- Facts

1.     Problem Definition:

Feline infectious peritonitis is a disease caused by the corona virus, also called as feline infectious peritonitis virus. This virus invades white blood cells and grows in them. It is a highly fatal and incurable disease.

2.     Symptoms:

The common symptoms are the accumulation of fluids in the abdomen or chest, lack of appetite, fever, weight loss, jaundice and diarrhea. Other symptoms are lethargy, swelling of the abdomen, and eye disease, There can be an accumulation of fluid in the chest. More serious conditions will also show liver and kidney problems.

3.     Duration of Problem:

FIP is incurable. Hence, this disease will last unto the death of the cat.

4.     Exposure:

Majority of this disease is seen in younger cats. A poor immune response with high stress factors make these cats very susceptible to Feline infectious peritonitis.

 - Prevention & Treatment

1.     The Treatment:

There is no cure for this disease. The cat should me made as comfortable as possible. Prednisone or the drugs prescribed by the vet can prolong your cat's life by a few weeks or months. But generally this disease spreads quite quickly.

2.     Prevention:

This disease can be prevented by us, by taking cats from someone who has relatively few cats. Also by reducing stress like re homing, worming, vaccination and neutering.

3.     Precautions:

Quarantines should be done if you have other cats at your home other than the infected cat. If your house has more than one cat, it is best to have a post mortem examination of the dead cat. This virus can persist in the environment and should be killed with the household disinfectants.

4.     Helpful Supplies:

 - Concerns

1.     Level of Seriousness:

If your cat develops this disease, it is very serious. There is no cure, the cat should be made as comfortable as possible till the pain becomes obvious and unbearable.

2.     Lasting Consequences:

There are no lasting consequences. It is not possible that this disease may pass to unborn kittens or via the milk to the new born.

3.     Genetics:

There are no genetic factors known.

4.     Lifestyle Accommodations:

There should be an isolation of the affected cat, and most favorably, quarantine.

5.     Expense:

There is no expense involved as there is no treatment found for this disease.