Infectious FIP Virus Kills Cats

Q. I recently had to put my 3-year-old cat to sleep because she was diagnosed by my vet as having FIP, which is supposed to be incurable. I am still upset because I thought she had been vaccinated for such diseases and was protected. I don’t have any other cats at home, and I’m still confused as to where she may have contracted this disease. What do I have to do if I want to get another cat? Should I risk ge1953786222sure I understand what happened to my cat.

Andrea StentzSanta Ana

A. FIP or feline infectious peritonitis is a viral disease that is highly contagious and yet can cause a variety of signs that can mimic other diseases. The method of infection is generally cat-to-cat and yet not all cats that are exposed will develop the disease. A cat’s immune system is extremely important in warding off an infection by FIP. Unfortunately, at this time, there is no vaccine developed that is effective against the FIP corona virus.

The virus invades the vascular system and causes an inflammatory response in the abdomen or chest. Early signs are weakness, fever, lack of appetite and depression, advancing then to loss of muscle mass. It is almost always fatal once advanced clinical signs appear.

It would be a good idea to buy new feed bowls and litter box for a cat even though the virus does not live long outside of the host cat.

Q. Last week, my wife and I brought home a new terrier puppy, and he seems forever active and playful. However, I noticed that he had developed a few areas on his head and body where the hair-coat is thin or the hairs are missing. My neighbor says he has mange and needs to be dipped to kill the mites. Can I get this dip from the store or do I buy if from a vet? How often do I need to treat him? Can we get these mites by playing with our pup?

Wilson Colburn,

Garden Grove

A. Hair loss on puppies is not always from mites. Other causes can be ringworm (a fungus) or bacterial skin infections. Have your puppy seen by your vet, who will probably do a skin scraping for mites or a culture for fungus. If a skin infection is started, antibiotics and medicated shampoos will be necessary. Ringworm can be spread to people, as can sarcoptic mange mites, so don’t delay.