FELINE INFECTIOUS PERITONITIS (FIP)
Feline Infectious Peritonitis is a syndrome that results from wide-spread infiltration of the body’s organs with inflammatory tissues called “pyogranulomas.” The resulting global inflammation leads to the failure of the infiltrated organs, fevers unresponsive to antibiotics, and often the accumulation of thick yellow fluid in the belly or chest. The “wet” form of FIP, includes the effusion of thick, yellow fluid as noted. The “dry” form is more insidious, leading to death over a much longer period (often years). Both forms are felt to have 100% mortality.
IS FIP CONTAGIOUS?
Very simply, the answer is no.
SO HOW CAN AN INFECTIOUS DISEASE NOT BE CONTAGIOUS?
Feline Infectious Peritonitis is a reaction to infection with the feline coronavirus. Most cats who become infected with the feline enteric coronavirus (often simply called “feline coronavirus”) essentially get the flu and never develop anything that can in any way be described as serious. Some cats, however, react with this devastating syndrome.
WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT THE FELINE ENTERIC CORONAVIRUS?
Here are some basics about this virus:
- It is common wherever cats are housed in groups and it is readily transmitted between cats.
- Transmission is typically by contact with infected feces. This means that the litter box is the usual place where infection takes place. This infection is unusual in cats that free-roam outdoors (no litter box) or who live in homes where there is only one cat. The virus enters the new host’s body via the nose and mouth.
- An active infection lasts several weeks to a few months. Virus is shed in the infected cat’s stool during this period. If the cat is reinfected, virus sheds again for weeks to months. During this time, the cat may or may not seems at all ill. Some infected cats do not shed virus.
- Households with fewer than 5 cats eventually spontaneously clear of coronavirus. Households with more than 5 cats virtually never clear of coronavirus.
- Most household disinfectants readily kill coronavirus immediately. Room temperature kills coronavirus within 48 hours. Carpeting is protective to the virus and the virus is able to survive in carpeting for at least 7 weeks.
- Once a cat has been infected with the virus and recovered, the cat can be easily re-infected by continued exposure to infected feces. In this way, many catteries where there are always cats sharing litter boxes never rid themselves of this infection.
- The enteric coronavirus attacks intestinal cells and creates GI upset. As the long as the infection is confined to the GI tract, there will be no FIP.
- The process of immunological defeat of the virus involves a cell called a “macrophage.” The macrophage consumes infected material, packaging it in special structures which it floods with acids and digestive enzymes. Any virus is killed by this process and its components are then used by the immune system to help mount a specific immunological reaction (i.e. make the proper antibodies, send specific killer cells etc.) In some cats, a mutation occurs in the coronavirus. This mutation occurs during infection and allows the virus to survive the treatment by the macrophage. Instead of being killed by the macrophage, the virus essentially uses the macrophage to hitch a ride into the body’s core. The macrophage response mounts in an attempt to kill the virus but ends up producing heaps of ineffective macrophages and immunologic proteins which make up a special immunologic tissue called a “pyogranuloma.” FIP is basically the infiltration of normal organs with pyogranulomas.
- The mutation to a form of virus that can cause FIP is more likely to occur in a cat with an immune-compromise. Most cats with FIP are under age 1 year (their immaturity being their immune-compromise). Crowding is also an important source of immune-compromise.
WHY ISN’T THE MUTATED VIRUS CONTAGIOUS?
We do not know why. We can inject fluids from a cat with FIP into a normal cat and cause FIP but short of this kind of experimental transmission, the mutated virus doesn’t seem to make into the natural external secretions of an infected cat. This effectively confines the mutated virus inside the sick cat’s body, though the sick cat will still shed non-mutated virus.
HOW IS IT POSSIBLE THERE IS NO TEST FOR THIS CLASSICAL DISEASE?
We used to think that the difference between getting the “flu” and getting FIP was all about the strain of the virus with which a cat gets infected. Lots of time and effort was spent trying to determine what made the “FIP virus” special. We no longer think there is a “special” strain of virus that causes FIP. FIP results, as described above, from a mutation that occurs in the virus after infection has occurred. Whether or not this mutation occurs seems to relate more to the immune status of the cat than any factor in the virus. The more virus there is replicating, the greater the chance of mutation occurring. Having an immature or suppressed immune system means more virus replicating.
WHY CAN’T WE JUST TEST FOR MUTATED VIRUS?
The mutation isn’t the same every time. There are two viral genes and the mutation pretty much always involves at least one of them but the mutation can occur in any number of places within either of these two genes. There are currently too many possible mutations to develop a meaningful test.
WHAT KIND OF TESTING IS AVAILABLE?
At this time the diagnosis of FIP is “clinical.” This means that there is no positive or negative test; the doctor must look at the sum of several findings. These are some of the findings that are coupled with the physical examination and history findings to come up with a diagnosis of FIP
- Elevations in Total Protein and Gamma Globulins
Total serum protein is a simple value that can be checked in virtually every animal hospital in a matter of minutes. Cats with FIP commonly have very high serum protein levels. Now, there are many types of proteins in the blood. The type that elevates in FIP is basically antibody levels of assorted types. If a blood panel is checked on a cat with FIP, serum protein is often divided into albumin and globulin amounts (adding these together provides the “total protein” level.) When protein levels are broken down into these two groups, it will be the globulin level that is elevated. If the globulin level is further broken down, using a special test called “electrophoresis,” it will be found that it is the “gamma globulin” levels that are elevated. The gamma globulins include antibodies and the FIP infection classically creates so much immune reaction that all antibody levels are elevated. - The Albumin to Globulin Ratio
FIP tends not only to elevate globulin levels but it also tends to decrease albumin levels. Albumin is an important carrier protein in the blood and one’s body tends to conserve it at all costs. Albumin can be lost through glomerular disease, protein-losing enteropathy, or it can be under produced by a failing liver. All these conditions can occur with FIP. If the albumin to globulin level is less than 0.8, there is a 92% statistical chance that the cat has FIP. If the ratio is greater than 0.8 there is a 61% chance the cat does not have FIP. - The FIP Titer
This test is often included on a feline blood panel and reflects a cat’s circulating antibody level against coronavirus. The problem is that exposure to coronavirus is common in cats and is not particularly meaningful in diagnosing FIP. Further, cats with fulminant FIP may not be producing FIP antibodies and have negative titers. The only time such a titer might be useful is if one is screening a healthy cat for coronavirus; in this event a negative titer would indicate that the cat will not be shedding virus and can be introduced into a coronavirus free living situation. Many breeders strive for coronavirus-free catteries and such screening is important. The test is not helpful in diagnosing FIP in a sick cat, however. - Testing the Belly/Chest Fluids
FIP classically produces a clear but viscous yellow effusion, usually in the belly but possibly in the chest or in both locations. The fluid typically has a total protein level greater than 3.5 mg/dl. Several efforts to find a diagnostic test that could be performed on this fluid have been made. So far we know that “typically” FIP fluid is high in lactate dehydrogenase, alpha-amylase, and adenosine demaminase. It is controversial whether or not an FIP antibody titer in the effusion fluid is of significance. Studies have been conflicting. - “Rivalta’s Test”
This is a test with which few veterinarians are familiar but it can be very helpful in the diagnosis of FIP. A test tube is filled with distilled water and one drop of 98% acetic acid is added. To this mixture one drop of effusion is added. If the drop dissipates, the test is negative. If the drop retains its shape, the test is positive. A negative Rivalta’s test is 97% accurate in ruling out FIP. A positive test is 86% accurate in ruling in FIP. - PCR Testing
PCR testing is an extremely sensitive method for detecting DNA, in this case coronavirus DNA. The advantage it has over traditional antibody titers is that it distinguishes active virus infection from past exposure. At least at this time, PCR testing cannot distinguish mutated FIP-causing virus from regular coronavirus. - Immunofluorescent Coronavirus Staining of the Effusion
In this test the effusive fluid is tested immunologically for presence of coronavirus using antibodies tagged with fluorescent dyes. In a study using a large number of cats, there were no false positives meaning that if this test is positive there is a 100% confirmation that the cat has FIP. Unfortunately, if the test is negative that does not mean the cat does not have FIP (only 57% of negatives did not have FIP). - Tissue Biopsy
Most FIP cats are too sick for surgery, though sometimes flushing away the belly effusion surgically provides a “rally” of improvement temporarily. A tissue sample is the best method for confirming FIP as there are few conditions that create pyogranulomas throughout the body but if regular biopsy is equivocal, tissues can be stained for the presence of coronavirus and only in FIP will there be enough coronavirus within macrophages for positive staining. A positive tissue stain is 100% accurate in confirming FIP
IS THERE REALLY NO EFFECTIVE TREATMENT?
There is really no effective treatment for FIP and virtually 100% mortality. The goal of confirming FIP (as best as can be done) is to rule out other diseases which might be treatable. Currently the best we can offer with treatment is the possibility of temporary palliation of signs. It is important to realize that this is a progressive disease one should become familiar with criteria for euthanasia and emotionally prepare for this decision.
ISN’T THERE AT LEAST EXPERIMENTAL TREATMENT?
There is virtually always experimental treatment. Here are some treatments that are being explored or which have been explored:
- Immune suppression
FIP is a disease created by the cat’s own immune system. Immunosuppressive drugs such as prednisone and cyclophosphamide have been used to slow the progression of FIP.
- Removing the effusion
Suctioning of the effusion will ease the difficulty breathing of a cat with fluid in its chest but even removing the effusion from the belly helps remove a large source of inflammation. Some cats experience a temporary improvement with the fluid removed. - Antiviral Drugs
Ribavarin was tested and not found to be helpful. Interferon alpha was tested and not found to be helpful when given as an injection and actually made infection worse when given orally. Feline Interferon gamma is being investigated.
WHEN A CAT DIES OF FIP WHAT IS THE INFECTION RISK TO THE REMAINING CAT?
You can bet that the roommate has already been infected with the coronavirus. If there are only one or two surviving cats, the chances are that in time the virus will completely clear and they will stop getting reinfected. Surviving cats are felt not to have any higher risk over the general population for developing FIP from their coronavirus, though a littermate of the FIP cat might have a slightly higher incidence due to predisposing genetic factors.
WHEN IS IT SAFE TO GET ANOTHER CAT AFTER ONE DIES OF FIP?
Since this is not a contagious disease, one can argue that one does not need to wait before getting another cat. If one wants to see that there is no remaining coronavirus around the house leftover from the deceased cat, a 3 month period has been advocated. If there are surviving cats, one can periodically check FIP titers and wait for them to go negative before adding another cat if one wishes to avoid further passing around of coronavirus. The new cat can also be screened for an FIP titer. When one considers that only 5% of cats in multi-cat homes get FIP despite the incidence of exposure to coronavirus being as high as 80% in some studies, this may not be necessary.
ISN’T THERE A VACCINATION?
Developing a vaccination has historically been fraught with difficulty simply because it is the immune response against the virus that causes the disease. How does one make a vaccine without creating the same immune response against the virus? Pfizer has developed the only FIP vaccine on the market by using a temperature sensitive mutant coronavirus. This virus is innoculated into the cat’s nose. The virus is incapable of spreading beyond the nose and throat because it cannot survive at body temperature. In the nose and throat, however, it generates a localized immune response that prevents a coronavirus from effectively entering the body. The effectiveness of this vaccine has been questionable and remains in controversy. The vaccine is given to cats over age 4 months of age and is thus not helpful in the chief situation where a vaccine could do the most good: the breeding cattery. Because most cats are not at risk for FIP infection and those that are, are at risk at an age too young for the vaccine, most veterinary teaching hospitals do not stock this vaccine.
The ideal candidate for vaccination would be an uninfected cat going to a cattery where litter box sharing is likely. This would seem to be an unusual situation but it might come up in these circumstances:
- A feral cat is moved into an indoor or shelter colony. (It is not unusual for FIV+ cats from feral colonies to be removed from the colony and put in a sanctuary for FIV+ cats).
- A cat from a single cat home is released to a rescue group goes to a foster home where there are a number of other cats already present.
- A cat moves from a single cat home to live in a multi-cat home.
IS INFECTION LIMITED TO CATS?
Yes. Dogs and humans cannot get sick from feline coronavirus. The feline coronavirus is not involved in SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) though SARS is caused by a coronavirus.
FELINE IMMUNODIFICIENCY VIRUS (FIV)
Feline Immunodificiency Virus, or FIV, is a disease similar to HIV in humans, which infects all felines, including household pet cats. FIV is NOT contagious to humans, like HIV is not contagious to cats.
The highest levels of FIV are in the saliva of the infected cat, and the disease is passed primarily through biting. It may also be possible for cats to pass FIV through mutual grooming. FIV is not very communicable otherwise, so it is possible for FIV+ cats to live in a home with other cats who are not infected without passing FIV to them. Cats do not salivate much while drinking, so it is safe for an FIV+ cat to share drinking bowls with other cats. The cats in the home would require active monitoring, but as long as no fights arose and the cats were not allowed to groom one another, the non-infected cats would be safe.
FIV, like HIV, does not kill its host, but leads to secondary infections. The symptoms of FIV widely vary, and sometimes in the beginning of the infection, no symptoms appear at all. The most common illnesses stemming from FIV are urinary bladder and upper respiratory infections. White blood cells must constantly fight infection in these areas in a healthy cat, so these two areas are the first affected by the decrease. Gingivitis, diarrhea, weight loss, heart problems, neurological breakdown, and parasitic infections also can be some of the first signs of FIV.
At this time, there is no cure for FIV. Veterinarians treat the secondary symptoms of FIV with antibiotics and other medicines and this seems to be an effective therapy method. FIV infected cats that receive medical treatment usually live full and relatively healthy lives. If you think your cat may be infected with FIV, you should take it immediately to the veterinarian to be tested. The sooner an infected cat receives treatment the better their chances of withstanding further infections become.
If your cat does have FIV, the first step is making them an indoors-only cat. Outside, they can easily contract infections that their bodies cannot fight off and they pose the risk of infecting other cats. Routine meals with well-balanced nutritious food and clean toys, beds, and bowls will also help prevent infection.
LYMPHOCYTIC-PLASMACYTIS GINGIVITIS STOMATITIS (LPGS)
WHAT IS LPGS?
PGS is a severe oral disease which affects some cats. The cat becomes allergic to plaque around its teeth. The allergic response appears as marked inflammation at the area where the tooth meets the gum line.
SIGNALMENT- purebred feline breeds (Abyssinian, Persian, Himalayan, Burmese, Siamese, and Somali’s) are predisposed.
SIGNS - ptyalism, halitosis, dysphasia, anorexia (prefers soft food), dysphasia, weight loss, scruffy hair coat.
PHYSICAL EXAM - erythematous, ulcerative, proliferative lesions affecting either the gingiva, glossopalatine arches, tongue, lips, buccal mucosa and/or the hard palate. The gingival inflammation completely surrounds the tooth (as compared to gingivitis which usually only occurs on the buccal surfaces. The syndrome may extend to the glossopharyngeal arches (faucitis) as well as the palate.
CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS - Actual cause unknown, bacterial, viral and immunologic etiologies are suspected. Significant findings of feline coronavirus were found in one study. Immunosupression from FeLV or FIV can also lead to non responsive infections. Most cats affected by LPGS are negative for FeLV and FIV.
DIAGNOSIS
DIFFERENTAL DX - periodontal disease, oral malignancy, eosinophilic granuloma complex.
CBC/CHEM/UA - polyclonal gammopathy secondary to antibody production following bacterial invasion into periodontal tissues. Leukocytosis and eosinophilia may be present.
AGING- intraoral radiographs are indicated to evaluate periodontal disease and feline oral odontoclastic resorptions.
DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES - biopsy should be performed especially in unilateral lesions to rule out neoplasia (primarily squamous cell carcinoma).
PATHOLOGIC FINDINGS - plasma cells in sheets with some lymphocytes
TREATMENT
First line therapy involves teeth cleaning above and below the gingiva as well as strict home care and treatment (extraction) for those teeth affected with grades 3 and 4 periodontal disease and/or feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions.
Currently, the only treatment that will deliver consistent results of 70% cure without the use of follow up medications, are extractions of all the teeth distal to the canines. In addition to extraction, all quadrants are flapped and a bur is used to remove a trough of bone where the roots were, thus removing most of the keritinized gingiva, periodontal ligament and periradicular alveolar bone. In those non-responding, all teeth are removed. When extracting the teeth meticulous attention must be paid that, all tooth substance is removed. Intraoral radiographs should be taken before and after surgery. Additionally, the alveolar socket should be "smoothed down" with a high-speed drill bur before resuturing the gingiva. Postoperative application of fluocinonide 0.05% (Lidex Gel) to the gingival margin helps in the healing process.
DRUGS- Antibiotics (clindamycin 5mg/kg q12hrs), Metronidazole, amoxicillin, ampicillin, enrofloxacin, tetracycline, Corticosteroids: Prednisone 2mg/kg initially daily followed by every other day. Methylpredinsolone acetate 2mg/kg q 7-30 days may also help control inflammation. Gold Salts (Solganol: Shering 1mg/kg im every week until improvement (up to four months) then every 14-35 days), megestrol acetate 1mg/kg, levamisole, cyclophosphamide, cyclosporin-A, chlorambucil 2mg/m2 orally every other day or 20 mg/m2 every other week, vitamin therapy, asprin, megestrol acetate, Bovine Lactoferin (40mg/kg) applied to the oral mucus membranes, and CO2 laser therapy have been used with inconsistent long term results. Lack of permanent response to conventional oral hygiene, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and immunosupressives is typical.
WHAT IS LPS?
The term LPS is simply the abbreviation for the condition known as Lymphocytic Plasmacytic Stomatitis, which comes from the histological description of biopsies taken from affected cats.
WHAT CAUSES LPS?
The cause of LPS is not known, although some diseases and viruses have been suspected in its occurrence. There appears to be several forms of LPS and different treatments may work better in some than in others. It is known that about half of the animals with LPS may have one or more of the following complicating diseases: FELV (feline leukemia), FIV (feline aids), FIP (feline infectious peritonitis), Calici virus, thyroid conditions, FORL (feline osteoclastic resorptive lesions), periodontal disease or plaque.
WHAT DOES LPS DO?
LPS causes severe oral discomfort and inflammation. The pet may have problems eating, lose weight, become highly sensitive around the face and mouth, become irritable, more aggressive, debilitated and weak.
CAN IT BE TREATED?
There are many treatments that have been tried to control LPS. No one treatment has been found to be always successful. Treating any complicating diseases, cavities, and the pet’s discomfort is required. Also, good home care and diet can make a major difference. Many cats with LPS, however, are very painful around the mouth and will not allow any degree of home care. Specialized dental diets can help to provide some degree of passive home care without the risk of owner injury. Often extraction of all the teeth is required when other treatments have not been successful
HOW AND WITH WHAT DO I BRUSH MY CAT´S TEETH (if my cat will allow me)?
Start very slowly. Due to the inflammation and discomfort in a cat with LPS, extreme care must be exercised in attempting brushing. Make the brushing simple, fun and tasty for your cat. Save some water from a can of tuna. Dip your finger into the tuna water and rub your finger over your pet’s teeth. Once you have done this, praise your cat. Repeat this once or twice a day until your cat gets accustomed to it. Next, try a piece of gauze or cloth wrapped around your finger using the tuna water. Gradually you will be able to progress to a fingerbrush or a very soft pet toothbrush. When your pet is comfortable with this process, introduce pet toothpaste. This special toothpaste is designed to be swallowed and will not irritate your cat’s stomach (as will human toothpaste). The CET brand of toothpaste contains enzymes that kill bacteria in the mouth. This is extremely important in controlling plaque and tartar buildup.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD I DO?
1. Have your cat’s teeth and gums examined for the extent of disease and an opinion of treatment options.
2. Blood work may be required to rule out various complicating diseases such as FeLV, FIP, FIV, thyroid disease, etc.
3. Follow the treatment plan and report to the doctor how your cat responds.
4. Have your cat’s teeth cleaned on a regular basis as recommended.
5. Have all diseased teeth treated or extracted.
6. Use the home care products as directed for your cat.
7. Follow up with regular rechecks to see that the medications and home care are reasonably controlling the LPS
There is no one absolute cure for LPS, just as there is no absolute cause determined in most cases.
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