ABSTRACT: Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is caused by infection with feline coronavirus (FCoV), a highly infectious virus transmitted mostly indirectly, by sharing litter trays with a FCoV excretor, or by fomites. The majority of FCoV- infected cats remain healthy, with up to 12% developing FIP. While any age or breed of cat can develop FIP, FIP disproportionately affects pedigree kittens: most studies found that around 70% of FIP cases occurred in pure-bred cats under 2 years of age. In this paper, some questions about FCoV and FIP that are likely to be asked of, and by, a veterinary nurse will be addressed.

Author

Diane D. Addie PhD, BVMS, MRCVS

Diane D. Addie is former senior lecturer and Head of Diagnostic Virology at the University of Glasgow Veterinary School, member of the European Advisory Board of Cat Disease and author of the website www.catvirus.com and book “Feline Infectious Peritonitis and Coronavirus.” Her veterinary educational YouTube channel has received over a quarter of a million views.

Keywords: feline infectious peritonitis; FIP; feline coronavirus

To cite this article: Veterinary Nursing Journal • VOL 34 (08) • August 2019 pp201-206

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