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Over the last few years great progress has been made in the treatment of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). This previously deadly disease in cats can now be successfully managed with proper treatment.
The disease that continues to perplex and challenge veterinary professionals worldwide. With no access to legal treatment for veterinarians in the U.S., FIP was often seen as a death sentence for cats. However, recent advancements in antiviral therapy have shown that effective treatment for Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is now a reality.
FIP is a severe disease in cats caused by feline coronavirus. COVID-19 is also caused by a coronavirus but the coronavirus causing FIP is not the same and only infects cats. Feline coronavirus is commonly found in the feces of cats and research has shown that infection is very common among cats. Thankfully, in most, it causes mild diarrhea or no signs at all. However, in a small number of cats, the virus changes (mutates) inside the cat, and interacts with the cat’s immune system in a certain way, resulting in FIP. Finding coronavirus in a cat doesn’t mean they have FIP, and it is not possible to consistently tell the difference between a coronavirus causing FIP, and one causing no signs of illness. Further tests must be performed by a veterinarian to diagnose FIP.
Many cats have a combination of ‘wet’ and ‘dry’ forms of FIP and some cats have pale, slightly yellow gums.
Cats with FIP can show a variety of signs as the disease can affect any organ in the body. The most common signs are:
We do not know why certain cats develop FIP and others do not, but it is diagnosed more often in:
Previously, there was no effective treatment for FIP but there are antiviral medications available now with good results in treating FIP. These drugs are legally available in many countries and have been proven safe and effective.
Current recommendations are to treat for 12 weeks to allow full clearance of the disease and give cats the best chance of recovery. Shorter courses may be recommended in the future as treatments advance. Different types of FIP require different amounts (dosages) of antiviral medication, cats showing neurological FIP and/or ocular FIP are often treated with higher dosages.
However, there is variation in how cats respond, and adjustments may be needed during the treatment period. If a cat is not responding as expected, the amount of antiviral medication may need to be increased.
Learn more about treatment options and plans in our resources below.
Bova GS-441524: tablets and suspension that can be used from day 1 of treatment and is usually the preferred treatment. Now available at Stokes Pharmacy
Remdesivir: an injectable medication given under the cat’s skin or into a vein and reserved for very sick cats unable to take oral medication
Through an exclusive partnership between our sister division, Stokes Pharmacy and the Bova group, US-made FIP treatment is now available for veterinarians to prescribe.
This treatment, Bova GS-441524, is available in tablet and suspension formulations and is supported by Bova’s unique drug formula, which has been utilized in clinical research studies across the globe and is currently in use in the UK and Australia.
Our sister division, Stokes Pharmacy has formed an exclusive partnership with the Bova group to offer a U.S.-made oral treatment for FIP. This treatment is supported by Bova’s unique drug formula, which has been utilized in clinical research studies across the globe and is currently in use in the UK and Australia.
FIP Webinar #1
FIP Webinar #2
From The European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases (ABCD)
Published September 2024
The Numbers Are In, What’s New & Dr. Sally’s Updated Treatment Protocols
Published February 2024
Published April 2024
Unlicensed antiviral products used for the at-home treatment of feline infectious peritonitis contain GS-441524 at significantly different amounts than advertised
Published June 2023
Thirty-two cats with effusive or non-effusive feline infectious peritonitis treated with a combination of remdesivir and GS-441524
Published April 2024
Retrospective study and outcome of 307 cats with FIP treated with legally sourced veterinary compounded preparations of remdesivir and GS-441524
Published 2023
Feline Infectious Peritonitis: European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases Guidelines
Published June 2023
Outcomes of treatment of cats with feline infectious peritonitis using parenterally administered remdesivir, with or without transition to orally administered GS-441524
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