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Peer-reviewed veterinary case report

Priapism in a neutered cat caused by feline infectious peritonitis

By Rota, Ada et al.·Published in Journal of feline medicine and surgery·2008·Dipartimento di Patologia Animale, Italy·View original on PubMed

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Original publication title: Priapism in a castrated cat associated with feline infectious peritonitis.

Species:
cat

Plain-English summary

A castrated cat showed a strange symptom of prolonged erection (priapism) and was diagnosed with feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), a serious viral infection. Tests revealed abnormal protein levels in the blood, indicating an underlying issue. Unfortunately, the cat passed away a month later, and a thorough examination of its organs confirmed FIP as the cause. This case highlights how FIP can present with unusual symptoms like priapism.

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Abstract

This report describes a case of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) in a castrated cat which first presented with the unusual sign of priapism. Laboratory examinations showed increased serum protein content and decreased albumin/globulin ratio. Serum electrophoresis revealed increased alpha 2- and gamma-globulin content. One month after the first examination, the cat died. At necropsy, histopathological evaluation of organs showed inflammatory granulomatous lesions compatible with non-effusive FIP and coronavirus-specific polymerase chain reaction confirmed the diagnosis. FIP antigen was demonstrated immunohistochemically in penile tissue.

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Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17950647/