Dry and wet FIP
FIP can present in two forms in cats: the so-called dry form of FIP and the wet form of FIP.
Dry FIP
In the dry form of FIP, various organs are primarily affected. These may include the liver, kidneys, intestines, as well as the eyes, brain, and spinal cord. In the latter case, a neurological form of FIP develops.
Wet FIP
In the wet form of FIP, there is a true inflammation of the abdominal lining. This results in a large amount of fluid accumulating in the abdominal cavity. The membranes around the lungs can also become inflamed, leading to fluid buildup in the chest cavity as well.
What are the symptoms of a cat with FIP?
General symptoms that cats with FIP may show include:
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Poor appetite
- General malaise
Other symptoms depend on the form of FIP.
Symptoms of the wet form of FIP
Cats with the wet form of FIP exhibit general symptoms along with a swollen abdomen or breathing difficulties, depending on which membranes (chest or abdominal) are inflamed.
Symptoms of the dry form of FIP
The symptoms shown by a cat with the dry form of FIP depend entirely on the organs involved.
If the eyes are affected, inflammation may be visible in the eyes. This is often uveitis, where blood or pus becomes visible in the eye. The eyes often also become cloudy.
In the neurological form of FIP, abnormal behaviour may be observed, as well as epileptic seizures and issues with movement and coordination.
If the liver or kidneys are affected, symptoms of liver and/or kidney failure will develop. Appetite decreases, cats may vomit and lose weight. In cases of liver failure, jaundice may occur. Anaemia is also a common symptom.
There are no standard symptoms that you will see in a cat with FIP. This also makes the disease difficult to diagnose.
How do i know if my cat has FIP?
FIP is a diagnosis based on probability and the exclusion of other diseases by your veterinarian.
Most cats with FIP are young, often under 1 year of age. FIP is also more common in pedigree cats. There is often a period of stress that has led to reduced resistance in the cat, such as after neutering or spaying.
If the cat has fluid in the abdomen or chest, a sample can be taken and examined. The fluid is often clear and sticky (stringy). This fluid can be further analysed using specialised techniques to detect the FIP virus (i.e. the coronavirus with a specific mutation). These tests can also be performed on tissue biopsies or fluid from the spinal canal.
However, if the virus has not been detected, FIP cannot be ruled out.
Blood tests and an ultrasound of the chest and abdomen can help confirm the diagnosis. These may reveal abnormalities consistent with an FIP infection.
Can my cat with FIP be treated?
FIP is a serious disease. Until recently, it was almost always fatal. A new treatment is in development using a medication called GS-441524 in tablet form, or its pro-drug Remdesivir in injectable form. This treatment is currently only approved in the United Kingdom and Australia. Unfortunately, this medication is not yet authorised for use within the European Union, so your veterinarian cannot prescribe it at this time.
In the Netherlands, GS-441524 is available in liquid form for veterinarians through the Pharmacy of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.
Please note: The FIP medication is also being offered on the black market. These products are unregulated and not reliable for use. Treatment with these medications is illegal for both the veterinarian and the owner!
In addition, only symptomatic treatment can be provided.
What is the life expectancy of a cat with FIP?
If the cat can only be treated symptomatically, the prognosis is generally poor and the disease is fatal within a few weeks.
With the new treatment, the chances of survival improve. However, it is an expensive treatment that can still only be applied on a very limited scale.
Is FIP contagious to other cats?
No, FIP itself is not contagious. However, the Feline Coronavirus that can eventually mutate into the FIP variant is contagious. A cat with FIP can shed this coronavirus. Ideally, you want to prevent your cat from becoming infected with the coronavirus.
Can i prevent an FIP infection?
You can only prevent FIP by preventing your cat from becoming infected with the Feline Coronavirus. This is not easy, as many cats can carry this virus.
The coronavirus spreads through cat faeces. Therefore, ensure good hygiene in the home and clean the litter box thoroughly and regularly — especially if you have multiple cats in the household.
A cat with FIP can shed the coronavirus through its faeces. Therefore, it is recommended to wait at least 2 months after the cat’s death before bringing a new cat into the home. The virus can survive outside the cat’s body for days to weeks. Disinfecting the living environment can help. Virkon S has been proven effective against the Feline Coronavirus that causes FIP.
Do you already have a cat and want to get a second one? Then have the cats tested for the coronavirus. Is your cat free of the virus? Make sure not to bring an infected cat into your home.
Can i prevent FIP in my cat with supplements?
You can never fully prevent your cat from becoming infected with FIP. However, since we know that cats experiencing stress or with a weakened immune system are at increased risk of the feline coronavirus mutating into the FIP variant, it may help to support your cat’s immune system or manage stress.
Can you vaccinate against FIP?
A vaccine against FIP did exist, but its effectiveness was never proven. The vaccine also does not protect against the mutation of the coronavirus into the FIP variant. It would only be effective in cats that have not yet been infected with the Feline Coronavirus. The vaccine was primarily used in FIP control programmes within catteries. Therefore, the FIP vaccine is not recommended by the European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases.
Do you have any further questions about FIP in cats? Then contact us via veterinarian@vetsend.co.uk.
