Twenty naturally infected symptomatic cats with FIP were treated. Thirteen eventually died, often relapsing after a remission and dying of neurological FIP in the brain. Seven cats survived and appear to remain disease free as of now, one as long as 1 year following treatment.
Feline infectious peritonitis is considered an incurable disease with survival times varying from days to weeks for the effusive form, and weeks to months for the non-effusive form (2,12–14).
Except in rare cases, wet FIP is fatal within about five weeks of diagnosis. The dry form is equally deadly but affected cats may survive for a few months.
With either form, life expectancy after diagnosis can be as short as one week, although some cats survive for months or, rarely, for years. Pedersen noted that while it's commonly thought that cats die quickly from FIP once clinical signs develop, the major cause of death for cats with FIP actually is euthanasia.
It is not recommended to euthanize a cat, even with FIP, as long as it looks and acts fairly normal. Miracles do happen, but they can't happen unless they are provided time to happen. However, some owners choose to end suffering at an earlier stage, given the grave prognosis.
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a painful, incurable disease that's nearly always fatal. But over the past 18 months, thousands of cats have reportedly been cured of FIP by a drug that's very similar to remdesivir—the antiviral currently under investigation as a promising treatment for COVID-19 in humans.
In the final stages of FIP, cats struggle to breathe and eat, often resulting in euthanasia. Other symptoms of FIP in cats include: Abdominal swelling, often described as a pot belly. Breathing difficulties (open-mouth panting, harsh breathing, extra effort needed to breathe, fast breathing)
it is estimated that up to 80% of FIP cases are misdiagnosed! A positive feline coronavirus result is not a diagnosis of FIP. Even a very high titre for feline coronavirus is not a diagnosis of FIP. There are other illnesses, including cancer and Bovine TB, that have exactly the same symptoms as FIP.
Therefore, after the death of a cat to FIP, the litter tray can be disinfected using bleach, and soft furnishings can be steam-cleaned. To be 100% sure that all coronavirus has gone, wait 2 months before obtaining another cat.
The natural incubation period is extremely variable, ranging from a few weeks to several years. Cats are at greatest risk for developing FIP within the first 6 to 18 months after initial infection with FCoV.
The number one infectious disease killer of cats in the United States today is Feline Leukemia Virus, or FeLV. FeLV destroys the cat's immune system so that he falls prey to anemia, cancer or infectious diseases that a healthy cat would not get. A simple blood test is 99% accurate in diagnosing the disease.
Treatment, Prevention, and Control
Up to 95% of cats with feline infectious peritonitis will die from the disease. In one study, half of the affected cats died within 9 days. However, some cats may live for several months.
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a common disease and a frequent reason for referral; approximately 1 of every 200 new feline cases presented to American veterinary teaching hospitals represents a cat with FIP [1]. It is also a major factor in kitten mortality [2].
Cats with the “dry” form of FIP may slowly lose weight and have appetite loss, lethargy, and unexplained fever. The onset of disease is usually very gradual with the dry form.
Offer FIP-positive cats their favorite food or treats to encourage them to eat. Try to minimize stressful situations, keep them indoors, warm and comfortable, with their litter box, fresh water, and food nearby. Veterinarians may prescribe medications but understand that these medications often only help temporarily.
Prednisolone is frequently prescribed at the time of diagnosis, as it is as anti-inflammatory and can help to keep the cat comfortable and even stimulate appetite. Once the cat is taking GS, prednisolone is no longer necessary unless it is being used to treat a secondary or underlying condition.
Complications of neurological FIP- Relapses in cats treated for neurological FIP usually occur within days following the end of treatment and are due to either inadequate dosage and/or the acquisition of drug resistance. The incidence of relapses somewhat higher than following treatment of extra-CNS forms of FIP.
Accordingly, results indicated that parameters associated with FIV disease progression are directly linked to aggression.
The fluid of FIP is a nonseptic exudate, often described as pyogranulomatous or fibrinous. It is typically pale yellow to golden in color, is nearly translucent because of its relatively low cell count (usually 1,000-10,000 nucleated cells/μl), and is foamy because of its high protein content.
Since many different organs can be involved with the dry form, the symptoms we see with this form of FIP can mimic other common diseases of cats, like hyperthyroidism, liver disease, sugar diabetes and kidney disease.
What are the symptoms of FIP? Cats that have been initially exposed to FeCV usually show no obvious symptoms. Some cats may show mild upper respiratory symptoms such as sneezing, watery eyes, and nasal discharge, while others may experience mild gastrointestinal signs such as diarrhea.
Typically, the first signs of FIP in cats are simply signs that the cat is not feeling well—excessive tiredness, poor appetite/weight loss, and fever. Are cats with FIP in pain? Cats with FIP do not appear to be in any pain. However, they seem to feel much like we do with a case of the flu—tired and wiped out.
Ham and Gravy is the stinkiest and therefore the most enticing to cats, but Chicken & Gravy or Turkey & Gravy are also fine to give provided they have NO seasonings (onions and garlic are toxic to cats). Many FIP cats prefer to lick food from their human's finger rather than eat out of their usual bowl.
One of the most difficult decisions is to determine when to stop treatment. Although some cats, often younger ones with wet FIP, can be cured in as little as 8 weeks and possibly sooner, the usual treatment time is 12 weeks. Some cats may even require dosage adjustments and even longer treatment periods.
Signs Of FIP In Cats
The effusive or wet form is most common, and is caused by the accumulation of large quantities of fluid in the abdomen and sometimes the chest. Th wet form of FIP is mostly seen in kittens or young adults. Signs are: A swollen belly or trouble breathing.