Feline infectious peritonitis, commonly known as FIP, is a fatal viral disease affecting cats. It is caused by a coronavirus and can cause a variety of symptoms, including fever, weight loss, diarrhea, and fluid buildup in the abdomen or chest. Unfortunately, there is currently no known cure for FIP, which makes prevention through vaccination all the more important.
The FIP vaccine works by stimulating the cat’s immune system to produce antibodies that recognize and neutralize the FIP virus. Vaccines are usually given by subcutaneous (under the skin) or intramuscular (into a muscle) injection. Injections are usually given in the cat’s hind legs.
The FIP vaccine is a modified live virus (MLV) vaccine, which means it contains a weakened form of the FIP virus. The weakened virus is still able to stimulate an immune response, but not enough to cause disease. The MLV FIP vaccine is considered more effective than the inactivated virus vaccine, which contains dead or inactivated virus.
There are two types of FIP vaccine available: Felocell FIP vaccine and Primucell FIP vaccine. Both vaccines are made by the same company, but they contain different strains of the FIP virus. The Felocell FIP vaccine contains the FIP strain FIPV 79-1146, and the Primucell FIP vaccine contains the FIP strain FIPV WSU 79-1683.
The Felocell FIP vaccine is usually given to cats at high risk for FIP, such as cats living in multi-cat households or shelters. The vaccine is given in two doses, with the second dose given three to four weeks after the first. After the initial series, the vaccine is administered annually.
Primucell FIP vaccine is usually given to kittens between 16 and 20 weeks of age. It is given as a single injection and is thought to provide long-term immunity. However, because this vaccine contains a different strain of the FIP virus than the Felocell FIP vaccine, it is not interchangeable.
It is important to note that the FIP vaccine is not 100% effective. In some cases, cats can develop FIP even after vaccination. Also, the vaccine is not recommended for cats already diagnosed with FIP because it can exacerbate the disease.
In addition to vaccinations, there are other steps cat owners can take to help prevent FIP. These include keeping cats in a clean and hygienic environment, providing them with a healthy diet, and minimizing stress. Because FIP is usually spread through close contact with infected cats, it is also important to isolate cats suspected of having the disease.
In conclusion, the FIP vaccine is an important tool in the prevention of feline infectious peritonitis. While it’s not 100 percent effective, it can help reduce the risk of infection in high-risk cats. If you are a cat owner, be sure to discuss with your veterinarian whether the FIP vaccine is right for your pet. Don’t worry if you are diagnosed with FIP. Currently, there is a specific drug for FIP, GS-441524, which can be used to cure severe FIP. Information about GS441 can be consulted with customer service.