FIP is no longer a death sentence

What is Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)? Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a viral disease that occurs worldwide in cats. It is caused by a type of virus called a coronavirus, which tends to attack the cells of the intestinal wall.

What are the clinical symptoms of cat FIP? FIP displays in a “wet” form and a “dry” form. Signs of both forms include fever that doesn’t respond to antibiotics, anorexia, weight loss and lethargy. In addition, the wet form of FIP is most known for the accrual of fluid in the abdominal cavity, the chest cavity, or both. Cats with fluid in the chest experience labored breathing. Cats with fluid in the abdomen show increasing, nonpainful abdominal distension.

In the dry form of FIP, small buildups of inflammatory cells, or granulomas, form in various organs, and clinical signs depend on which organ is affected. The eyes and the neurologic system are frequently affected, as well.

“Wet” Form

Effusive (wet) FIP

The hallmark clinical sign of effusive FIP is the accumulation of fluid within the abdomen or chest, which can cause breathing difficulties. Other symptoms include lack of appetite, fever, weight loss, jaundice and diarrhea.

“Dry” Form

Non-effusive (dry) FIP

Dry FIP will also present with lack of appetite, fever, jaundice, diarrhea, and weight loss, but there will not be an accumulation of fluid. Typically a cat with dry FIP will show ocular or neurological signs.

STAGES OF SYMPTOM

Initial

Loss of appetite, Weight loss, Lethargy, Chest increased/tachypneic, Anemia, Fluctuating fever

Middle

Loss of appetite, Significant Weight loss, Lethargy, Chest increased/tachypneic, Malnutrition、Anemia, Jaundice, Fluctuating fever

Advanced

Loss of appetite, Significant Skinny, Lethargy, Chest increased/tachypneic, Malnutrition、Anemia, Jaundice, Fluctuating fever, Poor coordination, Inflammation of the eyes, Wobbliness

How is FIP Diagnosed

With no specific test for FIP, vets evaluate the cat's symptoms, diagnostics, and rule out differential diagnosis. Despite the claims made by some, there is currently no test that can distinguish between the harmless intestinal coronavirus and the deadly FIP coronavirus. If a cat has what appears to be the wet form of the disease, laboratory analysis of some of the fluid can support a diagnosis of FIP.
In 2019, there are conclusive, definitive tests for FIP, though not all vets are aware of the advancements in diagnostics just yet. It is imperative that you arm yourself with as much information as possible, so you can best advocate for your cat and get a correct diagnosis.
If there is a presumptive diagnosis of FIP, it is also possible to use GS diagnostically. GS will only treat FIP; therefore, if the cat improves while on GS, the diagnosis is confirmed.

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