FIP Diagnosis

Re: FIP Diagnosis

Richard Fox — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 14:17:21 GMT

No problem - was not trying to be critical - You had only the information you had so you have to make the decision on that

Re: FIP Diagnosis

Claire Edgington — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 13:49:47 GMT

Richard - I did suggest further w/up but the cat was very ill and not insured so money unfortunately had a lot to do with the euth decision. I'll remember for next time!! Thank you. Claire

Re: FIP Diagnosis

emma_j — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 13:39:37 GMT

A very useful algorithm for FIP work-ups:

http://www.dr-addie.com/downloads/FIPdiagnosisflowchart.pdf

Re: FIP Diagnosis

Richard Fox — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 11:30:18 GMT

I'd wait and see - there is no evidence to support they will def. get clinical FIP and serology will obviously suggest exposure? The question is exposure to other cats outside the household?

BTW the Rivalta test is not specific so I would follow it up with a FCoV titre in the other cats ? and also an albumin globulin ratio of < 0.6 is highly diagnostic for an inflammatory process, nearly exclusively for FIP for your information.

Re: FIP Diagnosis

Dagmar Steele — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 11:29:45 GMT

wait and see and create an environment as stress free as possible. Do not get another cat!

Re: FIP Diagnosis

Claire Edgington — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 11:17:53 GMT

There was an obvious abdo mass on xray today and the kitten was definitely jaundiced. Abdo tap was straw coloured and quite viscous. Rivalta test was positive. after discussion with o, they decided to PTS.

Thank for your help!

What do people advise with regards to the other cats in the household?? Obviously as they have had the kitten a few months, the other cats will have been exposed. Is it just a case of wait and see?

Re: FIP Diagnosis

Richard Fox — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 18:07:17 GMT

I would look at the globulins and if the cat has a leukocytosis. Analyse the Ascitic fluid - total protein >6g/dl = very supportive and cell constituents i.e. pyogranulomatous, I would do a FCoV titre and if +ve do Immuno @ liverpool for FCoV on the cytology fluid (ring them first).

Also it might not be FIP - if it is jaundiced is this supported by blood biochem - I would also expect a high ALKP and ALT (due to the cytotoxic effect of accumulated bile on hepatocytes).?

Re: FIP Diagnosis

Dagmar Steele — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 17:48:37 GMT

I'd definitely get a sample of the ascites and do a Rivalta-test. Ruling out other issues like FB is a good idea, but FIP would be very high on my list, too. You can run a FIP screening which not only tests for FCoV but also for alterations in Globulins and Albumin/Globulin ratio which gives you a better picture. In advanced cases of wet FIP the FCoV may even be false negative. Good luck!