Diagnosing feline infectious peritonitis in cats with eye

Abstract

This study aimed to discuss the suspicion of FIP in cats presenting solely with uveitis as a clinical finding but with positive coronavirus antibody tests by evaluating antibody test results, complete blood count and some biochemical parameters. The study consisted of 94 cats of different breeds, ages, and genders with discoloration, opacity, or vision loss in one or both eyes. Coronavirus-specific antibody test results were categorized. Complete blood count, serum total protein, and albumin/globulin tests were carried out. The predominant ocular symptom was iris hyperemia. No significant changes were observed in neutrophil, eosinophil, lymphocyte and monocyte. A positive, statistically significant relationship was found between RDW and the antibody score. A negative, statistically significant correlation was observed between total protein and antibody score. The difference in A/G ratios between antibody titers was statistically significant. In conclusion, no direct correlation was identified between the types or symptoms of uveitis and antibody levels, albumin/globulin ratio, or complete blood count parameters. Stress leukogram, which is used in differential diagnosis by many researchers, was found to be completely ineffective, with even the lowest lymphocyte count observed in animals with S1 antibody titer. The results of RDW parameters obtained in cats suspected of FIP suggest that this simple parameter could be used as a cost-effective and reliable marker for FIP with further studies.