ObjectivesThis study aims to characterise the presence and nature of ocular findings in cats diagnosed with feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) and to evaluate the effects of antiviral treatment with GS-441524 on ocular manifestations.MethodsStudy participants were prospectively recruited over a one-year period by the FIP study team at the Veterinary Animal Hospital, "xxx". A total of 118 cats diagnosed with FIP underwent a comprehensive standardised semi-quantitative ophthalmic examination. Cats with ophthalmic abnormalities at the baseline examination received a follow-up examination on days seven and 42, following commencement of the oral antiviral therapy, GS-441524. Changes throughout the treatment period were recorded and reviewed.ResultsAt the baseline examination, 40.1% (48/118) of cats had ocular abnormalities, with the most common associated findings being anterior uveitis, keratic precipitates and chorioretinitis. Throughout the course of treatment with GS-441524, significant improvements were observed in all ocular segments, with rapid improvement noted during the first seven days of treatment in most cases. Residual chorioretinal lesions and vitreal cells persisted in a minority of cases.Conclusions and relevanceThis study suggests that ocular abnormalities in cats with FIP are more common than previously reported. Potentially vision-threatening posterior segment changes occurred frequently and treatment with oral GS-441524 led to rapid improvement in most ocular lesions, particularly uveitis and chorioretinitis. These findings support the inclusion of ophthalmic examination as part of the clinical evaluation of cats with suspected or diagnosed FIP.

Differential induction of PD-L1 expression in cells infected with feline infectious peritonitis virus and feline enteric coronavirus.

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a fatal disease driven by feline coronavirus induced immune dysregulation and excessive inflammatory cytokine production. Immunomodulatory agents capable of rebalancing this response are therefore of increasing interest. Phallus indusiatus (P. indusiatus), an edible mushroom containing diverse bioactive compounds, has previously demonstrated antiviral and anti-inflammatory potential. This study investigated the immunomodulatory effects of P. indusiatus extract on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy cats and FIP cats and characterized its chemical constituents using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). PBMCs were isolated from whole blood and FIP fluid. Cytotoxicity screening identified 19 µg/mL as a non-toxic concentration for subsequent assays. Cytokine responses (IL-1β, IFN-γ, and IL-10) were evaluated following LPS stimulation in PBMCs from whole blood and under basal conditions in PBMCs from FIP fluid after treatment with P. indusiatus extract and dexamethasone. LC-MS/MS profiling combined with STITCH analysis was used to identify bioactive metabolites and their predicted molecular targets. PBMCs derived from FIP fluid exhibited markedly elevated IL-1β and IFN-γ, indicating strong baseline immune activation. P. indusiatus significantly reduced IL-1β and IFN-γ in PBMCs from FIP fluid and suppressed LPS-induced IL-1β and IL-10 in whole-blood PBMCs, demonstrating immunomodulatory patterns comparable to dexamethasone. LC-MS/MS analysis identified compounds including adenosine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, cystathionine, arginine, and sialic acid, which were linked to inflammatory signaling. Overall, the extract exhibited context-dependent modulation of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, suggesting that P. indusiatus may serve as a promising natural adjunctive candidate for managing immune imbalance in cats with FIP.

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a major disease of cats which, unless promptly diagnosed and treated, is invariably fatal. Although it has long been recognised that the condition is the result of an aberrant immune response to infection with feline coronavirus, there remain significant gaps in our understanding of its pathogenesis. Consequently, diagnosis is complex and relies on the combined interpretation of numerous clinical signs and laboratory biomarkers, many of which are non-specific. In the case of effusive FIP, a commonly encountered acute form of the disease where body cavity effusions develop; the interpretation of fluid analysis results is key to diagnosing the condition. We hypothesised that machine learning could be applied to fluid analysis test data in order to help diagnose effusive FIP. Thus, historical test records from a veterinary laboratory dataset of 718 suspected cases of effusive disease were identified, representing 336 cases of FIP and 382 cases that were determined not to be FIP. This dataset was used to train an ensemble model to predict disease status based on clinical observations and laboratory features. Our model predicts the correct disease state with an accuracy of 96.51%, an area under the receiver operator curve of 96.48%, a sensitivity of 98.85% and a specificity of 94.12%. This study demonstrates that machine learning can be successfully applied to the interpretation of fluid analysis results to accurately detect cases of effusive FIP. Thus, this method has the potential to be utilised in a veterinary diagnostic laboratory setting to standardise and improve service provision.

Obstructive colonic FGESF associated with feline infectious peritonitis in a cat: a case report.

Feline coronavirus (FCoV) has two biotypes: feline enteric coronavirus (FECV), which typically causes mild intestinal infections, and feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV), a virulent form associated with a fatal systemic and infectious disease in cats, known as feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). The differentiation between FECV and FIPV has been linked to specific mutations, most notably M1058L and S1060A, in the spike (S) protein. These mutations are believed to enhance macrophage tropism and facilitate systemic dissemination. However, the precise contribution of these mutations to FIPV virulence remains uncertain, as they have also been reported in non-FIP cases. Here, we report three FIP-positive cases (3/20; 15%) in domestic cats in Hanoi, Vietnam, in which the virus carried the M1058L mutation, while none had the S1060A substitution. These findings contribute to the ongoing debate regarding the role of spike protein mutations in FIP pathogenesis and underscore the need for continued genomic surveillance. Further research is needed to elucidate the molecular determinants involved in the FECV-to-FIPV transition, with potential implications for improving diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies for feline infectious peritonitis.

Feline coronavirus (FCoV) infects both domestic and wild felids and has the potential to cause feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), a progressive and often fatal systemic disease. Although rapid diagnosis and treatment are crucial in cases of FIP, conventional reverse-transcription quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) requires RNA extraction and specialized equipment, limiting its use for timely testing in general veterinary practice. We evaluated the performance of a direct RT-qPCR method using the PicoGene PCR1100 system (GoFoton, Ibaraki, Japan), which omits the RNA extraction step and delivers results within ~40 min. Compared with FCoV culture supernatants and extracted RNA, we estimated the limit of detection of this direct RT-qPCR method to be 150 copies/reaction-a detection sensitivity equivalent to that of conventional RT-qPCR targeting the FCoV 3'-UTR. We observed no cross-reactivity with other feline viruses or SARS-CoV-2. We subsequently analyzed 28 pleural and abdominal effusions collected from cats suspected of having FIP to compare the direct RT-qPCR method with the conventional approach. The sensitivity of the direct RT-qPCR method was 95.5% (95% CI: [78.2, 99.2]) and the specificity was 100% (95% CI: [61.0, 100.0]), which supports the use of the PCR1100 system as a rapid and user-friendly point-of-care tool for the detection of FCoV RNA in effusion samples.

This study aimed to perform a comparative analysis of renal vascular index parameters including renal resistive index (RRI) and pulsatility index (RPI) in the non-invasive diagnosis of renal damage in cats diagnosed with Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP). The study group comprised 17 cats diagnosed with FIP and 10 healthy cats as controls for data comparison. Hematological and biochemical assessments were detected the kidney damage in FIP cases. Comprehensive ultrasound recordings of both kidneys were acquired using abdominal ultrasound. Color and pulsed wave Doppler ultrasonographic imaging, along with RRI and RPI values derived from these assessments, as well as comprehensive total renal ultrasonography evaluations, were documented. The mean RRI and RPI values of the right kidney (0.78 ± 0.11 and 2.12 ± 0.36, respectively) and the left kidney (0.77 ± 0.11 and 1.99 ± 0.09, respectively) were significantly higher in cats with FIP compared to the control group (right kidney: 0.54 ± 0.09 and 0.79 ± 0.21, P < 0.001 and P < 0.041, respectively; left kidney: 0.55 ± 0.10 and 0.80 ± 0.23, P < 0.001 and P < 0.036, respectively). Additionally, ROC analysis also determined the sensitivity and specificity of RRI and RPI (94%, 50% and 100%, 66%) at optimal cut-off points (RRI: 0.58 and RPI: 0.63). These findings reported in the present study is important as it is the first report of vascular index parameters in cats with FIP. These findings suggest that RRI and RPI may represent valuable non-invasive hemodynamic biomarkers for evaluating renal involvement and monitoring the progression of kidney damage associated with FIP.

Background: R Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a viral infection in cats that develops when a coronavirus mutates and causes an immune reaction throughout. The disease is usually fatal and requires extreme care to save the animal. Aim: This study examined the albumin-to-globulin (A/G) ratio as an important marker for monitoring the therapy effect. Simultaneously, the hematological and biochemical profiles of cats suffering from FIP were explored following intravenous treatment with remdesivir. Methods: Intravenous remdesivir was administered to 45 confirmed cases of FIP pets for 60 days. The cats were aged 3 months to 2 years because this is the most susceptible age in feline animals. Clinical data were collected at both the start and end of the 60-day period to examine the A/G ratio and monitor the hematological and biochemical profiles. Results: A significant alteration in the albumin concentration, A/G ratio, and lymphocyte counts was found after remdesivir administration for 60 days. The creatinine-to-Blood Urea Nitrogen ratio was also altered, indicating an improvement in renal metabolism or protein turnover. No significant changes were found in protein and globulin levels, Red Blood Cell indices, platelet counts, electrolytes, and minerals. We also did not find evidence of hepatic injury. Liver enzymes, including Alanine Aminotransferase, Aspartate Aminotransferase, and Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase, the ALT/AST ratio, and total bilirubin did not change, indicating no evidence of remdesivir-induced hepatic injury. Conclusion: The A/G ratio is useful to indicate recovery in FIP-affected cats.

This study investigated the prevalence of 11 common pathogens in dogs and cats in Shenzhen, China, from January 2022 to March 2024, aiming to enhance the understanding of their epidemiological characteristics for improved disease control strategies. Diagnostic testing for the target pathogens was performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), colloidal gold test strips, or fluorescence immunoassay. Statistical analysis revealed that among 13,134 cats, Feline Panleukopenia Virus (FPV) showed the highest prevalence (35.83%), followed by Feline Calicivirus (FCV, 26.20%), Feline Infectious Peritonitis Virus (FIPV, 22.00%), and Feline Herpesvirus (FHV, 15.76%). Among 3626 dogs, Canine Parvovirus (CPV) and Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) were predominant, showing a prevalence of 54.55% and 42.83%, respectively. Risk factor analysis showed that most infections occurred in unvaccinated animals and young individuals (<1 year old), with higher incidences in winter and spring. Logistic regression indicated that sex, age, and season were significantly associated with FPV, FHV, and FIPV infections, while age and season were associated with FCV, CPV, and CDV infections (sex showed no association). This study contributes to the epidemiological knowledge of common infectious diseases in dogs and cats, providing a theoretical basis for disease prevention in dogs and cats.

Epileptic seizures in cats and dogs are etiologically classified as idiopathic epilepsy, structural epilepsy and reactive seizures, and semiologically as atonic, tonic/clonic, or generalized tonic clonic, focal and focal seizures evolving into generalized seizures. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the semiological patterns and etiological causes of seizures in both species, and to assess interspecies differences in a regional veterinary population. Between January 2022 and January 2025, 77 cats and 106 dogs presented with seizures to Ondokuz Mayis University Animal Hospital (Samsun/Turkiye). After exclusions due to insufficient data or financial constraints, 24 cats and 29 dogs were included based on the Tier-I diagnostic criteria proposed by the International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force. The relationships between species, age, sex, neuter status, seizure semiology and etiology were analyzed. Generalized tonic-clonic seizures were observed in 83.3% of cats and 72.4% of dogs. Idiopathic epilepsy was diagnosed in 41.7% of cats and 55.2% of dogs. Structural epilepsy in cats was mainly associated with feline infectious peritonitis, while canine distemper virus was the predominant cause in dogs. Although seizure types were broadly similar across species, some etiological differences appeared regionally. The high rate of generalized seizures may reflect observer bias or challenges in accurately classifying semiology without electroencephalography. This study highlights the utility of tiered diagnostic approaches in veterinary epileptology and underscores the need for updated, species-specific consensus guidelines for diagnostic approach and classification especially in feline patients.

Background and Aim: Feline coronavirus (FeCoV) is a widely circulating Alphacoronavirus that causes mild enteric infections and, in some cases, progresses to Feline infectious peritonitis, a fatal systemic disease. FeCoV consists of two genotypes (I and II) and two biotypes (FeCoV and feline infectious peritonitis virus [FIPV]). Despite its importance, whole-genome data, particularly for FeCoV genotype II, remain limited in Thailand. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of FeCoV in domestic cats and to genetically characterize circulating strains using whole-genome and S gene sequencing. Materials and Methods: A total of 471 rectal swabs were collected from domestic cats presented to private small animal hospitals in Bangkok and neighboring provinces from October 2022 to October 2023. FeCoV detection and genotyping were performed using one-step reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction targeting the 3′UTR and S gene, respectively. Selected FeCoV-positive samples were subjected to whole-genome sequencing (WGS) (n = 4) and complete S gene sequencing (n = 6) using Oxford Nanopore technology with Minimap2, Racon, and Medaka pipelines. Phylogenetic and genetic analyses were conducted using MEGA program. Results: FeCoV positivity was 21.87% (103/471), with higher detection in young cats (&lt;6 months; 28.46%), though age, clinical status, and season showed no significant association (p &gt; 0.05). Genotype I was overwhelmingly predominant (99.03%), whereas genotype II was rare (0.97%). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Thai FeCoV-I strains clustered closely with Chinese and Dutch FeCoV-I strains, while the FeCoV-II strain grouped with Chinese FeCoV-II. Whole-genome pairwise comparisons showed high nucleotide and amino acid identities with their respective genotype references. No mutations were detected in the S1/S2 or S2 cleavage sites of Thai FeCoV-I, indicating conserved spike characteristics typical of FECoV biotypes. FeCoV-II exhibited the characteristic deletion and insertion patterns known for this genotype. No evidence of recombination with other coronaviruses was observed. Conclusion: This study provides updated molecular epidemiology of FeCoV in Thailand and reports the first complete FeCoV-II genome sequences from the country. The predominance of FeCoV-I and the detection of conserved spike regions highlight the need for genotype-specific surveillance and the reconsideration of vaccine strategies that currently target FeCoV-II. Expanded nationwide monitoring and detailed recombination analyses are warranted to better understand FeCoV evolution and transmission in feline populations. Keywords: domestic cats, FeCov, genotype I and II, molecular epidemiology, phylogenetic analysis, spike (S) gene, Thailand, whole-genome sequencing.

Development and validation of a recombinant N protein-based indirect ELISA for serological detection of feline infectious peritonitis virus.

&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Backgound&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;: Currently, there are still no satisfactory treatment options available for viral infectious diseases. Recent reports suggest that Marecipe AV, a herbal remedy, has shown significant therapeutic benefits in managing viral infections, especially those that are life-threatening, in both humans and animals. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Methods&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;: This review was compiled by analyzing published studies and integrating unpublished clinical and experimental data on Marecipe AV therapies from the original authors. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Results&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;: In managing postherpetic neuralgia, most patients experienced complete pain relief within 5 days of treatment. About 20% required 20 days or more of oral Marecipe AV therapy for full pain resolution. Once relieved, the pain did not return in any treated cases. All 28 patients achieved clinical cure, with no treatment failures. In managing feline chronic gingivostomatitis, all cats (62/62) treated with Marecipe AV monotherapy achieved clinical cure, resulting in a 100% treatment response and clinical cure rate. High recurrence rates were observed, with an 83.33% recurrence rate at 3 months in treated cases. In the group receiving three retreatments with Marecipe AV, the recurrence rate at 3 months was 28.57%. In managing feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), all treated cats showed a rapid response and reversal of disease signs within 2 to 5 days. The treatment response rate was 100%, with a mortality rate of 0% in the treatment group and 100% in the control group. For treating iridovirus infection in largemouth bass, final mortality dropped from 34% in untreated controls to under 1% in the treated group. By Day 7 post-treatment, virological clearance was observed in all 30 randomly sampled specimens, along with restored feeding behavior. The results of Marecipe AV herbal medicine in preventing the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus in domestic pigs showed that the treated group had a morbidity rate of 0%, while the untreated group had a morbidity rate of 41%. Additionally, the untreated pigs had a mortality rate of 21%. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Conclusion&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;: Marecipe AV herbal therapeutics has demonstrated a rapid ability to alleviate clinical symptoms and achieve complete clinical recovery for many chronic viral infections in humans, animals, and aquaculture species.

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a lethal, immune-mediated disease caused by feline coronavirus (FCoV). FIP was considered untreatable; however, GS-441524, a nucleoside analog, has become a hopeful antiviral treatment. Despite its effectiveness, survival outcomes depend on several prognostic factors, especially the type of disease and clinical presentation. This research aimed to assess the effectiveness of GS-441524 in a large population of cats with FIP in Iran, examine survival rates, and identify crucial prognostic factors affecting treatment outcomes. Additionally, it evaluates alterations in clinical, laboratory, and imaging outcomes during treatment, proposing a secure treatment protocol for veterinarians utilizing GS-441524 for FIP. This retrospective study analyzed 629 cats diagnosed with or highly suspected of having FIP in Iran between December 2020 and March 2024. Diagnosis was based on clinical signs, laboratory findings, ultrasonographic features, and therapeutic responses. Cats received GS-441524 via subcutaneous injection and/or oral administration for a minimum of 12 weeks. Dosages were adjusted according to the FIP form, and clinical, laboratory, and imaging data were collected before, during, and at the end of treatment with GS-441524. Dosages were further adjusted based on FIP form, weight gain, clinical improvement, and laboratory or imaging results. Statistical analyses comprised ANOVA, t-tests, chi-square tests, and non-parametric techniques to pinpoint important prognostic indicators and treatment effects. The survival rate reached 94.12%, with a relapse rate of 0.63%. Most reported type was Effusive forms accounted for 54.84% of the cats. Key prognostic factors associated with reduced survival included being male, over 6 years old, having neurological or mixed forms of FIP, and exhibiting fever, icterus, anemia, and thrombocytopenia (p < 0.05). Significant improvements were observed in parameters such as the A: G ratio, albumin, globulin, bilirubin levels, and changing in imaging findings. The study also assessed dosage modifications during treatment. The average starting dose for effusive forms was 6.9 mg/kg, later increasing to 10.11 mg/kg, while neurological and mixed forms initially required 9.65 mg/kg, which was then raised to 12.7 mg/kg. Treatment duration extended beyond 84 days for 17.32% of cats (109 cats) due to showing abnormalities. Imaging studies confirmed a gradual resolution of abdominal and pleural effusions, reduced lymph node size (both abdominal and mediastinal), decreased kidney size in cats of renomegaly, and regression of gallbladder edema. This research features the largest group of FIP-treated cats in Iran and ranks among the largest worldwide, showcasing impressive survival rates with GS-441524 treatment. Positive results rely on timely intervention, suitable dosage modifications, and extended treatment periods, particularly for cats showing neurological and ocular signs. Major risk factors affecting lower survival rates were fever, icterus, anemia, and low platelet count. These findings provide vital clinical insights for veterinarians, underscoring the need for customized treatment approaches and continued research to enhance FIP outcomes therapy and long-term care.

Diagnosis of feline infectious peritonitis using the cell tube block technique - a pilot study.

IntroductionElectrophoretic analytical techniques provide extremely important information about an animal’s clinical condition. They are recommended in every case, including in screening tests of animals showing no concerning clinical symptoms. Such tests can detect subclinical conditions, such as inflammation, antigen stimulation or certain forms of cancer. The aim of the study was to determine the suitability of native serum protein electrophoresis and the comet assay for assessing the health status of cats.Material and MethodsElectrophoresis was performed on serum samples from 125 cats. On sera with abnormalities in electropherograms (25 individuals), the following additional analyses were performed: haematological analysis, microscopic examination of a blood smear, plate tests detecting antibodies against feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), a plate test detecting feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) surface antigen and a comet assay in peripheral blood lymphocytes.ResultsNative protein electrophoresis enabled the identification of latent disease conditions in individuals assessed as good for overall condition on the basis of clinical examination. Some cats thus assessed had an abnormal electropherogram and were carriers of FIV, FeLV or FIP. In addition, the comet assay identified increased instability in the genetic material of cats with electropherogram abnormalities.ConclusionElectrophoretic techniques can be successfully used as a tools for identifying latent conditions and evaluating the overall health status of cats.

Development of rapid and simple FCoV RNA detection systems using RT-PCR and RT-RPA combined with STH-PAS to diagnose FIP in cats.

Beyond macrophages: FIPV tropism includes T and B lymphocytes.

Rabies is an animal-borne disease posing a significant risk to pet owners. Due to pet owners' inadequate understanding of disease types and treatment options, coupled with the financial burden of frequent veterinary visits, the developed expert system aims to assist pet owners in diagnosing diseases afflicting Persian cats, specifically Rabies, Renal Failure, Panleukopenia, Feline Infectious Peritonitis, and Feline Calici Virus. This study seeks to evaluate the application of an expert system forward chaining approach to diagnose rabies in pets. The research approach used was a literature review that utilized books and previous research publications as data sources. The results of the study show that using the forward chaining method in an expert system for pet disease diagnosis is highly effective for identifying rabies and significantly improves the understanding and treatment of pet diseases through an information technology framework.