Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP)
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a fatal viral disease caused by a strain of virus called feline coronavirus (FCoV). The benign, or usually harmless, FECV lives in the cells of the intestinal tract and is shed in cats’ feces. Cats become infected after they ingest the virus when they groom or eat. The mutant feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV) that causes the disease is generally not considered to be contagious among cats. The exact cause of the mutation of the virus is not known. The FIPV lives inside a type of white blood cell and not in the intestines. So, once the virus mutates, it is not shed in cats’ feces.
Two Forms of FIP
- Wet (effusive): The wet form of FIP results in fluid accumulation in body cavities such as the abdomen and chest. It causes abdominal distension and/or difficulty breathing. This fluid is often a yellow color.
- Dry (non-effusive): In the dry form of FIP, inflamed lesions are found throughout the cat’s body, including the eyes, kidneys, liver, and nervous system. Symptoms depend on which organ is most affected by disease.
FIP is fatal in more than 95 percent of cases. In mild cases of the dry form, it may be possible to prolong the survival period, but most cats with the wet form of the disease die within two months of the onset of signs.
How can I prevent my cat from getting FIP?
- Prevention of FIP is difficult because there are many factors that contribute to the development of the disease.
- Research shows that some cats have a genetic predisposition. This causes them to be more susceptible to develop FIP. Therefore, although the FIP itself is not contagious, multiple cats within the same family may be affected.
- Selective breeding for disease resistance and stress reduction is beneficial.
- Keep your cat healthy and visit your veterinarian for regular check-ups
- Minimize exposure to infectious diseases and keep your cat up to date on vaccinations.
- Clean your cat’s litter box daily and locate them away from food and water dishes
Unfortunately, there are no FDA approved treatments or cures for FIP currently. There are however some unapproved treatments for FIP that are effectively treating FIP. GS441 is such a treatment. Combined with immune support such as B12 and Interferon, GS441 has been found successful in treating FIP.
**Some fosters/adopters have told us Mutian and Aura are also drugs that help fight FIP. Be sure to do your own online research and talk with your vet FIRST.**
Course of GS441 Treatment
Dr Pedersen’s case study determined that a successful course of treatment with GS441 is 12 weeks, administered daily. Some owners have stopped treating once blood work and diagnostics returned to normal; however, the few cats who did relapse were among those who stopped prior to the 12-week protocol. Because the course of treatment is both emotionally and financially taxing, most owners currently using GS opt to pursue the full 12 weeks, to ensure the highest probability of success. Cats who undergo the full 12 weeks and remain symptom-free for 90 days following conclusion of treatment are officially cured of FIP.
Links for Info:
https://catfriendly.com/feline-diseases/fip/
https://pets.webmd.com/cats/cat-fip-feline-infectious-peritonitis#2
https://www.mutian.us/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIlNnLotSm5wIVhZOzCh0jagzbEAAYASAAEgKBcfD_BwE
Other Meds to Research:
We've heard some good things about something called Sam C which you can find in the vitamin sections of stores. There's also some other, less expensive drugs such as Mutian and Aura. Please consult with your veterinarian and do all the necessary research BEFORE trying anything.
Also, research other drugs while doing FIP treatments. Many other drugs CANNOT be administered to pets while you are treating them for FIP. Again defer to your vet. Steroids can trigger Diabetes in cats as well so be sure to check with your vet and be VERY cautious about using any type of steroid on your cat.
There are also Facebook groups dedicated to FIP:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/158363205096283/ FIP Warriors
https://www.facebook.com/groups/FIPcare/ FIP Advisory & Care Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Mutian.US/ FIP treatment with Mutian