11/21/2025
Medicine is always evolving and there is now a treatment for the once fatal Feline Infectious Peritonitis, or FIP in cats. FIP is a disease caused by a mutation in the Feline Coronavirus. This mutation triggers an abnormal immune response that leads to the development of the disease. Over the last few years researchers have developed various anti-viral medications that have been effective in treating the different types of FIP, and finally now have one that has an incredibly high success rate. Prior to 2024 it was only available on the black market, but now the FDA allows the medication to be compounded and prescribed because without it, cats will die.
In August of this year an employee adopted two adorable kittens, Daisy and Brian. Two weeks after adoption, Brian was lethargic with a high fever. As the day progressed, his breathing became more labored. Hours later he began showing neurological signs causing him to have difficulty walking. Dr. McAllister diagnosed him with FIP. The medication, which is a compounded medication, was ordered and expedited. In the meantime, he started on a steroid treatment for the neurological symptoms. One day after starting steroids he was walking almost normally. Two days after diagnosis, he took the first dose of the 84 day treatment. He improved daily, growing, playing with his sister, and breathing normally. On November 15th the family celebrated the last dose of the anti-viral medication and Brian rang the bells for making it through treatment.
For the next 12 weeks he will be closely observed as this is when cats can have a relapse. If they get through the twelve weeks after treatment without issue, they are considered cured. Brian is one of two cats in the practice being treated. The other cat is doing well and has only one more month of treatment to go.