DM2 Pt1-5 Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)

Question 1

What is the cause of Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)?

Answer 1

FIP is caused by Feline Coronavirus (FCoV) infection.

Question 2

In what environments is FCoV infection most common?

Answer 2

FCoV infection is particularly common in multi-cat environments, where up to 100% of cats may be infected.

Question 3

What is the principal source of FCoV infection in groups of cats?

Answer 3

Faeces are the main source, with litter boxes being the principal source of oral infection.

Question 4

Why do only a small proportion of FCoV-infected cats develop FIP?

Answer 4

The development of FIP involves complex factors including host genetics, immune response, and viral factors.

Question 5

What immune response makes cats more susceptible to FIP?

Answer 5

Cats with strong humoral immunity but weak cellular immunity are more likely to develop FIP.

Question 6

What role do monocytes play in FIP susceptibility?

Answer 6

Monocytes from different cats vary in susceptibility to FCoV infection, influencing FIP development.

Question 7

Which cat breeds are more susceptible to FIP?

Answer 7

Breeds such as Persians, Burmese, Bengal, and Birman are shown to be more susceptible to FIP.

Question 8

What age group is at the highest risk of developing FIP?

Answer 8

Kittens up to 2 years of age, with a second peak in cats over 10 years of age, are at greatest risk.

Question 9

How does stress influence the development of FIP?

Answer 9

Stress is linked to immunosuppression and increased virus shedding, contributing to FIP development.

Question 10

What is Antibody Dependent Enhancement (ADE) in FIP?

Answer 10

ADE is when the humoral response worsens FIP by helping FCoV infect macrophages, hindering cell-mediated immunity.

Question 11

Why are FIP vaccines not licensed in certain countries like the UK?

Answer 11

FIP vaccines are thought to be ineffective due to ADE, where antibodies facilitate viral infection of macrophages.

Question 12

Are seronegative or seropositive cats more likely to develop FIP?

Answer 12

Seronegative cats are more likely to develop FIP (1 in 6) compared to seropositive cats (1 in 12).

Question 13

What is the most common outcome for FCoV-infected cats?

Answer 13

Most FCoV-infected cats either remain healthy or show mild enteritis.

Question 14

What are the two forms of FIP?

Answer 14

The ‘wet’ or effusive form and the ‘dry’ or non-effusive form.

Question 15

What is the most obvious manifestation of the effusive form of FIP?

Answer 15

Ascites (abdominal fluid accumulation) is the most obvious sign of effusive FIP.

Question 16

What are common non-specific signs of FIP?

Answer 16

Fever, lethargy, anorexia, and weight loss.

Question 17

What ocular condition is commonly seen in FIP cases?

Answer 17

Uveitis is commonly seen in cats with FIP.

Question 18

What are the neurological signs associated with FIP?

Answer 18

Seizures and other neurological problems can occur, especially in young cats with FIP.

Question 19

Why is diagnosing FIP ante-mortem difficult?

Answer 19

There is no non-invasive confirmatory test for cats without effusion, and diagnosis relies on clinical signs, history, and multiple tests.

Question 20

What haematology changes are commonly seen in FIP-infected cats?

Answer 20

Lymphopenia, neutrophilia, and mild to moderate non-regenerative anaemia.

Question 21

What is a common laboratory finding in FIP cases?

Answer 21

An increase in total serum protein, mainly due to elevated gamma globulins.

Question 22

What is the significance of the albumin/globulin ratio in FIP diagnosis?

Answer 22

An albumin/globulin ratio >0.8 makes FIP less likely, while <0.45 is consistent with FIP.

Question 23

How is effusion analysis useful in FIP diagnosis?

Answer 23

Effusion analysis is more diagnostically valuable than blood tests, especially with high protein and low/moderate cell counts.

Question 24

What test can highlight FCoV virus in macrophages in effusions?

Answer 24

Immunofluorescence can highlight FCoV in macrophages, which is diagnostic when paired with other signs.

Question 25

Why is coronavirus serology not highly useful for diagnosing FIP?

Answer 25

Serology can't differentiate between antibodies from FCoV and FIP, and healthy cats may have high antibody titres.

Question 26

What challenges exist in using PCR for FIP diagnosis?

Answer 26

PCR detects FCoV RNA but is not specific to FIP, as FCoV can be present without causing FIP.

Question 27

How can immunohistochemistry be used in FIP diagnosis?

Answer 27

Immunohistochemistry can detect FCoV antigen in tissue samples, which is 100% predictive of FIP when positive.

Question 28

Why is histopathology useful in diagnosing FIP?

Answer 28

Histopathology showing pyogranulomatous inflammation is highly suggestive of FIP but requires invasive methods to obtain tissue samples.

Question 29

Why is routine hygiene important in managing FCoV in hospitals?

Answer 29

Any cat in a hospital can shed FCoV, so hygiene measures are crucial to prevent transmission.

Question 30

Is isolating a FIP-positive cat beneficial in multi-cat households?

Answer 30

No, as the other cats are likely already exposed to FCoV.

Question 31

How long should you wait before introducing a new cat after euthanizing a FIP-positive cat?

Answer 31

It is recommended to wait 2 months to allow FCoV to die off in the environment.

Question 32

What is the prognosis for cats diagnosed with FIP?

Answer 32

The prognosis is poor, with a median survival time of around 9 days after diagnosis.

Question 33

What factors indicate a short survival time in FIP cases?

Answer 33

Low lymphocyte counts, high bilirubin levels, and large volumes of effusion.

Question 34

What supportive treatments are used for FIP?

Answer 34

Corticosteroids, feline interferon, and polyprenyl immunostimulant are used, but more research is needed.

Question 35

Is there an FIP vaccine available, and how effective is it?

Answer 35

There is an FIP vaccine available in some countries, but efficacy is a concern, especially in cats already exposed to FCoV.

Question 36

At what age can the FIP vaccine be given?

Answer 36

The FIP vaccine can be given from 16 weeks of age onwards. Vaccination before 16 weeks is not effective.

Question 37

Why is the FIP vaccine less effective in breeding catteries?

Answer 37

Most kittens are already seropositive for FCoV before 16 weeks, making vaccination less effective.

Question 38

What is the focus of current research on FIP control and treatment?

Answer 38

Research is focused on developing an accurate diagnostic test, an effective FCoV vaccine, and anti-viral drugs for FCoV infections.

Question 39

How might research on human coronaviruses help with FIP treatment?

Answer 39

Small molecules that inhibit SARS coronavirus replication may be adapted to control FCoV infections.

Question 40

What does an MRI scan of a cat with central nervous system FIP show?

Answer 40

MRI shows hydrocephalus caused by FIP granulomas blocking CSF drainage, common in neurological FIP.