Ive just found out my 6 month old kitten might have FIP. Is there anything i can do for him?

Question

My kitten was neutered 2 weeks ago and hasnt been well since. My vet has not told me he might have FIP. I am waiting for his blood tests results back.
Is there anything i can do for him?

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)

Answer 1

Having had several cats with FIP, I can tell you there is NO treatment..at all. There is also no good blood test to tell if the cat has FIP. There is a blood test that vets do, it is a test that will tell if the cat has antibodies for the corona virus. The problem is most cats have been exposed to the virus and will have a titer.
Cornell University is adament that there is NO test to tell FOR SURE that a cat has FIP. They are actually working on a fecal test. So if the vet gets a test back and says the cat is positive for FIP...see another vet. the cannot diagnose it through a blood test. Unless the cat is currently dying, do not euthanize based on that blood test alone.
There can be many other things wrong with the cat. If the symptoms progress, it may well be FIP. I had blood,chest fluid,and necropsy tissue sent to Cornell from my last foster kitten that was sick, and they still would not commit to the diagnosis of FIP.. They said it was "highly suspect" of FIP.
It is a VERY complex disease.
Most common symptoms are weird eye things like a uveitis,fluid in the chest or abdomen,and neurological problem (usually with the dry form).
This does frequently crop up after the spay/neuter. I guess it must be the immune systen reaction to surgery in a cat incubating FIP.

Good luch. I hope the kitten does not have it. I am sick of it!!! It is a horrid disease!!!

Answer 2

As a Ragdoll breeder, FIP is one of my two greatest fears. There is no cure. Two other people have given you excellent facts, and I'll just say "I agree".

Vets don't even know for sure if it's contagious, and although I've never personally had a case (Thank You God), because of the seriousness, lack of accurate testing, lack of preventative vaccinations and debate on whether or not it is contagious, I've done a lot of research on it. Yes - it's a mutation, but some catteries have euthanized ALL of their cats, because in the past it has been considered contagious.

Cat associations often have "updates" on health topics, including FIP. One of the vets presenting an "update" commented on the irony because there really *wasn't* anything new to prevent, test for certain, or treat this disease. The only "sure fire" way to know if your cat has FIP is post-mortem. Sigh.

While one person here suggested you change vets, I don't particularly. I would definately get a second opinion though.

If they are reasonably sure you are dealing with FIP, I personally would suggest supportive treatment, LOTS of cuddling and comfort for your cat. And sadly, the courage to put him to sleep if he is in pain.

Very best of luck - let's pray it's something else that is curable!

Answer 3

Treatment

As there is no cure for FIP, treatment is symptomatic and palliative. Typically the owner is advised to make the cat as comfortable as possible until it becomes clear that the cat is suffering. Prednisone or other immunosuppressive drugs prescribed by a veterinarian may help to prolong the cat's life for a few weeks or months, but may be contraindicated in certain cases due to concomitant infection(s). Effusive FIP usually progresses too rapidly for any meaningful therapy to be attempted.

Quarantine is not nessecary as FIP is not truly an infectious disease. Feline Enteric Coronavirus is shed in the feces and can be passed on to other cats, however, it is the mutated form of the virus that leads to FIP. This form is only found in macrophages and is therefore not shed and not contagious.

As FIP signs can be easily overlooked, it is highly advised to have your cat examined by a licensed vet at any signs of chronic diarrhea, unusual lethargy or respiratory infection. While treatment will only be symptomatic, it may prolong the life of the cat as well as soften the blow to the owner.

Answer 4

I even have had a male and lady kitten as quickly as, i suffered from the comparable element. I asked the vet and he mentioned it became accepted, b/c the cat starts off to discover a mate on the age of 8 months. different issues (hormone appropriate) take place as properly. i do no longer think of there is yet another answer aside from neutering the cat, otherwise get rid of it. (which isn't an decision, believe me i couldnt enable go of the two my cats lol)

Answer 5

Hi
It hurts hey, my partner and i had to put our little man down yesterday, he was a pure breed ragdoll, 7months old today :-(. This disease, i had never heard of it, and if i could smack someone for it i would, it makes you so angry. Our little man, Snowy(show name MEOWGICAL SNOWSTORM, he was part of our family not for show) had the dry version of this ****** disease. His eyes went from briliant blue to brown. Our vet did soooo many tests and unfortunately the correct diagnosis came from a cat expert in WA, we are in sydney, wollongong. It just rips at your heart, im sorry if this is bringing up really bad memories, but i need to know more about this thing and why it takes peoples little ones away from them like that. Is there anything out there on anything relating to a cure or any hope for one, i love little snowy and im so angry that i need to be able to help in someway to find out more about this horrible thing.

Answer 6

I am sorry that your kitten should have contracted that serious disease. I hope your vet rises to the occasion... my reaction would be to show an additional share of affection and interaction with the kitty, make each day happy for him, so that he will have the will to live.

Good luck!

Answer 7

The best you can do if keep him away from other cats. Once you have test results, your vet will set up a course of treatment. Follow it to the letter. Good luck, I'm sad for you. I have two cats that mean the world to me.

Answer 8

take her to the VET

Answer 9

I'M VERY SORRY BUT NO... TWO MONTHS AGO I HAD TO PUT DOWN MY KITTEN I ADOPTED FROM A SHELTER.. HIS NAME WAS POPPER.. I CRYED AND I MISS HIM.. IT WAS VERY SAID BUT THERE'S NOTHING THEY CAN DO..