FIP

by
William Stehnach Jr., DVM
My Best Friend Veterinary Center
314-567-5577, Olivette, Missouri

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) was first described as a specific disease entity of cats more than 30 years ago, and cases of FIP have been subsequently reported from virtually every country of the world. The causative agent is a virus belonging to the coronavirus family, and is antigenically indistinguishable from another, non-deadly virus, feline enteric coronavirus (FEVC), which is a common gastrointestinal virus. Unfortunately, the blood test for FIP cross-reacts with FEVC. In other words, a positive result may simply mean it is positive for a corona virus, but not the FIP virus. No one yet has developed a test specific for FIP. This means that veterinarians cannot test and definitively identify FIP positive cats (like we can with Feline Leukemia or Feline Aids) - a frustrating dilemma for any cat owner.

The FIP virus is transmitted by oral/nasal contact with an infected cat (rubbing noses, food dishes, feces, etc.) There are two forms of FIP disease: "wet" and "dry." With the wet form, the cat’s abdomen swells up with fluid. The dry form, more difficult to diagnose, usually involves the wet form’s other nonspecific symptoms such as recurring fever, weight loss, loss of coordination and eye lesions. Kittens and older cats are more susceptible to the virus. The immune system of the exposed cat may fight off the disease temporarily, but the virus can remain latent in the system and cause problems later. Such cats may be virus-carriers and sources of infection for other cats.

Fortunately, FIP is still fairly rare; experts estimate that about one percent of cats will get FIP this year. But when it does strike, it is usually deadly. A new vaccine was introduced in 1991, but the manufacturer claims only about 75% efficacy.

Without a reliable blood test to eliminate sick or carrier-state strays, and no real effective preventive, FIP will raise its ugly head occasionally. One of the best ways to protect your cats is to not allow them to roam outside, thereby coming into contact with a an infected cat. And, if your cat happens to be a carrier, you would be eliminating the possible spread of the infection from your cat to other cats.

Careful screening of any new cat brought into your household, as The Cat Network routinely does as part of its rescue protocol, and vigilant observation for signs of the illness will continue to be our only defense against this serious feline problem.

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