Coronavirus has been in the news since 2019. The novel coronavirus infection brought the world to a halt and severely damaged the economy. While coronavirus infection in humans was unheard of before, animals have been known to get infected with this virus for a long time. Coronavirus is generally used to refer to an infection caused by various strains of the virus. The virus affects different animals differently. Cats are susceptible to feline coronavirus or FCoV. Since feline coronavirus can develop into a multisystemic disorder called feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), one must consult Virginia Beach animal hospital for treatment.
In cats, feline coronavirus can because severe diarrhea. Besides this, some common symptoms of FCoV are loss of appetite, breathing problem, bloated abdomen, weight loss, vomiting, increased urination and trust, yellowing of eyes, and tiredness.
If the coronavirus strain is not associated with FIP, your cat may suffer from mild diarrhea. Leaving the coronavirus symptoms untreated and unchecked in cats can result in severe weight loss and vomiting. FIP causes accumulation of fluid in the abdomen and chest, making it bloated. Additionally, if FIP caused internal organ damage, it can turn the skin and eyes yellow in color. The FIP viral disease can be fatal for cats; thus, pet parents should bring their cats to the vet for regular health assessments.
What causes Feline Coronavirus?
In cats, different strains of FCoV can cause the infection. However, medical research in the field has not been able to trace how the virus gets transmitted. Research shows that feline coronavirus spreads from one cat to another. Although FIP is not a contagious infection, the virus can spread from one cat to another through respiratory and fluid secretions and even feces.
How is Feline Coronavirus Diagnosed in Cats?
Veterinarians from Virginia Beach vet hospital first obtain the medical history of the cat. Afterward, various physical examinations are performed on the cat to understand the underlying cause of the symptoms. A fecal sample is usually taken to look for parasites, microbial growth, or bacteria that may be causing vomiting or diarrhea.
How is Feline Coronavirus Treated?
The feline coronavirus that causes severe vomiting and diarrhea in cats can be treated with supplements and medications. However, feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) causing virus can be treated. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for FIP disorder. If your pet has tested positive for FIP, your vet may suggest supportive care to manage the symptoms and ensure good quality of life.
How to prevent FCoV and FIP in cats?
Like in humans, feline coronavirus is highly infectious and can transmit from one cat to another through direct contact. Feline coronavirus can’t be transferred to humans from cats. If you have multiple cats at home, it’s best to keep the infected cat away from the rest of the pack till the virus is completely gone. You must keep infected cats in isolation to stem the spread of the virus to other cats. While there is a vaccine for FIP, its effectiveness is highly controversial. It’s best to consult a qualified veterinarian before administrating any vaccine on cats for FCoV and FIP.