Feline infectious peritonitis and feline leukemia virus co-infection: a case study on diagnostic and clinical pathological findings

Abstract

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a progressive systemic disease caused by a mutated form of feline coronavirus, often exacerbated by immunosuppressive retroviruses such as Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV). This case study aims to evaluate the clinicopathological profile of a domestic cat co-infected with FIP and FeLV. A 3-year-old male domestic cat presented with anorexia and mild hyperthermia (39°C). Hematological examination revealed monocytosis, macrocytic hypochromic anemia, and thrombocytopenia. These findings support the typical pathophysiology of FIP involving granulomatous phlebitis and immunosuppressive anemia due to FeLV. Serum biochemistry showed a decreased albumin-to-globulin ratio (0.39), elevated AST, amylase, and total bilirubin, consistent with hepatic involvement. Urinalysis detected bilirubinuria and urobilinogen, indicating hepatobiliary dysfunction. Rapid tests confirmed co-infection with FIPV and FeLV. The combination of hematological abnormalities, serum biochemistry changes, urinalysis, and rapid test results confirms the synergistic pathological impact of FIP and FeLV in this patient. These findings underline the importance of comprehensive diagnostics in feline viral co-infections.