Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)

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Diagnosis
A diagnosis of FIP usually is based on the animal's clinical signs and symptoms, x-rays, routine laboratory tests, and an evaluation of the fluid in the abdominal or chest cavity. Some cases, however, are difficult to diagnose because the symptoms vary greatly and are similar to those of other diseases. In all cases, microscopic examination of a tissue sample (biopsy) is the only way to confirm a diagnosis of FIP.

Tests
FIP is notoriously difficult to diagnose through standard laboratory blood tests, and many veterinarians simply do not bother with them. Those who do, generally use blood tests to look for an elevated level of gamma globulin proteins or a low level of albumin in the blood.

Tests that detect the presence of coronavirus antibodies in a cat cannot distinguish between antibodies for FIP, FECV, or any other feline coronavirus (FCoV). A positive result only indicates that there has been exposure to some type of coronavirus, and a negative result does not rule out FIP. It is possible for a cat that has been vaccinated to have enough antibodies to produce a positive test. False positive readings may occur in up to 30% of tests. Results from one laboratory will not necessarily correspond with those from another, and labs do not use the same terms to describe results. There are no clinical standards for laboratories, no regulatory body to oversee them, and no requirements for validation of test results.

For these reasons, pet owners are advised against placing too much emphasis on test results.

Treatment

There is no cure for FIP. As with all terminal illnesses, the basic course of action is to provide supportive care. A combination of corticosteroids, cytotoxic drugs, antibiotics, good dietary maintenance, and proper fluid intake may relieve discomfort. Some veterinarians may recommend homeopathy, herbs, and dietary changes as well.

An FIP vaccine was introduced in 1991. Its use remains controversial because the vaccine cannot help a cat that is already infected or that previously has been exposed to FIPV or FECV. Therefore, vaccinating a cat that already has coronavirus antibodies or that has been exposed to other infected cats is not recommended. In fact, if the theory of antibody-dependent enhancement is valid, vaccinating a previously exposed cat could actually increase its risk for developing FIP. The decision to vaccinate rests with the individual cat owner and the veterinarian.

Prognosis
In most cases, by the time a veterinarian makes the diagnosis, the disease has progressed substantially. After clinical signs appear, cats with effusive FIP may live a few days to a few weeks; some adults may linger for 6 to 8 months. Cats with noneffusive FIP usually die within a few weeks; some survive for a year or more.

As long as a cat is not in obvious pain or discomfort, there is no reason to euthanize it, but as the disease progresses, euthanasia becomes the only option.

Prevention
Common household soaps, detergents, and disinfectants readily neutralize the FIP virus. An inexpensive preparation is a solution of 4 ounces of household bleach mixed with 1 gallon of water (a 1:32 solution). This will disinfect any surface an infected cat contacts, including clothing.

Litter boxes should be scooped daily, and the litter discarded and the box thoroughly disinfected weekly. No more than two cats should use one box, and they should use that box only.

Food and water should be changed daily, and the feeding bowls disinfected weekly. The same set of bowls should be kept with the same cats.

Limit the number of new cats brought into the household. Isolate each new cat for at least a month, and watch it carefully for any sign of illness.

An infected, pregnant cat should be completely isolated from all other cats in a household. The room should be disinfected and kept empty for a week prior to occupancy. The cat should be quarantined for 10 to 14 days with her own disinfected food bowls and litter box before delivery. Persons entering and leaving the isolation room should disinfect their hands thoroughly. If possible, the owner or cattery operator should wear separate clothing, such as a smock and slippers, every time they enter the room to decrease the risk of spreading the infection.

Early weaning and isolation of kittens from an infected mother is advised. Kittens should be raised in complete isolation from the mother and all other cats/kittens in the household. If the kitten is to remain in the cattery, it should be isolated for 16 weeks.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) Resources

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