• FeCV is in the CoronaViridae familyThis family includes such viruses as

Canine Corona VirusTransmittable Gastroentertitis (pigs)

Racoon Dog CoronavirusChinese Ferret badger

Goose corona virusPigeon corona virus

Rat corona virusBat corona virus

Murie corona virusBeluga wale corona virus

Whire bream

SARS

• FeCV is an enveloped, positive, single stranded polyadenylated RNA virus.

• It is so named because when viewed under electron microscopy it looks like a crown…

• Fun club shaped Glycoproteins • Feline Coronavirus is different…

-Antibodies have no protective function-Antibody titers are meaninless for diagnosis of FIP

-It has a vaccine that is seemingly useless…

Corona Viruses are composed of large numbers of nucleotides.

(FeCV is around 29k+)

The more nucleotides, the more the virus is prone to mutations

Bad mutations = FIP

There are documented cases of things that look like FIP from 1914 but at that time the disease did not have distinction.

The reason for the sudden emergence of FIP is not known (go figure) but there are three possible explanations for its origination…

The FeCV variant that FIP mutated from appeared in the l950’s possible due to the interspecies mutability of the virus

Another theory on FIP’s history is evolved from the modern era’s new views on cats as pets and their new forms of husbandryWWII – Cat Explosion – more cats in the world– Catteries….Shelters

Described as an “important dissorder” by Holzworth in 1963

FIP appeared within a decade of Transmissible Gastroenteritis

Who will get FIP?

In most cases: • 6 months to 2 years/ geriatric patients/Weak immune systems

• Weak immune systems can stem from diseases as well as stress• some cats may have a genetic predisposition to the disease• Some breeds may have a higher propensity towards the disease

• Bengals, Abyssinian, Birman, Himalayan, Ragdolls, and rexesTechnically, any cat can get it

Most cases of FIP come from cats that have come out of catteries or shelters. Multicat environments make it easier for the FeCV virus to be spread and

therefor a greater chance for one of those viruses to mutate….

FeCV is Very contagious…but not zoonotic…

Things you should know about FeCV:•Most cats get it…and nothing happens

• (30-40% for singles and 80-90% for multi)•In some cases they show signs of GI irritation•Most cats shed the Virus in their feces and get rid of the infection •Since antibodies dont affect it, a cat can be re-infected with the same strain, and multiple strains at the same time…•Some cats (especially Toms) can be lifelong carriers of one to many strands and continuously shed the virus while showing no clinical signs…

FeCV is mainly transmitted via direct route and repiratory and salvitory to a lesser degree

FeCV can persist in dried feces or on cat littler for 3-7 weeks.

It is gotten rid of easily by common disinfectants.

Risk Factors young cats (3 months to 3 years of age)

multi-cat households intact males

all intact cats (not neutered) winter months FeLV infection

stress high coronavirus antibody titer

regular introduction of new cats increased frequency of coronavirus shedding

Buildup of fluid in chest of abdomenDyspnea

Inflammatory legions – “Pyogranulomas”Jaundice/icterus

Color change in IrisVitreous Flares /Retinal Vessel

CuffingCNS Involvement:

(Ataxia, tremors, fits, aggression, etc…)

NonResponsive fluxuating pyrexiaLameness AnorexiaLethargy Dull Hair Coat Pleuritis Pneumonia

More Acute formIncubation period from days to

months

More Chronic formIncubation period up to years

If your squeamish you might not want to look….

If your squeamish you might not want to look….

Now we’re going to

visit with Dr. Greg!

Now we’re going to

visit with Dr. Greg!

Infamously Hard to Diagnose

No one test or good way to diagnose FIP (except a histopathology during necropsy)

In order to diagnoses FIP other diseases must be ruled out

Most cats diagnosed with FIP are euthanized

D. Dianne Addie – University of Glasgow

There are many studies going on currently regarding the use of many different drug therapies

including: Interferon, Polypreyl Immunostimulant,

prednisone, Phenylalanine mustard, tylosin, Vitamin therepy, Gluticosteroids, Cyclophosphamide, NSAIDS, etc…

Any claimed “Cures” most likely stem from spontaneous remission or a misdiagnosis…

The current vaccine on the market, “Puricill” has no proven efficacy and has been hypothesized to take part in the onset of FIP in some cases.

No proven vaccine has been created for FIP or FeCV

Around 1 cats in 10 who is infected with FCoV develops FIP. Very often after one cat has died of FIP there is a second cat in the household which is known to be infected, but is perfectly

healthy.

If the cat might be at Risk for FIP help prevent it by:

•Minimise the cat's stress•Maximise nutrition and give anti-oxidants

•Good litter tray hygiene

Examples of stressers: being rehomedmoving house

new additions to house: baby, dog, cat, kittentoo many cats in one house (over 6)

going into catterysurgery (being neutered, getting a dental)

trauma (e.g. road accident)intercurrent illness

pregnancy, parturition, lactation

Examples of stressers: being rehomedmoving house

new additions to house: baby, dog, cat, kittentoo many cats in one house (over 6)

going into catterysurgery (being neutered, getting a dental)

trauma (e.g. road accident)intercurrent illness

pregnancy, parturition, lactation

References:

Dr. Addie and Catvirus.comhttp://www.dr-addie.com/WhatIsFIP.htm#WhatisFIP

“

by Dr. Susan Little

The 2009 Canine/Feline Genetics conference hosted by Tufts University : http://www.vin.com/proceedings/Proceedings.plx?CID=TUFTSBG2009&O=Generic

DrGreg’s YouTube Channel : http://www.youtube.com/user/DrGregDVM#g/u

The Winn Feline Foundation:http://www.winnfelinehealth.org/health/fip.html

Cornell University: College of Veterinary Medicine: http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/brochures/fip.html

Felipedia.orghttp://www.felipedia.org/~felipedi/wiki/index.php/Feline_coronavirus_%28FCoV%29