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Wet FIP in Cats: Complete Guide for Filipino Pet Owners

wet fip in cats

⏱️ Estimated Reading Time: ±10 minutes


TL;DR:


Wet FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis) is a serious, fast-progressing disease caused by a mutated form of Feline Coronavirus (FCoV). It leads to fluid buildup in the belly or chest, fever, and breathing issues.

In the Philippines, awareness of FIP is increasing due to the availability of antiviral treatments like GS-441524. Early diagnosis, proper care, and access to legitimate medicine are crucial.

📚 Table of Contents

  • What is Wet FIP?

  • Types of FIP: Wet vs. Dry

  • Symptoms of Wet FIP in Cats

  • How to Detect Fluid in FIP Cases

  • Should You Drain the Fluid?

  • What Causes Wet FIP in Cats?

  • How FIP is Diagnosed

  • When to Suspect Wet FIP

  • Treatment for Wet FIP in the Philippines

  • Preventing Wet FIP in Cats

  • FAQ: Common Questions from Cat Owners

  • Conclusion

What is Wet FIP?


FIP is a viral disease caused by the mutation of the feline coronavirus (FCoV). While FCoV is common and often harmless, in some cats it mutates and causes an aggressive immune reaction known as FIP. Wet FIP is the form where fluid collects in the body.


Two types of FIP:


  • Wet (Effusive): With fluid in the abdomen or chest

  • Dry (Non-effusive): No fluid, but inflammation in organs


Types of FIP: Wet vs. Dry

Type

Key Sign

Affected Area

Wet FIP

Fluid buildup

Belly, chest

Dry FIP

No fluid, inflammation

Brain, eyes, and organs

Symptoms of Wet FIP in Cats


General Symptoms:


  • High fever not responding to antibiotics

  • Loss of energy (lethargy)

  • Poor appetite

  • Rapid weight loss


Specific Wet FIP Signs:


  • Enlarged belly due to fluid

  • Difficulty breathing

  • Yellow, sticky fluid was seen on analysis


How to Detect Fluid in FIP Cases


1. Physical Signs:


  • Painless belly swelling

  • Breathing issues if chest fluid is present


2. Diagnostic Tools:


  • Ultrasound (to detect fluid in the belly)

  • Chest X-ray (to see fluid in lungs)


3. Fluid Testing:


  • Protein-rich fluid (>3.5 g/dL)

  • Yellow-golden and sticky

  • Rivalta test is often positive in FIP



Should You Drain the Fluid?


Drain fluid only when:


  • Your cat has severe breathing problems

  • Your vet needs fluid for lab testing


Avoid routine drainage because:


  • It removes essential antibodies and nutrients

  • Fluid will return if not treated at the source


What Causes Wet FIP in Cats?


FIP is not directly contagious, but the original virus (FCoV) spreads through shared litter, grooming, or food bowls. In the Philippines, multi-cat households and outdoor exposure are common risk factors.


Risk Factors:


  • Kittens under 2 years old

  • Cats in shelters or rescues

  • Stressed or sick cats

  • Certain purebred cats (Bengals, Ragdolls)


How FIP is Diagnosed


There is no single test to confirm FIP 100%, but your vet may use:


  • Blood work (low A/G ratio, high globulins, anemia)

  • Fluid analysis (protein-rich, Rivalta positive)

  • PCR test (to detect the virus in the fluid)

  • Immunohistochemistry (IHC) – gold standard



When to Suspect Wet FIP


It may be Wet FIP if:


  • Your cat has a big belly suddenly

  • Fast or difficult breathing without another cause

  • A fever that doesn’t go away


It may NOT be Wet FIP if:


  • Only mild belly swelling

  • The cat is still playful and eating

  • No fever or breathing issues


Treatment for Wet FIP in the Philippines


GS-441524


  • An antiviral that stops virus replication

  • Duration: 84 days (oral or injectable)

  • Over 80% success rate when treated early


Supportive Care


  • Nutritious food with high protein and calories

  • Supplements for the liver, immune system, and digestion

  • IV fluids if needed


Make sure to get trusted treatment from sources like Basmi FIP Philippines!

Preventing Wet FIP in Cats


  • Keep litter boxes clean daily

  • Avoid overcrowding in homes or shelters

  • Reduce your cat’s stress (especially for kittens)

  • Separate sick or FCoV-positive cats from healthy ones


    Start treatment today!

FAQ: Common Questions from Cat Owners


Can wet FIP be cured?

Yes, with GS-441524, many cats make a full recovery when treated early.


What are the symptoms of FIP?

Fever, enlarged belly, weakness, poor appetite, weight loss.


How long can a kitten live with untreated FIP?

Only 1–3 weeks without treatment. With treatment, they can fully recover.


Is FIP always fatal?

Not anymore. With GS treatment, survival is now possible.


What is the medicine for wet FIP?

GS-441524, available in oral or injectable form.


Difference between wet and dry FIP?

  • Wet: fluid in the belly or chest

  • Dry: eye issues, neurological signs, no fluid


Conclusion


Wet FIP is no longer a hopeless case. In the Philippines, access to treatment is growing. With early detection and the right support, many cats survive and thrive.


👉 Visit Basmi FIP Philippines to learn more, get expert help, and access reliable treatment.


Act fast. FIP can be beaten with the right care and love.

 
 
 

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