Coronavirus In Cats Fip

Feline Infectious Peritonitis FIP Feline infectious peritonitis often called FIP is a severe usually fatal disease caused by a feline coronavirus.

Coronavirus in cats fip. A working diagnosis of FIP is typically made on the basis of the cats clinical history as well as supportive. There are no unique signs of FIP and they do vary. One theory why some cats develop FIP is that in these cats the virus undergoes mutation to a more virulent strain after the initial infection.

In rare cases the coronavirus may mutate to a more virulent form which is able to weaken the cats immune system and spread. If your cat has FIP other cats in your household may be at a greater risk for becoming infected with feline coronavirus. It multiplies there and may cause diarrhoea this is particularly likely to happen to kittens especially when they live in communities with other cats.

What are the signs of FIP. Most cats in environments with more than six cats are infected with coronavirus but FIP is much less common. Most strains of feline coronavirus are found in the gastrointestinal tract and do not cause significant disease.

Coronavirus infection in cats. As yet poorly understood changes in the virus can give rise to mutants that lead to the development of feline infectious peritonitis FIP. In a smaller percentage of cats both domestic and wild cats this coronavirus can mutate or stimulate the immune system to result in a deadly form of coronavirusotherwise known as feline infectious peritonitis virus FIPV.

In most cases a coronavirus causes mild treatable symptoms respiratory andor gastroenteritis in cats. In some cats however the virus mutates -- causing the deadly FIP. The disease is seen worldwide.

In his most recent study he successfully treated FIP in 25 of 31 cats using GS-441524. The so-called enteric coronavirus is mainly restricted to the intestines. Scientists dont yet understand how the relatively benign coronavirus is turned into the fatal FIP.