What is FIP?
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 either "wet" (effusive) or "dry" (non-effusive). Here are the common symptoms associated with each form:
Wet (Effusive) FIP:
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Accumulation of fluid in the abdomen or chest
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Swollen abdomen
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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
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Loss of appetite
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
Diagnosis of FIP can be challenging due to the variability of symptoms and the overlap with other diseases. If you suspect your cat has FIP, it is crucial to consult a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and management.
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.
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.
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 89% success rate with our treatment.
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.
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.
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.
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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.