Post by Admin on Dec 20, 2020 23:03:37 GMT 5.5
FCoV is a common and contagious virus that can be found in most cats and is passed through their faeces. Nearly every cat that comes in contact with this virus will become infected and most will remain healthy and clear the virus themselves. Most cats will not show signs, though some can get diarrhoea for a few days. Such cats will shed the virus in their faeces for a few months and remain healthy.
FIP is an uncommon and fatal viral disease, caused by a mutated FCoV (feline coronavirus). This disease is most common in kittens between 6 weeks to 2 years of age.
In a very small percentage of cats, the virus mutates and causes a fatal disease called feline infectious peritonitis or FIP.
Signs of FIP
There are no unique signs to FIP and can vary from cat to cat. Almost all infected cats will show symptoms of fever, lethargy and loss of appetite. However, there are 2 types to this disease:
1. Wet FIP – Fluids build up in the abdomen, causing the abdomen to look swollen. This build up can also happen in the chest activity leading to breathing problems for the cat.
2. Dry FIP – very little fluid build-up nut cat can appear lethargic, with a poor appetite and high temperature. They could lose weight, present vision problems and possibly develop jaundice
How is FIP diagnosed?
There is no single test that can diagnose FIP and medical professional swill often rely on multiple sources of information e.g. blood tests, medical history, testing the fluid in abdomen or chest etc. The only definitive way to confirm an FIP diagnosis is through biopsies.
Treatment
Unfortunately, there is no treatment for FIP and it is fatal in 95% of the cases. In mild cases of the dry form, it is possible to prolong the survival period, but most cats with the wet form of the disease will die within 2 months of the onset of the disease. Thankfully, FIP is extremely rare.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does the FIP virus survive in the environment?
The virus can survive for a few hours to days in the outdoors. Indoor, in the cat’s dried-up litter, it can survive for up to 7 weeks. It can be destroyed with most disinfectants and you should use those that are not toxic to cats.
One of my cats is diagnosed with FIP. Should I isolate them from the others?
It is highly likely that the other cats have already contracted FCoV but are at no more risk of developing FIP. However, continue to maintain litter hygiene and encourage cats to use their own litter boxes.
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If a cat recovers from FCoV and doesn’t develop FIP, is it immune?
Unfortunately, a cat can be re-infected by FCoV which can then mutate into FIP.
Why does FCoV mutate to FIP in some cats?
There is no exact understanding of how this mutation occurs, but there are some factors that increase its likelihood:
• Stress e.g. moving homes, introduction of new pets, being placed in a boarding facility etc.
• Age – very young and very old cats are susceptible
• Poor immune system
• Possible genetic factors
My cat died of FIP. When can I get another cat?
If it was your only cat, it is probably safe to get another cat after 6 weeks. Disinfect the litter tray, food bowls and other surrounding areas with bleach before bringing another cat in.
If you already have other cats, then they too could pose a risk to the new, incoming cat. Speak to your vet about the best time to get another cat and closely the monitor the health of the cats already at home.
FIP is an uncommon and fatal viral disease, caused by a mutated FCoV (feline coronavirus). This disease is most common in kittens between 6 weeks to 2 years of age.
In a very small percentage of cats, the virus mutates and causes a fatal disease called feline infectious peritonitis or FIP.
Signs of FIP
There are no unique signs to FIP and can vary from cat to cat. Almost all infected cats will show symptoms of fever, lethargy and loss of appetite. However, there are 2 types to this disease:
1. Wet FIP – Fluids build up in the abdomen, causing the abdomen to look swollen. This build up can also happen in the chest activity leading to breathing problems for the cat.
2. Dry FIP – very little fluid build-up nut cat can appear lethargic, with a poor appetite and high temperature. They could lose weight, present vision problems and possibly develop jaundice
How is FIP diagnosed?
There is no single test that can diagnose FIP and medical professional swill often rely on multiple sources of information e.g. blood tests, medical history, testing the fluid in abdomen or chest etc. The only definitive way to confirm an FIP diagnosis is through biopsies.
Treatment
Unfortunately, there is no treatment for FIP and it is fatal in 95% of the cases. In mild cases of the dry form, it is possible to prolong the survival period, but most cats with the wet form of the disease will die within 2 months of the onset of the disease. Thankfully, FIP is extremely rare.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does the FIP virus survive in the environment?
The virus can survive for a few hours to days in the outdoors. Indoor, in the cat’s dried-up litter, it can survive for up to 7 weeks. It can be destroyed with most disinfectants and you should use those that are not toxic to cats.
One of my cats is diagnosed with FIP. Should I isolate them from the others?
It is highly likely that the other cats have already contracted FCoV but are at no more risk of developing FIP. However, continue to maintain litter hygiene and encourage cats to use their own litter boxes.
10
If a cat recovers from FCoV and doesn’t develop FIP, is it immune?
Unfortunately, a cat can be re-infected by FCoV which can then mutate into FIP.
Why does FCoV mutate to FIP in some cats?
There is no exact understanding of how this mutation occurs, but there are some factors that increase its likelihood:
• Stress e.g. moving homes, introduction of new pets, being placed in a boarding facility etc.
• Age – very young and very old cats are susceptible
• Poor immune system
• Possible genetic factors
My cat died of FIP. When can I get another cat?
If it was your only cat, it is probably safe to get another cat after 6 weeks. Disinfect the litter tray, food bowls and other surrounding areas with bleach before bringing another cat in.
If you already have other cats, then they too could pose a risk to the new, incoming cat. Speak to your vet about the best time to get another cat and closely the monitor the health of the cats already at home.