![]() ![]() ![]() FIP typically shows up as one of two forms, the wet (effusive) form and the dry (noneffusive) form. This would be a result of FECV infection. Early signs of FCoV exposure in some cats can be mild upper respiratory disease, including runny eyes, sneezing, watery nasal discharge or vomiting and diarrhea. The incubation period (time from exposure to the virus until the development of clinical signs) of FIP can be a few days to months.įCoV affects many different organ systems, creating a whole range of symptoms, or none at all. According to Greene's text on Infectious Diseases of the Dog and Cat, "evidence of virus shedding is never a good reason to euthanize a cat because most FCoV shedders stop within a year and less than 10% develop FIP". Most healthy FCoV shedders stop shedding virus after that. ![]() Although statistics vary, up to 75% of healthy cats that have been exposed to and naturally infected with FCoV will shed the virus either continuously or intermittently for up to one year after infection. However, most will produce antibodies within two to three weeks of exposure (seroconvert) and the vast majority of them do not develop FIP. Approximately 95-100% of cats that are exposed to FCoV will become infected with it. In an ironic twist, it is believed that in some cats the immune system may actually contribute to the development of FIP by forming virus and antibody complexes that are harmful to the body rather than destructive to the virus.įCoV is extremely contagious. Animals who are immune-compromised because of other diseases or infections like FIV or FeLV are most likely to develop FIP. Kittens, older cats, or cats that have other diseases or are suffering from stress develop FIP because their immune systems are unable to fight the virus. Pedigree kittens and certain large cats like cheetahs may be genetically predisposed to developing the disease. Susan Little, of the Cat Fancier's Association Health Committee, "Transmission of FIP from cat to cat is considered rare." One theory about FIP is that cats become infected with FCoV, which then mutates in the cat's body into the deadly FIPV form to cause FIP. The most common fomites found in shelters are litter trays, food bowls, hands and clothing.Īccording to Dr. However, it is possible that it is spread through grooming and direct close contact between cats or through indirect contact with fomites, which are contaminated objects. respiratory secretions.Ĭats become infected with FCoV primarily by ingesting or inhaling the virus. In the early stages of the disease, it may also be shed in urine, saliva and. Household bleach diluted 1:32 with water is an inexpensive yet effective disinfectant.įCoV is shed primarily in the feces. Although it can survive outside the cat's body in a dry environment for up to about 7 weeks (compared to parvo virus, which can survive upwards of a year), it is fairly easy to kill with routine disinfection. Diagnosis of FIP is easier said than done because differentiation between the two virus strains is extremely difficult, and it is currently believed that FCoV has the potential to develop into FIP from either strain, not just the FIPV strain.įCoV is a fairly fragile virus. Together, the two virus strains are known as FCoV. There are two FCoV strains seen in cats, one being FECV, which generally causes diarrhea or no symptoms, and the other, FIPV which causes FIP. The disease most frequently affects cats under 2 years of age, but cats of any age are susceptible. Although there is a vaccine available against the disease, there is still much research being conducted into how the disease is transmitted and how to diagnose and ultimately treat it.Ĭause || Transmission || Symptoms || Diagnosis || Treatment || Comments || Disease Control Methods || VaccinationįIP is caused by a corona virus (FCoV). While it would seem that FIP would be disastrous for shelters, fortunately, it is not transmitted the same way many other contagious diseases are and therefore has less of an impact than might be expected. It is most prevalent amongst cats that are housed together, especially when overcrowding leads to stress. In fact, one estimate is that it only affects approximately 1% of cats seen by veterinarians for treatment. Feline Infectious Peritonitis or FIP is an invariably fatal viral disease that creates a lot of fear and confusion in shelters despite the fact that it is not very common in the general cat population. ![]()
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