FECV stands for Feline Enteric Coronavirus (FECV), which is a type of coronavirus that primarily affects cats. It is a highly contagious virus that is primarily transmitted through the fecal-oral route. FECV primarily infects the cells of the intestinal lining in cats, leading to enteritis, inflammation of the intestine.
FECV can cause a range of symptoms in cats, including mild diarrhea, vomiting, fever, loss of appetite, and lethargy. While most cats infected with FECV show mild or no symptoms at all, in some cases, the virus can mutate into a more severe form known as Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP). FIP is a fatal disease characterized by systemic inflammation affecting various organs, including the liver, kidneys, and abdominal cavity.
Diagnosing FECV typically involves a combination of clinical signs, laboratory tests such as fecal analysis, and specific antibody testing. Treatment for FECV is largely supportive, focusing on fluid therapy, nutritional support, and managing symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting.
Prevention of FECV primarily involves good hygiene practices, including proper sanitation and regular cleaning of litter boxes, as well as isolating infected cats from healthy ones. Vaccines are available to help protect against FIP, though their effectiveness remains a subject of debate among veterinary professionals.
Overall, FECV is a significant viral infection in the feline population, known to cause enteritis in cats and leading to more severe diseases such as FIP that can be life-threatening.
