Peritonitis in cats is viral disease, caused by one of the feline coronaviruses. It is expressed in dry, wet and hidden forms, the latter being characteristic of most cats.

The main reason is the RNA-containing coronavirus. The disease process can be either wet in nature, when fluid effusions into the body, or dry, when nodules appear in the internal organs. The animal secretes coronovirus even before the disease. For infection also an important condition is cats living in one place for a long time, licking each other. The greatest risk of infection is in cats that either live in shelters and kennels, or live in large numbers with a person, especially if he is a fan of a large number of cats in the house. The main method of distribution is through a common tray or bowl.

Viral peritonitis

The main signs of the exudative form of the disease are:

1. Depression.
2. Lack of appetite.
3. Weight loss over time.
4. Increase in abdominal volume due to ascites.
5. Shortness of breath due to fluid accumulation in the chest cavity.
6. Violation heart rate V in rare cases.

The proliferative form is accompanied by the following problems:

1. Defeat internal organs at an accelerated pace.
2. Dry plaque under the eyelids.
3. Paralysis of limbs.
4. Ataxia.
5. Accelerated weight loss.
6. Changes in behavior.

Diagnosis should be carried out based on the results of molecular genetic tests or PCR, thanks to this it is possible to determine whether the genome of the virus is in the animal’s body. You should also resort to analysis of ascites fluid from the abdomen. If it is gray and viscous, then most likely the virus is present in the body.

Treatment of viral peritonitis is a very difficult matter, because a specific technique has not yet been developed. Doctors most often try to treat cats by intravenously administering antiviral drugs. medicines according to the type of fosprenil or enterostat, exudate is also removed and iodine-based drugs are introduced into the peritoneum. But such treatment does not bring results and can cause harm.
animal.

The only treatment option is the use of the Primucell FIP vaccine. Although its safety is not yet known, according to some doctors, this vaccine can be given to a cat through the nose.

Prevention of this disease consists of maintaining cleanliness in the home, with periodic disinfection. In addition, it is necessary to prevent the accumulation of cats; in the case of catteries, babies and pregnant cats should be protected from other individuals.

Indirect measures include strengthening the immune system and reducing the number of stress factors, which will help reduce the number of opportunities for diseases to occur.

Infectious peritonitis

Symptoms of this type of peritonitis may include the following:

• Fever of unknown type when other symptoms are inappropriate.
• Pleural effusion due to heart related diseases.
• Respiratory diseases arising from the influence of chlamydia or other bacteria.
• Yellow fat disease and pain on palpation of the abdomen.
• Panleukopia and subsequent enteritis.

Diagnosis must be carried out using laboratory tests, blood and urine tests (the diagnosis will be anemia, increased globulin, the presence of hyperbilibirubinemia), as well as enzyme immunoassay (positive result staining of samples taken, whether from the heart, kidneys or other organs, indicates the final diagnosis).

Laparoscopy (useful for locating specific lesions in the peritoneum and obtaining tissue for histopathological damage) and laparotomy (helpful in identifying a definitive diagnosis if there are problems with diagnosis and laparoscopy is not possible) are very useful.

Treatment can take place either in a hospital or on an outpatient basis at the client’s request.

For treatment to be carried out with best result, it is necessary to ensure high activity pet, follow a diet that will help restore the animal’s appetite, since weight loss often occurs with peritonitis. Owner education, which involves discussing aspects of the disease, is considered very useful.

If it seems like they can help medications, then this is by no means true. There are no effective drugs; if a cat has a critical or very high degree of disease, then it dies without a chance. Drugs like prednisolone have a very limited success and use, and corticosteroids help only with ophthalmological manifestations of peritonitis. Interferons are also not very common; information about success in treatment with these agents is available in Japan. Antibiotics have no effect at all, since secondary infections are not considered part of the clinical manifestation diseases.

As for the life expectancy of cats with this disease, the prognosis is disappointing. Even with a smooth course of the disease, the cat will fade away within a few months. Unfortunately, this disease has a very aggressive reaction, the harmful bacteria that are present in this disease have not yet been properly studied, and when peritonitis is detected, it is too late, treatment will be useless.

A little about external and histopathological changes

Findings during external examination will vary depending on the involvement of organs and tissues. The cat is emaciated with unkempt fur. The liver often has focal damage; there are also adhesions and granulomatous lumps, the latter protruding from the surface of the kidneys. Cats with neurological signs have damage to the brain or spinal cord, which will be immediately visible. Damage starts in the area of ​​the veins, then increases along the periphery, involving all more fabrics.

Conclusion

From all of the above it follows that this disease is very serious and very difficult to treat. It is almost impossible to cure this disease; the only option is to diagnose peritonitis using all possible methods.

It is also necessary to create active immunity using a vaccine, as well as proper nutrition And detailed explanations the owner about peritonitis and what to do with the final diagnosis.

Only full-scale diagnostics, using all modern means for the treatment of diseases of this kind, will give a decent result and help your cat live as long as possible.

A pet's illness unsettles not only the animal, but also its owners. It's sad to see how an active and curious purr is weakening literally before our eyes. This is a direct route to the veterinarian, who will find out what led to this disorder and how to treat it. Let's look at this using an example with a dangerous infectious peritonitis.

The disease is caused by the FIPY coronavirus, which contains RNA elements. The microscopic (only up to 120 nm in diameter) virion, once in the body, begins to multiply in blood cells - macrophages. They, in turn, distribute it to all organs. This is how a generalized infection begins, and the first to be affected are the intestines and tonsils, lymph nodes and vessel walls.

At weak immunity the virus multiplies despite protective antibodies. Their reaction is the determining factor on which the form of the disease, its dynamics and duration depend. A frightening feature of peritonitis is the high mortality rate.

The risk group includes young (under 2 years old) or elderly individuals who are 10 or more years old. Animals that fall into this age bracket get sick much less often. Owners should be especially vigilant purebred cats- they, unlike, are very sensitive to the effects of the pathogen.

Causes and routes of infection

As we have already found out, main reason triggering an infection - the action of a virus. It reminds itself of itself in different ways: by active sweating of protein-rich fluid into the body, or by the formation of specific nodules in the organs.

Important! The disease does not threaten kittens under 10 weeks of age - they still have strong antibodies, transmitted by the mother through the placenta.

This development of events is preceded by infection, and in this case it is important to know how exactly the insidious viral peritonitis is transmitted, and how its development in cats begins.

The virus enters the body mainly orally: when eating food that is left over from an already infected individual or due to accidental contact of particles of its feces on the mucous membrane of the mouth. It is also possible that infection occurs by air.

The key factor here is the sanitary condition of the home - if the house is dirty, the risk of infection increases significantly. Although a pet can get its dose of virions just by walking outside. It is not always possible to keep track of active animals, so suspicions of viral peritonitis often arise when the incubation period in cats has already come to an end.

From the moment the virus enters the body until the first signs of illness appear, it can take from 2-3 weeks to six months.

It all depends on the dynamics, as well as the specific form of peritonitis. Adding to the complexity is the fact that in 75% of cases, symptoms do not appear at all, which complicates further treatment.

Did you know? Cats' ears have 20 muscles, which gives them unique mobility.

Exudative and proliferative forms are considered more expressive, which are worth dwelling on in more detail.

The exudative (“wet”) scenario is associated with the production and release of a significant volume of fluid entering the abdominal or chest cavity. This process is easy to notice:

• shortness of breath begins (if the substance enters the chest cavity, thereby giving rise to pleurisy);
• the abdomen may also become enlarged; in severe cases, up to 1 liter of exudate can get there;
• all this is accompanied or begins with loss of appetite, lethargy or weight loss.

Such characteristic symptoms only emphasize sharp move disease and its danger.

More measured in time chronic course inherent in the proliferative (dry) form. In such cases, fewer vessels are affected. Although this does not make it easier for the pet - with this development events he may experience:

• damage to the eyes, in particular the retina and iris; it happens that dry plaque is clearly visible under the eyelids;
• enlarged lymph nodes;
• increased sensitivity skin;
• causeless and frequent change mood;
• "glitches" nervous system- impaired coordination of movements, manifestations of paresis hind limbs;
• fever;
• problems with breathing, liver and kidney function;
• Sick kittens are noticeably stunted in growth.

Important! An increase in temperature is just indirect sign characteristic of many diseases.

These symptoms, found in cats, and indicating that infectious peritonitis occurs in a proliferative form, are considered the most dangerous. This is due to irreversible changes in the body.

A standard complication is accumulation in the abdominal area or chest viscous transparent liquid, sometimes with visible flakes and fibrin thread.

This same fibrin forms a film covering the tissues and membranes of internal organs. At the same time, they become dull, and different areas mini-spikes are observed.
Moreover, whitish foci of rotting are often found there, surrounded by compacted exudate (taking the form of small nodes or plaques with a diameter of up to 10 mm). This affects the liver, pancreas, intestinal wall and other membranes through which necrosis penetrates.

In the lungs there are fewer such formations, and the pathways themselves acquire a rich scarlet color, often becoming denser.

The clinical picture also includes enlargement of the kidneys against the background of the appearance of single white nodes, absorbed into the cortical composition.

Did you know? When frightened, a cat can jump to a height 5 times its height.

With proliferative dynamics, foci of inflammation arise, covering the eyes and nerve endings, cardiovascular lines and the lower abdominal region.

Having shown the animal to the veterinarian, many are shocked to hear that only an autopsy can give an absolutely correct diagnosis. This is not the black humor of the Aesculapians, but a fact that once again proves the extreme danger of the disease.
But not everything is so gloomy - more familiar methods can clarify the picture:

• Serological analysis of blood and serum obtained from it.
• PCR (polymerase chain reaction) - laboratory technicians examine a collection of blood or saliva by “breaking down” the material into individual strands of DNA and RNA. The same can be done with swabs or feces.
• Abdominal puncture followed by analysis of the collected fluid is also practiced.

Deciphering samples makes it possible to exclude the presence of a number of diseases: bacterial peritonitis, tuberculosis and cardiac or pulmonary failure.
After making sure that no such illnesses were found (as well as tumors or consequences traumas suffered), doctors make a diagnosis and decide what to do with treatment.

Let's begin with classical scheme there is simply no treatment. In addition, extensive internal damage may turn out to be “outdated,” which threatens to reduce the likelihood of healing to a minimum.

Important! If there is an exacerbation, you can apply ice to the abdomen (if, of course, the pet allows it).

In view of rapid development peritonitis viral type treated comprehensively:

• It all starts with removing exudate using a puncture. In some cases, a blood transfusion is also performed at the same time.
• If the pet’s condition allows you to do without them, a course of therapy is prescribed. Typically, injections of Penicillin, Cephalosporin or sulfonamide compounds are used. Enterostat, used by many doctors, along with its analogue Fosprenil, do not give much effect.

• Prescribed to eliminate symptoms vitamin complexes with the obligatory presence of compounds of groups B and C.
• Neutralization of a pathogenic virus is a task for Cyclophosphamide, Prednisolone or similar drugs.
• The result is secured with immunostimulants like Interferon or Immunoglobulin.

Did you know? All cats are naturally predisposed to farsightedness - they are able to see an object from a distance of 60 m! But striped animals most clearly perceive objects located at a distance of 0.75-6 m.

Doses, rates and frequency of administration are determined only by a veterinarian. The owner is required to take extra care of the animal. It comes down to the use of vitamin-rich foods (but at the same time “light” for the stomach).
Many people are interested in how viral peritonitis found in cats affects how long they live after it is detected.

Unfortunately, the prognosis is consistently (90%) unfavorable - with the exudative version, experts give the cat a few days to a month. With the proliferative form the situation is slightly different: here the count starts from 3 weeks to six months (and this is the maximum).

The time frame may be even shorter if there is a history of leukemia (at least 20% of cases of infection occur in such animals).

It is not surprising that in this situation, prevention plays a huge role.

Of course, the easiest way is to get all the vaccinations against infectious diseases prescribed by the calendar from a young age. But they work to strengthen general immunity. provoke specific protection on this moment Only one vaccine can do it. It is produced in the States and is called “Primucell FIP”.
Although there is a nuance here: domestic veterinarians often refuse to use this remedy, citing insufficiently studied contraindications and the risk of side effects (again, not fully understood). On the other hand, many of their colleagues recommend administering the drug through the nose.

Important! If taken from a nursery, this slightly increases his susceptibility to this disease. When making such a purchase, be sure to request documents indicating the date of vaccination, the name and dose of the drug used.

Viral peritonitis in cats is a fairly rare but very dangerous disease. Latin name disease - Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), translated as feline infectious peritonitis. The disease is caused by mutated forms of the relatively safe coronavirus FECV. The virus can be in the cat's body long time without causing any changes. When mutated forms of the virus penetrate mucous tissues respiratory system animal, the body's immune reaction begins. Immune cells (macrophages) engulf viruses.

With a strong immune system, a cat’s body can cope with coronavirus infection on its own. When the immune system is weakened, the virus spreads throughout the animal’s body. Due to certain reasons, at some point the coronavirus mutates and becomes a pathogen. The virus affects literally all organs and tissues of the body, causing its complete degradation and causing the death of the animal. The mechanism of development of the disease is still not fully understood. Because initial symptoms diseases are not specific, diagnose viral peritonitis on early stages very difficult.

Methods of infection

The coronavirus dies quite quickly when isolated from a cat’s body. High temperatures and any antiseptics kill him within a few minutes. However, at low temperatures the virus remains viable for a long time.

The infection is transmitted from a sick animal to a healthy one through:

1. feces;
2. saliva;
3. urine;
4. blood.

Infectious peritonitis in cats it can also be transmitted during mating with an infected animal. According to veterinary research, about 28% of free-living cats that come into contact with each other on the street are infected with coronavirus, and about 15% of domestic cats that live only indoors. This proves that the virus can be transmitted through the air, along with dust and other soil particles.

An epidemic of the disease can occur in places where cats gather.

Thus, we can conclude that coronavirus is quite widespread among the cat tribe. A cat can live its entire life spreading the infection without showing signs of illness. However, with weakened immunity and in old age the disease may manifest itself. Then the death of the animal occurs within a few weeks. But feline infectious peritonitis occurs in only 2% of infected individuals.

Coronavirus is able to cross the placental barrier, so the disease can be transmitted from an infected cat to kittens during fetal development. In many cases, when kittens are infected during fetal development, the embryos die during pregnancy. Kittens born from an infected cat develop the disease in 100% of cases.

Infected kittens are significantly stunted in growth. They are inactive and different poor appetite. Death of kittens intrauterine infection occurs during the first month of life. In rare cases, a sick kitten may survive. However, he remains a carrier of the infection for the rest of his life. Felinologists recommend that such a kitten be sterilized and limit its contact with other individuals.

Coronavirus is easily transmitted from a sick animal to a healthy one if several animals use the same toilet.

The virus inevitably ends up on the cat's paws. And all animals must lick their paws every day. Thus, the infection enters the animal’s body. Infectious peritonitis is especially dangerous where several cats live at the same time, be it in an apartment or a cattery. Therefore, owners who keep several animals at the same time are recommended to treat cat litter with antiseptic agents daily.

Kittens and older individuals are most susceptible to viral peritonitis. It is believed that after 2 years, a cat’s susceptibility to coronavirus decreases significantly. However, when falling vitality the infection can begin its destructive effect at any age of the animal.

Symptoms of the disease

Coronavirus settles mainly in small intestine felines, causing short-term diarrhea and vomiting that goes away on its own. Some mutated forms of the virus become much more pathogenic. They can spread from the intestines to various organs and hit them.

Viral peritonitis can be in acute and chronic form. For acute form characterized by rapid exhaustion of the animal and the manifestation of the main signs of the disease. With this form, the duration of the disease does not exceed several weeks. Chronic form more typical for dry viral peritonitis in cats, can last up to six months.

Cats do not have FIP characteristic symptoms in the early stages of the disease.

A sick animal may experience vomiting or diarrhea, which goes away after a few days. As the disease progresses, the cat takes on a depressed, sick appearance. Appetite gradually decreases. The animal hides in dark secluded corners and sits there for a long time. The animal quickly loses weight and becomes weak. With viral peritonitis in cats, symptoms will include the following:

• periodic increase in body temperature above 40ºС followed by a decrease below 38ºС;
• hard breath;
• bloating;
• dry mucous membranes;
• yellowness of the sclera and skin;
• clouding of the cornea of ​​the eyes;
• convulsions and periodic tremors of the limbs;
• partial paralysis of mainly the hind limbs;
• impaired coordination of movements;
• enlarged lymph nodes.

Non-exudative or dry peritonitis in cats is characterized by the formation of foci of inflammation in the intestines, kidneys, liver or lymph nodes. Signs of the disease depend on which organ is most affected. If the virus affects the animal's central nervous system, it may cause loss of coordination of movements and the development of partial paralysis. Often, cats affected by viral peritonitis develop uveitis with changes in the shape of the pupil and the color of the iris.

In the absence of an adequate immune response, macrophages are unable to destroy the coronavirus. Macrophages absorb the virus, and the virus multiplies inside the macrophages. And since the largest accumulation of these immune cells observed under the serous membranes lining the body cavities, exudative peritonitis develops. With wet (exudative) peritonitis in cats, the abdominal cavity is predominantly affected, inflammation of the peritoneum develops, followed by accumulation of abdominal fluid.

If an accumulation of the virus is found in the membranes of the lungs, pleurisy develops with the accumulation of fluid in pleural cavity.

In this case, the cat develops shortness of breath and difficulty breathing.

In some cases, the disease, having arisen in one form, acquires symptoms characteristic of another form. Therefore, a cat with a disorder motor function Ascites may also appear over time.

Diagnostic measures

A blood test for coronavirus infection is prescribed if there are a number of signs of the disease, the most important of which is the animal’s weight loss. At the same time, a blood test is performed for toxoplasmosis and feline leukemia. If ascites is present, abdominal fluid is examined. In the case of viral peritonitis, the fluid becomes yellowish in color, becomes viscous and contains a large number of leukocytes, macrophages and neutrophils. In the dry form of the disease, palpation of the abdomen reveals the presence of nodules on the cat’s intestines and kidneys. Positive reaction ELISA in combination with prolonged fever, ascites or the presence of granulomas, stable weight loss is a sufficient sign for a diagnosis of viral peritonitis in a cat.

Treatment of pathology

Symptoms and treatment of the disease depend on which organ is most affected by the virus. Unfortunately, today there is no cure for this disease. Therefore, the veterinarian prescribes symptomatic treatment. Some veterinarians prescribe antibiotics or glucocorticosteroids for treatment. But sometimes such treatment can only make the situation worse.

In case of severe ascites, fluid is pumped out. However, this measure only temporarily alleviates the animal’s condition, since after a short period of time the liquid is restored in volume. FIP in cats is still considered an incurable disease. Therefore, how long a sick animal will live depends on individual characteristics his body. You can extend your pet’s life if you fight the onset of anorexia with all your might. The cat needs to be fed with its favorite treats. All necessary amenities must be near the animal.

If the symptoms of the disease are painful, veterinarians may suggest euthanasia of the animal.

From time to time, reviews appear on the Internet with absurd claims that feline viral peritonitis is transmitted to humans. But this is not true, people do not get sick with feline viral peritonitis. In fact, peritonitis in a cat occurs as a result of mutation of the viruses living in it. Yes, they can become infected with coronavirus from each other, but it is not a fact that a disease will develop as a result of infection.

Many cats long years lived well after infection normal life, and the virus was discovered in them by chance, when diagnosing another disease. The fact is that coronavirus is very similar to parvavirus. Both viruses can cause enteritis in a cat, and the symptoms of the two diseases are often difficult to distinguish from each other. However, enteritis in many cases can be treated quite successfully, unlike viral peritonitis.

A disease characterized by acute and subacute course, expressed inflammatory processes in the peritoneum.

Three forms of peritonitis in cats

There are three forms of manifestation: exudative form, proliferative, asymptomatic form .

Animals whose age ranges from six months to five years are susceptible, regardless of the time of year. The pathology is caused by a virus of the genus Coronavirus from the Coronaviridae family.

The disease affects cats between six months and five years of age.

Virus reproduction environment - kidney cells and thyroid gland . Adequately tolerates low temperature, but reacts sensitively to high temperature and light.

Sources and factors of occurrence

The appearance of the disease is provoked by cats that are sick or have already had the disease.

A sick animal during the period when the first half passes incubation period able to shed the virus out along with feces, urine and nasal secretions.

A sick animal can transmit the virus through urine.

After recovery, the same phenomenon occurs for more than two months, about three.

Ways of cat infection

Routes of infection: oral and airborne.

Once in the body, the virus is localized and begins to develop in the tonsils, and is often found in the intestines. Then it migrates along lymphatic system, stopping at nodes. It spreads through the bloodstream to all systems and organs, affecting them and staying mainly in the vascular systems.

Once in the cat's body, the virus begins to develop in the intestines.

Animals with strong immunity are able to suppress the outbreak of pathology for a short time, but then the virus manifests itself again.

Infectious peritonitis

Infectious peritonitis of nonspecific origin occurs as a result of trauma to the peritoneum - wounds, falls, blows.

As a result of an unsuccessful fall, the cat may develop infectious peritonitis.

Accompanied by possible rupture of internal organs, infection of nearby organs and tissues. It is possible that infection may occur as a result of surgery due to violations of the rules of asepsis and antisepsis. An infection of a specific origin manifests itself when there is viral diseases. Invasive infection – the presence of worms and the result of their influence. Non-infectious nature - thermal or chemical burns and the consequences they caused.

Diagnostics

Regardless of timely diagnosis, the prognosis will be questionable due to the extensive damage and severe course of the disease.

The exact causes are, unfortunately, revealed through post-mortem examination of dead animals. Laboratory research carried out by serological analysis and molecular genetic analysis. The main diagnosis is based on differentiation.

The exact causes of the disease are identified through serological and molecular genetic analysis.

The following pathologies are excluded:

• renal ascites;
• cardiac ascites;
• heart failure;
• injuries;
• lymphosarcomatosis;
• tuberculosis.

Anamnesis also plays a significant role. Information about recent injuries or illnesses helps to rule out a number of triggers.

For diagnosing the disease, information about the cat’s vital activity plays an important role.

Symptoms of peritonitis in cats and kittens

The incubation period of the disease ranges from a couple of weeks to several months, which greatly complicates timely diagnosis.

Specific signs depend on the age of the animal, the degree of damage, and the strength of the immune system. General symptoms kittens experience: lack of appetite, exhaustion, hyperthermia, inflammation of the peritoneum, and less commonly, pleurisy. In adults, the disease occurs in two forms: exudative and dry form.

Lack of appetite is one of the symptoms of the disease.

Exudative form

The exudative form - wet - is manifested by the presence of fluid in the peritoneum or chest cavity, ascites. As a result, the cat develops shortness of breath, pulmonary and cardiac sounds when listening.

Ascites in a cat.

Dry form

The dry form manifests itself as eye diseases: damage to the iris and retina, which is manifested by purulent discharge.

Eye diseases and purulent discharge begin with the dry form of the disease.

The kidneys are affected, manifesting as glomerulonephritis. , which leads to the appearance of jaundice, enlargement of the organ itself, and pain in the right hypochondrium. Often the process affects the lungs , which is accompanied by the development catarrhal bronchopneumonia. There is a disturbance of the central nervous system, accompanied by paresis of the limbs, hypersensitivity of the skin, and strange movements. Dry current most often ends in death.

Posthumous changes

Postmortem changes will be expressed the presence of a clear liquid of viscous consistency in the peritoneal cavity. Protein flakes or streaks are often observed in the liquid. The same protein coating - fibrin– most will be covered serous membranes and surfaces. Areas of necrosis and the presence of transparent mucous nodes in the liver, intestinal walls, and kidneys are also visible.

Almost all organs are affected by fibrinous plaque, in some places in the form of nodules or granular mass. The kidneys are enlarged in size with the same plaque present. The lungs are dense, rich dark red in color. The lymph nodes of the chest cavity are enlarged and inflamed. All affected organs have signs of inflammation.

An autopsy of the animal will show that all affected organs have inflammation.

Treatment of peritonitis in cats

Therapy is carried out in a complex. First aid is aimed at eliminating pain syndrome and alleviating the cat's condition.

To do this, fluid is removed from the cavities by puncture. At the same time, diuretics are prescribed. In order to suppress pathogenic microflora, the use of antibiotic therapy in the form of drugs of groups cephalosporins, penicillins, sulfa drugs . Medicines are used by injection subcutaneously.

In more severe cases - intravenous administration . If the cause was injury, the cause is eliminated, sometimes through surgery.

It is recommended to carry out treatment aimed at eliminating symptoms - use of painkillers , intravenous infusions of saline solutions to maintain exhausted body. Medicines that support the heart and circulatory system. Blood transfusions are used less frequently. At the same time, a gentle diet is recommended - the use of special fortified food for easy digestion. Acute attacks eliminated by applying ice to the stomach, wrapped in a towel. The use of glucocorticoids in the form of prednisolone is justified.

For treatment, intravenous infusions of physiological solutions should be performed.

Complex treatment

In the complex it is indicated to prescribe vitamin preparations groups B and C, multivitamins, immunoglobulin, interferon.

Immunoglobulin is included in complex treatment cat

Prevention

Timely vaccination of a cat is the prevention of the disease.

Video about peritonitis in cats

Peritonitis in cats is a disease inflammatory peritoneum lying on the organs abdominal cavity and feeding them. The development of this disease is an extremely serious condition requiring immediate surgical and medication assistance pet. Even if you contact a veterinarian in a timely manner and proper treatment, the percentage of deaths is high.

In cats, the most common viral peritonitis is caused by. There are several ways of transmission: fecal-oral, airborne and transplacental, when infection occurs in utero through the placenta from a cat to its offspring.

Once in the body, the virus begins to actively multiply and is released along with feces into the environment. This process continues for several months and stops as soon as antibodies are produced.

At high concentration virus in the animal's environment is possible reinfection.

There is another option: once a cat becomes infected, it does not get sick, but becomes a carrier and a source of infection for other animals.

Types of peritonitis and routes of infection

Depending on the etiology, veterinarians distinguish different kinds peritonitis and ways of its transmission.

Bacterial

It develops under the influence of the following factors:

• The entry of microbes into the abdominal cavity, which becomes possible when the stomach and intestines are damaged (injuries, peptic ulcers, etc.). Perforation of these organs occurs and their contents end up in the abdominal cavity.
• Height malignant tumor and its metastasis into the walls of hollow organs, which leads to a violation of their integrity.
• Passage of hairballs and solids through the intestines feces, which, injuring it, cause the appearance of microscopic cracks.

Viral

Coronavirus causes this type of peritonitis. At the same time, some individuals tolerate the pathology extremely hard, while others are resistant to it and do not get sick even with constant contact with the virus.

Experts have identified genetic predisposition several breeds of cats are susceptible to infection with this virus: , and .

With the development of viral peritonitis, almost 90% of animals die. Cats with reduced immunity are most susceptible to the disease.

Coronavirus is resistant to environment and can survive in feces and objects contaminated with them for up to 30 days, and in some cases more.

Postoperative

Develops as a result of infection when surgical operations. Sometimes the veterinarian is to blame: in case of insufficient sanitation of foci of infection (for example, abscesses), violation of the rules of asepsis and antisepsis, damage during surgical treatment, nearby organs, for example, Bladder, intestines. Sometimes the surgeon forgets napkins, cotton swabs, and operating needles in the abdominal cavity, which can also cause this type of peritonitis.

However, the disease develops not only due to medical personnel, and also as a result of the presence concomitant pathology and the general condition of the pet.

It is also possible for infection to enter the abdominal cavity through postoperative scar, poorly healing and infected ones are especially dangerous in this regard. Postoperative peritonitis can be acute and sluggish.

Other

In addition to this classification, peritonitis is divided into forms:

• Wet. This type is referred to as infection of fluid that has accumulated in the abdominal cavity. It is the most common, occurring in 70% of sick animals;
• Dry. These are several foci of infected tissue that have merged with each other and are located in the abdominal wall.

At-risk groups

Cats at high risk of infection are:

• aged from 3 months to 3 years;
• over 10 years old;
• having chronic and/or congenital pathology;
• elite breeds of cats, when breeding which attention was paid to the exterior ( appearance), not health;
• living in a large group, for example, in a kennel or animal hotel;
• street;
• participating in exhibitions.

Symptoms

It must be borne in mind that very often peritonitis can occur in a hidden, i.e. latent form. As a result, you may not notice signs of the disease and miss valuable time for treatment.

Among the main symptoms are the following:

• The pet's behavior changes. He becomes apathetic, lethargic, sleeps a lot and hardly plays.
• The fur becomes dull and begins to stick out in different directions.
• Appetite decreases to the point where the animal begins to...
• Kittens stop growing.
• is steadily increasing.
• A dry coating forms on the eyelids, which the animal cannot get rid of on its own.
• The gait changes, the cat seems to drag its limbs, up to their complete paralysis.
• Ascites develops and fluid begins to accumulate in the abdominal cavity. At the same time, the animal's stomach swells.
• Are increasing The lymph nodes and liver.
• Sometimes yellowness of the sclera appears, which indicates the development of jaundice.
• Problems arise in the functioning of the digestive organs, which can manifest itself, or, conversely,.
• Sometimes seizures develop.
• The pet begins to breathe through the mouth, and shortness of breath is noticeable. This symptom occurs due to developing pulmonary insufficiency caused by the accumulation of fluid in the pleural cavity. The latter begins to compress the lungs and thereby make breathing difficult. Development of pleurisy – warning sign, indicating the seriousness of the animal’s condition, immediate attention is required veterinary care, since the probability fatal outcome with it increases.

It is worth remembering that if there are any changes in your pet’s behavior or well-being, it is better to show it veterinarian and get tested rather than wait and waste precious time.

Diagnostics

To diagnose peritonitis, the doctor must not only examine the animal, but also find out some aspects of its life.

For example, does the cat come into contact with street animals, how many individuals live in one area, whether the family has pets of other species (dogs, parrots, hamsters, etc.), living conditions. Find out whether there have been any changes in the psycho-emotional state of the pet caused by. He also clarifies whether surgical interventions have been performed recently or not.

If there are other animals in the family, they should be isolated from the sick cat and also examined, as there are hidden forms course of pathology and carriage of the virus.

After collecting all the necessary information, the veterinarian will examine the animal and conduct research. Among the main ones are:

• biopsy - tissue is sent for immunohistochemical examination.
• measuring body temperature;
• study biological fluids polymerase method chain reaction(PCR);
• Ultrasound of internal organs;
• biochemical and general clinical examinations of blood and urine;
• radiography;
• laparoscopy – it can be used to detect the presence of ascites and/or exudate and send the resulting fluid for examination;

Thanks to these diagnostic measures, the veterinarian will make a diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment.

Treatment

After the diagnosis is established, treatment for the disease begins. Depending on the cause of peritonitis, healing procedures will be slightly different.

When infected with coronavirus, therapy is reduced to maintaining the general condition of the animal and symptomatic treatment. This is due to the fact that at the moment the development of veterinary medicine, etiotropic antiviral therapy does not exist. First you need to ease general state animal and eliminate pain. The doctor will puncture the resulting cavities and remove the exudate that has accumulated there, and also administer diuretics to increase diuresis.

To destroy the pathogenic microflora that caused the disease, antibiotics are administered. Their main groups are: cephalosporins, penicillins, sulfonamides.

Do it subcutaneously, intramuscularly, and especially in serious condition animal - intravenous drip or stream.

If the cause of peritonitis is perforation of a hollow organ or injury, urgent surgery is performed, radically eliminating the cause of the disease. In order to maintain acid-base balance, prescribe drips with Saline solution, Reambirin, etc.

In addition, they apply hormonal agents, for example, Prednisolone, as well as multivitamins and interferons.

Particular attention must be paid to your pet during treatment. They are fed fractionally, in small portions, with special fortified foods that are easily absorbed by the body.

To relieve pain, apply a heating pad with ice, wrapped in a cloth or towel, to the stomach.

If the cause of peritonitis is coronavirus, then it is worth carrying out complete disinfection in the room where the animal was kept. At the same time, preference is given to products that are safe for pets and free of chlorine, parabens and other harmful substances.

It is worth treating the cat's litter box and bowls with special care, since the virus is highly resistant and it is possible to re-infect a pet weakened after illness.

Mister Cat warns: can a person get infected from a cat?

Owners are mistaken in believing that viral peritonitis is similar to HIV and is easily transmitted to people. This is not true at all. The fact is that the coronavirus actually undergoes mutations in the animal’s body and, as a result, affects its immunity. But this is a completely different virus that has nothing to do with HIV. Therefore, there is no need to worry about infection from a pet; this virus is only dangerous for cats, cats and kittens.

How to prevent infectious peritonitis

Today there is no effective vaccine against coronavirus. In the USA, it is under development, but has not yet passed all the required stages of research. In this regard, the vaccine is prohibited in Europe and Russia.

Many veterinary experts believe that good conditions content and favorable psychological climate, will allow cats or a cat to avoid the development of such terrible disease like peritonitis. Among the measures to prevent animal infection are:

• prevent eating the excrement of other cats;
• at large cluster keep animals in a relatively small area, for example, in an apartment, cats separately from other animals; the same rule applies to kittens and older pets;
• ensure a favorable psychological climate, absence of stress;
• strengthen immunity;
• give multivitamin complexes recommended by a veterinarian;
• periodically process or change the animal’s things: tray, bowls, toys;
• See a veterinarian regularly;
• avoid contact with other cats, especially street cats;
• follow the veterinarian's recommendations after surgical interventions, animal.