FIP is a severe and fatal viral disease of
cats caused by a rare mutation following a common coronavirus
infection. FIP does not develop in all cats exposed to feline
coronavirus. However, in some cats, the benign feline enteric
coronavirus (FECV) may mutate into the lethal FIP
virus.
One of the most difficult diseases to diagnose as a
veterinarian is FIP. Often it is a diagnosis based on exclusion of
other diseases that cause similiar symptoms. Multiple tests to
determine the cause of your cat's illness are therefore required.
Links to additional FIP information can be found below.
Also, Dr. Alice Wolf (an infectious disease specialist) has
prepared a detailed article found in the public's Veterinary
Partner Library of the Veterinary Information Network.
