off fairly
normally, and then develop full-blown FIP as late as two years of age.
Fortunately, the viral mutation to FIP usually occurs in only a small
percentage of cats, and in a litter of four kittens, one could become
infected and die and the others could grow up normal and healthy.
Building a Diagnosis of FIP
Diagnosing FIP is like putting together a puzzle.The only test that con-
clusively diagnoses the disease is a tissue biopsy. Performing explorato-
ry surgery to obtain a biopsy is not what most owners with a gravely
sick cat and a poor prognosis want to do.
Instead, the diagnosis is presumed, based on other tests and typical
clinical signs.The tests that can be performed are:
•
Complete blood count (CBC)
•
Blood chemistries
