FELINE INFECTIOUS PERITONITIS IN DOMESTIC CATS

Abstract

Feline infectious peritonitis is a viral infection in cats with clinical signs of ascites in the effusive form. Ascites is a common sign of a systemic condition characterized by abdominal distension caused by fluid accumulation. The purpose of this report is to learn how to diagnose FIP cases and how to treat them. A 10 month old local cat with a body weight of four kg named Tirex was brought by its owner to the Internal Medicine Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Udayana University, with complaints of decreased appetite, weakness and an enlarged abdomen. Physical examination revealed abdominal distension, sneezing and weakness. To confirm the diagnosis, a radiographic examination and abdominocentesis were carried out, resulting in fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity. The results of routine hematological examination showed normochromic normocytic anemia, leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia, and lymphocytosis. Blood biochemistry results showed a decrease in Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), total protein, albumin/globulin (A/G), and a decrease in Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP). The results of the FIP rapid test showed positive results. The results of the Rivalta test showed positive results for the accumulation of exudate which was characterized by a jellyfish like formation. Based on the results of the examination, the case cat was diagnosed as infected with FIP. The case cat was treated with subcutaneous injection of furosemide® at a dose of 1 mg/kg twice a day, Dexamethasone® injection at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg twice a day subcutaneously for seven days, and to treat anemia the antianemic Hematodin® was given at a dose of 0.5 ml/kg subcutaneously for three days. Abdominocentesis is performed every two days to reduce fluid in the abdominal cavity. After therapy, it gives good results in reducing ascites. The therapy that has been carried out only provides temporary results. The case cat died on the 5th day after therapy. It is necessary to give drugs that can kill causative agents such as the drug GS-441524 which is proven to be safe and effective for FIP cases.