FIP Cat Experiences: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Have you ever heard of FIP in cats and wondered what it exactly is?
This disease can be confusing and frightening, especially if you suspect your cat has it.

FIP, or Feline Infectious Peritonitis, is a serious viral disease that can drastically affect a cat's life.
In this blog post, we will discuss the symptoms, diagnostic methods, and treatment options for FIP in detail to help you better understand this disease and provide the best possible support for your cat.

Recognizing the Symptoms of FIP in Cats

Recognizing the symptoms of FIP in cats is crucial to intervene in time. The earliest signs often include non-specific symptoms such as fever, loss of appetite and lethargy. However, these symptoms are not clear and can easily be confused with other diseases. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the combination of these signs and act quickly if suspected.

As the disease progresses, more specific symptoms may appear that indicate a wet or dry form of FIP. These include:

• In the wet form: An increase in abdominal circumference due to fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity.
• In the dry form: Neurological signs such as convulsions or paralysis and changes in the internal organs that can be detected by ultrasound. It is important to take these symptoms seriously and seek veterinary evaluation.

Understanding the transmission pathways of FIP

FIP is transmitted mainly through contact with infected excreta such as feces, but also through saliva and urine. The feline coronavirus that causes FIP is widespread among cats, but only a mutation of the virus leads to the development of the disease. To minimize the risk of transmission, it is advisable to increase hygiene in multi-cat households, carry out regular disinfection and avoid contact between infected and healthy cats.

The course of FIP in cats

The course of FIP can progress quickly and is often difficult to treat. After the initial phase with general symptoms such as fever and weight loss, the disease develops differently depending on the form. In the wet form, there is a significant accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, which can cause severe pain. The dry form is characterized by inflammation of the internal organs, which can lead to a variety of health problems. In both cases, early detection and veterinary care are crucial.

Diagnostic Methods for FIP in Cats

Diagnosis of FIP in cats is complex and requires a combination of tests, as no single test can provide a definitive diagnosis. Typical procedures include blood tests to look for abnormalities such as anemia or a low albumin globulin ratio. In addition, a PCR test is often performed to detect the virus directly in the blood, feces or ascites.

In addition to laboratory tests, the veterinarian may also use specific imaging techniques such as ultrasound to identify changes in the internal organs that may indicate FIP. Another important method is the examination of body fluids, where the Rivalta test is often used to analyze the type of fluid and thus obtain clues to FIP.

Treatment Options for Cats with FIP

If your cat has FIP, there are various treatment options that can help improve its quality of life or even achieve a cure. In recent years, research into new drugs and therapies has brought hope. Antiviral drugs in particular, which attack the virus directly, are the focus of current studies and have already led to impressive results in some cases.

In addition to antiviral medications, there are also supportive treatments that can strengthen the immune system and relieve symptoms. These include:

• Immunomodulators that help regulate the cat's immune system.
• Anti-inflammatories that reduce the inflammation caused by FIP.
• Symptomatic therapies such as hydration and nutritional support to enable the cat to better cope with the disease.

approval status of FIP drugs

The approval status of drugs to treat FIP ​​is complex, as many of the promising drugs are not yet officially approved. In some countries, drugs such as GS-441524 or Remdesivir are used "off-label," meaning that although they are not specifically approved for FIP, they can still be used by veterinarians. This requires careful monitoring and the consent of cat owners.

Therapeutic Approaches for FIP

Therapeutic approaches for FIP vary depending on the severity and type of disease. Treatment can focus on antiviral drugs that act directly against the virus. One example is the drug GS-441524, which has shown high efficacy in studies. This drug prevents the virus from multiplying and thus offers a chance of cure.

In addition to antiviral drugs, there are also approaches aimed at supporting the immune system. These include:

• The use of immunomodulators that strengthen the cat's immune system.
• Anti-inflammatory medications that help control the inflammation caused by FIP.
• Supportive measures such as appropriate nutrition and hydration to help the cat cope with the symptoms of the disease.

Prevention of FIP in Cats

Preventing FIP in cats starts with early vaccination . You can have your cat vaccinated against FIP ​​from the 16th week of life. This vaccination is administered via the nasal mucosa and aims to develop local immunity. This is to prevent the virus from entering the upper respiratory tract via the mucous membranes. However, it is important to note that the vaccination is only effective if the cat has not yet been infected with the feline coronavirus. Therefore, a test for antibodies should be carried out before vaccination.

In addition to vaccination, there are other important steps to minimize the risk of FIP infection:

• Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial to monitoring your cat's health.
• Hygiene in the environment plays a major role; this includes regular cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and objects with which the cat comes into contact.
• Stress reduction is also important, as stress can weaken the immune system. Provide a calm and comfortable environment for your cat.

These measures will help protect your cat's health and reduce the risk of infection with the coronavirus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the cat have pain with FIP?

Yes, cats can experience pain from FIP, especially in the wet form of the disease, which causes significant fluid buildup in the abdomen. This fluid buildup can cause severe pain.

Should I vaccinate my cat against FIP?

Yes, you can have your cat vaccinated against FIP ​​from 16 weeks of age. This vaccination is administered via the nasal mucosa and aims to develop local immunity. However, it is important that the cat is tested for antibodies before vaccination to ensure that it has not already been infected with the feline coronavirus.