Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Abdominal ultrasound signs in cats with feline infectious peritonitis
By Thiago R Müller et al.·Published in Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery·2023·Department of Clinical Sciences, Tufts University, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, North Grafton, MA, USA, GB·View original on DOAJ →
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Original publication title: Abdominal ultrasonographic findings of cats with feline infectious peritonitis: an update
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of 25 cats diagnosed with feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) showed various abdominal issues during ultrasound exams. Most of these cats had fluid in their bellies, swollen lymph nodes, and liver problems, such as enlargement or abnormal texture. Many also had intestinal changes, with thickened walls, and some showed issues with their spleens and kidneys. The study found that nearly all the cats had multiple abdominal problems, indicating that FIP can cause a wide range of serious issues.
People also search for: cat FIP symptoms · feline infectious peritonitis ultrasound findings · cat abdominal fluid treatment
Abstract
Objectives The aim of this study was to describe the abdominal ultrasonographic findings in cats with confirmed or presumed feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). Methods This was a retrospective study performed in an academic veterinary hospital. The diagnosis of FIP was reached on review of history, signalment, clinical presentation, complete blood count, biochemistry panel, peritoneal fluid analysis, cytology and/or histopathology results from abnormal organs, and/or molecular testing (immunohistochemical or FIP coronavirus [FCoV] RT-PCR). Cats with confirmed FIP by molecular testing or with a highly suspicious diagnosis of FIP were included. Abdominal ultrasound examination findings were reviewed. Results In total, 25 cats were included. Common clinical signs/pathology findings included hyperglobulinemia (96%), anorexia/hyporexia (80%) and lethargy (56%). Abdominal ultrasound findings included effusion in 88% and lymphadenopathy in 80%. Hepatic changes were noted in 80%, the most common being hepatomegaly (58%) and a hypoechoic liver (48%). Intestinal changes were noted in 68% of cats, characterized by asymmetric wall thickening and/or loss of wall layering, with 52% being ileocecocolic junction and/or colonic in location. Splenic changes were present in 36% of cats, including splenomegaly, mottled parenchyma and hypoechoic nodules. Renal changes were present in 32%, encompassing a hypoechoic subcapsular rim and/or cortical nodules. Mesenteric and peritoneal abnormalities were seen in 28% and 16% of cats, respectively. Most cats (92%) had two or more locations of abdominal abnormalities on ultrasound. Conclusions and relevance The present study documents a wider range and distribution of ultrasonographic lesions in cats with FIP than previously reported. The presence of effusion and lymph node, hepatic and/or gastrointestinal tract changes were the most common findings, and most of the cats had a combination of two or more abdominal abnormalities.
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Search related cases →Original publication on DOAJ: https://doi.org/10.1177/1098612X231216000