Checklist

✅ FIP Diagnostic Checklist

This checklist provides a structured overview of key observations, tests, and records that may support the evaluation of cats suspected of having feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). It is designed to help organize information for veterinary consultation and ongoing monitoring.

This checklist is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional diagnosis or medical advice.

🐾 1. Clinical Observation Checklist

Record visible symptoms and behavioral changes.

General condition

☐ Persistent or recurrent fever
☐ Weight loss or muscle wasting
☐ Reduced appetite or water intake
☐ Lethargy or decreased activity
☐ Behavioral changes (hiding, irritability)

Physical signs

☐ Abdominal enlargement or bloating
☐ Breathing difficulty or rapid breathing
☐ Pale gums or yellow discoloration (jaundice)
☐ Eye inflammation or vision changes
☐ Abnormal walking, tremors, or poor coordination

Symptom timeline

☐ Date of first symptom
☐ Progression pattern (stable / worsening / fluctuating)
☐ Response to medications or supportive care

🌡️ 2. Baseline Monitoring Checklist

Track daily or weekly health trends.

☐ Body temperature (record daily if possible)
☐ Body weight (weekly tracking)
☐ Appetite level
☐ Water intake (if measurable)
☐ Activity level and behavior
☐ Stool and urination changes

Maintaining consistent records improves trend interpretation.

🧪 3. Laboratory Testing Checklist

Confirm which tests have been completed.

Blood tests

☐ Complete Blood Count (CBC)
☐ Total protein and globulin
☐ Albumin-to-globulin (A/G) ratio
☐ Liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP)
☐ Kidney markers (BUN, Creatinine)
☐ Bilirubin
☐ Inflammatory markers (if available)

Infectious screening

☐ FeLV / FIV testing
☐ Other infectious disease screening (if indicated)

🖥️ 4. Imaging Checklist

Confirm imaging evaluations.

☐ Abdominal ultrasound
☐ Thoracic ultrasound
☐ X-ray (chest or abdomen)
☐ MRI / CT (neurologic or complex cases)
☐ Evidence of fluid accumulation
☐ Organ enlargement or lesions
☐ Lymph node changes

💧 5. Fluid Analysis Checklist (If Effusion Is Present)

☐ Appearance (color, clarity, viscosity)
☐ Total protein concentration
☐ Cytology results
☐ Rivalta test result
☐ Bacterial culture (if indicated)
☐ PCR testing (if recommended)

🔍 6. Differential Diagnosis Checklist

Ensure alternative causes have been evaluated.

☐ Bacterial infections excluded
☐ Viral infections screened (FeLV / FIV)
☐ Neoplasia considered
☐ Heart disease ruled out
☐ Liver and kidney disease evaluated
☐ Immune-mediated disease considered

📋 7. Documentation Checklist

Organize medical records.

☐ Laboratory reports
☐ Imaging reports
☐ Medication history
☐ Weight and temperature logs
☐ Symptom diary
☐ Veterinary consultation notes

Well-organized records improve clinical decision-making.

⚠️ Important Disclaimer

This checklist is intended for educational reference only. It does not diagnose, treat, or replace veterinary medical care. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment decisions.