Beth,
Thank you for this explanation. I didn't have a good
understanding of FIP and this has been very helpful.
elizabeth
In a message dated 11/8/2006 8:48:16 A.M. Central Standard Time,
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
Hi Kayte,
I'll try to give a quick run down on FIP as I understand it. It
begins with something called Feline Corona Virus (FCoV). This is a very
contagious but normally harmless virus that many cats have. It is
estimated that 85% or more of shelter cats and cattery cats have it. It
lives in the intestines and normally causes no problems. Kitties that
live by themselves or with just one or two others are likely to eventually
clear this virus from their systems. In larger groups, as one cat clears
it, another is in an active shedding phase and reinfecting the others, so it
is much harder to eliminate. Not a big deal, as it is pretty much causes
no symptoms in this form. The problem occurs when the virus mutates into
FIP in certain individual cats. Nobody knows why this mutation
takes place. There is speculation that stress and/or genetic
susceptibility may play a role. Cheetahs have a very
narrow gene pool and are highly susceptible
to FIP. Overall, maybe about 5% (give or take) of
FCoV infected cats go on to develop FIP. The mutation itself is not
contagious, it must occur spontaneously within each cat. Once it does,
the virus is able to move out of the gut. It attaches itself to
macrophages and moves into the rest of the body, causing the
cats immune system to over-react and attack itself, punching tiny holes
through blood vessels and creating lesions on organs. Untreated, it
is fatal. There is a small Japanese study which seemed to cure
some cats with Feline Omega Interferon. One of the leading researchers
(Dr. Addie) also stated that she had I think a 25-30% cure rate with
FOI. Some recent larger studies failed to show any life-saving
benefit to FOI treatment, although I think they did see an initial lessening
of the viral load. More research is needed. FIP is very
difficult to diagnose (necropsy is the only sure bet), some
treatable diseases can cause similar symptoms. Cornell University and
Dr. Addie both have websites with much more information. If Crackers
is your only kitty and has no contact with other cats, your chances of
ever needing to know any of this are about 0. And even if you eventually
decide to adopt another from the shelter, the odds are in your favor
that it will never be a problem.
Well, so much for being quick, this is a bit of a book!
Take care,
Beth
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