Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Ultrasound signs of feline infectious peritonitis in cats
By Lewis, Kristin M & O'Brien, Robert T·Published in Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association·2010·Department of Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Abdominal ultrasonographic findings associated with feline infectious peritonitis: a retrospective review of 16 cases.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of 16 cats diagnosed with feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) showed various abdominal ultrasound findings. Many of the cats had normal liver and spleen appearances, but some had changes in kidney texture and fluid buildup in the abdomen. Enlarged lymph nodes were also seen in several cases. While these ultrasound results aren't unique to FIP, they can help veterinarians suspect the disease when combined with other symptoms. Treatment for FIP can vary, and early diagnosis is crucial for the best outcome.
People also search for: cat abdominal ultrasound results · feline infectious peritonitis symptoms · cat kidney problems ultrasound · cat fluid in abdomen treatment
Abstract
The feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV) is a mutated form of the feline enteric coronavirus (FeCV) that can present with a variety of clinical signs. The purpose of this retrospective study was to analyze abdominal ultrasonographic findings associated with cats with confirmed FIPV infection. Sixteen cases were included in the study from a review of medical records at two academic institutions; inclusion was based either on necropsy lesions (n=13) or a combination of histopathological, cytological, and clinicopathological findings highly suggestive of FIPV infection (n=3). The liver was judged to be normal in echogenicity in 11 (69%) cats, diffusely hypoechoic in three cats, focally hyperechoic in one cat, and focally hypoechoic in one cat. Five cats had a hypoechoic subcapsular rim in one (n=3) or both (n=2) kidneys. Free fluid was present in the peritoneal cavity in seven cats and in the retroperitoneal space in one cat. Abdominal lymphadenopathy was noted in nine cats. The spleen was normal in echogenicity in 14 cats and was hypoechoic in two. One cat had bilateral orchitis with loss of normal testicular architecture. Although none of these ultrasonographic findings are specific for FIPV infection, a combination of these findings should increase the index of suspicion for FIPV infection when considered along with appropriate clinical signs.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20439937/