FIP is a hard to diagnose, fatal disease, that is not a typical infectious disease. Your cat's immune system, in attempt to fight against this virus is actually speeding along the process of the disease. FIP is often difficult to diagnose because each cat can display different signs that are similar to those of many other diseases.
Types:
There are a few major forms of lethal FIP:
Effusive (wet, liquid) FIP, Noneffusive (dry)FIP, and Combinations of both.
The most characteristic sign of effusive FIP is the accumulation of fluid withing the abdomen and/or chest. When fluid accumulation becomes excessive, it may become difficult for the cat to breathe normally.
Spread:
Cats become infected by exposure to corona virus either by direct contact with an infected cat, or by contact with virus-contaminated surfaces like clothing, bedding, feeding bowls, or toys.
Not every cat exposed to corona virus will come down with FIP, the cat must be predisposed to it by carrying the defective gene that "marries" with the corona virus, ultimately causing the deadly FIP.
Infected cats "shed" the virus in their saliva and feces.
Possible Signs:
-Some cats may experience a mild upper resporatory disease that characterized by sneezing, watery eyes, and watery nasal discharge.
-Other cats may experience a mild intestinal disease.
-General illness, fever, weight loss, anorexia, anemia
-Swollen abdomen
-Central nervous system disorders
-Kidney, Liver, and Eye disorders
Cure:
FIP is considered to be fatal once a positive diagnosis is made. As of yet, there is no cure.Short term remissions may occur with use of some treatments.
Vaccines:
A vaccine against FIP exists, however there is little documentation that either proves or disproves its effectiveness.This vaccine is a personal decision you must make.
Prevention in Multi Cat Households:
There is little hope of keeping your cat safe from the corona virus, as it is so prevalent in the environment. It is highly reccomended to house only a small number of cats and feed them an optimum diet.
Cleaning:
The virus can survive for a number of weeks in the environment. However, it is rapidly inactivated by most household detergents and disinfectants. Thoroughly disinfect or replace food/water dishes, litter pans, and bedding that were used by the infected cat. Tile or hard surfaced floors should be cleaned and disinfected with a diluted beach solution. (approx. 4oz. household bleach to 1gal. water). Thoroughly vaccume rugs to elimate the virus from carpeting.
Euthanasia:
The idea of euthanizing a "positive" cat is on that MUST NOT be entertained. So many cats have been misdiagnosed and have been put to sleep wrongly. There is no definitive test other than post mortem OR a liver biopsy. Fluid analysis is NOT an accurate way to diagnose, neither is a titer test.
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Some of the proceding has been adapted from the Cornell Feline Health Center's Information on Feline Infectious Peritonitis and other veterinary resources.
It is presented for informational use only.
Please see your veterinarian if you suspect any illnesses in your pet(s).