2015 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

Fifty domestic cats initially suspected by the submitting veterinarian to have FIP were included in the study. Cats ranged in age from 2 to 195 months (2 months to 16 years). The majority of cats (41) were 2 years or younger; 6 cats were adult (3-11 years of age); and 3 were geriatric (14-16 years). Breeds represented were domestic shorthair (37), domestic longhair (5), Burmese (2), and one each of Bengal, Persian, American Shorthair, Ragamuffin, and unknown breed. The cases were graded by a boarded internal medicine specialist with a clinical scoring system ranging from 1 (confirmed not FIP) to 6 (confirmed FIP). Cases graded 1-3 were unlikely, and 4-6 were likely to have FIP. The clinical grading scale included specific information such as history, signalment, and all available laboratory diagnostic test results. Cats graded as 6 were confirmed to have FIP based on histopathology and immunohistochemical staining for coronavirus.