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Canine Lymphoma

Studying the Genetics of Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)

Investigating a New Treatment for Hemangiosarcoma

Performance of a New Point-of-care Rapid Test to Diagnose Pulmonary Coccidioidomycosis

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Cornell University Hospital for Animals (CUHA)

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Located in Ithaca, N.Y., Cornell University is a bold, innovative, inclusive and dynamic teaching and research university where staff, faculty, and students alike are challenged to make an enduring contribution to the betterment of humanity.&nbsp;&nbsp;Cornell University is one of the largest and most diverse institutions in the Ivy League. We are a community of 22,000 students and more than 10,000 faculty and staff members representing more than 80 countries and hundreds of disciplines—global cultures, backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and ideas.&nbsp; The College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University is recognized internationally as a leader in public health, biomedical research, animal medicine, and veterinary medical education. Ranked consistently as one of the best veterinary colleges in the nation, the College's strength is due to its strategic breadth of focus areas and its depth of expertise in each of those areas; the achievements of its faculty, staff, alumni, and students; and its commitment to diversity and inclusiveness.&nbsp;

Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine

Cornell

Feline Infectious Peritonitis Virus (FIPV) is a virulence form (biotype) of the Feline Enteric Corona Virus (FECV) and is estimated to kill 1 in 100 to 1 in 300 cats worldwide. FIP occurs wherever FECV is found and is, therefore, worldwide and ubiquitous among virtually all cat populations. Thus, the epizootiology of FIP is closely linked to that of FECV. Shedding of FECV can be transient, recurrent, or chronic over periods of months or years. The FECV is present in virtually all catteries and shelters with more than six cats and is shed by 60% or more of pet cats from multi-cat households.

Background

The mutation responsible for the FIPV biotype is consistently found in the 3c gene, which encodes a small protein of unknown function. The mutations are usually SNPs causing premature stop codons or deletion mutations that negate or significantly truncate the 3c gene product. The specific deleterious mutation in ORF 3c can differ even between affected kittens in the same litter, again supporting internal mutation and auto-infection rather than cat-to-cat transmission as the primary route of exposure.

Causes

The diagnosis of FIP is confirmed based on signalment, clinical history, examination of prior laboratory test results, physical examination and basic blood and effusion analyses. The presence of FIPV can further be confirmed by qRT-PCR, either from abdominal or thoracic effusions.

Diagnosis

No preventative measures are currently available. Once cats develop classic clinical signs, fatality to FIP is virtually 100% and the median survival time from the time of diagnosis to death or euthanasia is about 8– 9 days.

Treatment

Observational

Infectious

Dr. Gary Whittaker, of the Whittaker Lab, in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, is continuing the regional study of the feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) virus and how it infects cats. The aim is to reach a better understanding of this virus in order to formulate a successful method of treatment and to work towards a future diagnostic test.

The aim is to reach a better understanding of this virus in order to formulate a successful method of treatment and to work towards a future diagnostic test.

Carol Frederick

Clinical Trials Coordinator