National Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) Awareness is a deadly disease that everyone who owns a cat should be aware of. FIP is extremely dangerous, and can even be fatal. Continue reading as a local Towns County, GA veterinarian addresses questions regarding FIP.
What Is Feline Infectious Peritonitis?
FIP is caused by a virus, more specifically a feline coronavirus. Typically, this coronavirus is rather innocuous. It is also extremely prevalent, much like the common cold. However, the mutation can result in certain catastrophic, potentially fatal, problems.
Is Feline Coronavirus Harmful?
Coronaviruses typically infect animals’ respiratory or digestive systems. The feline coronavirus is not usually lethal. Many cats have modest symptoms. The majority of cats who develop FCoV have minimal symptoms and/or recover rapidly. You might not even notice that something is amiss! However, about 12% go on to develop FIP. Kitties that are elderly or immune-compromised are particularly vulnerable.
Feline Coronaviruses: What Are They?
Coronavirus infection in cats is very common. Roughly 25 to 40 percent of pet felines are infected with FCoV.
The risk is greatest in areas with a large number of cats. The infection rate for cats that live in colonies, shelters, or multi-cat households can be as high as 100%. However, most of the time, the kitty’s symptoms are so modest that they go unnoticed. Some cats simply have an episode of diarrhea.
Bria’s Story
As you may be aware, many unique animal holidays, causes, and charities have mascots: typically, a special pet who raises awareness of a problem among a certain individual or group of people. In this case, the pet is Bria, a lovely lynx blue point Birman kitten that liked playing Fetch and eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. As you can expect, the adorable kitty died from FIP complications. Her heartbroken owner, Susan, dedicated herself to raising awareness about the disease. She approached the EveryCat Health Foundation, which was then called the Winn Feline Foundation. It is the only organization on the earth dedicated to funding feline health research. The Bria Fund for FIP Research was established soon after.
How Is The Feline Coronavirus Spread?
The feline coronavirus can be transmitted in a variety of ways. Nursing mothers may pass it along to their kittens. Mutual grooming, sharing bowls, toys, or litterboxes, mating, and fighting are all ways for cats to infect one another.
Because feline coronavirus is an infectious disease, it is most commonly seen in areas with a high concentration of cats, such as animal shelters, catteries, or wild cat colonies.
How Long Can a Cat Live With Fio?
There is no simple answer to this question. It is determined by the kitty’s health and whether they were infected with the effusive or non-effusive type. However, the prognosis is poor: predictions range from days to weeks for the effusive type of the virus and weeks to months for the non-effusive. After inspecting your cat, your veterinarian will be able to provide you with more detailed information.
What Are The Symptoms Of FIP?
The symptoms of FIP might be perplexing because they can be suggestive of a wide range of disorders. This is one of the reasons we always urge getting Fluffy to the vet as soon as you notice something amiss.
Here are a few things to look for:
- Bloating
- Respiratory Problems
- Fever
- Lack Of Appetite
- Weight Loss
- Depression
- Withdrawal
- Unkempt Fur
If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Symptoms of FIP can develop swiftly. However, FIP might take weeks, months, or even years to develop following the first coronavirus infection.
What Is The Treatment For FIP?
Unfortunately, there is no approved treatment for FIP. Supportive care is typically the primary focus of treatment efforts. This could include things like ensuring Fluffy is getting adequate fluids. Your veterinarian may also suggest medications, such as prednisone or cyclophosphamide. These are immune suppressants that may help to delay disease progression. However, it’s critical to recognize that there is no cure.
If your feline friend is diagnosed, your Towns County, GA veterinarian will be able to discuss choices with you on an individual basis.
What Can You Do to Keep Your Feline Buddy Safe from FIP?
Fortunately, simple cat care can go a long way toward keeping your feline companion happy, healthy, and purring. First and foremost, continue Fluffy’s preventative care. This includes her veterinarian examinations, parasite control, and vaccines.
Keeping a clean litterbox is also essential. We recommend scooping daily and changing the litter once a week. If you have more than one cat, you will need more than one box. Fluffy’s powder room should be located in a quiet area, away from her food and water. The litterbox should also not be placed in a drafty environment or in direct sunlight.
Consult your Towns County, GA veterinarian for further information on FIP.
Schedule An Appointment At Our Towns County, GA Pet Clinic
Do you have any concerns about your feline’s health or care? Please do not hesitate to contact us any time. We are your neighborhood Towns County, GA pet hospital and are here to help!
