VETERINARY EYE CENTER – CT | GREENWICH, CONNECTICUT

This cat's eyes
are sending an SOS.

FIP & uveitis:
The ocular signs that could save a cat's life.

A guide for cat owners & referring veterinarians

UNDERSTANDING FIP

What Is FIP?

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is caused by a mutated feline coronavirus (FCoV) that triggers a fatal (if left untreated) systemic inflammatory response.

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Most common in young cats under 3 years old

THE GOOD NEWS:

FIP is no longer a death sentence! Antiviral treatment (GS-441524) has recently transformed outcomes, with cure rates >85% when caught early.

Early detection is everything!
The eye may be your earliest diagnostic clue.

THE OCULAR CONNECTION

FIP & The Eye

Why does FIP cause uveitis?

How it happens:

FIP deposits immune complexes in the uveal tract's blood vessels → vasculitis → uveitis. Anterior, posterior, or panuveitis can result.

~30-40% of FIP cats develop ocular involvement

There are 2 forms of FIP: Wet and Dry
Ocular FIP can occur in both forms but is more common in the dry form

WET FORM

Effusions +/- ocular signs

DRY FORM

Eye signs may be the ONLY finding!

CLINICAL SIGNS — FOR DVMs & CAT OWNERS

Ocular Signs of FIP

Findings that should trigger FIP on your differential (especially in a young cat)

Aqueous Flare

Cloudy, hazy anterior chamber from protein-rich inflammatory fluid

Keratic Precipitates

White inflammatory deposits (KPs) on the inner corneal surface

Fibrin or hypopyon

White strands, clouds, or settled inflammatory material in the anterior chamber

Rubeosis iridis

Neovascularization and inflammation of the iris leading to reddened color

Chorioretinitis

Retinal and choroidal inflammation visible on fundoscopic exam. Possible subretinal effusion and retinal detachment.

⚠️ In the dry form, uveitis may be the ONLY presenting sign — don't miss it.

FOR CAT OWNERS

⚠️ Watch For These Signs

When to call your vet — and ask about FIP

Increased cloudiness/haziness of either eye

Squinting, tearing, or pawing at the face

Red or inflamed whites of the eye(s)

Signs of vision loss: bumping into objects, hesitation in dim light

Systemic signs: weight loss, lethargy, fever, or distended belly

TREATMENT UPDATE

FIP Is Now Treatable!

Early diagnosis opens the door to lifesaving antiviral therapy.

GS-441524 antiviral therapy

has transformed FIP from a near-universal fatality into a manageable disease. Sustained remission rates >85% are reported when treatment begins early.

Add uveitis treatment if present:

Topical anti-inflammatories such as prednisolone acetate
+ Cycloplegic (if IOP appropriately low)
+ Additional pain management PRN

Ocular signs may appear BEFORE systemic illness develops
A thorough eye exam can be the first step toward FIP diagnosis
Earlier treatment initiation = higher likelihood of cure

FOR REFERRING VETERINARIANS

🩺 When to Refer

Clinical Pearl:

Uveitis in a young cat with any systemic illness? Put FIP at the top of your differential. When in doubt, refer early!

Refer when you see:

Any uveitis in a cat < 3 years, especially with systemic signs
Aqueous flare, hypopyon, or keratic precipitates on exam
Unexplained iris color change or chorioretinitis on fundoscopy
Ocular signs not responding to standard uveitis management

This cat's eyes
are sending an SOS.