Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)

What does a FIP infection look like?

 

One reason FIP can be difficult to diagnose is because each infected cat can display different signs plus there are many other diseases that display similar symptoms to those commonly seen with FIP. (6)

 

The initial infection is often without signs, but some cats may show fever, inflammation of the eyes, respiratory signs, and diarrhea. This stage may last several days or weeks before signs of the wet or dry forms of FIP develop. (3)

 

There are two forms of FIP known as the wet (effusive) and dry (noneffusive) form. Many cats show signs of both forms of the disease. The disease may also start as the wet form and develop gradually into the dry form. (2)

 

In the FIP wet form:(5)

• Fluids build up in the abdomen.

• 30% of cats will have disease in their lung and difficultity breathing from the accumulated fluid in their chest cavity.

• Signs are often accompanied by fever, poor appetite, weight loss and depression.

 

In the FIP dry form:(5)

• History of vague illness including repeated fever, malaise, weight loss.

• Occasionally organ failure such as the liver and kidneys.

• May involve the eyes and/or the brain either at the same time as other symptoms or independently.

• If the eyes are affected, there may be bleeding or accumulation of pus in one or both eyes.

• May include the central nervous system with the most common neurologic sign being poor coordination of muscles with slight paralysis. This will progress to generalized failure of muscle coordination.

• Convulsions, personality changes and increased sensitivity to touch may also be seen.