Symptoms of FIP in Cats
The symptoms of FIP in cats can be difficult to detect, as many viruses and infections display the same type of reaction. No symptoms may present themselves for weeks, months or years, and when they do develop, it may seem sudden. If you have a cat that's already infected with feline coronavirus, you'll know that this feline infection causes upper respiratory infection and symptoms such as sneezing, nasal discharge and watery eyes. If there is a progression to feline FIP, usually symptoms of a non-specific nature will materialize first. These may include fever, loss of weight and appetite, depression and deterioration of fur and coat. Once the virus becomes more severe, fever may stop responding to antibiotics, weight loss may become chronic and the cat may develop anemia. Fluid may also begin to accumulate in the abdomen or chest, which can lead to breathing problems and the appearance of a pot-belly. An extreme inflammatory response will likely occur at the location of the infected cells, such as the kidneys, abdomen or brain.
Treating Feline Infectious Perotinitis
FIP in cats has no known cure and is often fatal. Because of this, any treatment options are generally aimed toward supportive care of underlying illness and symptoms. When symptoms seem to appear suddenly, it's likely the cat infection has been present for some time, and prognosis is not likely to be good. Cats can be treated with corticosteroids or antibiotics to alleviate the inflammation. Fluid therapy, fluid drainage and blood transfusions may also be necessary. The best care you can give at home is to provide good nutrition and a comfortable environment for your cat.
Prevention of Feline FIP
Since there is no cure for this fatal disease, it's imperative that you understand how to prevent infection of FIP in cats. A vaccination is available for this infection, however, it has not been thoroughly tested and there is no evidence that it's effective. This vaccine is not generally recommended by professionals. Some cat breeds tend to be more susceptible to the disease, but it's not clear whether this is due to genetic imperfections or because many of these breeds are raised in catteries where the infection is prevalent. Research a cat's history before purchase. Providing proper nutrition can enhance the immune system, helping to ward off this disease. Keep all areas regularly cleaned and disinfected, and separate infected cats from any others in the household.