FIP

Peritonitis in cats, or feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), is a severe disease accompanied by health disturbances. Experienced veterinarians classify it as either vasculitis or pyogranulomatous polyserositis. Feline infectious peritonitis treatment is a complex process that demands close attention. The disease has a viral nature, and often kittens under a year old are at risk. Viral peritonitis in cats might be fatal and challenging to treat. Feline FIP is particularly difficult to manage. Cats with this diagnosis should be under the supervision of a qualified veterinarian in a clinic to monitor their condition. Feline peritonitis treatment is challenging due to the nature of the disease. Dry FIP in cats is characterized by a range of clinical symptoms, including lethargy, weight loss, and organ damage, making it a challenging condition to manage. Wet FIP in cats is an acute and aggressive form of the disease, causing the accumulation of fluid in body cavities and leading to rapid deterioration of the cat’s health. FIP cat treatment requires careful monitoring and care.

Causes of viral peritonitis development

Scientists have proven that infectious peritonitis in cats occurs due to infection with an RNA-containing feline coronavirus. This pathogen is entirely harmless to other animals and humans; it can only cause the disease in the feline family. Moreover, the disease-causing agent does not affect all animals; many pets can be carriers of the infection.

The disease is transmitted from one animal to another through secretions, such as saliva or feces. Cats can contract the infection through shared litter boxes, grooming, and more.

Symptoms of infectious peritonitis in cats

The development of the disease is preceded by coronavirus enteritis, an intestinal infection. Its typical signs include short-term diarrhea and/or vomiting. It can manifest more severely in weakened individuals with severe diarrhea, growth retardation, and weakness. In some cats, the disease disappears without a trace after the disappearance of enteritis symptoms, but in others, the virus can mutate. Only in this case does feline infectious peritonitis develop, which can manifest in two different forms: effusive and non-effusive. The first variety is also known as dry peritonitis, and among its clinical manifestations are:

• Lethargy
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Elevated temperature
• Liver damage (manifested as jaundice)
• Kidney failure
• Urinary disturbances
• Abdominal pain upon palpation

Animals with this form of the disease have a change in the color of the iris of the eyes; it becomes darker.

The wet form of the disease is considered acute and the most dangerous. It quickly leads to the death of pets. Among its characteristic manifestations are inflammation of blood vessels and the accumulation of fluid in various body cavities, including the abdominal cavity, which manifests as an increase in the volume of the abdomen, shortness of breath, and other health problems.

The course of FIP largely depends on the cat’s immune system, but a low immune response cannot be considered a reason for developing the disease.

What should you do when FIP develops in cats?

Unfortunately, feline peritonitis is complex in diagnosis and treatment with medication. However, residents of Tallinn can seek help from experienced veterinarians at the Haabersti Loomakliinik clinic. Specialists here know all about feline infectious peritonitis, its symptoms, and possible manifestations. Our doctors constantly improve their knowledge and have information about the latest achievements in world medicine in treating FIP and new vaccines.

Our advantages:

• An individual approach to each patient with qualified laboratory tests
• Creating maximum physical and emotional comfort for animals and their owners
• Our laboratory simplifies the process of diagnosing and monitoring the condition of animals.
• Affordable prices: we adhere to a healthy pricing policy, so the cost of all our services is pleasing.

Haabersti Loomakliinik Clinic specialists in Tallinn will do everything possible to extend the life of a pet with viral peritonitis and improve its well-being.