Research in: Agricultural & Veterinary Sciences

Feline coronavirus (FCoV) remains one of the most clinically relevant viral pathogens in domestic cats, primarily due to its potential to evolve into the lethal systemic condition known as feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). Despite the increasing population of domestic and purebred cats in Azerbaijan, no peer-reviewed studies have previously characterized the epidemiological or clinicopathological patterns of FCoV-associated disease in the region. This study provides the first structured assessment of serological, hematological, biochemical and ultrasonographic parameters associated with FCoV infection and FIP-suspect presentations in cats evaluated across Baku over a two-year period. A retrospective design was applied to a cohort of clinically affected cats, integrating ELISA-based serology, complete blood count profiles, liver enzyme activity, serum protein fractions and abdominal diagnostic imaging. Emphasis was placed on the albumin-to-globulin (A/G) ratio due to its established pathophysiological relevance in differentiating immune-mediated effusive and non-effusive FIP manifestations. Ultrasonographic markers, including peritoneal, pleural or mixed effusions - were also evaluated for their diagnostic contribution. Statistical comparisons between suspect and non-suspect cases were conducted using non-parametric testing to identify discriminative biomarkers. The analysis demonstrated that combinations of hypoalbuminemia, hyperglobulinemia, altered protein ratios and effusion-associated ultrasonographic findings were strongly associated with clinical suspicion of FIP, whereas serological titers alone were insufficient for meaningful stratification. The consistency of these patterns aligns with international reports, suggesting that the pathogenic mechanisms and diagnostic challenges of FCoV infection in Azerbaijan mirror those described globally. These findings highlight the clinical utility of integrating biochemical markers with imaging-based evidence to strengthen diagnostic confidence in environments where molecular or histopathologic confirmation may not always be available. This work establishes a foundational epidemiological dataset for Azerbaijan and underscores the need for expanded national surveillance, improved diagnostic algorithms and broader veterinary awareness to support earlier identification and improved case management of FCoV-associated disease.