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Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a fatal, incurable disease that affects cats. It is caused by Feline Infectious Peritonitis Virus (FIPV), which is a mutation of Feline Enteric Coronavirus (FECV/FeCoV). Experts do not always agree on the specifics of FIP. However, the most common theory is that the normally benign FECV mutates into FIPV. The mutated virus has the ability to invade and grow in certain white blood cells, namely macrophages. The immune system's response causes an intense inflammatory reaction in the containing tissues.
Transmission and infection
FECV is very common, especially in places where large groups of cats are kept together (animal shelters, catteries, etc). Cats become infected by inhaling or ingesting the virus. The most commonly cited transmission source is feces, although virus-contaminated surfaces such as food dishes and clothing can trasmit the virus as well.
Despite the prevalence of FECV, most infected cats do not develop FIP. Often exposure to FECV produces no clinical signs, but may cause a mild upper respiratory disease. Therefore, a cat with no signs whatsoever might still be an FECV carrier and pass the virus to another cat. In any cat infected with FECV there is a chance that the virus may mutate into the FIP causing form. This chance is increased for cats that are immune compromised including very young and very old cats. There is also thought to be a genetic component to succeptiblity to viral mutation.
More on [ Feline infectious peritonitis ]
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MotleyMutt (Mike Shaffer) Fri, 01 Jan 2010 14:01:51 -0000
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reikifurbabies (Ming) Thu, 31 Dec 2009 00:01:08 -0000
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reikifurbabies (Ming) Mon, 28 Dec 2009 20:10:29 -0000
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Dr Addie's Feline Infectious Peritonitis and Coronavirus Site - Accurate and up to date information on FCoV, the cause of FIP, from Dr Diane Addie, lecturer and researcher in this field based at Glasgow University, UK.
Feline Education Information - Three articles that include general information about FIP, warnings about the vaccine and DNA based detection of the virus.
Feline Infectious Peritonitis - Comprehensive fact sheet about FIP from Cornell Feline Health Center.
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Feline Infectious Peritonitis - Winn Feline Foundation report. Disease overview and links to additional articles the Foundation has written.
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rec.pets.cats Feline Infectious Peritonitis FAQ - Provides answers to frequently asked questions about this disease and about management of FIP in a multi-cat and cattery environment.
Susie's Diary - Diary of a cat with FIP. Treatments, and responses discussed.
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