Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a systemic infectious disease that has a high
mortality rate. Its etiologic agent is the feline infectious peritonitis virus (IFPV) caused
by the mutation of the feline enteric coronavirus (FECV), which occurs during
replication in the gastrointestinal tract of the organism. Thus, the virus acquires the
ability to enter the bloodstream, making intense replication in one of the defense cells
known as macrophages. As a consequence, there is the development of the systemic
form of the disease that is considered serious. FIP is a widespread disease in several
countries, which has no sexual predisposition, but has racial preference. This disease
can also present two forms: the effusive form, also known as wet and the non-effusive
form, also known as dry. Clinical signs are usually nonspecific and may vary according
to the form of the disease. The most common clinical manifestations are persistent
fever, anorexia, weight loss, diarrhea and dehydration. In the effusive form, peritoneal
and/or pleural effusion, abdominal distension, dyspnea and jaundice can be found. In
the non-effusive form, granulomas, uveitis, convulsions and behavioral changes may
be observed. Its diagnosis is still a challenge because it does not have a specific test,
so it is necessary to correlate anamnesis, clinical signs and complementary exams to
obtain a diagnosis. The indicated treatment is supportive, with the possibility of
immunomodulation and immunosuppression. Currently, there is a new possibility of
treatment with the GS-441524 molecule that has been showing effectiveness in
restoring the health of patients infected with virus. Thus, the present work aims to
review updates on the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to FIP.
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