ISSN 2348 – 0319 International Journal of Innovative and Applied Research (2014), Volume 2, Issue (6): 21- 25

Journal homepage:http://www.journalijiar.com INTERNATIONALJOURNAL

OF INNOVATIVE AND
APPLIEDRESEARCH

RESEARCH ARTICLE

A First Case Report of Feline Infectious Peritonitis in a Domestic Cat in Pakistan

*Ghazanfar Abbas1, Mudassar Niaz Mughal1, Muhammad Nadeem Asi2and Ghulam Muhammad 2

1. Faculty of Veterinary Sciences (FVS), University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF)-38040, Punjab,Pakistan.

2. Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery (CMS), Faculty of VeterinarySciences (FVS), University of
Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF)-38040, Punjab,Pakistan.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Abstract:
The present case report highlights the imperil effect of effusive form of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) in the cat’s
population. Feline Infectious Peritonitis Virus (FIPV) is the causative agent of FIP. In cat’s high fever, anorexia,
weight loss and ascities are primary clinical signs associated with FIP. A similar case was presented at veterinary
teaching hospital, Department of Clinical Medicine & Surgery (CMS), University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF),
Pakistan. Diagnosis was made on the basis of clinical signs, history, positive Rivalta test, complete blood count
(CBC) and serum biochemistry findings including neutrophilic leukocytosis, lymphopenia and hyperglobuliemia,
elevated liver enzymes and blood urea nitrogen, respectively. The significant findings of the postmortem
examination were presence of whitish fibrinous fluid in abdominal and peritoneal cavity covering liver, kidney,
spleen and intestine which are pathognomonic for FIP.

Key Words: Feline infectious peritonitis, CBC, Serum biochemistry, Postmortem lesions.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Introduction
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is highly fatal viral disease of domestic and feral cats (Pederson et al., 2009).
Feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV), the causative agent of FIP belongs to feline corona virus (FCoV) biotype
1. FCoVs are RNA, single stranded, positive sense, enveloped viruses belonging to Coronaviridae family.
Following entry of FCoV into body through feco-oral route, the virus multiplies into the epithelial cells of intestine
leading to development of diarrhea, which is usually seen due to feline enteric corona virus (FECV). Both FECV
(non lethal) and FIPV (lethal) could be present at the same time inside the body; however mutation of FECV can
also occur into FIPV at any time. Several factors such as signalment, any stress, immune status, steroid therapy and
concurrent infection play a significant role for viral mutation. The mutated virus is phagocytized and starts
replicating in the macrophages and lymph nodes, spread throughout the body via blood circulation, attract
antibodies, makes antigen-antibody complex leading to release of vasoactive substances and protein rich fluid in
peritoneal and abdominal cavity that contributes towards the development of classical signs of disease (Pederson et
al., 1995). Generally there are two types of FIP, one is wet or effusive form characterized by immune mediated
excessive accumulation of inflammatory exudates in the body cavities and other is dry or non-effusive form,
characterized by presence of granulomatous or pyogranulomatous lesions especially in the, mesenteric lymph nodes,
liver, kidney, bowl wall, CNS and eyes (Montali and Stranberg., 1972). FIP falls among the leading infectious
causes of death in young cats from shelters and catteries. This disease is distributed throughout the world. In the
United State, it is most commonly seen disease of cats. Generally, seroprevelance of FECV is reported to be 80-90%
in catteries living cats, while up to 50% in companionless cats (Simons et al., 2005). Not a single study has been
conducted in Indian sub-continent in order to determine seroprevelance of FIP in cats. The present case report is
mainly focused on diagnosis and prevention ofFIP.

Case Description
A 1.5 year old domesticated short haired female cat weighing about 5 kg was presented at veterinary teaching
hospital, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan for the
evaluation of 25 days history of recurrent ascities, lethargy, anorexia and polydipsia. Clinical examination revealed
dehydration, anemia, mild nasal discharge and ascities. Temperature, respiration and heart beat were 104℉, 30
breaths/minute and 140 beats/minute, respectively. A complete blood count (CBC) and serum biochemistry profile

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ISSN 2348 – 0319 International Journal of Innovative and Applied Research (2014), Volume 2, Issue (6): 21- 25

revealed neutrophilic leukocytosis, anemia and hyperglobuliemia, respectively. She was treated with fluid therapy,
antibiotic along with steroid and discharged with the advice to continue this treatment for next 2 days. After 2 days
she was again presented in moribund state following sever clinical deterioration, having distended abdomen and
dyspnea. In spite of further supportive treatment the cat died within 3 hours. Postmortem was conducted with the
aim of investigation of the cause ofdeath.

Necropsy Findings
Major necropsy findings were present in abdominal and peritoneal cavity. While opening peritoneal cavity
approximately 80 ml of thick, viscous, white colored fluid appeared. All the abdominal organs were covered with
fibrinous material especially liver, kidney, spleen, large and small intestine. Abdominal cavity reveled about 200 ml
of fluid having same appearance as of peritoneal cavity fluid. There was development of adhesion between affected
organs and body walls. Microbiological examination of the sample taken from affected organs revealed nothing after
inoculation on sheep blood agar and Sabourad dextrose agar. Rivalta test was performed by taking 7-8 ml of distill
water and mixing of 1 drop of 98% acetic thoroughly in it. One drop of peritoneal fluid was spread carefully on it,
which stayed there on the surface and gave jelly like appearance indicating presence of FIP associated exudate.
However virus isolation was not conducted. Based on clinical signs, anamnesis, physical examination,
hematological and serum biochemistry findings, microbiological examination, Rivalta test and characteristic
postmortem findings it was diagnosed to be a case of effusive/ wet form of feline infectious peritonitis(FIP).

Table.1 Complete blood count (CBC)

Parameters Presenting Values Reference Values

Red bloodcells(RBC) (1012g/L) 4 5-10

Packed cellvolume(PCV) (%) 27.5 30-45

Hemoglobin(Hgb) (g/dL) 5 8-15
Mean corpuscularvolume(MCV) (fL) 60 39-55
Mean corpuscularhemoglobin(MCH) (pg) 19 13-17
Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration 24 30-36
(MCHC) (10g/L)

White bloodcells(WBC) (109/L) 25 5.5-19.5

Neutrophils (%) 90 35-75
Lymphocytes (%) 8 20-55
Monocytes (%) 1 1-4

Basophils (%) Nill Rare

Eosinophils (%) 1 2-12
(Reference values, from The Merk Veterinary Manual 9 thedition)

Table.2 Serum biochemistry

Parameters Presenting Values Reference Values

AST (𝜇/𝜇) 43 9.2-40

ALT (𝜇/𝜇) 25 8.3-53
Albumin (g/dL) 1 2.4-3.8
Globulin ( g/dL) 10 2.4-3.7
Alkaline Phosphatase (𝜇/𝜇) 45 9.2-40
Creatinine (mg/dL) 4 0.5-1.9
Blood Urea Nitrogen (mg/dL) 38 15-31
th
(Reference values, from The Merk Veterinary Manual 9 edition)

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Fig. 1 Thick straw colored fluid present in the peritoneal cavity

Fig. 2 Organs of abdominal cavity are covered with straw colored fluid

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Fig. 3 Spleen and liver covered by fibrinous material

Fig. 4 Intestine covered with straw colored fluid.

Discussion
FIP has been reported in all breeds of cats; however feral cats are less susceptible to infection. Although kittens,
young cats and male are more susceptible to this disease, however any age group can be susceptible. The clinical
signs in affected cat of this case study were fever, abdominal distension due to ascities and anorexia as previously
described by Wolfe et al., (1966). Major findings of the complete blood count (CBC) at the time of presentation
were leukocytosis especially neutrophilia and mild anemia (Table 1). Serum biochemistry analysis revealed
hyperglobuliemia, increased liver enzymes and blood urea nitrogen (Table 2). Hartmann et al., (2003 a͂) described
similarhematologicalandserumbiochemistryfindingsincatsaffectedwithwetformofFIP.Pathognomonic

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postmortem lesion was presence of fibrinous straw colored exudate in abdominal and peritoneal cavity covering
liver, kidney, spleen and intestine (Figure 1-4) as previously reported by Hardy et al., (1969). A simple diagnostic
test named Rivalta, if positive is suggestive for effusive form of FIP (Hartmann et al., 2003 b͂).
Disease is present throughout the world affecting all breeds of cats however; the incidence of development of
disease in the pure-breed cats is reported to be high because of lack of hybrid vigor. There is no effective treatment
for FIP; disease can only be prevented by effective managemental strategies. If the affected cat becomes lifelong
carrier then it will shed the same viral biotype throughout its life. Virus can remain active in fecal material up to 7-8
weeks which is potential source of infection for healthy cats in litter box, so proper disposal of fecal material along
with keeping healthy cats away from infected litter box is effective preventive strategy. Reducing the population of
cats, early weaning of new born kittens (Addie and Jarrett, 1990), keeping cats in separate cages, efficient hygiene
and cattery design, careful selection of breeding male, screening of affected cats and vaccination are key elements to
reduce incidence of thedisease.

References
Addie DD, Jarret O. (1990): Feline corona virus infections. In Infectious Diseases of Dog and Cat. Edited by Greene
CE. Philadelphia: WB Saunders, 300-312

Hardy WD, O’ Reilly. (1969): Feline infectious peritonitis and pleuritis. Journal of American Veterinary Medical
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Hartmann K, Christina B, Johannes H, Dana C, Manfred R, Simone S, Jens F, Herman E, Hans L, Walter H. (2003)
͂a : Comparison of different tests to diagnose feline infectious peritonitis. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine.,
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Hartmann K, Christina B, Johannes H, Dana C, Manfred R, Simone S, Jens F, Herman E, Hans L, Walter H. (2003)
b͂ : Comparison of different tests to diagnose feline infectious peritonitis. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine.,
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Montali RJ, Standberg JD. (1972): Extraperitoneal lesions in the feline infectious peritonitis. Veterinary Pathology
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