Cats can get a disease called feline infectious peritonitis.
Feline infectious peritonitis is a disease that is the result of a strain of virus known as the feline coronavirus. Most strains of the feline coronavirus do not cause disease. However, the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine website reports that up to 10 percent of infected cats develop a severe form of the virus. When the virus mutates, the white blood cells are affected and carry the virus throughout the cat's body. As the disease progresses, it is lethal in affected felines.
Risk
Cats of any age may contract the disease. Felines that possess a weak immune system, such as kittens, cats with a feline leukemia virus, and older cats, are susceptible to feline infectious peritonitis. Cats that come in close contact with other cats, such as those in an animal shelter, also are vulnerable to contracting the disease.
An infected female feline can pass the virus to her young. The coronavirus is located in saliva and waste products during the infection period. When a cat is infected, it can spread the disease to other felines through direct contact or exposure to feces.
Symptoms
Cats that have been exposed to the virus may not demonstrate any clear symptoms. After being exposed to the virus, a cat may develop feline infectious peritonitis years later.
Two types of the disease are wet and dry. With the wet type of the disease, symptoms include fluid in the chest or abdomen along with trouble breathing. Symptoms of the dry form are not as pronounced and develop more slowly. Indications of the dry form of the disease include weight loss, fever and liver failure, which also can be signs of other diseases.
Other symptoms of FIP may include loss of appetite, pale gums, jaundice, seizures and abnormalities of the eye.
Diagnosis
No test exists to diagnose the disease. The only definitive way to detect the disease is through an examination of tissues at an autopsy. However, a veterinarian may make a confident diagnosis through an evaluation, including examining for fluid. Tests that can assist a veterinarian in making a determination of the disease include X-rays of the chest and abdomen and a urinalysis.
Treatment
No cure exists for feline infectious peritonitis as the disease is lethal. Treatment is geared to provide temporary relief through steroids, vitamin supplements and antibiotics. A cat also can be treated through the draining of amassed fluid or blood transfusions.
Prevention/Solution
To best prevent feline infectious peritonitis, clean out the litter box daily and do not place litter boxes near food and water dishes. Regularly disinfect the litter box. Newly acquired felines that may have the virus should be kept separated from other cats.
The Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine website reports that a vaccine exists for the disease but its effectiveness is in doubt as the American Association of Feline Practitioners Feline Vaccine Advisory Panel does not endorse it.
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