Below are two articles about Ferret-FIP and ECE. The first article is by Katrina Ramsell, Ph.D., DVM and it gives information on what the disease is and the symptoms. The second article is by Jerry Murray, DVM and it mentions new information and work on a vaccine. Our shelter vet, Dr. Robert Wagner, and researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are working on this vaccine. If it works, it may help prevent ECE and reduce the risk for the more serious systemic FIP-like disease. The titles of the articles are linked to the full article on SmallAnimalChannel.com. I condensed and paraphrased the articles, so read the original if you want complete information.
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An Emerging Ferret Disease: Ferret-FIP: A disease resembling feline infectious peritonitis is one of the latest diseases of concern in ferret medicine. By Katrina Ramsell, Ph.D., DVM, Posted: April 1, 2008, 5 a.m. EST
A disease resembling feline infectious peritonitis was recognized in 2008 in ferrets. They called it Ferret-FIP. Similar to FIP in cats, this disease is from a coronavirus, and may be an immune-mediated disease (like ADV). Researchers believe ECE may be mutating within ferrets to result in Ferret-FIP, causing the spread of the virus throughout the body causing inflammation and nodule formation. Which Ferrets are More Likely to get Ferret-FIP? The disease appears to affect young ferrets, with most being less than 18 months of age. They come from various breeders, have been on various diets and many have lived with other ferrets who never seem to get the disease. What Signs Are Associated With Ferret-FIP? Initial signs of a ferret sometimes include lethargy, generalized (often hind end) weakness, sudden weight loss, sneezing (especially fits) and progressively labored breathing. Mild fever, dehydration, tooth grinding, vomiting, abnormal stools, seizures and neurologic signs (e.g. paddling) have also been reported. Some ferret owners have seen green urine. On examination, many ferrets have had one or more abdominal masses, enlarged spleen and kidneys, and sometimes heart murmurs have been seen. X-rays have shown an enlarged spleen and abdominal masses in several cases. Ferrets with Ferret-FIP consistently have increased blood globulin (above 6.0 g/dl; normal is < 3.0 g/dl) and total protein levels. All ferrets tested were ADV negative. Some ferrets had a mildly increased white blood cell count and/or mild to moderate decreased red blood cell count. |
What’s New With Ferret FIP-like Disease? New research is making headway into testing for, vaccinating against and possibly curing this ferret disease. Jerry Murray, DVM Posted: April 16, 2014, 10 p.m. EDT
Since 2006, Dr. Al Legendre and researchers at the University of Tennessee have been studying a new treatment option for cats with the dry form of FIP. They have been using an immune stimulant called Polyprenyl Immunostimulant (PI) to help the cat’s cell-mediated immunity fight the coronavirus. Several ferrets have also been started on this same medication. Based on preliminary data, PI appears to increase survival time and quality of life of ferrets with the systemic coronavirus. Veterinarians can order this product from its distributor. Currently, Dr. Bob Wagner and researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are working on a coronavirus (ECE) vaccine. This may help prevent ECE and reduce the risk for the more serious systemic FIP-like disease. |