Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a fatal, incurable disease that affects cats. It is believed by some to be caused by Feline Infectious Peritonitis Virus (FIPV), which is a mutation of Feline Enteric Coronavirus (FECV) - (Felin Coronavirus FeCoV). Although there appears to be a connection between FIP and feline coronavirus, no clear cause and effect has yet been proven. 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. This disease is generally fatal [1]. However its incidence rate is roughly 1 in 5000 for households with one or two catsSources Wikipedia:
Save our cats and kittens http://www.facebook.com/SOCKFIP
To be re-assuring - while this does exist it is uncommon and tends to occur largely where cats are in multiple units.
ReplyDeleteWe must never be hysterical about animal illness - none of this means it can hurt owners. I've had to re-assure an owner.
ReplyDelete