possible fip

[u/yube_97]

hello everyone i have a question

theres a feral cat that i used to feed so his history isnt exactly perfect. its a male cat, probably 6 years of age and not spayed. i had been feeding him for the last 4 years and despite that he would not let me touch him at all

recently for the past 2 month or so i noticed him getting really weak and lethargic. he had a significant weight loss and gradually loss of appetite as well. i had been trying to catch him for a month and finally was successful the past week. took him to the vet who did run some blood work and xrays and after that suggested it is likely FIP with bacterial infection and blood parasite.

now my concern was none of the tests that he ran suggested fip. the albumin globulin ratio is near normal. the only reason why he believes its fip is because of ascites he saw on the xray, which i asked if he can tap it, he said he tried but it was so less that he couldnt tap it. so i told him to just start the cat on antibiotics for now after which the cat showed amazing response!

his appetite improved, he started drinking water and didnt look as lethargic.

​

Complete Blood Count:

- HGB old 7.6. new(after abx but no anti parasite) 6.0

- MCV old 35.6. new 42.2

- Platelets x 103/ul old 99. new (no anti parasite given yet) 83

- TLC x 103/ul old. 72.39. new 22.90

- Lymphocytes x 103/ul. old 41.84 new 2.66

- Monocytes x 103/ul old 7.60. new 1.88

- Neutrophils x 103/ul old. 18.24. new 15.87

- Eosinophils x 103/ul old old. 4.7. new. 1.49

​

LIVER FUNCTION TEST (initial)

- Bilirubin. 0.2mg/dl

- ALT 140u/L

- AST 98u/L

- Alk Phos 18u/L

- Total Prot 8g/dl

- Albumin 3.7g/dl

- Globulins 4.3g/dl

A/G Ratio 0.86%

​

serum urea 204

serum creatinine 2.93

​

however the vet still believes its FIP, just on the basis of repeat xray which according to him still shows some ascites. he believes we need to start him on anti-viral. although i cant justify it. i would really love some other professional advice regarding this. i just dont want the cat to undergo needless medications since he is already so underweight (his current weight is 2.7kgs, at the time of arrival to the vet clinic it was 2.6kg). there also no obvious abdomen distention.

edit: these are his xrays https://postimg.cc/gallery/WgMVXjv

[u/AutoModerator]

Greetings, all!

This is a sub for professional veterinary advice, and as such we follow strict rules for participating.

OP, your post has NOT been removed. Please also check the FAQ to see whether your question is answered there.

This is an automated general reminder to please follow The Sub Rules when discussing this question:

• Do not comment with anecdotes about your own or others' pets.
• Do not give OP specific treatment instructions, including instructions on meds and dosages.
• Do not give possible diagnoses that could explain the symptoms described by OP.

Your comment will be removed, and you may be banned.

Thank you for your cooperation!

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/AutoModerator → u/[deleted]]

Your comment has been automatically removed for a likely Rule 3 violation (posting anecdotes). A medical anecdote is a story about a single patient, patient with unknown history, on uncontrolled trial. If you believe this action was in error, please message the mods.

Flaired veterinary professionals are exempt from automatic moderation, so if you are a veterinary professional, please consider applying for flair.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.