DM2 Pt1-5 Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) Flashcards

1
Q

What is the cause of Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)?

A

FIP is caused by Feline Coronavirus (FCoV) infection.

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2
Q

In what environments is FCoV infection most common?

A

FCoV infection is particularly common in multi-cat environments, where up to 100% of cats may be infected.

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3
Q

What is the principal source of FCoV infection in groups of cats?

A

Faeces are the main source, with litter boxes being the principal source of oral infection.

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4
Q

Why do only a small proportion of FCoV-infected cats develop FIP?

A

The development of FIP involves complex factors including host genetics, immune response, and viral factors.

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5
Q

What immune response makes cats more susceptible to FIP?

A

Cats with strong humoral immunity but weak cellular immunity are more likely to develop FIP.

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6
Q

What role do monocytes play in FIP susceptibility?

A

Monocytes from different cats vary in susceptibility to FCoV infection, influencing FIP development.

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7
Q

Which cat breeds are more susceptible to FIP?

A

Breeds such as Persians, Burmese, Bengal, and Birman are shown to be more susceptible to FIP.

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8
Q

What age group is at the highest risk of developing FIP?

A

Kittens up to 2 years of age, with a second peak in cats over 10 years of age, are at greatest risk.

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9
Q

How does stress influence the development of FIP?

A

Stress is linked to immunosuppression and increased virus shedding, contributing to FIP development.

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10
Q

What is Antibody Dependent Enhancement (ADE) in FIP?

A

ADE is when the humoral response worsens FIP by helping FCoV infect macrophages, hindering cell-mediated immunity.

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11
Q

Why are FIP vaccines not licensed in certain countries like the UK?

A

FIP vaccines are thought to be ineffective due to ADE, where antibodies facilitate viral infection of macrophages.

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12
Q

Are seronegative or seropositive cats more likely to develop FIP?

A

Seronegative cats are more likely to develop FIP (1 in 6) compared to seropositive cats (1 in 12).

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13
Q

What is the most common outcome for FCoV-infected cats?

A

Most FCoV-infected cats either remain healthy or show mild enteritis.

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14
Q

What are the two forms of FIP?

A

The ‘wet’ or effusive form and the ‘dry’ or non-effusive form.

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15
Q

What is the most obvious manifestation of the effusive form of FIP?

A

Ascites (abdominal fluid accumulation) is the most obvious sign of effusive FIP.

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16
Q

What are common non-specific signs of FIP?

A

Fever, lethargy, anorexia, and weight loss.

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17
Q

What ocular condition is commonly seen in FIP cases?

A

Uveitis is commonly seen in cats with FIP.

18
Q

What are the neurological signs associated with FIP?

A

Seizures and other neurological problems can occur, especially in young cats with FIP.

19
Q

Why is diagnosing FIP ante-mortem difficult?

A

There is no non-invasive confirmatory test for cats without effusion, and diagnosis relies on clinical signs, history, and multiple tests.

20
Q

What haematology changes are commonly seen in FIP-infected cats?

A

Lymphopenia, neutrophilia, and mild to moderate non-regenerative anaemia.

21
Q

What is a common laboratory finding in FIP cases?

A

An increase in total serum protein, mainly due to elevated gamma globulins.

22
Q

What is the significance of the albumin/globulin ratio in FIP diagnosis?

A

An albumin/globulin ratio >0.8 makes FIP less likely, while <0.45 is consistent with FIP.

23
Q

How is effusion analysis useful in FIP diagnosis?

A

Effusion analysis is more diagnostically valuable than blood tests, especially with high protein and low/moderate cell counts.

24
Q

What test can highlight FCoV virus in macrophages in effusions?

A

Immunofluorescence can highlight FCoV in macrophages, which is diagnostic when paired with other signs.

25
Q

Why is coronavirus serology not highly useful for diagnosing FIP?

A

Serology can’t differentiate between antibodies from FCoV and FIP, and healthy cats may have high antibody titres.

26
Q

What challenges exist in using PCR for FIP diagnosis?

A

PCR detects FCoV RNA but is not specific to FIP, as FCoV can be present without causing FIP.

27
Q

How can immunohistochemistry be used in FIP diagnosis?

A

Immunohistochemistry can detect FCoV antigen in tissue samples, which is 100% predictive of FIP when positive.

28
Q

Why is histopathology useful in diagnosing FIP?

A

Histopathology showing pyogranulomatous inflammation is highly suggestive of FIP but requires invasive methods to obtain tissue samples.

29
Q

Why is routine hygiene important in managing FCoV in hospitals?

A

Any cat in a hospital can shed FCoV, so hygiene measures are crucial to prevent transmission.

30
Q

Is isolating a FIP-positive cat beneficial in multi-cat households?

A

No, as the other cats are likely already exposed to FCoV.

31
Q

How long should you wait before introducing a new cat after euthanizing a FIP-positive cat?

A

It is recommended to wait 2 months to allow FCoV to die off in the environment.

32
Q

What is the prognosis for cats diagnosed with FIP?

A

The prognosis is poor, with a median survival time of around 9 days after diagnosis.

33
Q

What factors indicate a short survival time in FIP cases?

A

Low lymphocyte counts, high bilirubin levels, and large volumes of effusion.

34
Q

What supportive treatments are used for FIP?

A

Corticosteroids, feline interferon, and polyprenyl immunostimulant are used, but more research is needed.

35
Q

Is there an FIP vaccine available, and how effective is it?

A

There is an FIP vaccine available in some countries, but efficacy is a concern, especially in cats already exposed to FCoV.

36
Q

At what age can the FIP vaccine be given?

A

The FIP vaccine can be given from 16 weeks of age onwards. Vaccination before 16 weeks is not effective.

37
Q

Why is the FIP vaccine less effective in breeding catteries?

A

Most kittens are already seropositive for FCoV before 16 weeks, making vaccination less effective.

38
Q

What is the focus of current research on FIP control and treatment?

A

Research is focused on developing an accurate diagnostic test, an effective FCoV vaccine, and anti-viral drugs for FCoV infections.

39
Q

How might research on human coronaviruses help with FIP treatment?

A

Small molecules that inhibit SARS coronavirus replication may be adapted to control FCoV infections.

40
Q

What does an MRI scan of a cat with central nervous system FIP show?

A

MRI shows hydrocephalus caused by FIP granulomas blocking CSF drainage, common in neurological FIP.