Symptoms & Treatment of Feline Panleukopenia - 55 Chara

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Section 1: The Source of Infection

Cat infectious peritonitis (FIP) is caused by a mutated enteric virus, specifically a type of RNA virus with a capsid. Unlike other enteric coronaviruses, this one does not typically cause severe symptoms in cats, existing in a balanced state within their bodies. However, when cats are under stress, the RNA virus replicates more actively, increasing the likelihood of mutations. This strain of coronavirus is susceptible to most disinfectants.

Section 2: Epidemiology

1. Cats between 6 months and 3 years of age are most susceptible to FIP, while older cats over 5 years are rarely affected.

2. Multiplecat households with four or more cats have a higher incidence rate.

3. Contact with the urine, feces, or nasal secretions of cats with peritonitis is not a common route of horizontal transmission.

4. FIP has a low incidence but is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.

Section 3: Pathogenic Mechanism

Exudative FIP occurs when there is a lack of cellular immunity in the presence of humoral immunity. Nonexudative FIP is caused by a strong humoral immunity and weak cellular immunity in cats. Exudative FIP is characterized by granulomas forming near small venules in various organs, while nonexudative FIP is marked by granuloma formation. The inflammatory response begins on the surface of organs and extends into their parenchyma.

Section 4: Symptoms of FIP

FIP presents in two forms: exudative and nonexudative, and these cannot occur simultaneously. Symptoms can shift from one form to another over time.

Exudative: Cats may exhibit signs such as lethargy, decreased appetite, fever, abdominal distension, difficulty breathing, anemia, dehydration, jaundice, and diarrhea. Fluid accumulation in the chest or abdomen can range from a few milliliters to over 1000 milliliters, often without pain. Multiple organs, including the liver, kidneys, lymph nodes, and lungs, can be affected without abdominal or chest pain.

Nonexudative: Symptoms are similar to exudative, with a higher likelihood of central nervous system and ocular involvement. Central symptoms may include paralysis of the hind limbs, coordination issues, hypersensitivity, seizures, paralysis of the forelimbs, trigeminal nerve, facial paralysis, sciatic nerve paralysis, convulsions, hydrocephalus, dementia, personality changes, and nystagmus.

Section 5: Diagnosis of FIP

Currently, there is a lack of specific and effective kits for PCR diagnostic methods. Diagnosis is typically made through postmortem examination. Cats showing symptoms such as persistent fever, increased neutrophils, elevated serum globulin levels, and decreased albumin levels may be suspected of having FIP.

Section 6: Treatment of FIP

There is no specific treatment for FIP; only symptomatic therapy is available. This may include intraperitoneal or intravenous injections of dexamethasone (12mg/kg), antibiotics, and DMSO (23 drops). Oral doses of 2mg/kg can be administered twice daily. Some cats may recover naturally, and with careful management and symptomatic treatment, symptoms of exudative FIP can be alleviated in some cases.

Section 7: Prevention of FIP

There is currently no vaccine available for the prevention of FIP.

For more information on FIP, click on "Can Cat FIP Be Transmitted to Humans?"

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