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Feline Infectious Peritonitis

Animal & Bird Medical Center of Palm Harbor
Medical Database

Infectious Disease

Feline Infectious Peritonitis

Animals Affected – Cat

(Feline Coronavirus Infection)

General Information
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a serious disease of cats caused by a type of virus called coronavirus. The virus spreads from cat to cat via feces, urine, or secretions of the nose and mouth and is either inhaled or ingested. While cats of all ages are susceptible, cats from 6 to 12 months old and those over 14 years old are more susceptible than cats 5 to 13 years old. Queens may infect their kittens while in the womb or during the nursing period. Purebred cats seem to be more at risk than the common domestic cat.

FIP occurs in two distinct forms: the “wet” form, characterized by massive accumulations of fluid in the abdominal and/or chest cavity; and the “dry” form, characterized by inflammatory disease of the nervous system, various organs, and/or the eyes.

The prognosis (medical forecast) for cats with FIP is poor as there is no effective treatment to eliminate the virus. Treatment is designed to increase patient comfort and improve the quality of life for as long as practical. In some cases, treatment relieves clinical signs for a short time.
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An Important Update From Animal & Bird Medical Center On COVID-19

We are committed to offering a safe and healthy environment for our clients, pets and hospital team here at Animal and Bird Medical Center. The best way to avoid becoming ill is to avoid exposure to the virus. Taking typical preventive actions is key.

In being cautious and mindful of everyone’s safety, we are actively working to minimize your exposure to crowded exam rooms and long waits in the lobby.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have made some changes to our protocols in-hospital for the time-being…

In order to limit exposure while still providing quality care for your pet, we will be implementing special protocols to keep you safe.

We will have our veterinary technicians get a history of the patient’s symptoms and owner’s concerns via phone prior to coming into the clinic.

  • Upon arrival, owners can call us from the curb in front of the clinic and we will have a technician assistant come to your car and bring your pet inside.
  • From here, your pet will be examined and the doctor will develop a treatment plan which he will then communicate via phone with the owner.
  • At the end of the visit, an invoice will be brought out to your car and payment can be taken via phone.

Our goal is for you to be able to bring your pet in for medical care but have no risk for you or our dedicated staff of transmitting the COVID-19 virus.

The Doctors and staff are dedicated to making sure your pet’s medical needs are taken care of during this national crisis.

We can still fill prescriptions for pick up, however, for those who prefer, non-narcotic and non-urgent prescriptions can be mailed to your home.

As always, careful hand-washing and other infection control practices can greatly reduce the chance of spreading any disease.