Prevalence and risk factors of Feline Infectious Peritonitis of cat in Dhaka, Bangladesh: A cross-sectional study

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), caused by Feline Coronavirus (FCoV), is a fatal disease affecting domestic and feral cats worldwide. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, risk factors, and clinical manifestations of FIP and to analyse treatment protocols employed at the Central Veterinary Hospital (CVH), Dhaka, Bangladesh. A total of 305 feline cases were examined during a five-month period (December 2023–May 2024), revealing an FIP prevalence rate of 12.13%. Key risk factors included age, sex, breed, and vaccination status. Cats aged 11–20 months and >31 months, males, non-vaccinated, and certain breeds such as British Shorthair and Bengal cats demonstrated higher susceptibility. Clinical manifestations predominantly included ascites (100%) and respiratory distress (81.09%), with fever (67.56%) and mild dehydration (86.48%) also observed. The effusive form of FIP was more prevalent, characterized by fluid accumulation in body cavities. Diagnostic confirmation utilized rapid diagnostic test kits and Rivalta’s test, with a combination of both tests achieving the highest accuracy. This study underscores the critical need for early diagnosis, vaccination programs, and breed-specific prevention strategies to reduce the impact of FIP. Enhanced diagnostic tools. These findings provide valuable insights into the clinical management of FIP in the feline population in Dhaka, contributing to global efforts in understanding and mitigating this devastating disease.