Introduction
Our beloved cat, Peach, battled wet Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) for three to four months. The first GS-441 injection was administered on March 24th, and treatment was stopped on June 13th. It’s been over a month since then, and Peach is doing well. We bought GS-441 injections and administered them at home.
Symptoms
Here are the symptoms we observed in Peach:
Decreased Appetite: Initially, we attributed Peach’s reduced appetite to the summer heat. She only ate her favorite canned food but couldn’t finish it, which raised our concerns.
Weight Loss and Abdominal Swelling: Peach, who usually weighed over nine pounds, started losing weight, and her abdomen became swollen. Initially, we thought she had overeaten, but the swelling persisted for a week and even grew, prompting us to visit the vet. Note: Dry FIP doesn’t cause abdominal swelling; instead, you may notice yellowing ear fur and changes in the eyes.
Reduced Activity: Peach became less active and only responded to canned food. She stopped playing with toys and interacting with us.
Fever: Her ears and paw pads were very warm.
Constant Squatting: Peach frequently assumed a squatting position.
If you notice these symptoms, don’t ignore them. Take your cat to the vet immediately.
Treatment
Initial Vet Visit: Our initial vet visit cost around $150. When you notice the symptoms mentioned above, a complete blood count (CBC) test can help diagnose FIP by checking the white blood cell count. If you’re still concerned, an ultrasound can detect fluid accumulation in the chest or abdomen.
Diagnostic Tests: The vet may suggest various tests, but a CBC can reveal inflammation markers. Instead of expensive tests, you can try a GS-441 injection for a definitive diagnosis. If the fever subsides and doesn’t return, it indicates the virus is being suppressed, confirming FIP.
Cost of Treatment: Hospital treatments can be expensive. Our vet administered GS-441, antibiotics (such as Zeniquin), interferon, and liver protection medication.
Home Treatment Regimen
GS-441: This experimental antiviral drug can effectively treat FIP. The cat’s survival depends on its overall health and nutritional support.
Zeniquin (Marbofloxacin): An antibiotic to combat secondary infections. We gave Peach one tablet in the morning and one before bed. After a month, we reduced it to one tablet per day.
Liver Protection: GS-441 can be harsh on the liver, so liver protection tablets are essential.
Nutritional Supplements: We used supplements like Pet-Tinic and Kangaroo Essence to boost nutrition and immunity.
AD Canned Food: High-protein food to support recovery.
Conclusion
Don’t give up on your furry friend. They are stronger than you think. We hope that other cats battling FIP recover soon!