This week’s segment features Alice Josephine, the 2 year old Persian cat! Alice Josephine was brought to us when her owners noticed that she was acting lethargic and had a distended abdomen. Upon examination and performing diagnostic testing we unfortunately diagnosed her with Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP). For many years, a diagnosis of FIP was considered devastating for cat owners. Today, thanks to advances in treatment, many cats diagnosed with FIP can go on to live happy, healthy lives when the disease is recognized and treated early.
FIP develops when a common feline coronavirus undergoes changes within an individual cat’s body, leading to an abnormal immune response. The disease can affect cats in different ways and may cause symptoms such as persistent fever, weight loss, decreased appetite, lethargy, fluid accumulation in the abdomen or chest, neurologic signs, or eye abnormalities.
Because the signs of FIP can mimic many other illnesses, diagnosis can sometimes be challenging. A thorough examination, bloodwork, imaging, and other diagnostic tests may be needed to help determine if FIP is the cause of your cat’s symptoms.
The good news is that effective treatment options are now available for many cats with FIP. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment can significantly improve outcomes, giving affected cats the opportunity to return to their normal lives. Alice Josephine was able to receive the treatment, successfully went into remission of her FIP and is thriving today!!!