Unfortunately, the disease will eventually result in death in almost every case. Once disease develops, most individuals deteriorate rapidly, although some cats remain normal for several weeks. Many cats with non-effusive FIP will have ocular (eye) symptoms as their only clinical sign. ![]() The dry form often involves severe inflammation in one or more organs including the eyes, brain, liver, intestine, or other organs of the body, leading to a variety of clinical signs. Some cats develop 'dry' or non-effusive FIP where little to no fluid accumulates. After a period of several days to a few weeks other symptoms typically begin to occur.Īt this stage, most cats will develop the 'wet' or effusive form of FIP, which refers to the accumulation of fluid in body cavities fluid may accumulate in the abdomen, leading to a swollen abdomen, or in the chest cavity, resulting in difficulty with breathing. Listlessness, lethargy, decreased or absent appetite, weight loss, and a fluctuating fever are commonly reported clinical signs. In cats that develop FIP disease, the first signs of illness may be very vague. Transmission on clothing or other objects is only likely within a few hours of contact. Although the virus is quite fragile and does not survive for more than 24-36 hours in the normal environment, it is believed that cold temperatures may preserve the virus for months. Most cats only shed the virus for a few months, but a small percentage will shed the virus continuously for life. It is estimated that about one-third of these cats shed the virus in their feces. Most cats become infected with feline coronavirus through the fecal-oral route (oral contact with infected feces). How does a cat become infected with feline coronavirus? ![]() Genetic factors are also thought to contribute to the development of FIP. Cats that are stressed due to re-homing, have recently had surgery, or have concurrent infections (more than one infection at a time) may also be more susceptible to developing FIP. FIP may be more common in cats that live in multi-cat households, shelters, or catteries. Those breeds include the Abyssinian, Bengal, Birman, Himalayan, Ragdoll, and Devon Rex. The incidence of feline infectious peritonitis disease is low (only 5 to 10% of infected cats and less than 1% of cats admitted to veterinary hospitals).Īre certain cat breeds more susceptible to FIP?Ĭertain breeds of cats may be more likely to develop FIP. ![]() The majority of cats with feline enteric coronavirus (about 90% or more) remain healthy. Many cats (up to 50% in single cat households and as high as 80-90% in multi-cat environments) become infected with one or more strains of feline coronavirus at some time in their lives. How common is infection with feline coronavirus in comparison with FIP disease? FIP remains one of the least understood of all cat diseases. The factors determining why one cat becomes diseased while others remain unaffected are unclear. Even when infected with known FIP-causing strains, many cats do not develop FIP disease. Unfortunately there are no laboratory tests available that can distinguish between the enteric coronavirus and the FIP-causing strains. "FIP remains one of the least understood of all cat diseases."ĭiagnosing FIP is very challenging for many reasons.
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