At Last! There Is A Cure For Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)
What is FIP?
FIP, which stands for Feline Infectious Peritonitis, is a viral disease that affects cats, particularly young kittens, cats under stress and those with weak immune systems. It is caused by a mutation of the feline coronavirus and can be either wet (effusive) or dry (non-effusive). It is believes that cats must carry a gene that causes FeCV to mutate to FIP. The virus primarily affects the white blood cells and the lining of the abdomen, chest, and other areas of the body. It is a difficult disease to diagnose and treat. Fortunately, there is a cure that works 95% of the time once diagnosed.
FIP is not contagious. A cat has to be infected with FeCV first, which IS contagious. Once FeCV mutates to FIP, it is not contagious anymore.
Is there a treatment for FIP?
GS-441524 is a drug that has shown effectiveness in treating FIP in cats. It works by inhibiting the replication of the virus, thereby reducing its ability to spread and cause further damage to the cat’s body. It is important to note that GS-441524 is not legally available for use in veterinary medicine. But do not despair! It is still being researched and developed, and it is primarily used in clinical trials or under compassionate use programs.
Additionally, it is essential to understand that while GS-441524 has shown tons of positive outcomes, it is not a guaranteed cure for FIP. The disease can still be fatal for some cats when treatment is started too late. The response to treatment may vary from cat to cat, but signs of it working usually start in a week or less.
Is my cat at risk for getting FIP?
There is no definitive way to know if a cat is at risk for Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) as it can affect any cat. Though a cat does have to carry FeCV (feline corona virus), which at least 80% of cats carry. However, certain factors such as age, genetics, and exposure to other cats with FIP can increase the risk. It is important for cat owners to be aware of the signs and symptoms of FIP and consult with a veterinarian if they suspect their cat may be at risk.
What are some of the symptoms if FIP?
Initially, there are no symptoms upon recent exposure of FeCV for the most part. Some cats may acquire watery eyes, a runny nose or mild sneezing. Stuff that can be fairly normal in a cat. With some cats, that’s the end of the story. For others, FeCV converts to FIP. Some tale tell signs of Feline FIP are:
- Loss of Appetite
- Weight Loss
- Depression
- Lethargy
- High Fevers
- Diarrhea
- Ataxia (incoordination or staggering)
- seizures
- cloudy eyes (can also contain small amounts of blood
These by no means are all the symptoms. Some cats may have all or just a few of these symptoms. Some cats with advanced FIP may also have neurological issues.
Can my cat be tested for FIP?
The answer is yes and no. Unfortunately, there is no definitive test. A vet will usually diagnose FIP on the fact a cat has not responded to antibiotics. Certainly, far from accurate. Blood work has great markers for FIP. Blood test will certainly help with diagnosis. Another test that can be beneficial is to have the vet draw fluid from the chest or abdominal cavity and have it tested by cytology. A trained vet can also look at the fluid for viscosity and color. If that comes back positive, then the most likely diagnosis is FIP.
Can my cat be treats for FIP?
Sadly, the patent holder refuses to release for FDA approval. The only way to obtain the GS-441524 is off market. It is not hard to come by. There are ways to get the treatment and it is not difficult to acquire. It comes in both an injectable and an oral pill.
In conclusion, FIP is a serious viral disease in cats, and treating it can be challenging. While there is no definitive cure, experimental treatments like GS-441524 have shown promise. However, it is crucial to consult with a veterinarian or a treatment advisor who specializes in FIP to determine the best course of action for treating your cat.
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