Feline Infectious Peritonitis in a Domestic Short Hair Cat: A Case Report

Abstract

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a world-wide spread chronic progressive virus infection, often with a fatal end. The disease is caused by Feline Coronavirus (FCoV), a group of enveloped, positive stranded RNA virus belonging to the family Coronaviridae. The morbidity and mortality of this disease in cats is very high but information on FIP in Bangladesh is limited, if not absent. The present report describes a case of FIP in a cat presented to Teaching and Training Pet Hospital and Research Center at Purbachal, Dhaka with a history of high fever, anorexia and chronic weight loss. Clinical examination of the cat revealed anemia, distended abdomen with fluid and jaundice. Laboratory investigation revealed neutrophilic leukocytosis, lymphopenia and hyperglobuliemia and elevated liver enzymes as detected by CBC and serum biochemistry. FIP antibody was determined using FASTest FIP kit and ascites was detected by ultrasound. The case was finally diagnosed as FIP based on the collective findings of the history and clinical signs coupled with findings of laboratory results. The cat was treated with antiviral and antibiotic in combination with supportive treatment including fluid therapy, steroids and immunomodulatory drugs. The cat was then discharged, and the owner was advised to continue the treatment.