Feline Infectious Enteritis (FIE) is an extremely severe, highly contagious viral disease with symptoms arising within 10 days after infection, which can lead to death within 3 to 5 days of symptoms occurring. The disease spreads through contact with the infected cat and their belongings.
Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV), in addition to its function as a causative agent in hematopoietic tumors, is considered to be the cause of Feline Infectious Enteritis. Enteritis is rarely identified in combination with FeLV and is often interpreted as feline panleukopenia or as FeLV-associated panleukopenia-like syndrome.
What are the symptoms of Feline Infectious Enteritis (FIE)?
A cat can have a number of different symptoms, like:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea, sometimes bloody
- Lack of coordination
- Dehydration
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Lack of eating/drinking
- Fever
- Anemia
- Poor coat condition
- Depression
How Do Vets Diagnose Feline Infectious Enteritis (FIE)?
In early cases, the disease can be difficult to identify. Your vet is likely to conclude that the disease is caused by clinical symptoms and that your cat has not been vaccinated. Blood tests may show that the number of white blood cells has decreased to extremely low levels. It is possible to recognize the virus in the diarrhea of infected cats, but this is rarely achieved unless a lot of cats are at risk.
Read: How to Take Care of Your Pets During Covid-19
Measuring the amount of antibodies in the blood of your cat can also indicate that they have been contaminated.
Treatment for Feline Infectious Enteritis (FIE)
Unfortunately, there is no particular treatment available for FIE and considering that it is such a highly infectious disease, it is absolutely vital that all reported cases be treated in isolation.
Cats suffering from FIE mostly die from dehydration and secondary infection, so intensive treatment with intravenous fluids and broad-spectrum antibiotics is essential. Even with good care and medicine, a large number of infected cats can die.
How can I prevent my cat from developing Feline Infectious Enteritis (FIE)?
Taking into account the high mortality rate and the durability of the virus, vaccination is the safest prevention supplemented by daily boosters.
Fortunately, there are highly effective vaccinations available. A kitten should not be put in a cattery or in a household with other cats until it has been vaccinated. If the atmosphere has been infected by the presence of FPV cats, a solution of 1 part bleach, 32 parts water should be used to soak infected objects and disinfect surfaces and floors.
