RESUMO
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) remains a major diagnostic and treatment challenge in feline medicine. An ineffective immune response is an important component of FIP pathophysiology; hence treatment with an immune stimulant such as Polyprenyl Immunostimulant™ (PI), which enhances cell-mediated immunity by upregulating the innate immune response via Toll-like receptors, is a rational approach. Records of cats with FIP treated with PI orally for over 365 days were retrospectively studied. Of these cats (n = 174), records were obtained for n = 103 cats with appropriate clinical signs and clinical pathology. Of these, n = 29 had FIP confirmed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) or reverse transcription polymerase-chain-reaction (RT-PCR). Most of the cats (25/29; 86%) had non-effusive FIP, and only 4/29 cats (14%) had effusive FIP. The mean survival time (MST) was 2927 days (eight years); with 55% of the cats (16/29) still being alive at the time data collection, and 45% (13/29) having died. A persistently low hematocrit plus low albumin:globulin (A:G) ratio, despite treatment, was a negative prognostic indicator. It took a mean of ~182 days and ~375 days, respectively, for anemia and low A:G ratio to resolve in the cats that presented with these laboratory changes. This study shows that PI is beneficial in the treatment of FIP, and more studies are needed to establish the best protocols of use.
RESUMO
A 10-year-old female spayed Vizsla had intermittent mucoid ocular discharge from the right eye for 7 years. History, clinical findings, imaging studies, and culture and histopathology results confirmed chronic dacryocystitis with granuloma. A dacryocystomaxillorhinostomy was performed to preserve the functional portions of the nasolacrimal system remaining in this patient, as well as to promote healing of the lacrimal sac granuloma and secondary infection. Complete resolution of the clinical abnormalities was achieved, and the dog remains healthy 3 years postoperatively.