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INSTRUCTIONS FOR SENDING FIP FLUID SAMPLES |
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Cat with wet FIP usually have very large amounts of a yellow-tinged, mucinous fluid in their abdomen and/or chest cavities. This fluid is high in protein and contains a variable number of white cells made up of macrophages, lymphocytes and neutrophils. It will often form a partial clot on setting. There is virtually no other disease than FIP with this type of fluid, especially in a younger cat (two thirds or more of cats with FIP are under one year of age) that comes from a shelter or cattery environment (70% of total cases). Combined with history, physical findings, and common laboratory abnormalities, these findings should be sufficient to make the diagnosis.
Fluid from cats with wet FIP is being submitted as part of a large study being conducted at UC Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine. Instructions on where to send samples, and associated forms, are found at http://www.sockfip.info/ under downloads. A detailed discussion of FIP can also be found on this website (about FIP/synopsis). Recently obtained samples (fresh or refrigerated for no more than 96 hrs) can be sent intact on ice packs using overnight delivery. If samples cannot be sent in this time period, several mls of freshly collected fluid can be spread onto a small piece of filter paper (a coffee filter will do also) and allowed to air dry. The dried sample can be sent in an envelope by regular mail.
Alternatively, from 5-10 ml of fresh fluid can be centrifuged, the fluid phase removed, and the cell pellet suspended in an equal volume of rubbing alcohol (70% isopropyl alcohol). The tube can be sent in a crush proof container by regular mail. Fluid samples should be sent with a filled out questionnaire for submitting DNA sample.
It is also helpful to include basic information as to breed, gender (intact or neutered), and age of the cat. Personal client information is not required for participation. This submission is not for diagnostic purposes, but rather for long term research on the disease. Results obtained from these samples will be studied collectively and shared through future publications. |
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Newsflash
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WINNing the FIP Fight: Veterinarians Reveal the Latest at Winn Feline Symposium |
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) might be the most dreaded diagnosis for cats. That's because it usually happens to babies, little kittens. FIP - up 'till now - has always been considered a fatal disease. Finally, it seems, there may be hope - at least for some cats with FIP.
To announce new directions in FIP research, and actual successes, world renown researchers Dr. Niels Pederson, director for the Center of Companion Animal Health at the University of California School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis and Dr. Al Legendre, professor at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, Knoxville headline the 2011 Winn Feline Foundation Symposium, WINNing the FIP Fight, June 23, 6:45 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Reston Town Center (1800 Presidents Street), Reston, VA. The seminar event, includes Q & A time, and dinner for $45. Proceeds benefit the Winn Feline Foundation Bria Fund, which provides funding for FIP research.
To read the complete article, please go to Steve Dale's Pet World website here.
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LEGACY OF COMPASSION: SALLY MORGAN-WELCH AND HER FAMILY FOUNDATION ENGAGE IN THE BATTLE AGAINST FIP |
Sally Morgan-Welch noticed that her rescued cat Jakey was lethargic and losing weight. Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP)—a nearly always fatal systemic viral disease caused by a mutation in the coronavirus—was suspected. But it wasn’t until he continued his rapid descent and had to be euthanized that the veterinarians were able to determine without a doubt that Jakey had been suffering from the disease.
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