Feline Panleukopenia: Symptoms & Understanding the Dise
Equine Influenza is believed to be triggered by mutations in the coronavirus that stimulate the immune system, leading to inflammation across various organ systems. This mutated virus is not overcome by cats, so even though the virus itself is not highly contagious, carriers can still pose a threat to other feline species. However, it does not transmit to dogs or humans.
Signs and Symptoms of Equine Influenza
FIP is categorized into two main types: wet and dry (my cat initially exhibited dry symptoms, which later gradually shifted to wet). These two types present with distinct characteristics and can sometimes switch between each other in the same cat, or some cats may exhibit features of both.
Common Symptoms of Wet FIP:
Abdominal swelling due to fluid accumulation, difficulty breathing due to lung involvement, persistent fever (unresponsive to treatment), loss of appetite, weight loss, and a general lack of energy throughout the day.
Common Symptoms of Dry FIP:
Persistent fever (unresponsive to treatment), loss of appetite, lack of energy, weight loss, and other signs related to organ failure, depending on the organs involved (usually kidneys, liver, pancreas, nervous system, and eyes).
Common Risks and Causes of Equine Influenza
Equine Influenza is most common in cats under the age of 3, although cats of other ages can also be infected. It is believed that the virus mutations that cause FIP are more common in cats with immature or weakened immune systems. The coronavirus is transmitted through direct contact with infected feces via the nose and mouth. Sharing litter boxes is the primary route of transmission between cats. FIP occurs only in some cats infected with the coronavirus, so it's not exclusive to outdoor cats.
Diagnosis of Equine Influenza
Diagnosing FIP is actually quite challenging. The best method is still a veterinary tissue biopsy. Microscopic examination of tissue samples from the biopsy, along with special tests to identify the presence of the virus in the samples, is typically involved. If these tests are not possible, a diagnosis must be made by combining other factors, including clinical symptoms and laboratory tests. If there is abdominal fluid, blood tests and analysis of fluid taken from the abdomen can be helpful.
Testing for coronavirus antibodies is not very helpful for diagnosing FIP. However, it is still necessary for preventive purposes. A positive result only indicates the potential for the coronavirus to mutate, but it does not mean the cat has or will develop FIP.
Treating Equine Influenza
There is no wellestablished treatment for FIP in China, and in other countries, only laboratorydeveloped prescription drugs (GC376) are available. It is said that China is also beginning to try this drug. When my cat showed symptoms of FIP, until the final suspicion (not a definitive diagnosis, but several doctors said it was 90% likely to be FIP), Bell was not initially wet, and there was no fluid in the abdomen. The doctor suspected a dry form, and we visited several hospitals, which delayed treatment. Finally, with a trialanderror approach, we tried GC376. The cat has since stopped taking the medication, and its weight has increased significantly. We may need to continue monitoring it for some time.
Preventing Equine Influenza
The best way to prevent the FIP virus is to avoid taking your cat out frequently and to prevent carriers of the coronavirus from coming into contact with your cat.
Additionally, strengthening your cat's immune system is key. You can give your cat vitamins and lecithin, and spend more time playing with them to increase their activity levels and keep them energetic.
Tell Meow Medicine: As a parent of a cat with FIP, from the initial despair to the joy of successful treatment, I know every FIP parent feels the pain and regret for these adorable feline friends. If you have any experiences or stories about FIP in your own cats or those around you, please leave a message in the comments. I want to hear your voices!
