Common Blood Work Findings in FIP

Blood work can provide several key indicators that help diagnose FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis). While no single blood test confirms FIP, certain patterns and abnormalities are commonly observed in cats with the disease. Here’s what blood work typically shows for FIP

  1. High Coronavirus Titer:

    • What It Shows: Elevated levels of Feline Coronavirus (FCoV) antibodies in the blood. A titer of ≥1:3200 is often suggestive of FIP, though it is not definitive.

  2. Non-Regenerative Anemia:

    • What It Shows: Low red blood cell count that does not improve with treatment. It indicates that the bone marrow is not producing enough red blood cells.

  3. Increased Absolute Neutrophils:

    • What It Shows: Elevated levels of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, often seen as a response to inflammation or infection.

  4. Decreased Absolute Lymphocytes:

    • What It Shows: Reduced levels of lymphocytes, another type of white blood cell, which can be associated with chronic inflammation or immune system dysfunction.

  5. Increased Globulin:

    • What It Shows: Elevated globulin levels (a type of protein in the blood) due to increased production of antibodies. This can be seen in inflammatory or infectious conditions.

  6. Decreased Albumin:

    • What It Shows: Low levels of albumin (a type of protein in the blood) often seen in chronic diseases, including FIP.

  7. Low A/G Ratio:

    • What It Shows: A decreased albumin-to-globulin ratio (A

      ratio ≤0.6) is common in FIP due to increased globulins and decreased albumin levels.

  8. High Total Bilirubin (TBIL):

    • What It Shows: Elevated bilirubin levels, which can indicate liver dysfunction or jaundice.

Additional Considerations

  • Elevated Total Protein:

    • What It Shows: Increased total protein levels in the blood can be due to high globulin levels and is often observed in FIP cases.

  • Abnormalities in Electrolytes:

    • What It Shows: Changes in electrolyte levels may occur but are less specific to FIP.

  • Fibrinogen Levels:

    • What It Shows: Increased fibrinogen levels can be indicative of inflammation or infection.

Diagnostic Approach

While these blood work findings can support a diagnosis of FIP, they are not conclusive on their own. A combination of clinical signs, blood test results, and other diagnostic tests, such as fluid analysis and imaging, are used to confirm the diagnosis and determine the best course of treatment. Always consult with a veterinarian for a comprehensive evaluation if FIP is suspected.
Note: Ocular or neurological forms of FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis) may not always be reflected in blood work. While blood tests can reveal general inflammation and immune system changes, specific symptoms such as eye problems or neurological signs might not show up in routine blood panels. These conditions often require additional diagnostic tests and a thorough clinical examination for accurate diagnosis.