Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is one of the most feared diseases for cat owners. This viral disease, caused by the mutation of the coronavirus in cats, manifests itself in two main forms: dry and wet. Both forms are progressive and fatal for cats when left untreated. As Molnu FIP, we have provided detailed information about FIP disease and its symptoms in this article.
Feline Infectious Peritonitis is a fatal viral infection in cats caused by a specific type of virus called feline coronavirus (FCov). It is different from the SARS-Cov-2 coronavirus that produces the COVID-19 disease in humans.
Feline coronavirus (FCoV) causes only mild diarrhea in cats, but mutates into feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV). This means that about 10% of cats infected with FCoV will develop FIP.
What is Wet FIP?
Wet FIP is the most common and dangerous form of Feline Infusion Peritonitis. It is characterized by a marked accumulation of fluid in the chest and abdominal cavities of cats. This fluid is sticky and yellowish in appearance and causes discomfort to the cat and lowers body temperature.
When the cat's immune system is unable to cope with the FIP virus, the virus spreads and begins to cause inflammation. It is more common in young, old and immunocompromised cats. This causes the virus to spread and progress faster.
The wet form is easier to detect than the dry form due to the fluid in the stomach and chest cavity. In this form, inflammation affects the blood vessels and causes fluid leakage.
Symptoms of wet FIP:
Abdominal distension: The fluid that accumulates in the abdominal cavity causes the cat's abdomen to swell.
Difficulty Breathing: Fluid buildup in the chest cavity can make it difficult for the cat to breathe.
What is Dry FIP?
Dry FIP is a form of the disease that causes inflammation in various organs and tissues of cats. In this form, hard, knot-like structures called granulomas form without the obvious fluid accumulation of infection.
Dry FIP progresses more slowly and has fewer symptoms than the wet form. However, dry FIP can also cause serious health problems and is fatal. When the cat's immune system can't cope with the virus, the granulomas cause damage, especially to the liver, kidneys, brain, lungs and skin. This results in organ damage and inflammation.
The dry form is often more difficult to diagnose and may not show sharp symptoms until the disease has progressed. Because of this late diagnosis, mortality rates are higher than with wet FIP. Cats develop lesions in the liver and kidneys. This leads to loss of appetite and physical inactivity. When the central nervous system is infected, it can lead to ocular or neurological FIP, which can result in paralysis or sudden death.
Symptoms of dry FIP:
Seizures: Seizures can occur in cats due to inflammation in the brain.
Uncoordinated Body Movement: The neurological effects can lead to abnormalities in the cat's movements.
Excessive Thirst and Urination: Symptoms caused by the kidneys being affected.
Weight Loss: A significant weight loss can be noticed in cats.
Jaundice: Yellowing of the cat's eyes and gums may occur as a result of the liver being affected.
Vomiting: Vomiting may occur as the digestive system may also be affected.
What is Ocular FIP?
Ocular FIP is a form of FIP that presents with prominent symptoms in the eyes. In this form, the cat's eyes show inflammation and other eye-related problems. It progresses as the dry form of FIP infects the nervous system.
Ocular FIP symptoms:
Yellowing of the Eyes: Yellowing of the eyes may occur due to liver problems.
Inflammation in the Eyes: The cat may have marked inflammation and redness of the eyes.
Vision Problems: Inflammation can affect the cat's eyesight.
What is Neurological FIP?
Neurological FIP is a form of FIP characterized by inflammation in the brain and central nervous system. In this form, cats experience a variety of neurological symptoms.
Symptoms of neurologic FIP:
Seizures: Inflammation in the brain can cause the cat to have seizures.
Unstable Body Movement: Neurological effects can cause problems with balance in the cat's movements.
Paralysis: In advanced cases, paralysis can occur.
Behavior Changes: Significant changes in the cat's behavior may be noticed.
Symptoms of FIP Disease in Cats
Symptoms of FIP are varied. Among the general symptoms that can be seen in all forms:
Loss of appetite: A marked decrease in the cat's desire to eat.
Weight Loss: Continuous weight loss can be observed.
Depression: Low general mood of the cat.
Fever: High levels of fever.
How is FIP Diagnosed?
Diagnosing FIP is often difficult and cannot be done with a single test. Multiple factors need to be taken into account. Methods that can be used to diagnose FIP:
Blood Tests: Abnormalities in the number of white blood cells, high protein concentrations and other biochemical changes.
Fluid Samples: Analysis of fluid that accumulates in the abdominal or chest cavity.
X-rays and Ultrasound: Visualization of internal organs.
Immunoperoxidase Test: Examination of changes in white blood cells.
In consultation with your veterinarian, you should carry out the most appropriate diagnostic method.
What to Do to Avoid FIP Disease?
The most important step to prevent FIP is to prevent coronavirus infection. Measures that can be taken
Keeping cat toilets and food bowls clean.
Regularly vaccinating cats with the necessary vaccines.
Regular veterinary check-ups for cats.
Maintaining hygiene and avoiding crowding in environments with many cats.
Molnupiravir EIDD-1931 Effective FIP Treatment
Molnupiravir EIDD-1931 is an innovative antiviral compound that has revolutionized the treatment of FIP. It has proven to be much more effective than other antiviral medicines. Characteristics of Molnupiravir EIDD-1931:
4 times more effective than EIDD-2801 and 7.3 times more effective than GS-441524.
Provides symptom relief in a short time.
Fewer side effects than other medicines.
It has 33% less toxicity compared to the EIDD-2801 component.
It is 80% cheaper than GS-441524 treatment.
Molnupiravir EIDD-1931 treatment is suitable for all cats except cats with neurologic and ocular symptoms, cats in critical condition, cats without appetite, cats with previous kidney and liver disease, cats with complications of FIP.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FIP Contagious?
FIP is not contagious, but feline coronavirus (FCoV) is. Feline coronavirus can be transmitted to other cats through the feces, saliva and air of infected cats.
Is FIP Transmissible to Humans?
Feline coronavirus is not transmissible to humans. The virus that causes FIP only causes disease in cats.
How long does a cat with FIP live?
The life expectancy of cats with FIP depends on the progression of the disease and treatment. If left untreated, the cat's lifespan can often be a few weeks to a few months due to the progressive nature of the disease. However, with new treatment methods, life expectancy can be extended.
Which cats are more prone to FIP?
Some cat breeds are more prone to FIP. These breeds include Abyssinian, Bengal, Burmese, Himalayan, Ragdoll and Devon Rex. Also, cats that are stressed, have had surgery or have multiple infections are at higher risk of FIP.
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