Feline infectious peritonitis is a fatal disease caused by coronavirus which is a virus group infecting both animals and humans. It targets the respiratory system and can be found worldwide. However, the impact of feline coronavirus is not limited to the respiratory tract. It also leads to damage to various vital organs such as the liver and the kidney.
Two forms of feline coronavirus are found in nature: Feline Enteric Coronavirus (FeCV) and Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIPV).
Signs:
The signs developed depending on the virulence of the virus and the immune system of the cat.
1. Feline enteric coronavirus
It is less harmful compared with the FIPV-infected cats. The infected cat usually shows no obvious symptoms. Some cats may show mild respiratory signs such as sneezing, watery eyes, and nasal discharge, while others may experience mild gastrointestinal signs such as diarrhoea. Spontaneous recovery is expected without treatment.
2. Feline infectious peritonitis
There are two major forms of feline infectious peritonitis, an effusive, or “wet” form and a noneffusive, or “dry” form.
The dry form:
• High fever unresponsive to antibiotic treatments
• Weight loss, lethargy, and loss of appetite
• Bleeding into the eyes
• Multi-organ failure with granulomas formation due to the infiltration of inflammatory cells to various vital organs
• Neurological signs including seizure and ataxia (abnormal or uncoordinated movements) are not uncommon
The wet form:
• Clinical signs usually develop and progress relatively rapidly
• Development of the above-mentioned non-specific signs combined with the accumulation of fluid in body cavities (both abdomen and thorax)
• The affected cat may have a pot-bellied appearance and/or have difficulty breathing normally
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