07/10/2025
Oh sweet Jade.
This is a hard post to make but her life mattered and maybe her story can help save another cat.
The odds were against her from the start. She was born to a feral stray who we aren’t sure how she died but another cat nursed her and two siblings along with her litter of four. Born under a container trailer behind a grocery store near their busy loading dock in a county that doesn’t allow TNR.
It took several attempts but we were able to trap the momma and all seven kittens. This was June of last year. This past June Jade’s brother
started to lose weight and become uninterested in eating. One day he refused food and the next day he had passed away. We had no idea what could have been wrong with him. Then Jade started doing the same thing. You may remember our post of taking Jade to the vet and the nearly $600 bill we needed help with. She had blood work drawn, three different antibiotics given, stool tested, and prescribed a Depo shot. All the while we were as creative as we could be trying to find a food that she would eat. Her feeding attempts were multiple times a day. Some days we were successful and other days not so much. The Depo shot helped with the inflammation in her mouth but something else was going on and we along with the vet had no idea what it was. She was a sweet loving little girl. She missed her brother and probably didn’t understand why she couldn’t be with the other cats.
We now have every indication that she had FIP - Feline Infectious Peritonitis. Below is just some basics to help educate others on this horrible disease. (1) It is a disease caused by a coronavirus (not Covid). (2) The virus is contagious but the disease isn’t. (3)The virus can cause the disease in weeks, months or even years after being contracted. (4) A large percentage of cats carry the virus but never have the disease. (5) It is very difficult to diagnose as there is no real test only blood work indicators and symptoms. (6) Treatment is hard to obtain and very expensive.
From the web:
“Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a serious viral disease in cats caused by a mutation of the feline coronavirus. It can manifest in two forms: the "wet" form, which leads to fluid accumulation in the abdomen or chest, and the "dry" form, which affects the central nervous system and organs, both of which are usually fatal without treatment.
How does the FIP treatment process work?
The treatment process for FIP can involve several steps, including:
Initial consultation and diagnosis: Diagnosing FIP can be challenging, as the symptoms overlap with many other diseases. The diagnosis of FIP often requires a thorough examination by a veterinarian—including blood tests, ultrasounds, and possibly biopsies. A PCR test (which uses the same technology as the PCR test for humans to detect a COVID-19 infection) is often used to detect the viral genetic material. (Note that even if this test is positive it’s not a guarantee of the disease.)
Treatment initiation: GS-441524 tablet are administered, typically for 12 weeks. (There is also painful injection available).
Monitoring and supportive care: Regular veterinary visits are crucial to monitor the cat’s response to treatment.
Follow-up and completion: After completing the 12-week treatment course, follow-up tests are conducted to ensure the virus is gone. Some cats may require an extended treatment.
Long-term outlook: Cats that respond well to treatment can go on to live healthy, normal lives. Continued monitoring and regular veterinary check-ups are recommended to catch any potential recurrences early.
How much does the treatment of FIP cost?
As of June 1, 2024, Stokes Pharmacy will be offering US-made oral FIP treatment in 50mg tablets at the following costs, not including shipping and taxes:
10 tablets for $195
20 tablets for $325
40 tablets for $546
Keep in mind: Cat parents will only be able to purchase the treatment with a veterinary prescription, and the dosage and duration of treatment can vary depending on each cat.
This cost doesn’t include veterinary consultations or supportive care needed during the treatment period, just for the medication itself.”
Sadly even with a treatment available if vets aren’t knowledgeable about the disease (as was the case with Jade) this disease remains a death sentence.
Rest in peace sweet Jade. You took part of my heart with you. 💔
You knew you were loved and you loved back in such a big way. Your life mattered.
