Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP): Understanding One of the Most Complex Feline Diseases

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is one of the most serious and perplexing viral diseases in cats. Caused by a mutation of the feline coronavirus (FCoV), FIP can lead to fatal systemic inflammation affecting multiple organs. Despite decades of research, it remains a major challenge in feline medicine - both in diagnosis and management.

🔬 From Feline Coronavirus to FIP
Feline coronavirus (FCoV) is common among cats, especially in multi-cat environments such as shelters and catteries. Most infections are mild or asymptomatic, limited to the intestinal tract.
However, in a small percentage of cats, the virus undergoes a genetic mutation, allowing it to replicate within macrophages and spread throughout the body - this is when FIP develops.

Two clinical forms are typically recognized:

• Wet (effusive) form – characterized by fluid accumulation in the abdomen or chest.
• Dry (non-effusive) form – marked by granulomatous inflammation in organs such as the kidneys, liver, eyes, or brain.

⚠️ Clinical Signs to Watch For
The symptoms of FIP are often vague and progress gradually, which makes early detection challenging.
Common signs include:

• Persistent fever unresponsive to antibiotics
• Weight loss and lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Fluid distension in the abdomen (wet form)
• Neurological or ocular abnormalities (dry form)

These symptoms overlap with many other feline diseases, so accurate diagnostic testing is crucial.

🧭 Why Early Detection Matters
While treatment options for FIP have advanced significantly in recent years, early recognition remains essential for improving outcomes.
By identifying at-risk cats early - especially in high-density feline environments - veterinarians can implement isolation, monitoring, and management strategies to prevent further spread.

💡 J&G Diagnostic Solutions
At J&G, we are committed to supporting veterinarians with reliable, rapid, and accurate diagnostic tools.
Our Feline Infectious Peritonitis Antibody Test is designed for quick on-site detection, offering:

• High sensitivity and specificity
• Simple procedure with results in minutes
• Useful for screening and epidemiological monitoring

Empowering veterinarians to act swiftly means protecting feline health more effectively - from clinic to cattery.

🐾 Towards a Better Understanding of FIP
FIP represents the complex interplay between virus, host, and environment. Continued awareness, advanced diagnostics, and responsible management are key to controlling this devastating disease.