Reports
📊 Report Interpretation for FIP Evaluation
Report interpretation refers to the systematic review and understanding of laboratory reports, imaging findings, and clinical documentation when evaluating cats suspected of having feline infectious peritonitis (FIP).
No single report can confirm or exclude FIP. Accurate interpretation requires integration of multiple results, trend analysis, and professional veterinary judgment.
This content is provided for educational reference only.
🧪 1. Blood Test Reports
Blood reports provide essential insight into inflammation, immune activity, and organ function.
🔬 Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Key indicators:
Anemia – Low red blood cell count
Lymphopenia – Reduced lymphocytes
Neutrophilia – Elevated neutrophils
Platelet abnormalities – Less common
These patterns reflect systemic inflammation but are not specific to FIP.
🧫 Total Protein and Globulin
Typical trends may include:
Elevated total protein
Increased globulin concentration
Normal or decreased albumin
Persistent protein imbalance supports chronic inflammatory processes.
⚖️ Albumin-to-Globulin (A/G) Ratio
General interpretation:
< 0.8 → Increased suspicion
< 0.6 → Stronger association
> 0.8 → Lower likelihood
The A/G ratio should always be interpreted with clinical context.
🧬 Organ Function Markers
Common markers include:
ALT, AST, ALP – Liver function
BUN, Creatinine – Kidney function
Bilirubin – Jaundice or inflammation
Abnormal values may indicate secondary organ involvement.
🖥️ 2. Imaging Reports
Imaging reports describe structural findings.
Common imaging terms:
Effusion – Fluid accumulation
Organomegaly – Enlarged organs
Lymphadenopathy – Enlarged lymph nodes
Granulomatous lesions – Inflammatory masses
Imaging findings are supportive but not diagnostic on their own.
💧 3. Fluid Analysis Reports
When effusion is present, fluid reports are highly informative.
Important parameters:
Color and clarity
Protein concentration
Cytology findings
Rivalta test result
Presence or absence of bacteria
High protein, sterile inflammatory fluid supports suspicion of FIP.
📈 4. Trend Analysis Over Time
Trend evaluation is more meaningful than isolated results.
Important trends to monitor:
Progressive protein imbalance
Persistent inflammation
Recurring fever patterns
Imaging changes over time
Clinical response trends
Consistency across multiple reports increases diagnostic confidence.
🧭 5. How Veterinarians Integrate Reports
Veterinary professionals evaluate:
Consistency between lab, imaging, and clinical signs
Exclusion of alternative diagnoses
Disease progression patterns
Risk-benefit of additional testing
Patient stability and comfort
Clinical judgment remains essential.
⚠️ Important Notes
Laboratory reference ranges vary by laboratory.
Mild abnormalities may be nonspecific.
Results should never be interpreted without veterinary guidance.
Online interpretation tools cannot replace professional evaluation.
📚 References
This content is based on guidance from:
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
Merck Veterinary Manual
VCA Animal Hospitals
International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM)
American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP)
