Description
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is both under-diagnosed and over-diagnosed. In this first of a two-part lecture series the diagnosis of effusive FIP will be covered. So-called FIP tests actually detect feline coronavirus (FCoV) RNA or antibodies and these tests are useful when used wisely. The challenge for the clinician is to differentiate FCoV seropositive, or virus positive, cats sick with some non-FIP disease, from those actually sick from FIP. The difference is important, since cats with FIP are usually euthanased. To diagnose FIPby algorithm consists of the following steps:
Step 1: a history which reveals a source of FCoV infection, and possibly stress, within the previous 18 months
Step 2: clinical signs compatible with effusive or non-effusive FIP diagnosis (i.e. the cat is NOT healthy)
Step 3: in house tests to rule out or in a diagnosis of FIP
Step 4: reference laboratory testing
Step 5: FIP treatment (will only be mentioned briefly in this lecture)
In this interactive lecture you will work through a case yourself, using the algorithm. As preparation for this lecture, please download and print off the FIP diagnosis flowchart from www.catvirus.com. You may wish to view the author’s YouTube video on the Rivalta test: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmOk2veunqA
Diane D. Addie is a veterinary virologist whose PhD and subsequent main focus of research is on the subject of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). She is former head of diagnostic virology at the University of Glasgow Veterinary School, Veterinary Diagnostic Services, and still acts as consultant there. Now self-employed, she is an independent researcher, holding no shares or directorships in any veterinary or pet food company. She is a member of the European Advisory Board of Cat Disease (ABCD), although ABCD meetings are sponsored by Merial, ABCD members receive no remuneration for their ABCD work and fiercely guard their independence of their sponsors. Diane’s website iswww.catvirus.com, it is dedicated to making FIP, feline chronic gingivostomatitis and other difficult to source information freely available to veterinarians and to educate the public. Her YouTube channel is Dr Diane D Addie and she can be found on Facebook as Diane Addie (the cat virus logo is the photo) and followed on Twitter @FIPvet. She is author of many papers published in refereed journals; veterinary textbook chapters and the book for cat guardians ‘Feline Infectious Peritonitis and Coronavirus’ available from Amazon or catvirus.com.