What is it? FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis) is a mutation of FeCV (Feline Enteric Coronavirus), enabling the virus to spread beyond the intestines through macrophages. FIPV strains infiltrate immune system cells, unlike FeCV. The virus can cause FIP if the immune system can't stop its spread, resulting in clinical symptoms. Wet FIP involves fluid leakage around organs like the abdomen, lungs, or brain. If the immune response partially controls the virus, it can cause inflammation in various tissues, leading to dry FIP, and possibly Ocular and Neurological FIP. FIP isn't contagious between cats; it mutates in each new host. Cats are most vulnerable when young or old, and stress or illness can trigger uncontrolled viral growth. Genetics, especially in certain purebred cats, can increase susceptibility. Diagnosis: Diagnosing FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis) can be challenging due to the lack of definitive tests. Immuno-histochemistry on infected tissue is possible but often not feasible pre-mortem. Diagnosis is typically based on exclusion, especially with the dry form. For wet FIP, the fluid in the abdomen or chest can be checked for FCoV (Feline CoronaVirus), as the absence of leaks in the intestines should mean no FCoV in the fluid. Neuro FIP diagnosis involves checking cerebrospinal fluid, but this has risks.
The Rivalta test is an in-house test using fluid from the chest or abdomen to diagnose FIP, but it lacks specificity as it can yield positive results for various protein-rich liquids. A negative result makes FIP less likely, especially in young cats where lymphoma is less common. However, false negatives can occur, so this test isn't sufficient alone.
A test involving mixing acetic acid and water with the effusion can differentiate between transudate (not FIP) and exudate (likely FIP). PCR/Immunocomb test results can indicate susceptibility and likely FIP positivity, but a negative PCR result is only 70% certain. When other indicators suggest FIP or no other diagnosis is possible, treatment with GS-441524 is recommended. Improvement often occurs within 12 to 72 hours of starting this treatment in most cases. For more information, you can refer to the provided link: FIP Vet Guide - Diagnosing FIP. Types and Symptoms: The symptoms are usually difficult to diagnose because they can also appear in other diseases.
Type of FIP | Symptoms |
General | ✓ Lethargy ✓ Fever ✓ Reduced appetite |
Wet FIP | ✓ Fluid in abdominal or chest cavity (bright yellow, protein rich fluid that is thread pulling) *Only when the cat is terribly uncomfortable, remove up to 30% of fluid to ease breathing. ✓ Fluid around the lungs * remove up to 30% of fluid to ease breathing. ✓ Fluid in the lungs * remove completely |
Dry FIP | ✓ Mainly chronic inflammations of blood vessels in several organs ✓ Lymph nodes swollen ✓ Damage to the liver, kidneys, lungs or skin. (depending on the mutation, everything may be normal or only some are infected) ✓ Granulomas |
Ocular FIP | ✓ Uveitis ✓ Hemorrhage ✓ Cloudiness in eyes |
Neuro FIP | ✓ Seizures/tremors ✓ Muscle weakness ✓ Wobbly walking (from ataxia to paralysis) ✓ Epilepsy *Phenobarbital or Levetiracetam + optionally prednisone* |
Dosage:
TYPE OF FIP | DOSAGE (per 24 hrs) | Treatment at least 84 days of daily medication. Then, if the cat is free of FIP symptoms and with good blood counts. 84 days of observation for relapses starts. |
Wet FIP | 6mg/kg | body weight x 6 ÷ vial concentration = daily dose |
Dry FIP | 8mg/kg | body weight x 8 ÷ vial concentration = daily dose |
Ocular FIP | 10 mg/kg | body weight x 10 ÷ vial concentration = daily dose to cross the blood-eye barrier |
Neuro FIP | 10 mg/kg | body weight x 10 ÷ vial concentration = daily dose to cross the blood-eye barrier |
Current dosage + 2mg/kg | In case of very critical cases, give 2 injections daily (half the needed daily dose every 12 hours). | |
Previous dosage + 2mg/kg | In case of relapse, it is strongly recommended to use injections only. |
End of Treatment Evaluation: Bloodwork readings:
Anemia resolved
Neutrophils should be within the normal range
Hyperbilirubinemia resolved; Globulins within normal limits; A/G ratio of 0.7 or higher is desirable.
Clinical and physical condition:
Have neurological and ocular symptoms resolved? ○ Keep in mind, neurological and ocular FIP can leave behind some residual damage/symptoms
Does the cat have a normal (or above normal) energy level?
Does the cat have a normal appetite?
Has the cat gained weight?
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