QUESTION

I noticed that my 7 month old kitten hadn't poo pooed in a couple of days and that his belly was getting a little bloated. I took him to the vet. She suspected FIP due to the small grade fever, bloated belly, fluid build-up in the abdomen, she also took a sample of the fluid and says that the results were characteristic of FIP i.e. high glucose. No more tests were done. I really feel that it could be something else. I don't know if I am in denial or if I should get a second opinion. I am devastated by the thought of putting my kitten to sleep. Please help! What should I do.
Jessica Jackson

ANSWER

Dear Jessica
FIP is an unusual disease caused by a virus. It causes 2 distinct disease syndromes, one of which causes fluid to build up in the abdomen giving a bloated appearance.

The presence of large amounts of free fluid in the abdomen, particularly if it has a high protein content is enough to diagnose FIP in most cases. Blood tests are possible but unreliable. X-rays and scans also are unrewarding.

Unfortunately there is no real cure for FIP, although some drugs can help to alleviate the symptoms. Euthanasia is, sadly, the common outcome for cats with fulminant FIP

Julian Norton