Feline Panleukopenia: Symptoms & Overview
Feline Infectious Peritonitis, commonly referred to as FIP, is a disease caused by a mutation in the feline coronavirus. In households with multiple cats, the incidence of FIP tends to be higher as well.
FIP can be classified into two clinical forms: dry (nonexudative) and wet (exudative). Initially, symptoms may be subtle or nonspecific, often presenting with the following characteristics:
1. Wet Form
This form is characterized by symptoms such as loss of appetite, weight loss, decreased energy, dehydration, and may include fever, an enlarged abdomen, rapid breathing, jaundice, changes in iris color, and unequal pupil size.
2. Dry Form
Cats with the dry form of FIP may experience persistent high fever, progressive weight loss, cloudy eyes, aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, miosis, and vision impairment. Some may also exhibit multiple progressive neurological symptoms, including hind limb spasms, tremors, and nystagmus. During abdominal palpation, nodules in the mesenteric lymph nodes may be felt.
It is crucial to seek veterinary care immediately if your cat shows any of these symptoms. The sooner the diagnosis is made, the greater the chance of recovery. Many cases of FIP are missed because owners mistakenly believe their cats are merely suffering from indigestion or bloating, thus missing the optimal treatment window.
So, how can we prevent FIP? Here are some tips:
1. Aim to reduce the density of cats in your home, as a higher number of cats in close quarters increases the likelihood of infection with the coronavirus, which in turn helps prevent the occurrence of FIP.
2. Conduct screenings for the coronavirus in groups of cats, and isolate those found to be positive.
3. Minimize your cat's stress responses by avoiding frequent changes to their living environment, diet, or other sources of stimulation.
For more information on the symptoms and treatment methods of FIP, you can read our article "Feline Infectious Peritonitis: Symptoms and Treatment Methods".
