What is FIP?
FIP in cats is a highly fatal disease. Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a viral disease affecting cats and is caused by mutation of certain strains of feline coronavirus (FCoV). It has two forms: the wet (with effusion) form, characterized by fluid accumulation in the abdomen or chest, and the dry (without effusion) form, characterized by clusters of inflammatory cells in various organs. Symptoms include fever, weight loss, weakness, jaundice, shortness of breath and neurological signs. Diagnosis can be difficult and requires a combination of clinical signs, blood tests, imaging and sometimes tissue biopsies. The antiviral medicine GS441524 is showing success in treating the disease. FIP is often fatal when left untreated, but early intervention with antiviral drugs can significantly improve survival rates.
What are the Symptoms of FIP?
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a viral disease caused by certain strains of the feline coronavirus. Symptoms can vary depending on the form of FIP, which can be “wet” (with effusion) or “dry” (without effusion). Here are common symptoms of FIP in cats depending on each condition:
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Accumulation of fluid in the abdomen or chest
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Breathing difficulties due to fluid in the chest
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Lethargy
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Fever that does not respond to antibiotics
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Weight loss
Dry (Non-effusive) FIP:
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Lethargy
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Fever that does not respond to antibiotics
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Weight loss
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Loss of appetite
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Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
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Eye problems, such as inflammation or changes in color
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Neurological signs, such as seizures, ataxia (loss of coordination), or behavioral changes
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Enlarged lymph nodes
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Organ-specific symptoms, depending on which organs are affected (e.g., liver, kidneys, brain)
General Symptoms:
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Chronic diarrhea or constipation
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Anemia
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Dehydration
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Poor coat condition
Both forms of FIP are serious and often fatal if not treated. Early detection and intervention are crucial for managing the disease. If you notice any of these FIP symptoms in your cat, it is essential to consult with a veterinarian promptly.
How are cats infected with FIP?
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is transmitted to cats through the feline coronavirus (FCoV) infection. This virus is quite common, and most cats encounter it at some point in their lives. The virus that causes FIP is a mutated form of this common coronavirus. Here are the primary ways FIP is transmitted:
Transmission Routes:
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Fecal-Oral Transmission:
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FCoV is present in the feces of infected cats. Cats can contract the virus through contact with infected feces. This is especially common when cats share litter boxes or come into contact with each other's feces.
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Oral and Nasal Contact:
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Cats can acquire the virus through oral or nasal contact with contaminated objects (e.g., litter boxes, food and water bowls, toys).
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Mother to Kitten:
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An infected mother cat can directly transmit the virus to her kittens. This can cause kittens to become infected shortly after birth.
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Close Contact:
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Close contact between cats, such as through saliva or nasal secretions, can also lead to transmission. The risk is higher in environments where many cats live together.
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Risk Factors:
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High-Density Living Conditions: Places with many cats, like shelters or catteries, have higher transmission rates.
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Young Kittens and Older Cats: Kittens and older cats with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to developing FIP.
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Stress: Stressful conditions, such as overcrowding or other illnesses, can increase the risk of FIP.
Preventive measures include maintaining good hygiene, minimizing stress, and reducing high-density living conditions for cats.
Preventing FIP in Cats
The best way to prevent FIP in cats is to keep them in a clean and healthy environment. This means keeping their litter boxes clean and making sure they have access to fresh, clean water. It is also important to keep cats up to date on their vaccinations, as this can help reduce the risk of FIP
It is also important to keep cats away from other cats that may be infected with FIP. If your cat does come into contact with an infected cat, it is important to keep a close eye on them for any signs of illness.
Diagnosing FIP in Cats
Diagnosing FIP in cats can be difficult, as the symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases. To confirm a diagnosis of FIP in your cat, several tests should be performed. These tests include:
FCOV AB Test: This test looks for antibodies to the virus that causes FIP.
Rivalta Test: This test is performed if there is fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity.
Hematology and Chemistry Blood Tests: These tests help to confirm levels of albumin, globulin, liver and kidney values.
Ultrasound (USG): This test is used to confirm fluid in the abdominal cavity.
FIP Treatment in Cats
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) in cats was once considered incurable. However, a significant medical breakthrough occurred when US researchers discovered the effectiveness of the antiviral drug GS-441524 for treating FIP. Over the last four years, an increasing number of veterinarians have adopted GS-441524, leading to its widespread use globally and saving countless cats. Once a fatal disease, today we can successfully treat 93% of cats with our FIP treatment.
GS-441524 FIP Treatment
A newer and promising method for treating Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) involves the use of antiviral medications. One such medication is GS-441524, available in oral capsule form. This drug has shown significant efficacy in treating both the effusive (wet) and non-effusive (dry) forms of FIP. GS-441524 works by preventing the virus from replicating within the cat's body, which helps reduce symptoms and improve the cat's overall condition.
Can a Cat with FIP Survive?
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a serious viral disease caused by specific strains of the feline coronavirus. The prognosis for FIP in cats has historically been poor, but recent advancements in treatment offer new hope for survival.
Traditional Outlook
Traditionally, FIP in cats was considered a fatal condition, often leading to euthanasia shortly after diagnosis. The prognosis was grim, with most cats succumbing to the disease within weeks to months due to the lack of effective treatments to combat the virus and manage the Cat FIP symptoms.
New Treatment Options
Recent developments in antiviral treatments have significantly changed the prospects for cats with FIP. The introduction of drugs such as GS-441524 has shown promising results. Here are some key points about these treatments:
GS-441524: This antiviral drug, available through BasmiFIP, has demonstrated high efficacy in treating both wet and dry forms of FIP in cats. Studies and anecdotal reports indicate that many cats respond well, with significant improvement in symptoms and quality of life.
Success Rate: The success rate for GS-441524 treatment is reported to be around 92%, and BasmiFIP has successfully treated over 37,000 cats with this medication.
Treatment Duration: Typically, the treatment involves daily injections for a period of 12 weeks. Some cats may require longer treatment or additional supportive care.
FIP FAQ
How is FIP diagnosed?
FIP diagnosis is challenging and often involves a combination of clinical signs, blood tests, imaging, and sometimes tissue biopsies.
What are the early signs of FIP?
Early signs include lethargy, loss of appetite, weight loss, and a persistent fever that doesn't respond to antibiotics.
Can FIP be cured?
Antiviral treatments like GS-441524 have shown promising results in managing and potentially putting the disease into remission. We have achieved an 92% success rate with our treatment.
Is FIP contagious to other cats?
FIP itself is not directly contagious, but the feline coronavirus (FCoV) that can mutate into FIP is contagious among cats.
What is the difference between feline coronavirus (FCoV) and FIP?
FCoV is a common virus that infects cats and usually causes mild symptoms. FIP is a rare, severe disease that occurs when FCoV mutates within the cat's body.
Are other cats in the household at risk if one cat has FIP?
Other cats are at risk of contracting FCoV from an infected cat, but not all cats will develop FIP. The mutation that causes FIP is unique to each cat.
How effective is GS-441524 in treating FIP?
While there is no definitive cure, antiviral treatments like GS-441524 have shown promising results in managing and potentially putting the disease into remission.
What is the treatment duration for GS-441524?
Treatment usually lasts for a minimum of 12 weeks, but the duration can vary based on the cat's response and the severity of the disease.
Are there any side effects of GS-441524?
Some cats may experience mild side effects like nausea or discomfort at the injection site. Regular monitoring by a veterinarian is important.
Can a cat that has recovered from FIP be reinfected?
Once a cat recovers from FIP, it is generally believed to be immune to the disease. However, they can still contract and shed FCoV, posing a risk to other cats.