Usefulness of cappilary zone electrophoresis in the diagnosis of Feline Infectious Peritonitis (PIF): a case study

Estudio de caso

Abstract

Feline infectious peritonitis (PIF) is an infectious disease which has a high mortality rate compared to other infectious diseases among feline population. It clinically manifested under two forms, effusive or non-effusive. PIF’s diagnosis, mainly the non-effusive form, is a clinical challenge based on symptoms, viral detection and laboratory findings. In this regard, the albumin/globulin ratio and the increase on the γ globulin fraction of the capillary zone electrophoresis (PEF) are important and complementary indicators for the antemortem diagnosis of PIF. This job’s objective was to exhibit a feline clinical case clinically diagnosed with non-effusive PIF in which the PEF, along with other complementary routine tests, allowed to reach a definitive diagnosis. PEF’s results showed a polyclonal peak on the γ globulin fraction, a decreased serum albumin concentration and an albumin/globulin ratio of 0,23. Based on these results we discuss how the PEF, mainly on the non-effusive form of PIF, can support this disease diagnosis allowing to dictate an accurate prognosis and helping the clinical veterinarian on therapeutic decisions.