Expert: Norman Auspitz - 7/10/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hey Norm,

Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner, alot has been going on lately. I took Oreo the vet on Monday and he vet suggested possible kidney failure and informed me that he has severe lesions covering his mouth and throat. But because he was still eating normally, he didn't attribute that to the weight loss.

We ran blood tests and today found out that he has Feline Infectious Peritonitis or FIP. I'm sure you've heard of it. It's very contagious and very rare. So not only am I worried about him now, but my other 3 cats. And I read that it can affect dogs. I have 3 dogs.

My brain and heart are on overload. There is no cure. I can't even begin to explain how I feel right now, but I just wanted to give you an update.

Thank you for all your input, it was greatly appreciated.

God bless,
Brittney

ANSWER: Brittney,

I hate to second guess your vet, but there is no such thing as an FIP test!!!!!  FIP occurs when an otherwise fairly benign coronavirus goes rogue.  This is usually due to a compromised immune system.  Whereas coronaviruses are transferred between cats and to other species (including humans), rarely does it result in any illness.  So, I would not worry about your other ctas and dogs!!!!!

I think that your older cat can be treated clinically for the lesions which may clear up some of the problem.  Whiule it is possible the older boy has a form of FIP, there is not obvious way to diagnose it, except necropsy, and no treatment available that works.

This link should help you get a better handle on this condition:

http://www.winnfelinehealth.org/Health/FIP.html


So, things may not be as dark as your vet is making them out to be!!!!!

Please let me know how things progress.

Best regards.... Norm.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Yes, you are right, there is no test for FIP. I misunderstood the vet yesterday. He was explaining to me the results for positive coronavirus. He has a very thick accent.

Anyway, he said just to keep an eye on him, and while the other cats are fine now, because they've been exposed to it, it's possible they may come down with it. He put Oreo on antibiotics for the infected lesions and vitamins for the anemia. He said we'll follow up when the antibiotics are gone to check the lesions and run more blood tests on the anemia when the vitamins are gone.

He's been eating and drinking like a horse. He loves the kitty glop, but I've found he eats more of it when it's mixed with chunky pieces of cat food. I think because his face is so flat, and it being somewhat difficult for him to eat to begin with because of the lesions he doesn't eat as much of the glop alone because it's hard for him to grab in his mouth, but easier when mixed with something more textured.

Anyway, I noticed he gained 2 ounces since Monday, and he has gone to the bathroom before I put him in the kitty carrier and I hadn't fed him yet today when the vet weighed him. Two ounces is a big deal to me, because I'm not used to him gaining ANYTHING.

I'll deff keep you updated on everything and again, thank you very very much for everything.

Answer
Brittney,

I am glad Oreo seems to be doing better.

I would not worry about your other cats being exposed to the coronavirus.  If they have healthy immune systems, it is extremely, extremely, extremely unlikely they will get FIP!!!!!!!!!!

Best regards.. Norm.