8 Diseases Similar to FIP that could be mistaken as Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)
FIP has very similar symptoms with many diseases
Diagnosing Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) can be very challenging, as many of its symptoms are shared with diseases similar to FIP that could be mistaken as Feline Infectious Peritonitis. This includes weight loss, weakness, lethargy, fever, anorexia and ocular lesions.
With these conditions being so similar in nature it is important to consult a veterinarian for the right diagnosis. Additionally, the Feline Coronavirus (FCoV), which has been linked to FIP, is generally found in cats even those who are healthy.
Another challenge of diagnosis is the systemic effects of the virus. It can lead to inflammation in the entire body and affect multiple organs. The virus targets various parts of the cat’s immune system including lymphatic tissue, blood vessels, and cells line throughout several organs. This leads to systemic inflammation that affects numerous areas of the body.
This multi-organ involvement can cause many signs and symptoms, including enlarged lymph nodes or abdomen, loss of appetite, reduced activity level or fever, making accurate diagnosis extremely difficult.
A wrong diagnosis may result in mistreatment causing further health complications. In some cases, cats may even show no clinical signs before entering into more advanced stages of FIP, hence routine physical exam will not be enough for identification during initial stages.
FCoV virus is present almost in all cats
The Feline Coronavirus (FCoV) is a common virus found in cats worldwide, although it can occur at different rates based on the environment. It is estimated that up to 80% of cats have been exposed to FCoV and may be carrying the virus without showing any clinical signs or symptoms.
However, when present in large numbers, it can cause infections such as FIP. This is why experts agree that careful monitoring and tracking of this virus is important for cat owners with multiple cats – especially those within catteries or shelters where disease transmission rate can quickly become high.
Additionally of note, wild cats also carry FCoV suggesting its global spread either from direct contact between species or environmental contagion from feces or infected dust particles tracked by birds and small mammals who inhabited similar territories.
Co-morbidities with FIP is also very common
Common co-morbidities with FIP include Toxoplasmosis, FELV, FIV, FPV, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Cancer, Feline Hemotrophic Mycoplasma infection, Lymphoma, heart problems and liver inflammation.
As co-morbidities of FIP may occur with other infectious diseases this further complicates matters in isolating an accurate diagnostic conclusion.
Here are the diseases that present similar symptoms as FIP, and get mistaken often as FIP.
Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis is caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which can infect both humans and cats. This virus is just as common as FCoV in cats. This disease may cause general symptoms such as fever, loss of appetite, and lethargy with appears in FIP as well. Cats may also display neurologic manifestations similar to FIP.
Toxoplasmosis is often misdiagnosed as FIP because of the similarity in symptoms. Latent toxoplasma reactivation in cats can further complicate diagnosis.
FELV
Feline Leukemia Virus is a retrovirus that can lead to immunosuppression in cats, whereas FIP is an immune-mediated disease caused by a mutant form of the Feline Coronavirus. FeLV can predispose cats to many other illnesses, including FIP.
For both diseases, the viruses are shed in saliva, nasal secretions, urine, faeces, and milk of infected cats. Cat-to-cat transfer of the virus may occur from a bite wound, during mutual grooming, and through the shared use of litter boxes and feeding dishes.
Cats with FeLV can live normal lives for prolonged periods of time. The median survival time for cats after FeLV is diagnosed is 2.5 years, while FIP progresses much faster without treatment.
FIV
FIV is caused by the Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, which impacts the cat’s immune system. It is similar to the human HIV in many ways.
FIV makes them more susceptible to other infections, and is primarily transmitted through bites and close contact with infected cats. Both diseases affect the cat systemically. FIV compromises the immune system of cats, while FIP attacks the body via inflammation.
Both diseases are also contagious. While FIV is not curable, FIP can be cured with GS441524.
FPV
Feline Panleukopenia Virus (FPV) and Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) are both viral illnesses that can affect cats. As such, their clinical presentations may also be similar.
Symptoms associated with an FPV infection may include fever, lethargy, vomiting or diarrhea, as is with FIP. However, the mode of transmission for each virus differs.
FPV can be transmitted only through contact with contaminated faeces, whereas infections related to FIP appear to require direct contact between cats or indirect transfer via bedding or food dishes.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and FIP are both serious feline conditions that can have similar symptoms but differ in terms of cause, diagnosis and treatment.
IBD is a chronic disorder with inflammation of the digestive tract caused by an immune-mediated process. It causes malabsorption, vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss due to damage or irritation of the small intestine lining.
On the other hand, FIP is caused by infection with certain strains of feline coronavirus like FeCV. FIP also cause digestive issues along the intestinal area, hence producing similar symptoms as IBD.
Cancer
Cancer in cats is caused by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells, as opposed to FIP which is caused by a mutation of the feline coronavirus. Symptoms of cancer can vary from one type to another and may cause visible lumps, lesions or discharges; while FIP affects multiple parts due to inflammation throughout the body, causing anorexia, fever, breathing problems and fluid accumulation in some cases.
Feline Hemotrophic Mycoplasmosis
Feline Hemotrophic Mycoplasmosis (FHM) and FIP are two diseases that affect cats under similar conditions. Both can cause inflammation in the body, leading to weakness, weight loss, fever, jaundice, dehydration and general malaise.
However, FIP is caused by an infection with a feline coronavirus known as FCoV while FHM results from an infectious bacterium known as mycoplasmas that resides naturally in many cats’ throats.
Lymphoma
Lymphoma and FIP are two diseases commonly found in cats, that can appear very similar in terms of symptoms with both causing inflammation of multiple body parts.
Lymphoma is a type of cancer arising from the lymphatic system caused by a malignant mutation whereas FIP is an immunological disease associated with Corona virus leading to a leaky peritoneal membrane.
The treatments vary vastly depending upon whether its Lymphoma or FIP.
Heart Problems
When it comes to cats, heart health should not be ignored as these animals can suffer from several cardiovascular issues. Because FIP typically causes systemic inflammation in the body, it may affect the heart indirectly like other cardiac conditions do, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or congestive heart failure.
It’s important to recognize that although both diseases share some common symptoms -including loss of appetite, weight loss and fever – their workings are different enough to require different diagnostics tests in order to ensure a definitive diagnosis for either condition.
A number of additional tests may also be necessary when dealing with a potential heart problem including radiography and electrocardiograms.
Liver Inflammation
Liver inflammation is the body’s natural defense mechanism against diseases and viruses which can lead to longer-term complications.
It’s important for cat owners to be aware of liver inflammation versus FIP, as they often present with similar symptoms including poor appetite, lethargy, jaundice and decreased energy levels.
FIP also results in inflamed liver, as well as causing liver problems. It is too easy to think that it is just a liver problem when it is not.
Bacterial Peritonitis
Like FIP, Bacterial Peritonitis is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition in cats. It is an inflammation of the lining of the abdomen caused by bacteria, with symptoms that can be very similar to FIP depending on how far advanced the disease has become.
Bacterial peritonitis is most commonly caused by intestinal bacteria such as E. coli or salmonella entering into the intestines or bloodstream due to cancer, liver disease, damage to protective layers within the body such as those from trauma (e.g. car accidents), parasites, dietary problems like food allergies or intolerance and other infections with viruses (including feline immunodeficiency virus) that may have previously weakened immune systems in cats.
Bacterial Pleuritis
Bacterial pleuritis is an infection of the pleura, which is a thin layer of tissue forming a sac around each lung. It can produce similar symptoms to FIP. Both diseases cause coughing, difficulty breathing or even collapse when left untreated.
However, whereas FIP generally leads to inflammation of multiple organs simultaneously, bacterial pleuritis specifically targets the lower respiratory tract and may be highly localized overall although it requires prompt treatment due to its aggressive nature.
The diagnosis for this infection usually involves collecting a fluid sample from either where the lungs meet with body cavities or examination of tissue samples taken during surgery.
Treatment for bacterial pleuritis often consists of antibiotics given intravenously if possible as well as supplemental oxygen therapy and other supportive treatments depending on patient severity.
Cryptococcosis
Cryptococcosis, or cryptococcal disease, is a fungal infection caused by the Cryptococcus neoformans species of fungus which can be found in soil and bird droppings. The symptoms for both diseases are quite similar including weight loss, fever, anorexia and lethargy.
Signs of neurological issues such as head tilt and ataxia may appear with Cryptococcosis as well.