How does FIP progress in cats? - briefly
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) progresses when a mutation in the feline coronavirus triggers an abnormal immune response, leading to inflammation and damage in various organs, often with fatal outcomes if untreated.
How does FIP progress in cats? - in detail
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a complex and often fatal disease caused by a mutation of the feline coronavirus (FCoV). The progression of FIP in cats begins when the benign feline coronavirus, which is commonly found in the intestines of cats, mutates into a pathogenic form. This mutation allows the virus to spread beyond the intestines and into macrophages, a type of white blood cell, enabling systemic infection. The disease manifests in two primary forms: effusive (wet) and non-effusive (dry), though some cats may exhibit a combination of both. In the effusive form, the immune system’s response to the virus leads to widespread inflammation and the leakage of fluid into body cavities, such as the abdomen or chest, causing symptoms like abdominal distension, difficulty breathing, and lethargy. The non-effusive form is characterized by the formation of granulomas, or inflammatory nodules, in organs such as the liver, kidneys, or central nervous system, leading to organ dysfunction and neurological symptoms like seizures or ataxia. As the disease progresses, systemic inflammation, immune dysregulation, and organ failure worsen, often resulting in a rapid decline in the cat’s health. Without effective treatment, FIP is almost always fatal, though recent advancements in antiviral therapies, such as GS-441524 and remdesivir derivatives, have shown promise in managing or even reversing the disease in some cases. Early diagnosis and intervention are critical to improving outcomes, but the variable and often nonspecific symptoms of FIP make it challenging to detect in its initial stages.