CHARACTERISTICS
- Feline Infectious Peritonitus produces two forms, WET and DRY
- It is more commonly found in boarding facilities and multi-cat households
- Cats may be carriers, and may develop the disease at any time in its life
- Symptoms do not generally appear for at least 10 days after exposure, during which time the cat is shedding the virus through bodily secretions
- Generally it is unstable outside of the host, yet the virus has survived in laboratory testing environments up to seven weeks
- Many FeLV positive cats will also be infected with F.I.P.
- F.I.P. will suppress the immune system
SYMPTOMS
- Symptoms
are non specific - the virus can attack any organ at any time for a
variety of reasons. It needs to be diagnosed by a veterinarian by
drawing blood and performing the proper diagnostic tests
WET FORM
- The
cat will exhibit persistent fever and gradual weight loss
- Fluid
will accumulate in the abdominal cavity as a result of widespread
injury to the circulatory system
- Fluid
may also accumulate in the chest cavity causing breathing
difficulties
- Depression
will occur
DRY FORM
- The
dry form of FIP will present a persistent fever
- Anorexia
and depression will occur
- Lesions
or tumors will appear on organs located in the abdomen
- Nervous
system can also be affected, leading to paralysis
TREATMENT
- Symptomatic treatment is performed only. Prevention is important!
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