References
Current treatment options for feline infectious peritonitis in the UK
Abstract
Until recently, feline infectious peritonitis was an invariably fatal disease that occurs when a ubiquitous enteric coronavirus mutates. This enables it to replicate effectively within macrophages, resulting in immune-mediated phlebitis and serositis. While our understanding of the aetiopathogenesis of feline infectious peritonitis remains unchanged, with the recent availability of legalised antiviral drugs, successful treatment is now a possibility, albeit at a cost. As we approach a new dawn of research into the diagnosis and treatment of this disease, this review summarises current therapeutic options. Please note, some protocols are still being optimised.
Feline infectious peritonitis is a devastating disease caused by virulent mutations of an ubiquitous feline coronavirus. With the perfect storm of exposure, genetic predisposition and random virulent mutations, feline coronavirus is transformed from a mild gastrointestinal infection into a significant systemic disease with historically high mortality rates of ≥95% (Kornya, 2020). Until recently, cats developing feline infectious peritonitis succumbed to this disease quickly or had to be euthanised (Figures 1–3), with attempts at treatment being largely futile (Addie et al, 2009). However, with the nucleoside analogues, hope is at hand and, while these drugs are still expensive, they can save lives. This new focus on feline infectious peritonitis has revived interest in repurposing other therapeutics. This article discusses all of the current options and describes the treatment protocols. However, how best to use these drugs is still being determined, so therapeutic regimens are still being optimised.
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