Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a rare but often fatal condition in cats. It is a mutation of the feline coronavirus.
It’s crucial that FIP in cats is detected and that they are given medical pet care as soon as possible because of its rapid progression. Cat owners in Dubai and the UAE must know the symptoms and how to manage and prevent FIP.
In this guide, we’ll discuss how you can detect the disease early, treatment options, and preventive measures to care for cats with FIP.
What is FIP in Cats?
FIP in cats originated from the common feline coronavirus, which usually has mild symptoms like diarrhea. However, there are very rare cases when the virus mutates into FIP.
The mutated virus strain causes severe inflammation in the cat’s internal organs, including the kidneys, abdomen, and brain.
Feline Infectious Peritonitis is not contagious, but the feline coronavirus can be transmitted through nasal discharge, feces, and other bodily fluids of an infected cat.
Some cat breeds, like Bengals, Persians, and Abyssinians, are more susceptible to acquired FIP. The risks even worsen if the cats live in a stressful and overcrowded environment.
Causes of FIP in Cats
As of today, there are no studies that point to the exact reasons why and how the feline coronavirus mutates into FIP. However, Dubai veterinarians suspect that genetics, stress, and other factors may contribute to the mutation of the virus.
Cats under two years old and those living with other felines have higher risks of developing FIP since shared litter boxes and direct contact can transmit the unmutated virus easily.
Recognizing the Signs of FIP
It’s essential for Dubai cat owners to know that there are two kinds of FIP. There’s the “dry” or non-effusive form and the “wet” or effusive form. The wet and dry FIPs have different symptoms and progressions every cat owner must know about.
Dry FIP in Cats
The dry form of FIP in cats is a slow-progressing disease. It causes long-term organ damage in cats. The blood vessels get inflammation, which affects the liver, lungs, kidneys, and the brain.
As the disease progresses, the cat may experience seizures, excessive thirst, uncoordinated mobility, weight loss, and jaundice.
Wet FIP in Cats
The wet form of FIP is the more aggressive type, and it progresses much faster than dry FIP. This FIP type results in faster internal organ failure.
A cat with wet FIP has a pot-bellied appearance due to the build-up of fluid in its chest and abdomen. Other symptoms also include difficulty breathing, weakness, weight loss, and fever.
How FIP in Cats is Diagnosed
Diagnosing FIP in cats is a challenging task since many of its symptoms are similar to other illnesses. This is why veterinary hospitals in Dubai use different diagnostic methods to help confirm if a cat has FIP.
- Blood Tests
Veterinarians will take blood samples from the cat to check its white blood cell count and protein levels. If these are elevated, then the cat may be infected with FIP.
- Fluid Analysis
If a vet suspects wet FIP, a sample of the fluid in the cat’s abdomen or chest will be collected. If the fluid is yellowish and has high protein levels, it can be another sign of FIP.
- Diagnostic Imaging
Many vet clinics have advanced diagnostic equipment, such as X-rays or ultrasounds, which can help detect FIP.
- Biopsy
Another way to test a cat if it’s infected with FIP is through a biopsy, which involves acquiring and examining a tissue sample.
FIP Treatment Options
There are no FDA-approved FIP treatments yet, so this fatal disease may be considered an untreatable condition until today. However, with the advancement of veterinary medicine, new treatments are being developed that show positive results.
New antiviral medications are continuously being developed to help control FIP in cats. Whether antivirals are available or not, vets will proceed with supportive care. This includes draining the fluids, transfusing blood, and managing pain.
Even though the treatments may no completely cure a cat from FIP, these can help manage symptoms, prolong the cat’s survival, and improve its quality of life.
If you notice any signs of FIP in your cat, contact an emergency vet as soon as possible. The vet will have more success in managing the symptoms if the disease is detected early.
FIP Preventive Measures
FIP has a viral nature that can be difficult to prevent, but you can reduce the risk of infection in your cat.
If you own multiple indoor cats, make sure to regularly clean their litter boxes, food dishes, and grooming tools. This can help prevent the virus from spreading to your cats.
You should also try to minimize stress in your cats by providing a relaxing environment and keeping them mentally and physically stimulated.
It’s important that you take your cat to regular health check-ups so your vet can detect any underlying health problems as early as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is FIP contagious to other cats?
FIP is not contagious to other cats. However, the virus that causes FIP, feline coronavirus, can spread easily.
2. Can a cat with FIP survive?
A cat with FIP has a low chance of survival, especially if the disease has already progressed in the final stages. But, with early detection and treatment, some cats can still live longer and more comfortable lives.
3. What breed of cats are prone to FIP?
Purebred cats like Ragdolls, Persians, and Bengals are more prone to develop FIP due to their genetics.
4. How common is FIP in cats?
FIP is rare in cats, but it is more common in cats between 6 months and 2 years old, especially those living in a multi-cat environment.
