Unfortunately, once symptoms of FIP have developed, it is considered to be incurable, rapidly progressive ( with an average life expectancy of 2 months or less from time of diagnosis ) and ultimately fatal disease.
Except in rare cases, wet FIP is fatal within about five weeks of diagnosis. The dry form is equally deadly but affected cats may survive for a few months.
In the final stages of FIP, cats struggle to breathe and eat, often resulting in euthanasia. Other symptoms of FIP in cats include: Abdominal swelling, often described as a pot belly. Breathing difficulties (open-mouth panting, harsh breathing, extra effort needed to breathe, fast breathing)
In cats that develop FIP, the first signs of illness may be very vague. Listlessness, lethargy, decreased or absent appetite, weight loss, and a fluctuating fever are commonly reported clinical signs. After a period of several days to a few weeks other symptoms typically begin to occur.
A 100% morbidity and a 90% mortality was observed. The first signs were observed after 14 and 27 days respectively. The clinical pattern of the disease was similar in all kittens and showed a pattern of recurrent periods of conjunctivitis, upper respiratory and gastrointestinal signs.
Supportive care will prolong life, and some cats with FIP can live in a state of chronic disease for weeks, months, or, rarely, a year or more.
It is not recommended to euthanize a cat, even with FIP, as long as it looks and acts fairly normal. Miracles do happen, but they can't happen unless they are provided time to happen. However, some owners choose to end suffering at an earlier stage, given the grave prognosis.
It can take time for cats to show signs of FIP, from a few weeks to months. The first signs of FIP can range from depression to changes in appetite to fever. There are two forms of FIP: wet and dry.
This infection can affect the brain, liver, kidneys, lungs, and skin. This form often causes the cat to have seizures and move in an abnormal or uncoordinated way. In some cases, cats will also have excessive thirst and urination, vomiting, weight loss, and jaundice.
Signs Of FIP In Cats
Signs are: A swollen belly or trouble breathing. Poor appetite and muscle loss.
Lily, a 9-month-old female Bengal cat, is now in remission from feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) thanks to clinical trials at the UC Davis veterinary hospital.
Relapses of FIP during the 12-week post-treatment observation period do occur and there is no simple blood test to predict when a cure has occurred, or a relapse is possible.
Many FIP cats will have bouts of diarrhea. Some home remedies include pumpkin puree and/or a probiotic, either of which are excellent for the cat and can be given regularly and in the absence of diarrhea too.
The “wet” form of FIP, includes the effusion of thick, yellow fluid as noted. The “dry” form is more insidious, leading to death over a much longer period (potentially years, but more usually weeks to months).
FIP is often nicknamed the purring disease, because infected kittens will spend so much time snuggling and purring – perhaps because they are feverish and are struggling to stay warm. Even though scientists and veterinarians have known about FIP since the 1960s, there is still neither prevention nor cure.
If you have lost a cat to FIP, remove any cat related items that you cannot wash or disinfect, such as a scratching post or soft toys. Clean and disinfect everything else in the environment that you can. Time will take care of the rest, because viruses of this type are not long-lived in the environment.
Clinical signs of FIP include: Decreased appetite to complete loss of appetite. Chronic weight loss or weight gain (seen more with dry FIP) A pot-bellied appearance (from wet FIP) due to fluid accumulation in the abdomen; typically the fluid is a straw-colored, thick, high-protein fluid.
Eye problems caused by feline FIP can include: Anterior uveitis – inflammation of the iris and ciliary body in the eye. Glaucoma – a condition in which fluid buildup puts pressure on the optic nerve.
What cats are most often affected with FIP? Although FIP can occur in cats of any age, it is most often seen in young cats. Around 80% of cases diagnosed are in cats less than 2 years old, and many cases are seen in kittens around 4-12 months old.
Missing one dosage is not serious, because effective blood levels are sustained over 24 h. However, missing a dose is something that should be avoided if all possible as it can become a habit.
Incubation and Onset of Feline Infectious Peritonitis
The natural incubation period is extremely variable, ranging from a few weeks to several years. Cats are at greatest risk for developing FIP within the first 6 to 18 months after initial infection with FCoV.
Previously, two forms of this disease were recognized: a wet form (effusive) and a dry (non-effusive) form. In the wet form, obvious fluid build-up is present within the abdomen and chest. In the dry form, inflammatory cells accumulate in various organs, such as the liver, kidneys, eyes, and brain.
FIP occurs worldwide in domestic and wild cats. There are two types of FIP: wet, or effusive FIP and dry, or non-effusive FIP. Please be cautious: it is estimated that up to 80% of FIP cases are misdiagnosed!
FIP is a disease that most frequently appears in young cats less than 2 years old but can occur in cats of any age.
How much does it cost? Although FIP is now curable, the treatment is not inexpensive. Costs will depend on your cat's weight and other symptoms. Typically, costs vary from typically around $1,000 to $3,000 for the duration of treatment.