Feline Infectious Peritonitis — A Persistent Challenge in Feline Health

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is one of the most complex and devastating diseases affecting cats worldwide. It arises from a mutation of the feline coronavirus (FCoV) - a virus that commonly infects cats but usually causes only mild intestinal symptoms. However, in a small percentage of infected cats, the virus mutates into a virulent form capable of spreading throughout the body, leading to FIP.

🔬 How FIP Develops
FCoV is transmitted mainly through the fecal–oral route, especially in multi-cat environments such as shelters, catteries, and breeding facilities.
When the benign FCoV mutates inside the host, it gains the ability to survive and replicate within macrophages (a type of immune cell). This abnormal immune response results in severe inflammation in various organs and tissues, giving rise to FIP.

⚠️ Clinical Forms
FIP manifests in two primary forms:
1️⃣ Wet (Effusive) Form - Characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen or chest, causing abdominal distension, difficulty breathing, and fever.
2️⃣ Dry (Non-effusive) Form - Involves granulomatous lesions in organs such as the kidneys, liver, eyes, or brain. Cats may exhibit neurological or ocular symptoms, lethargy, weight loss, and intermittent fever.

🧪 Diagnosis
Diagnosing FIP remains challenging, as there is no single definitive test. Diagnosis typically relies on a combination of:

• Clinical signs and medical history
• Laboratory findings (such as elevated globulin levels or effusion analysis)
• Detection of Feline Coronavirus antibodies or antigen through serological testing

Advanced molecular methods like RT-PCR can assist in identifying FCoV genetic material, helping differentiate between FCoV and FIP-related mutations.

🩺 Prevention and Control
Currently, no guaranteed preventive vaccine exists for FIP. Preventive measures focus on reducing coronavirus exposure:

• Maintaining good hygiene and litter box management
• Minimizing stress and overcrowding in multi-cat environments
• Regular health monitoring and early testing of new cats introduced into a group

🌍 Industry Outlook

Recent years have seen major advances in understanding FIP pathogenesis and potential treatment approaches, offering hope to veterinarians and cat owners. However, early detection remains essential for effective management and control within feline populations.