Content
- What is Feline Infectious Peritonitis
- How Feline Infectious Peritonitis is transmitted
- What are the symptoms of Feline Infectious Peritonitis
- Symptoms of Feline Infectious Peritonitis, effusive or wet (acute):
- Symptoms of Feline Infectious Peritonitis, dry or non-effusive (chronic):
- Diagnosis of Feline Infectious Peritonitis
- Treatment of Feline Infectious Peritonitis
- Can we prevent Feline Infectious Peritonitis?
Cats are, along with dogs, the companion animals par excellence and one of the most outstanding traits of felines is their independence, however, these animals are also very affectionate and also need care, to ensure a complete state of well-being.
Like any other animal, cats are susceptible to multiple diseases and a good number of them are of infectious origin, so it is essential to know how to identify the symptoms of certain pathologies that require urgent treatment.
In this article by PeritoAnimal we talk about feline infectious peritonitis, as well as the necessary treatment for this disease.
What is Feline Infectious Peritonitis
Feline Infectious Peritonitis, also known as FIP, or FIP (acronym in English) is the most frequent cause of death in cats from infectious disease.
This pathology is an erroneous reaction of the immune system and the most accepted hypothesis is that is caused by feline coronavirus. Under normal conditions the cat's immune system is able to completely eliminate the virus, but in some cases the immune system's reaction is abnormal, the virus does not eliminate itself and ends up causing peritonitis.
The term "peritonitis" indicates inflammation of the peritoneum, which is the membrane that covers the abdominal viscera, however, when we talk about feline infectious peritonitis, we refer to a vasculitis, in other words, a inflammation of blood vessels.
How Feline Infectious Peritonitis is transmitted
This disease can be common in large groups of cats, however, domestic cats that have it are also susceptible to infection. contact with the outside in the usual way.
The virus that causes peritonitis in cats infects the feline's body by inhaling or ingesting the pathogen, which is found in feces and contaminated surfaces.
What are the symptoms of Feline Infectious Peritonitis
The symptoms of peritonitis in cats will depend on the affected blood vessels as well as the organs to which they supply blood and nutrients, furthermore, we can distinguish two forms of disease, one acute and the other chronic.
Symptoms of Feline Infectious Peritonitis, effusive or wet (acute):
- Fluid leaves damaged blood vessels causing edema.
- swollen abdomen
- Swollen chest with decreased lung capacity
- breathing difficulty
Symptoms of Feline Infectious Peritonitis, dry or non-effusive (chronic):
- loss of appetite
- body weight loss
- hair in bad condition
- Jaundice (yellow coloration of the mucous membranes)
- Iris color changes
- Brown spots on the eyeball
- eye bleed
- Lack of coordination in movements
- tremors
If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat, you should see your veterinarian urgently so they can confirm a diagnosis.
Diagnosis of Feline Infectious Peritonitis
The definitive diagnosis of this disease can only be made through a biopsy or after the animal's death, however, the veterinarian will request a blood test to evaluate the following parameters:
- Albumin:globulin ratio
- AGP protein level
- Coronavirus Antibodies
- leukocyte level
From the results obtained, the veterinarian will be able to confirm the diagnosis of Feline Infectious Peritonitis.
Treatment of Feline Infectious Peritonitis
Feline Infectious Peritonitis it is considered an incurable disease although occasionally a remission is observed, that is why several therapeutic tools can be used in its treatment.
Depending on each specific case, the veterinarian may use the following measures:
- Highly nutritious diet with nutritional supplements rich in vitamins and minerals
- Corticosteroid Drugs to Suppress the Cat's Immune Response
- Antiviral drugs to reduce viral load (Interferon Omega Feline)
- Antibiotic drugs to prevent opportunistic infections as a consequence of immune system suppression.
- Anabolic steroids to increase appetite and prevent muscle loss.
Remember that the veterinarian is the only person able to recommend a certain treatment and it will also be the same person who can offer a prognosis, which will vary depending on each case.
Can we prevent Feline Infectious Peritonitis?
One of the most effective preventive tools is the control of those cats that have already been diagnosed with Feline Infectious Peritonitis, this control must be based on an excellent hygiene of the cat's accessories and its surroundings, as well as a restriction on exits to the cat. outdoors.
Although it is true that there is a vaccine against Feline Infectious Peritonitis, studies evaluating its effectiveness are not conclusive and in some cases its application is not recommended. Your veterinarian can evaluate administering this to your cat.
This article is for information purposes only, at PeritoAnimal.com.br we are not able to prescribe veterinary treatments or perform any type of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case it has any type of condition or discomfort.