It is caused by a very labile, pleomorphic coronavirus and occurs most frequently in cats under two years old, following incubation periods of UD to four months. Clinical signs will vary with granuloma sites, but usually involve abdominal enlargement, inappetence, depression, wasting, and a fever that is unresponsive to antibiotics. The condition is usually fatal within a few weeks in those animals in which a serositis or polygranulomatous reaction occurs. This syndrome is of a complex and so far unresolved etiology, although undoubtedly associated with diet. Signs include hematuria, dysuria, anuria, straining to urinate, enlarged bladder and an increased frequency of urination attempts with only small amounts of urine being passed.
Treatment is by immediate relief of the distended bladder, either by mechanical or surgical means.
Treatment of laboratory cats is not recommended unless a key experimental animal is involved. The site over the vein should be clipped, shaved, and disinfected. Urine Catheters are extremely difficult to pass in the cat. Urine may be collected by gentle pressure over the bladder if the cat is tranquil enough or has been sedated. More extensive urine samples may be collected by placing the cat in a metabolism cage.