Peritonitis in cats is a disease in which the serous membranes of the abdominal cavity and surfaces of internal organs become inflamed. The disease is classified into 3 varieties: infectious, invasive and noninfectious.
Specialists have identified a factor in the development of the disease - it is an infectious peritonitis virus (FIP). The pathology occurs in cats three months to three years of age living in crowded conditions, having gone through certain stresses and going through a period of adaptation when changing owners or the arrival of another animal in the house.
Symptoms of peritonitis in cats
The symptoms and signs by which peritonitis in cats is diagnosed are as follows:
- Tension of the abdominal wall and its painfulness when felt;
- rapid weight loss;
- Enlargement and sagging of the abdomen;
- increase in temperature;
- jaundice of mucous membranes;
- anemia;
- decreased activity;
- stool and urine retention;
- weakness of hind limbs;
- presence of pleurisy as a disease concomitant with infectious peritonitis.
Treatment of peritonitis in cats
Treatment is necessarily carried out comprehensively. Doses of antibiotics from the penicillin and cephalosporin groups are selected according to the weight of the animal. Sulfonamides are administered intramuscularly, subcutaneously and intravenously.
The accumulated exudate is removed by puncture. As symptomatic therapy, pain relievers, cardiovascular supportive agents, and drip infusions are prescribed. In especially advanced cases blood transfusions are given. The animal’s diet is prescribed in the form of vitaminized, easily digestible food.