Hearing the name of the disease that the cause of the disease is from coronavirus, many of you must be worried. that it will be the corona virus that causes the same as covid-19 in person
Most cat lovers have probably heard of this disease and know the severity of the disease. Especially those who have cats who are sick or have been sick with this disease before. This disease is very physically torture for cats and is very painful for their owners. as well as the cause of the disease caused by the corona virus Which makes people worry that they are the same group as Covid-19 in people or not. Today I have good information from Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sukanya. Ritthikul Prasert Head of the Feline Center for Excellence Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Chulalongkorn University
@What is peritonitis?
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a highly dangerous feline infectious disease. Cats showing clinical signs of the disease may die within weeks of being diagnosed with the disease.
@What’s the cause?
The disease is caused by a virus known as Feline Coronavirus (FCoV). Despite being a Coronavirus, FCoV is not in the same genus (genus) as the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 (so don’t worry. to be the cause of COVID-19 come to people)
@How is the transmission of the disease?
Cats infected with FCoV are not scary to people, as FCoV is not contagious to their owners, but FCoV can be transmitted to cats. “Easily” through “eating or licking” the virus in feces contaminated food, on the cat or the surroundings. Especially when cats use the litter box. It is therefore not surprising to find that kittens bought from the farm Or several cats that are kept together in the house have already been infected with the virus.
but don’t panic This is because not all cats infected will become FIP as long as the FCoV present in the cat has not mutated into a new, stronger and more pathogenic trait. (FIP-associated FCoV)
@Mutated and more severe FCoV, or FIP-associated FCoV, can it be transmitted to others?
This is a concern for many cat owners. Please note that “common FCoV is highly contagious to other cats,” but “most FIP or FIP-associated FCoV is not contaminated with other cats.” Sick cat feces and do not infect other cats by eating them.” If there is a cat in the household with FIP Do not be afraid that this cat will spread the disease to other people.
@How do I know? whether the domestic cat is infected with normal FCoV, is having FIP-associated FCoV, or is already having FIP
It’s a very difficult question to answer. Most young cats are easily infected with FCoV and usually show no signs of illness. or seeing only mild diarrhea and disappearing on its own
While cats with FIP tend to develop nonspecific symptoms such as lethargy, decreased appetite, and loss of appetite, some may experience recurring fevers, which is why FIP is suspected. May have to wait until the cat has obvious symptoms. Bloated stomach or shortness of breath because a large amount of fluid accumulates in the abdomen or chest This is a symptom of the effusive form, often referred to as the “wet form.” Symptoms include iritis, staggered gait, and leg weakness. or other neurological symptoms It is also a symptom of a non-effusive form, or “dry form,” which can also be seen in cats with FIP.
@The cat has a suspected illness of FIP, how should it be treated?
When a cat has suspicious symptoms should be taken to the veterinarian for a definite diagnosis The veterinarian will assess the risk of disease based on age, upbringing, environment, history of illness. treatment history together with clinical symptoms in order to be able to provide early treatment
@How to diagnose?
If the cat is in the risk group Your veterinarian will collect blood and fluid samples in the chest/abdominal cavity. Including radiology, ultrasound as a preliminary. If abnormalities are found indicating FIP, a liquid sample must be sent. or collecting additional tissue samples To send FCoV antigen or genetic material in the laboratory for confirmation.
@How is the treatment?
Currently, treatment for FIP is symptomatic. However, there are studies abroad that have tested antiretroviral therapy in cats with FIP. It was found that the treatment result was satisfactory. Which has to be injected continuously every day for about 3-4 months ever. which has a relatively high cost due to the need to import drugs from abroad Therefore, we have to wait and see if When will such antiretroviral drugs be registered and approved for the proper and adequate treatment of FIP?
Doctor Ohm
Assistant Professor Dr. Tildis Roongruangkitkrai
Department of Anatomy Public Relations and Corporate Image Department
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Chulalongkorn University