Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)

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. 

About FIP

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.

Types of FIP

  • Wet FIP – fluid to accumulate in the abdomen/belly, chest and occasionally around the heart (so called ‘wet’ FIP) so owners may notice a swollen, rounded belly or the cat may have difficulty breathing.
  • Dry FIP – non-effusive (‘dry’) FIP can affect any organ including the intestines, lymph nodes, brain, kidneys and eyes.

Many cats have a combination of ‘wet’ and ‘dry’ forms of FIP and some cats have pale, slightly yellow gums.

  • Neurological FIP – If the brain or spinal cord is affected cats will show signs such as fits, an abnormal way of walking (wobbly gait), changes in behavior or trembling for example.
  • Ocular FIP

 

Symptoms of FIP

Cats with FIP can show a variety of signs as the disease can affect any organ in the body. The most common signs are:

  • Lethargy/tiredness
  • Eating less and losing weight
  • A high temperature

Cats that get FIP

We do not know why certain cats develop FIP and others do not, but it is diagnosed more often in:

  • Cats under 2 years of age
  • Pedigree cats
  • Cats in multi-cat homes

How to Treat Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) in Cats

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

Available FIP Drugs Include:

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

Bova EIDD-1931: (The active form of Molnupiravir/EIDD-2801): tablets for second-line treatment reserved for refractory and cost-prohibitive cases. Available at Stokes Pharmacy

About Bova GS-441524 from Stokes Pharmacy

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.

Bova GS-441524 FIP Treatment

FIP Treatment for Cats Now Available from Stokes Pharmacy

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.

Stokes Pharmacy Bova GS-441524 Benefits

How To Order:

We offer three simple, streamlined ways to order Bova GS-441524
Bova GS-441524 FIP Treatment

FIP Educational Webinar Series

FIP Webinar #1

FIP Treatment, from a death sentence to long-term survival: The story so far.

FIP Webinar #2


FIP Diagnosis: Now we can treat it, how sure do we need to be?

FIP Webinar #3

FIP Treatment in the USA: Learn How to Start Treating FIP Cases in Your Practice

FIP Webinar #4

Debunking Myths About FIP Treatment

FIP Clinical Studies & Handouts

FIP FAQs for Veterinarians
Commonly asked questions and answers about FIP regarding diagnosis, treatment, and more!
Bova GS-441524 Drug Information Sheet
About the formulations available from Stokes Pharmacy
Bova GS-441524 Dosing Calculator
Detailed calculator for the number of tablets needed daily over 84 days of treatment.
FIP Guide for Vets: Using antiviral drugs in 2024
An update on treatment of FIP using antiviral drugs in 2024
Our Family of Brands

Watch the recorded webinar:

FIP Treatment, from a death sentence to long-term survival: The story so far.

Presented by Dr. Samantha Taylor, Dr. Sally Coggins, and Dr. Samantha Evans

The on-demand webinar is not available for CE credit.

Complete the form below to access the free on-demand webinar. 

Watch the recorded webinar:

FIP Diagnosis: Now we can treat it, how sure do we need to be?

Presented by Dr. Samantha Taylor, BVetMed(Hons), CertSAM, DipECVIM-CA, MANZCVS, FRCVS

The on-demand webinar is not available for CE credit.

Complete the form below to access the free on-demand webinar. 

Watch the recorded webinar:

FIP TREATMENT IN THE USA: Compounded GS-441524 tablets are now available! Learn to start treating FIP cases in your practice

Presented by Sally Coggins, BVSc (Hons I) MANZCVS (Feline Medicine), PhD Candidate (Science) Sydney School of Veterinary Science

The on-demand webinar is not available for CE credit.

Complete the form below to access the free on-demand webinar. 

Watch the recorded webinar:

Debunking Myths About FIP Treatment

Presented by Samantha Evans DVM, PhD, DACVP and Nicole Jacque, Co-Founder of FIP Global C.A.T.S.

The on-demand webinar is not available for CE credit.

Complete the form below to access the free on-demand webinar. 

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