Shop Products
Houzz Logo Print
sue36_gw

Bad news, my kitten has FIP

sue36
18 years ago

I posted over the weekend about my 6 month old Ragdoll having uveitis. She went to an opthamologist on Tuesday and he confirmed the uveitis and recommended a battery of tests. Today it came back with slightly elevated globulins and positive for FIP.

I am totally heartbroken over this. She has to go back to the opthamologist in 2 weeks to have the eye looked at again. I also have to decide what I am going to do regarding her regular vet. My belief is that is where she was exposed to it, so I am not really comfortable going back there. Since there is nothing that conventional medicine can do for FIP, I called a certified homeopathic vet. The opthamologist says it can't hurt.

Does anyone have any experience with FIP? Any advice would be helpful. She currently has no symptoms (the eye seems healed). The opthamologist said I should just try to enjoy her while I have her. Sigh. She already knows something is up because we are letting her sleep on the bed and are giving her as much food as she wants.

Here are a few pictures of her. She is a total love.

Here is a link that might be useful: Photos

Comments (156)

  • JenDye21
    11 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Hi Everyone,

    My cat, Taz, has just been recently diagnosed with FIP. I have had him for 12 years. He was a stray, so I would guess he is probably 14 years old. I also took in another kitty, Teka, at the same time. They were both full grown, so I am not sure if they were litter mates. I found them together. Teka suddenly developed a lot of fluid on her tummy in March 2011. They told me she had FIP, but I was having a hard time buying this since the kitties had been indoors for years. She declined rapidly, and after a couple of days, I made the dreaded decision. After speaking to the vet about the risk to Taz, she wasn't overly concerned even though he is diabetic. A few months went by, and I just knew Taz wasn't going to get it and I attributed Teka's death to heart issues.

    Over a year has passed since Teka's passing. I took Taz to the vet on Wednesday for low level vomiting and it seemed that his tummy felt hard. After X-rays, they discovered the fluid. Once again, he was diagnosed with FIP. They drained him and sent meds home with me. I am really struggling with the diagnosis. He has dealt with pancreatitis several times before, and I read that this can cause fluid in the abdomen. He goes in for a re-check tomorrow. My husband told me not to put him to sleep since we were not sure of the diagnosis and he has been much worse than this before from pancreatisis and has made a full recovery each time. I am watching his breathing very carefully. He is very relaxed and doesn't seem to be in pain. He will lick some gravy but for the most part I am force feeding him, and really it isn't forcing, I have done it so much in the past with his bouts of pancreatitis, he sits on my lap and opens his mouth. I have cried over and over again for the past few days. I just want to be able to make the right decision and know it was the right thing to do. The moment I think he is struggling or suffering, I will end it. At this point, the vet does not seem to think that he is. Any advice? Has anyone heard of pancreatitis causing fluid? His blood work was normal except for his amalayse which was incredibly high. This is an indicator of pancreatis. My vet does not run the globulin tests, etc. Just the standard for liver, kidneys, diabetis, etc.

  • Mischy
    11 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Jen- I am so sorry to hear of your cats' illnesses. i couldn't cope with the idea of my one cat potentially having FIP, so it seems impossibly unfair when i hear of it striking twice in one home. i know there's really no consolation for you right now, but you are very lucky to have had him as long as you have! i'm sure he is lucky as well to have had YOU for so long. i've never had a pet live to be older than 11. it doesn't make it easier, i know, but it is one thing to be grateful for anyway. i do not have any knowledge of pancreatitis, so i can't answer that question for you...but the one hope i can give you is that so far my cat's diagnosis appears to have been WRONG. definitely do not base your decision regarding euthanasia on his FIP diagnosis. i'm sure everyone here would tell you just to watch him and try to be in tune with him the very best that you can - i'm sure you will be able to do that just fine, i think you will know what to do. i don't want to give you false hope, because the fluid build-up for your cat doesn't sound good...but just to let you know that hope is possible, as it was for my cat. she also had a small amount of fluid in her chest three months ago...it was never drained, and now she seems fine. from what i've heard, this disease is not well-understood at all. i wish you luck, and i am sorry for taz's and your suffering...i hope the best for your taz :) keep in touch,

    Becca

  • JenDye21
    11 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Thanks Becca,

    I had to let Taz go on Saturday. His fluid was back and his ears were white and cold. He wouldn't eat at all. My vet told me she would drain him again but she felt I would be forced to make a decision by Monday or Tuesday. He hated the vet clinic and really cried the first time they drained him. I loved him too much to do that to him again just to have him two more days. It's really devestating and I still think I hear him meowing. I even found one of his claws he had shed in my towel this morning. Thank you for the kind words. I really hope they are wrong about your kitty's diagnosis and she continues to thrive. Thanks again.

  • cat_mom
    11 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    JenDye21, I am so sorry about Taz. May he rest in peace.

    (((HUGS)))

  • skjamathome
    11 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Mischy - Morgan is doing well, she has her good days and her bad when she doesn't eat. She has put on a bit of weight so the vets say it is a good sign. It looks like it is just a waiting game now.. I think she misses her brother because she is joined to my hip now!

    Jen - sorry to hear about Taz, he is no longer suffering and knows that he was loved dearly.

    When my other cat was diagnosed with FIP the vets said that they can only give a definitive diagnosis with an autopsy of the tissue, the FIP diagnosis they give is generally based on the high titer and physical symptoms.

  • Mischy
    11 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    oh no, i'm so so sorry jen...your post made me cry because i find it so confusing how they are with you one moment, and the next all you have is a nail. it's always been so hard for me to understand. i hope you are able to find some comfort during this difficult time for you. and thank you dearly for your kind words about *my* cat. as confident as i feel sometimes about her improvement, i will think i catch her looking sick sometimes and feel i'm crazy. a bigger part of me than i like to admit still fears the worst is on the horizon...i hope that goes away.

    skjamathome - so glad to hear about morgan. i hope her good days outweigh her bad ones!

  • mommoboys
    11 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I just found these posts the day after my dear little Strider has been diagnosed with FIP...I've cried for all of you and I cried for myself. My head has been swimming with all the information I've read on the internet about FIP - but your personal experiences have helped answer my deepest questions...thank you for sharing your stories & I'm so glad this post is still up. We've had a hard couple of years...with our 11yr old Muffin dying from a blood clot and then his littermate (born in our garage)died 6 months later (on Valentine's Day) from the same thing. Near the end of February we adopted two of the sweetest black kittens, both boys from the same litter - rescue kittens...just one month ago they were neutered and a week ago Strider began to be noticeably lethargic (he has always been the most active) when he started running a fever, and we noticed his belly swelling, we took him to the vet and heard those terrible initials FIP for the first time. Right now he is on steroids, his fever is down and he has perked up a little...but the vet says it is only a matter of days to weeks before he will become very, very ill. Even now his belly has swollen up larger than it was before they drained it.
    I am heartbroken and am trying to find the strength to give him the love and care these last days, hoping to at least comfort him. Your posts have helped me see that at a certain point, putting him to sleep will be the kindest thing to do. I worry so much about his brother Brego, as they are so, so close...I don't know how he will stand to lose Strider. But one day at a time.
    Kathy

  • cat_mom
    11 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Kathy, as with each post here, my eyes filled with tears as I read yours, and my heart goes out to you.

    When I read about your little black boy kittens, my thoughts went to two very, very sweet black kittens, also brothers, who were recently adopted from the animal shelter where I volunteer once a week. I keep picturing them as I think about your two sweet babies. How awful, awful is this terrible disease!

    I wish I could make this all just go away. My heart breaks thinking about little Brego, who will be losing his brother. I hope Strider will not suffer much, and will be able to enjoy some measure of comfort during his last days with you and with Brego.

    My thoughts are with you, and your sweet boys, during this so very difficult time.

    cat_mom

  • purplepansies
    11 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    My beautiful little kitten, Dusty, was diagnosed with FIP this morning. If angels do truly walk the Earth, she is one of them - I have never met a more sweet, gentle soul in my life. My heart is breaking.

  • cat_mom
    11 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    (((HUGS))) for you purplepansies.

  • purplepansies
    11 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Thank you cat_mom.

    Sorry for the "post and run" - I guess I just had to get it out somewhere. . . we've been trying to rule it out for several weeks now, but every test has just built up more evidence for FIP with no evidence for anything else. And this morning my vet called with the results of the cytology tests on the fluid from her abdomen. As much as I could hear that it pained him to say it, he told me everything came back indicating FIP. So there it is.

    She's only 6 months old! We adopted her and her sister a little over a month ago. Thankfully her sister - Sophie - is strong and healthy and vibrant (a little demon cat, actually!! I say that with love and a smile on my face, she makes me laugh but is into EVERYTHING!! :) Dusty is small, but she is bright, alert, eating - for now - and she just loves to sit with you, be petted and purr and purr and purr!

    Thanks to everyone for sharing your stories and heartache. This is a horrible disease, I pray they find a cure/vaccine soon.

  • cat_mom
    11 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Me, too. As with everyone, my thoughts are with you......

  • CBare
    11 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Hi everyone. I am heartbroken while reading everyone's posts. My heart goes out to all of you. I am so very sorry.

    I am writing now hoping that some of you may have answers or advice for me. My 1 year old cat Puka has been diagnosed with anemia. We are currently in the process of trying to find out what is causing it. He had symptoms of lethargy, diarrhea, loss of appetite and weight loss 3 months ago. We took him to see the vet immediately and his red blood cell count was down. The vet told us that this was probably caused by some sort of infection. He was prescribed Doxycycline 2x a day. After a week or so, we noticed a huge improvement and he was back to his old self. We re-tested him and his bloodwork came back normal and the vet told us everything was ok. We were so relieved.

    Last Friday I noticed Puka having the same symptoms again. He was lethargic, disinterested, losing weight and seemed to have "heavy eyelids" (although this time around he has not lost his appetite or thirst and no diarrhea). So, being the over-obsessed mommy that I am, I took him to the vet for testing. He has come back as anemic again. The vet has started him on the Doxycycline again but I am not going to sit around and wait this out - I want to find out what is wrong so I can treat it. I had the vet run every test under the sun, because I want to get to the bottom of what is causing this anemia in Puka. His test results came back yesterday with elevated globulin protein, elevated bilirubin and a coronavirus titer of 1:400. He is FeLV and FIV negative. We are taking him back in to the vet this Friday, two days from now to have his blood drawn again for more testing to see if there are any improvements.

    I just want to know if any of you can help me figure this out. The vet has expressed his concern for FIP as his titer levels were elevated. I suspected bartonella after doing online research as Puka was covered in fleas when we adopted him from a shelter.

    I am already expecting the worst and cannot imagine losing my baby after just 12 months with him. He is my world and I love him with all my heart. Please offer me some insight as to what this could be and if I am doing the right thing.

    I am so sorry for the long post.
    Thank you so much.
    Chelsea

  • cat_mom
    11 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Chelsea, I will keep my fingers crossed that it is not FIP. I have no medical experience, only my own personal experience with this insidious disease. I volunteer at an animal shelter, and I always fear it's FIP when a kitten or cat exhibits the same symptoms. Not to give false hope in any way, but I can say that much of the time it is not FIP.

    As you know from reading this thread, if it is FIP, there is no real treatment or cure, nor is there a reliable vaccine. The best you can do right now, is keep Puka comfortable, continue with the Doxycycline until you know for sure what it is you are dealing with, and as best you can, make sure Puka is eating, and staying hydrated. Hopefully tomorrow's blood draw will yield better results.

    Keeping you and Puka in my thoughts.

  • CBare
    11 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Took Puka in to the vet a few hours ago. Puka has lost a quarter pound more weight. The vet didn't even want to run blood work. She insisted that we take him to an internal medicine specialist. I have an appointment at 1:00 today.
    I can only hope for the best. Any advice on questions I should be asking or tests I should ask for would be appreciated.
    Thank you cat mom for your response. I appreciate your feedback.
    Thanks everyone. *fingers crossed*
    Chelsea

  • cat_mom
    11 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Hi Chelsea, I don't know what part of the country you're in, but it's after 1:00 here, so don't know if you will get this in time.

    You could have them do an ELISA test, but I don't think the results are very reliable (our Mayu tested negative, despite overwhelming evidence, at that point, that she had FIP-- it's quite possible the antibodies were so bound up with the virus, there were none left to attach to the test).

    Also, If he does have fluid build-up in his abdomen or chest, you could have them draw some fluid for testing (straw colored fluid, high protein levels, are typical with FIP).

    Please let us know what the specialist says. Fingers crossed here, too.

  • purplepansies
    11 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Oh Chelsea, I'm so sorry! I just saw cat_mom's post as I started typing, and was about to say you might want the vet to check for fluid in the abdomen. If it's there, have some removed for testing as cat_mom notes. If it is FIP and the dry form, there may be no fluid, so a check of the organs for granulomas. Vet would do an ultrasound for these. Any fever?

    Here's a link with more info so you know what to ask.

    http://www.2ndchance.info/fip.htm

    I'll keep you and Puka in my prayers.

    - Lisa

  • CBare
    11 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Heartbreaking news today. Puka had an ultrasound at the internal medicine specialist today. There are signs of lymphoma cancer as well as fluid in his abdomen. His blood work had not improved either, in fact his billirubin (sp?) was more elevated than last time. There was not enough fluid for testing but they did take biopsies of his lymph nodes. Results won't get back til Tuesday. Doctor highly suspects lymphoma and/or FIP.
    The doctor said to continue his doxycycline and we are starting him on prednisone. I am also going to look into holistic options for him.
    I am completely heartbroken. Puka means the world to my husband and I. I feel frustrated that not one test can definitively tell me what's wrong and we are stuck playing a guessing game. I just want this to all go away and see my baby happy and healthy.
    Thank you for your kind words. Am I doing the right thing? I feel so spent after 8 hours of veterinary hospitals today.
    Chelsea :(

  • purplepansies
    11 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I'm so sorry Chelsea! Not that I like to give false hope, and although it is not true in my case, there is another illness that can mimic FIP and some of the things you are describing. You should at least have your vet look into it and rule it out. Here are clips from a few web sites:

    The effusive form of FIP is the easiest to diagnose, but only about 50% of cats that present with effusions will have FIP. The most common diseases that produce effusions similar to FIP include lymphocytic cholangitis and malignancies. Therefore, it is important to confirm the diagnosis by examination of the effusion. The effusion found in FIP is a non-septic exudate with the following characteristics:
    Straw to golden yellow color, viscous, clear to slightly cloudy, frothy when shaken
    High specific gravity (1.017-1.047)
    High protein (typically >3.5 g/dl, often 5-12 g/dl)
    Albumin:globulin ratio Low to moderate cellularity (Three valuable tests on effusions that can be used to confirm the diagnosis of FIP are: positive immunofluorescent staining for coronavirus antigen within macrophages, positive Rivalta's test, and a detectable coronavirus antibody titer. (my note - I don't really believe this can "confirm" FIP, but I think it would tell you that it quite probably is FIP)

    Diagnosis of lymphocytic cholangitis:
    Serum biochemistry often reveals mild to moderately increased liver enzymes ( her ALT is mildly elevated), increased bile acids, hyperbilirubinaemia, hyperglobulinaemia, and hypoalbuminaemia.
    Haematology may reveal mild anaemia (low red blood cels), lymphopenia (low lymphocytes) or lymphocytosis (elevated lymphocytes), monocytosis (elevated monocytes), and/or thrombocytopenia (low platelets). Blood clotting times are frequently prolonged.
    Ascitic fluid, if present, is typically high in protein.
    **Ultrasound examination may show blotchy hepatic hyperechogenicity, biliary tree distension and irregularity, �sludging� of bile, a thickened gall bladder wall (which is most typically associated with the presence of a secondary infection), and/or evidence of common bile duct obstruction. Associated findings may include enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes, pancreatic irregularity, and/or thickening of the duodenal walls.

    Cats of any age may be affected, but disease is seen most typically in young to middle aged cats. Persian cats may have an increased risk.
    Clinical signs are usually very chronic and insidious in nature.
    Affected cats are typically jaundiced, but appear to be clinically well, and are often polyphagic. Weight loss and anorexia can also be seen, as can vomiting and/or diarrhoea.
    Cats may have a palpably enlarged liver, and mild generalized lymphadenopathy may also be present.
    Cats may show intermittent signs of systemic illness, with fever, anorexia, weight loss, and vomiting. Systemic signs are sometimes associated with secondary infections, typically of the liver and/or pancreas.
    The disease may progress to causing chronic biliary cirrhosis with ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, and bleeding tendencies.
    May be associated with triaditis (concurrent IBD and pancreatitis)
    Ascites may be present -- in acute cases due to a hepatic exudates (which can make this condition difficult to differentiate from wet FIP), and in chronic cases from portal hypertension resulting from periportal fibrosis and cirrhosis)
    Mixed forms also exist
    It is difficult to different whether these two groups are two different diseases or two ends of a spectrum.

  • cat_mom
    11 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Oh Chelsea, I am sorry the news wasn't better. I know exactly how you feel, with the lack of definitive answers and tests. I've mentioned it here before; the only way to conclusively Dx FIP is through a necropsy (biopsy of the liver/organs post mortem). Anything else is anecdotal from my understanding.

    It doesn't sound good for your little boy, but I will continue to hope that this turns out to be something other than FIP, something that can be treated/cured.

    I totally feel your heartbreak. We had our Mayu for all of three months, during which time she completely and thoroughly burrowed into our hearts. 9 years later, I still find this time of year (mid-Sept to late Dec), the time when we had her, to be bittersweet, and memory-filled of a sweet little life cut way too short.

    We are all waiting with you for Tuesday's results, and send our prayers along with yours.

  • CBare
    11 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Purple pansies!!! I know I may be grasping for straws here but the lymphocytic cholangitis is something not ONE vet has mentioned to us!! We have been comparing his bloodwork numbers and they look comparative to how the cholangitis is diagnosed. Can this be treated? The websites I am looking at seem to say that medications can be prescribed.
    I know this might not be it - but thank you thank you for pointing out something else to us. I just so badly want to do everything I can to help him.
    Thank you cat mom and thank you purple pansies for your support and help. This means so much to me right now.
    Chelsea

  • purplepansies
    11 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Sometimes you need to hold onto whatever hope you can. It may not be the answer - but it may be. I hope so! I still hold out hope for my little girl, who, despite what 2 very good vets say is an FIP diagnosis, is still doing extremely well. Eating, playing, alert, loving - I don't know, maybe it hasn't really hit her yet. I just don't understand, everyone says she should be very sick by now. . . so I, too, hold out hope. We've got her on prednisone. We'll see. She's a fighter!

    Here's a picture of my angel.

  • CBare
    11 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    You are a sweetheart! And Dusty is such a cutie. I will keep the both of you in my thoughts and prayers as well. Thank you for keeping in touch - I truly appreciate it.
    Puka is sleeping now. He is still eating and drinking. Just looks very lethargic and has a hard time opening his eyes. I can only hope that the prednisone kicks in soon and he can improve slightly.
    Thank you again. Chelsea

  • CBare
    11 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    So.. Puka's biopsy came back negative for lymphoma. I wanted to jump up and down when the doctor told me this news, but my excitement was cut short when he told me that since ruling out lymphoma he now only suspects FIP. I asked him if there is any possibility that this could be something else, and he told me that there is a slim chance it could still be an imflammatory immune disease.

    The vet said the next step he would reccommend is "exploratory surgery" on Puka's organs to take biopsies for more testing to determine or rule out anything else but he's not sure how Puka would recover from this. My husband and I had a long talk about it and considering Puka's condition - we don't think he could survive for a recovery from this type of surgery. The vet also told us that he could prescribe Puka a chemotherapy/anti-inflammatory type drug to help destroy any other type of infection/viruses, but says that the side effects are very risky. I had to squeeze these additional options out of the doctor because he feels fairly certain that we are dealing with FIP.

    It has been 2 days since hearing this news. We have continued giving Puka his doxycycline as well as prednisolone. He seems to be improving only slightly. He is still eating and drinking here and there, going to the bathroom normally and is opening his eyes much wider. But his energy level is still weak. He doesn't stand or even sit for long periods of time. I feel like he is fighting very hard and does not want to give up.

    This has been one long nightmare and wish I could just wake up. I feel very numb by all of this now. I just want to save him. My plan now is to get a "3rd" opinion from a local vet based upon Puka's blood work, ultrasound and biopsy. We'll continue his meds and possibly look into some hollistic options for him. I just want to keep him as happy and comfortable as I can, since no one can seem to give me a definitive answer.

    Thanks again,
    Chelsea

  • purplepansies
    11 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I'm so sorry, Chelsea. I agree that the surgery option is not in Puka's best interest. The hardest thing with FIP is that there is no definitive diagnosis while the cat is alive.

    I know letting go is hard, Chelsea. I'm like you - they're a part of my family. I still cry when I think about losing my Cinnamon and Cleo, and I worry about Jasmine. She's 19, and although doing very well, I'm scared of what I will have to face in the coming years. And then there's my little Dusty - just a baby. I look at her and wonder how much time we will have with her. I pray that I have the strength to make the right decision when the time comes.

    Cherish your time with Puka and make him as comfortable as you can. How lucky he is to have you!

    I promise to keep you both in my prayers.

  • cat_mom
    11 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Chelsea, I am so sorry the news wasn't better. As purplepansies said, and as I, and others have said as well, there are no definitive answers with FIP while the kitten or cat is still living unfortunately, there is pretty much only anecdotal evidence. A reasonable Dx can be made based on this "symptomatic evidence" but a 100% absolute just isn't possible.

    Continue to keep Puka comfortable, keep him hydrated and try to keep him eating ("smelly" foods might tempt him to eat more).

    Wishing you strength.....

  • Mischy
    11 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Hello all,

    I wrote back in January of my cat Mischa's FIP diagnosis. I know some of you wanted some good news in such a flood of sad news - I wanted to let you all know that it's been almost nine months since M's diagnosis, and she has been, since february or so, completely fine. she has had no treatment. she seems to be totally normal, has had no relapse into her initial sickness (lethargy, not eating, not going to bathroom etc. for which she was only given an antibiotic.) i am happy of course, (honestly, i didn't know if i would recover if she passed as i've experienced much loss in the past few years) but i can't help feeling a bit guilty that things (beyond all hope or luck) turned out well for us, when everyone else on here has ended their stories with absolute heart break. all i can say is that i am very sorry to hear of the new members since i last wrote, whose cats have fallen ill. i wish the best for all, and know that misdiagnosis can happen, as it clearly did with mischa. i hope that mischa's case can be a source of hope to you.

    Becca L.

  • CBare
    11 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Thank you cat mom and purple pansies. Your support and words of kindness have helped tremendously. And Becca, your story has brought me joy. Do not feel guilty in any way - please give little Mischa hugs and kisses everyday. She is lucky to have you. :)
    I do not think Puka is getting better. He barely eats without me helping him and I can tell just walking is a struggle. I have never had to decide when to let a loved one go. It makes me sick to my stomach. How do you know when it's time? :(
    I feel hopeless watching him fade away. I love him with all my heart. :(
    -Chelsea

  • purplepansies
    11 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I don't know what to say, Chelsea. My heart breaks for you and Puka. It is the hardest, most horrible decision to make. When?. . . I remember last asking that question 3 years ago, sitting on the floor of my basement, crying, and petting my Cleo. My beautiful girl, who a week before started to have trouble walking. Over the course of the week it got worse, she could barely move and couldn't get to the shallow litter pan I made for her. As I cleaned the urine off of her again - I'd find her lying in it - I realized that this was no way for a cat to live. My beautiful Cleo - I remember looking into her eyes, knowing that I couldn't let her go, but knowing that I had to.

    I know how much you love Puka. You will do the right thing. When you are both ready.

    Lisa

  • cat_mom
    11 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Oh Chelsea, I wish I had an answer for you. When the Dr at the Animal Medical Center in NYC confirmed our worst fears, we knew we couldn't bear watching Mayu suffer and get sicker and weaker, especially knowing that the prognosis wasn't a good one. We brought her home and then took her to our local vet. It was one of the toughest things to so, but we knew we had to do it then.

    We are here for you if you. Feel free to email if you need or want to....

  • CBare
    11 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Puka passed yesterday, October 8th 2012. I lost a part of me yesterday, one I will never get back. I feel truly blessed to have been the one chosen to share Puka's short but incredible life with. He was my best friend, my soul mate, my angel. I will miss him everyday and will send kisses up to heaven for him until we are together again. Thank you all for your support and kind words. I didn't know where to turn when Puka was diagnosed. I found comfort here, thank you.
    It will be a long road ahead of me to walk without Puka by my side. Gone from my life but never absent from my heart. Until we meet again, Puka Bare. -Chelsea

  • Mischy
    11 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    i'm so very sorry chelsea. i pray that you find the strength to keep going without him. take care of yourself,

    Becca

  • purplepansies
    11 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I am so very sorry, Chelsea. I'll be thinking about you.

    Lisa

  • cat_mom
    11 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Dear Chelsea,

    I am so sorry you had to join our "club" but I am grateful you found us when you needed us. As you surely know, many thoughts of comfort are going out to you.

    There will never be another Puka, just as there will never be another one like the ones we have all lost. In time, if you find you are able, you might share your life with another sweet, furry soul. If not, that's okay, too. Your Puka will ever live on in your heart and your memories.

    Rest in Peace little Puka.

    (((HUGS)))

    cat_mom

  • purplepansies
    11 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Things can change so quickly. . . early this morning, our beautiful little kitten, Dusty, died peacefully at home while we were holding her. Although we had her such a short time, we were blessed to be the ones chosen to care for her. RIP, my little Dusty. I'm so, so sorry we couldn't do more.

  • CBare
    11 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Lisa,
    I am so so sorry. You were lucky to have had one another. You were a wonderful mommy to little Dusty. I know this time, and for awhile, will be difficult. Keep Dusty in your heart. My thoughts are with you.
    Luv,
    Chelsea

  • cat_mom
    11 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Lisa,

    I am so sorry you have become a member of this "club." *sigh*

    I HATE FIP.

    You and your Dusty will be in my thoughts.....

    (((HUGS)))

    cat_mom

  • Kerry167
    11 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Are people still posting on this thread?

    I'm messaging from the UK. My little rag doll kitten Gin, has just been diagnosed with FIP :-( He is 5 and 1/2 months old and adorable (we hold hands/paws, he fetches things for me and sleeps nose to nose with me).

    I've only had him 2 months from a pedigree breeder who says she's never had a issues before and still has his sister who is going well.
    He is eating, not drinking a lot, poo-ing normally and still purrs when we have cuddles... But he's quiet and sits in the sphinx position a lot - does this indicate pain? He's not done this a lot before. It all started with a cloudy eye which cleared up with drops quite quickly.

    He's on antibiotics, which we started today. It's hoped, I guess that he'll improve for a while. Ultrasound/X-ray next week to see if its hit his organs yet, but no fluid in abdomen... Yet.

    Any advice?

    I'm devastated :-( I got him to help get over my last cat who died earlier this year at 18 years old from renal failure. That really hurt, but this seems to be worse as I've only had him 2 months and he's so cute and loving..

    I found this thread really supportive as well as upsetting with what a lot of you have been through. I love my friends, and they are being great...but I'm not sure they really understand how I'm feeling..

    Kerry

  • cat_mom
    11 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Kerry,

    There are two forms of FIP; wet and dry. It's possible your little Gin has the dry form, if there is no fluid in his abdomen. How did the vet arrive at FIP as the diagnosis? Did they check his protein levels, or ???

    Not to give false hope, but years before our Mayu was diagnosed with FIP, my first cat Misha was diagnosed with it as a kitten, when she also had cloudy eyes (it started in one eye, then moved into her other eye as the first one started clearing, and then cleared up in both). She lived to be 16. Our current vet told us that what she had had could not have been FIP (given her recovery from the eye issue, and her lifespan).

    Is Gin running a temp? Is he responding to the antibiotics? Some FIP "hallmarks are intermittent fevers/temps that don't respond to antibiotics, lethargy, and loss of appetite, among others, but those are fairly common from what I had read at the time. Also, low weight/not growing is also common. Our Mayu was a tiny thing, and was much smaller than a normal 5 month old kitten when she passed.

    If it is FIP for sure, you have my utmost sympathy. I can't believe there is still no cure, nor prevention for this.

    Please know that you are not alone, and that we here do know what you are going through, and will support you as best we can throughout this difficult time.

    cat_mom

  • purplepansies
    11 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I'm here, too, Kerry. I am so sorry about Gin's diagnosis! From reading, you know there is no definitive way to diagnose FIP, it's a constellation of things that indicate FIP. It may not affect all kittens in a litter - for me, I have Dusty's sister, who is perfectly fine right now, thriving and hard to keep up with! No indication at all that she has FIP. Their brothers are suspected to have FIP due to a bunch of strange lab results and other things, but so far are doing well. They may have the dry form that cat_mom noted. Cats live longer with the dry form.

    And the rescue group I adopted my girls from has never had this happen, either. They were as devastated as I when I told them about Dusty.

    I don't know what to say except treasure every moment you have with Gin. I miss my little Dusty terribly, but at least she was with me, happy and loved, for her short life.

    I'll keep you and Gin in my prayers.

    Lisa

  • lainylainy
    11 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I just lost my precious baby boy, Romeow, to FIP this morning. I had only had him for two weeks and he was only "normal" for about two days. Then the loss of appetite started, weight loss, lethargy. We took him to the vet (twice) where they gave us meds for hookworms and antibiotics for fever but he just became more and more lethargic and sad. I had to feed him with a syringe and give him the high-vitamin cat gel. Anyway, he just seemed worse and worse so I took him to the emergency vet this morning and his little tummy was so swollen, his third eyelids had been showing for the last few days and his gums were white. They drew fluid from his abdomen and they said it was likely that he had FIP. I had him put down because I didn't want him to suffer.
    I've been crying non-stop since then, and I also have five kids who are heart-broken.
    I AM SO ANGRY AT THE BREEDER. She eluded that something could be wrong with him (AFTER WE PURCHASED HIM). She wanted us to put him to sleep without even trying to figure out what was going on with him! I'm so sad I can't even think straight right now. Even in two short weeks he was such a wonderful little guy. I miss him so much.

  • lainylainy
    11 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I just lost my precious baby boy, Romeow, to FIP this morning. I had only had him for two weeks and he was only "normal" for about two days. Then the loss of appetite started, weight loss, lethargy. We took him to the vet (twice) where they gave us meds for hookworms and antibiotics for fever but he just became more and more lethargic and sad. I had to feed him with a syringe and give him the high-vitamin cat gel. Anyway, he just seemed worse and worse so I took him to the emergency vet this morning and his little tummy was so swollen, his third eyelids had been showing for the last few days and his gums were white. They drew fluid from his abdomen and they said it was likely that he had FIP. I had him put down because I didn't want him to suffer.
    I've been crying non-stop since then, and I also have five kids who are heart-broken.
    I AM SO ANGRY AT THE BREEDER. She eluded that something could be wrong with him (AFTER WE PURCHASED HIM). She wanted us to put him to sleep without even trying to figure out what was going on with him! I'm so sad I can't even think straight right now. Even in two short weeks he was such a wonderful little guy. I miss him so much.

  • cat_mom
    11 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    lainylainy, my sincere condolences to you and your kids. It doesn't take long at all for these little sweet beings to crawl right into our hearts. Breed-specific or DSH/DLH doesn't matter. As has been said before, if a kitten (or older cat) is predisposed (by his or her individual genetic make-up) to develop FIP after exposure to the Coronavirus, then there unfortunately is nothing you or the breeder could have done to prevent this. There are NO reliable tests before or during for FIP. 1) the virus is constantly mutating and 2) there is no way to predict which kittens will develop FIP after exposure and which ones will not.

    Of course, this does not change, nor does it mitigate your situation in any way, shape or form. If the breeder knew the kitten was ill, or not thriving, then yes, she should have given you the opportunity to decline bringing him into your home and your lives beforehand.

    I wish you and your family peace during this difficult time.

  • CBare
    11 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Kerry,
    I am so so very sorry to hear about little Gin. Not to upset you, but his story sounds similar to my Puka's when he first got sick. Puka did hold on after antibiotics for another 3 months or so. He got a LOT better in fact during those few months. He was such a little cutie. :")
    My advice to you is to hold out hope. As long as he is eating, drinking, maintaining weight and doesn't seem to be in pain; keep giving him as much love as possible and as many second opinions from doctors as well!
    I know nothing we can say will make you feel better, but we are here if you need to vent. I COMPLETELY understand how you are feeling. I miss my Puka every single day. But, I was incredibly lucky to have known him. He has impacted and changed my life forever. I am sure you feel the exact same way about Gin.
    Again, I am so sorry. Hang in there. -Chelsea

  • Shauna Elizabeth
    5 years ago

    Is anyone still on this thread?

  • cat_mom
    5 years ago

    Old thread, but I still pop in to Garden Web and to this forum. What’s up?

  • HU-775297947
    3 years ago

    Hello! I know this is old, but I need advice! My little Edna is a foster fail and almost 7 months old. About 2 months ago my vet brought up the possibility of FIP based purely on her round belly. She told me that It’s very hard to diagnose but she did an ultrasound to check for fluid around the belly - nothing! She’s been great for the last few months and I kinda dismissed the idea, but I took her in today to see if she had a UTI. Her litter box has seemed To smell stronger lately. it can’t back negative. Again the vet checked for fluid on her tummy - nothing! She still thinks FIP is a possibility though , which is irritating because there’s nothing I can do but wait and see! Edna even gained 2 lbs from the last visit! she seems great, yet I’m still worried about FIP developing. should I get a 2nd opinion or just try and the love her and put it out of my mind?

  • cat_mom
    3 years ago

    Has she been dewormed? Have they run fecal tests to rule out coccidia, giardia....?

  • Jennifer Wall
    3 years ago

    I have lost 3 kittens to FIP (both dry and wet forms). If your kitten is gaining weight, and has normal blood work, then she likely does not have FIP. Complete blood work and a fecal test for parasites & diseases would provide a lot of important info. Otherwise, you are just worrying and guessing. Hope this helps.

  • HU-636494886
    3 years ago

    Please, please look into remdesivir. Look at the FIP Wikipedia page to see the exact medicine name. We have cured four FIP-positive kittens using it, and our foster group has cured more. search for FIP Warriors on Facebook. There are ways to get the medicine. Do your research, and do not give up hope!