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SpanishNew Guidelines provide veterinarians with essential information to diagnose FIP
BRIDGEWATER, NJ; WYCKOFF, NJ; September 1, 2022 – The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) and EveryCat Health Foundation have released the 2022 AAFP/EveryCat Feline Infectious Peritonitis Diagnosis Guidelines. These landmark Guidelines are published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery and will provide veterinarians with the essential information necessary to provide an FIP diagnosis in cats. FIP is a viral disease that can affect any organ in the body and is caused by a feline coronavirus (FCoV).
“First recognized over 50 years ago, feline infectious peritonitis has been one of the most important infectious diseases and causes of death in cats, especially affecting young cats less than two years old,” said Vicki Thayer, DVM, DABVP (Feline), Task Force Co-chair. “Further, FIP can be challenging to diagnose in some cases and is often considered an enigma by the veterinary profession. Today, diagnosis relies upon evidence from signalment, history, physical examination findings, and diagnostic testing. The 2022 AAFP/EveryCat Feline Infectious Peritonitis Diagnosis Guidelines serve as a critical resource for veterinary practitioners diagnosing FIP in their cat patients.”
Given the fact that FIP is fatal when untreated and nearly every small animal veterinary practitioner will see FIP cases, the ability to obtain a correct diagnosis is critical. FIP can be challenging to diagnose due to the lack of clinical signs or laboratory changes, especially when no physical symptoms are present. These Guidelines will provide veterinarians with essential information to assist their ability to recognize cats presenting with FIP. “These Guidelines were written with the intent of providing the most current knowledge available in one comprehensive format combined with extensive supplemental resources all in one location,” adds Susan Gogolski, DVM, DABVP (Canine/Feline), Task Force Co-chair. “The Guidelines will be an invaluable resource to veterinary teams around the world as a clinician builds the index of suspicion of FIP brick by brick.”
The 2022 AAFP/EveryCat Feline Infectious Peritonitis Diagnosis Guidelines were developed by a Task Force of experts in feline clinical medicine. Helpful tips, images, tables, and algorithms are included throughout the document. In addition, the Guidelines feature 16 valuable supplemental resources that appear online such as videos, figures, instructions, and a questionnaire.
The AAFP and EveryCat Health Foundation thank Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc. for supporting these Guidelines and resources through an educational grant.
Download the FIP Diagnosis Guidelines at the AAFP or EveryCat Health Foundation website.
Resources for cat caregivers can be found at catfriendly.com/FIP.
About the American Association of Feline Practitioners
The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) supports its members and improves the health and welfare of cats by supporting high standards of practice, continuing education, and evidence-based medicine. As a trusted leader in the veterinary community, the AAFP has a long-standing reputation and track record for facilitating high standards, including guidelines for practice excellence and educational resources. Over the years, the AAFP has encouraged veterinary professionals to continuously re-evaluate preconceived notions of practice strategies in an effort to advance the quality of feline medicine practiced. Launched in 2012, the Cat Friendly Practice® (CFP) Program was created to improve the treatment, handling, and overall healthcare provided to cats. Its purpose is to equip veterinary practices, teams, and individuals with the tools and resources to reduce stress associated with the visit and elevate the standard of care provided to cats. Launched in 2020, the Cat Friendly Certificate Program now provides this education to individual veterinary professionals. Catfriendly.com, or Cat Friendly Homes, is the AAFP’s cat caregiver educational resource which is powered by feline veterinarians and includes a monthly newsletter, The Cat Column.
About EveryCat Health Foundation
EveryCat Health Foundation is the world’s only nonprofit focused solely on funding feline health studies. Nearly 200 million cats bring joy to their companions across the world. Though cat ownership keeps growing, feline health research remains underfunded compared to many other animals. Since 1968, EveryCat Health Foundation has awarded over $8 million in grants for groundbreaking cat health research at more than 30 partner institutions worldwide. This funding is made possible through the support of dedicated donors and partners. Research supported by EveryCat Health Foundation helps veterinarians by providing educational resources that improve treatment of common feline health problems and prevent many diseases. Grants are reviewed and awarded with the help of the foundation’s expert Scientific Review Committee. For further information, visit www.everycat.org.