Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
• Corona virus titer (FECV titer)
• 7B ELISA for FIP (an antibody titer to a specific viral protein
(7B); a positive result supports a diagnosis of FIP, but the test is
not definitive)
•X rays
•
Ultrasound
•
Fluid analysis
•
FIP PCR (this test uses polymerase chain reaction technology
to look for specific viral proteins; the test can be run on
blood, but it is most useful on body fluids)
A lack of response to supportive therapy and not being able to pin-
point any other disease, along with suspicious test results, can lead to a
presumption of FIP. In a multicat household it is not necessary to iso-
late an FIP suspect because all of the cats will have had same exposure
to coronavirus, and odds are that no one else will get sick.
Dealing With FIP
Owners of cats suspected of having FIP are faced with the tragic deci-
sion of ending their cat's life as body condition and quality of life
diminishes.Veterinarians can help support the sick animals with fluids,
antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and immunostimulants, but the ultimate
outcome will be the same.Veterinarians are researching ways to effec-
tively treat FIP, so there is hope for the future.
What About the FIP Vaccine?
A vaccine is available that claims to protect cats against FIP, but the vet-
erinary community questions its effectiveness. Independent clinical
studies on this vaccine have not proven that it confers significant pro-
tection under normal conditions.
TITER TESTS
Although it may be called an FIP titer, the commonly run corona
virus titer present on many blood panels is not diagnostic for FIP.
Cats truly infected with FIP can have positive or negative tests, and
normal cats who have been exposed to FECV can actually have
positive tests. An FIP titer alone means nothing.
