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One of the most contagious diseases
known to veterinary medicine is also one of the
most elusive. And, unfortunately, it is also one
of the most dangerous. Known as Feline Infectious
Peritonitis and commonly referred to as FIP, this
disease is very difficult to diagnose. At present
there is no definitive test to determine whether
or not an animal is infected with the virus. And
although the incidence of FIP is relatively low,
there is no cure for it.
Symptoms of Feline Infectious Peritonitis
Cats suffering from the most severe form of the
disease-known as wet FIP-may exhibit fever, weight
loss, kidney and liver disorders, eye disease, anemia
and loss of appetite. The most common symptom of
wet FIP is a progressive, though painless swelling
of the abdomen; fluid can also collect in the chest.
These symptoms indicate injury to the circulatory
system, If the infected cat has a good appetite
and is not suffering from anemia, treatment can
afford temporary relief. Unfortunately, the animal's
immune system, in an attempt to fight off the FIP
virus, only speeds the spread of the disease. Once
signs of illness appear, FIP is nearly always fatal.
Is Your Cat at Risk for FIP?
Is your cat likely to get FIP? Researchers have
found that a substantial percentage of the feline
population has developed immunity to the group of
pathogens that includes the FIP virus. Animals who
are allowed outdoors, however, are at greater risk
of contracting the disease. FIP is also more likely
to infect very old and relatively young cats, especially
those under 2 years of age.
And because FIP is easily spread through the saliva,
urine and feces, felines who live together-either
in multi-cat households or catteries-have a higher
incidence of the disease. Sneezing, hissing, shared
bedding, litterboxes, food and water dishes are
all ways for the virus to be passed from one cat
to another.
Vaccine for FIP is Recommended for Outside Cats
In 1991, a vaccine was developed to help prevent
FIP. The vaccine is administered as nose drops.
After the first dosage at four months of age, a
second one should be given 3 to 4 weeks later, and
once annually thereafter. As the majority of cats
are not at high risk for this disease, veterinarians
do not routinely vaccinate against it. There is
also some controversy over how effective it is.
Nevertheless, ANIMED recommends vaccination against
FIP if your pet is allowed outdoors or lives in
a household with other cats. Responsible breeders,
too, should afford their animals this protection.
By taking into account your pet's level of risk,
your veterinarian can determine whether or not you
should have your cat vaccinated against FIP.
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