FIP in British Shorthair Kittens: What Owners Should Know

FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis) is a serious disease caused by a mutated form of the feline coronavirus (FCoV). Most cats carry FCoV without symptoms, but some kittens develop FIP, which can be fatal if untreated. As a breeder, it is important to educate owners about FIP, its forms, early signs, and treatment options.

⚠️ Warning: Any delay in consulting a veterinarian can cost a kitten’s life. Prompt intervention with modern antiviral medications is critically important.

Forms of FIP

1. 
   

   Wet (Effusive) FIP

   • Causes fluid accumulation in the abdomen or chest.

   • Symptoms: swollen abdomen, difficulty breathing, loss of appetite, lethargy.

2. Dry (Non-Effusive) FIP

   • Little or no fluid accumulation; the virus affects internal organs.

   • Symptoms depend on the organs affected:

   a) Ocular (Eye) FIP

   • The virus affects the eyes: inflammation of the iris (uveitis), corneal cloudiness, redness, tear overflow, light sensitivity, sometimes vision loss.

   • Early detection is critical to preserve vision and overall health.

   b) Neurological FIP

   • The virus affects the nervous system.

   • Symptoms: tremors, unsteady gait, seizures, head tilt, behavioral changes, sometimes paralysis.

Causes and Risk Factors

• The main cause is a mutation of FCoV.

• Young kittens (under 2 years) are most susceptible.

• Stress, weak immunity, or concurrent infections increase the risk.

• Genetic predisposition: some bloodlines may have higher susceptibility, though it is unpredictable.

Diagnosis and Testing

Diagnosing FIP is complex and usually requires multiple tests:

1. Blood tests

   • Elevated white blood cells (especially neutrophils).

   • High globulin, low albumin — the albumin/globulin ratio may indicate FIP.

   • Mild anemia or changes in liver and kidney values.

2. FCoV PCR test

   • Detects coronavirus in blood, feces, or body fluids.

   • High viral load may indicate risk of FIP development.

3. Fluid analysis (for wet FIP)

   • Fluid from the abdomen or chest is usually cloudy, yellowish, with high protein content and inflammatory cells.

4. Ultrasound or X-ray

   • Assesses fluid accumulation, organ enlargement, or abdominal changes.

5. Ophthalmological examination (for ocular FIP)

   • Checks for uveitis, corneal cloudiness, iris and vascular changes.

6. Neurological evaluation (for neurological FIP)

   • Assesses coordination, reflexes, behavioral changes.

   • Sometimes spinal fluid analysis or MRI is performed.

⚠️ Important: FIP diagnosis is made based on a combination of clinical signs and test results; no single test is 100% conclusive.

Treatment

• Historically, FIP was considered almost always fatal.

• Modern antiviral treatments using GS-441524 have shown promising results, even for ocular and neurological forms.

• Supportive care may include anti-inflammatory drugs or steroids to reduce symptoms.

• Early intervention greatly improves the prognosis.

Prevention and Care

1. Keep kittens in a clean, low-stress environment.

2. If possible, isolate FCoV-positive cats from kittens.

3. Regular veterinary check-ups and testing.

4. Monitor kittens carefully: lethargy, fever, weight loss, eye changes, or coordination issues — these are warning signs to consult a veterinarian immediately.

Cost and Insurance Considerations

• Treatment with GS-441524 typically costs $4,000–$5,000 for a standard 12-week course, depending on the kitten's weight and severity of the disease.

• Additional costs: veterinary visits, diagnostic tests, supportive therapy.

• Pet insurance can be very helpful, covering part of diagnostics, antiviral therapy, and supportive care — though coverage depends on the policy.

Support and Resources

• FIP Global Cats (Facebook) — a community where owners share experiences, access veterinary contacts, and discuss treatment options.

• ROSE Plus — provides support for owners, guidance on antiviral treatment access, and advice on care.

• Recommendations:

  • Describe your kitten’s condition accurately when asking for advice.

  • Follow guidance from verified veterinarians and official sources.

  • Save all communications and treatment instructions for reference.

Key Advice for Owners

• FIP is a genetic and viral risk; even healthy parents may produce kittens that develop FIP.

• Ocular and neurological symptoms may appear gradually, so careful monitoring is essential.

• Quick veterinary action can save a kitten’s life, especially with modern antiviral treatments.

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