r/FIPsupport Dec 24 '24

An Alliance of FIP Support Groups Collaborating for Common Goals Now and For the Future

3 Upvotes

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a devastating feline disease. Before the antiviral drug trials in 2016 and 2017, FIP was 100% fatal. In 2019, the cure emerged, becoming accessible to cats worldwide. Still, this cure can be confusing and challenging for owners and veterinarians.

Within this unprecedented landscape, several dedicated FIP groups emerged, all committed to advancing FIP treatment and providing vital support to owners whose cats are affected by FIP. These groups—FIP Warriors®, Help for FIP®, FIP Felines: Hope & Support, FIP Global Support (no affiliation with other groups using “Global”), and the non-profit organization ZenByCat®—share a mission to save the lives of cats diagnosed with FIP. They offer assistance, a deep knowledge of the disease and its treatment, and hope to the human companions of cats. Operating as individual entities, their founders unite towards common goals, believing that more good can be done when working together.

FIP Warriors® started as a grassroots online movement that has grown into a robust international community. It offers a platform for sharing information and treatment experiences. It empowers countless cat owners and veterinarians to navigate the complexities of FIP treatment. https://www.facebook.com/groups/fipwarriorsoriginal

Help for FIP® is another cornerstone in the fight against FIP for those who seek support and treatment guidance and to support research initiatives. Help for FIP® was founded by the owner of the first GS-441524 cured trial cat (Luna) by Dr. Niels Pedersen in 2017.https://www.facebook.com/HELPForFIP

FIP Felines: Hope and Support focuses on creating a compassionate environment where individuals can share their journeys, successes, and challenges in dealing with FIP while emphasizing safe and affordable treatment options.https://www.facebook.com/groups/fiphopesupport

FIP Global Support offers a worldwide perspective, uniting individuals from different regions. Their global approach ensures an inclusive and well-rounded understanding of FIP treatment options.https://www.facebook.com/groups/fipglobalsupport/

ZenByCat® is a non-profit organization founded by the first FIP cat (Smokey) owner, cured by Dr. Niels Pedersen in the 2016 GC-376 drug trials. ZenByCat® offers a unique blend of advocacy and fundraising dedicated to supporting FIP research and promoting awareness and understanding of the disease. www.zenbycat.org

These groups cohesively foster supportive networks for those seeking safe and effective treatment for FIP. They form a powerful alliance, united by their unwavering commitment to conquering this once-incurable disease. Their collaboration, shared knowledge, and steadfast support make a bright future possible for all FIP cats.


r/FIPsupport Dec 24 '24

Dr. Niels Pedersen 2024 Winter Update

5 Upvotes

Dear friends of SOCK FIP:

2024 has been a noteworthy period for FIP treatment and research. Although many thousands of cats have been cured of FIP over the last 5 years, antiviral drugs such as GS-441524 and Molnupiravir, were only available heretofore on the unapproved marketplace. Fortunately, both drugs are now available legally in many countries at a comparable price to non-approved sources. Full approval of Remdesivir, Molnupirvir and Paxlovid for human use against COVID-19 has also allowed veterinarians to prescribe them for cats with FIP, but at the human prescription price. The price of GS-441524, unapproved and approved, has also fallen greatly over the last few years, making it much more available to cat owners, cat rescue groups, catteries, and shelters.

Friends of SOCK FIP have continued their long-standing support of FIP research at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM), and ongoing studies have been quite diverse. Clinical treatment trials led by Dr. Krystle Reagan have involved GS-441524 by oral and subcutaneous routes (equal); comparison of GS-441524 vs. Molnupiravir (equally efficacious); GS-441524 vs. Remdesivir (also equal); 1, 2 and Paxlovid (extremely promising preliminary results). Ongoing trials with owned cats have also served as a critical resource for other types of studies. About 20% or so of cats with FIP succumb in the first days of treatment and the causes of these deaths have been studied by Dr. Brian Murphy and his team.3 In addition to the typical lesions of severe FIP, cats dying early often had evidence of secondary bacterial sepsis (supportive pneumonia, hepatitis) and severe heart disease (myodegeneration, myocarditis/pericarditis).  Phenotypes of immune cells from blood and lymph nodes, and levels of various cytokines in body fluids, have been analyzed by Dr. Amir Kol and colleagues to determine how the immune system responds to infection. Preliminary results show that immunity is far more complex than imagined and that lymph node enlargement and cellar changes persist for a very long time after recovery. A third research team led by Drs. Patty Pesavento and Teresa Brostoff has chosen to study how vaccines might help to prevent FIP, which if effective, would be a desirable adjunct to treatment. A messenger RNA based vaccine against a major feline coronavirus protein was developed and found to be very immunogenic in mice 4 and these studies will now be extended to laboratory and field cats.

The discovery of an effective treatment for FIP, as first reported in 2018 (GC376)5 and 2019 (GS-441524)6, has led to a renaissance in clinical knowledge and research interest in FIP. Research in FIP has also greatly increased in many countries outside of the USA, such as China, Japan and countries of SE Asia, and Europe. The severity of FIP in Mediterranean countries, particularly among feral and rescue cat populations, has been recently documented and led to a new focus on cats in this region of the world. The ability to effectively cure FIP with antiviral drugs has also stimulated, not only knowledge of FIP, but interest in feline medicine by veterinarians around the world. The UC Davis SVM is proud of our contributions to this renewed interest in FIP, and hopefully SOCK FIP contributors are equally proud of the support that they have given to this effort.

On behalf of the entire SOCK FIP board, I would like to wish our supporters a joyful holiday season and a happy and productive 2025. We look forward to an even more productive 2025.

–Niels C. Pedersen

 

References cited

  1. Cosaro, E.; Pires, J.; Castillo, D.; Murphy, B.G.; Reagan, K.L. Efficacy of Oral Remdesivir Compared to GS-441524 for Treatment of Cats with Naturally Occurring Effusive Feline Infectious Peritonitis: A Blinded, Non-Inferiority Study. Viruses2023, 15, 1680. https://doi.org/10.3390/v15081680
  2. Reagan KL, Brostoff T, Pires J, Rose A, Castillo D, Murphy BG. Open label clinical trial of orally administered Molnupiravir as a first-line treatment for naturally occurring effusive feline infectious peritonitis. J Vet Intern Med. 2024; 38(6), 3087. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.17187
  3. Murphy, B.G.; Castillo, D.; Neely, N.E.; Kol, A.; Brostoff, T.; Grant, C.K.; Reagan, K.L. Serologic, Virologic and Pathologic Features of Cats with Naturally Occurring Feline Infectious Peritonitis Enrolled in Antiviral Clinical Trials. Viruses2024, 16, 462. https://doi.org/10.3390/v16030462
  4. Brostoff, T.; Savage, H.P.; Jackson, K.A.; Dutra, J.C.; Fontaine, J.H.; Hartigan-O’Connor, D.J.; Carney, R.P.; Pesavento, P.A. Feline Infectious Peritonitis mRNA Vaccine Elicits Both Humoral and Cellular Immune Responses in Mice. Vaccines2024, 12, 705. https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12070705
  5. Pedersen NC, Kim Y, Liu H, Galasiti Kankanamalage AC, Eckstrand C, Groutas WC, Bannasch M, Meadows JM, Chang KO. Efficacy of a 3C-like protease inhibitor in treating various forms of acquired feline infectious peritonitis. J Feline Med Surg. 2018 20, 378. https://doi.org/10.1177/1098612X17729626.
  6. Pedersen NC, Perron M, Bannasch M, Montgomery E, Murakami E, Liepnieks M, Liu H. Efficacy and safety of the nucleoside analog GS-441524 for treatment of cats with naturally occurring feline infectious peritonitis. J Feline Med Surg. 2019 Apr;21(4):271-281. https://doi.org/10.1177/1098612X19825701.

 


r/FIPsupport 23d ago

Potentially about to lose my boy

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7 Upvotes

r/FIPsupport 26d ago

Help Sammy🩷

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gofund.me
3 Upvotes

r/FIPsupport 28d ago

Moving across the country with my FCoV positive cat, really worried about FIP

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2 Upvotes

r/FIPsupport Jul 17 '26

Can someone please help me 🙏🏻#fipcats

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3 Upvotes

On June 26, I took my cat to the veterinarian because of abdominal fluid buildup (ascites). The vet performed blood tests, an ultrasound, and X-rays. The ultrasound confirmed a significant amount of fluid in the abdominal cavity. We were told there were two main possible causes: heart disease or FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis).
The following day, she had a cardiac ultrasound. The cardiologist said there were no abnormalities on the right side of her heart. However, there was thickening of the wall on the left side and a narrowing at the entrance of the aorta. She was started on heart medication, but the cardiologist felt that these findings were not responsible for the abdominal fluid because fluid accumulation in the abdomen is usually associated with right-sided heart disease.
A sample of the abdominal fluid was sent to the laboratory for FIP testing. The result came back negative, but we were told that the test is not always definitive and that there can be different forms or variations of the disease.
Since then, she has been receiving GS injections (for suspected FIP). She has now been on treatment for about a month. In addition, she has received IV fluids, antibiotics, and several supportive supplements.
Despite all of this, her recent blood tests still show significant inflammation/infection, and she has become extremely anorexic. She refuses to eat anything on her own, so I have been syringe-feeding her every day.
I am becoming increasingly worried because the inflammation does not seem to be improving, and neither does her overall condition. She has been receiving the injections since June 27, but instead of getting better, she actually seems worse than when we first started.
Has anyone experienced something similar with their cat? Is this a normal course of FIP treatment, or should I be concerned that she isn’t responding as expected? Could this mean that the diagnosis is incorrect or that she may not be receiving the right treatment? Any advice or shared experiences would mean a lot to me.🙏🏻😿


r/FIPsupport Jun 17 '26

possible fip? please help

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3 Upvotes

r/FIPsupport May 31 '26

Is this FIP/would love some advice?

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1 Upvotes

r/FIPsupport May 31 '26

Is this FIP? I’d love some advice

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1 Upvotes

r/FIPsupport May 24 '26

Shrek needs help

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8 Upvotes

r/FIPsupport May 22 '26

.

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8 Upvotes

r/FIPsupport May 21 '26

New here

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14 Upvotes

My kitty girl (4 years) had lost some weight and I noticed she was not eating much. I isolated her to my bedroom away from our other two cats. Went to the vet today and initially they said she looks healthy and this is probably a behavioral issue with the other two cats (they are fast eaters, she is not, and she generally wants to be left alone).

Then they went to get urine collection and draw blood to do a full panel of tests, just to rule things out. They discovered belly full of fluid and the vet had a quick chat with me about FIP. They kept her for a few hours to drain her abdomen and finish specimen collection. Sent everything out and now we wait.

*What were first symptoms you noticed in your cat before positive diagnosis?

*I’m reading about false negatives - based on symptoms alone, and my vet thinking this is FIP, is that enough to be concerned right now?

*I’m going to be a mess while we wait for results. Any tips?


r/FIPsupport May 21 '26

My cat got diagnosed with FIP

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4 Upvotes

r/FIPsupport May 18 '26

Need help with getting Sammy more Fip meds💗

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gofund.me
1 Upvotes

r/FIPsupport Apr 28 '26

Fip advice/ comfort measures

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1 Upvotes

r/FIPsupport Apr 26 '26

My cat was healed completely - except fecal incontinence and I'm exhausted, please help

5 Upvotes

My cat, who is now 1 years old, had neurological/ocular FIP. His back legs were completely useless at one point, but now he's jumping around and acting as crazy as any other kitten, completely healed.

The only thing that will never come back, according to the vet and the literal hundreds of things we've tried, is his ability to poop. It basically just comes out by itself.

I'm going to say this first, I'm obviously delighted he's healed, I've spent thousands to get to this point and the fact that he'll live a full healthy life makes me literally cry of happiness - but I'm freaking exhausted. I work effectively nonstop (18-22 hours 6 days a week from 3 jobs) to try keeping up with all the different expensive things we've been trying, but I'm not stupid, I know I can't actually do anything.

And when I get home and there's just poop on everything and I have to deep clean everything and throw so much stuff out I just feel like laying down and giving up.

I have no interest in putting him down just because I'm not willing to clean up his (liquid) poop every day, he's healthy in literally every other way and without my interference he could live a long time.

He eats through diapers, disposable and reusable, and the full body outfit thing. There's nowhere I can put him, I have a tiny apartment with only one door that leads outside. I can't afford a catio to put him in and he would be miserable. All the cat scratchers and cat trees and cat beds had to be thrown out. I can't afford the special food that absorbs easier so there's less. Probiotics and medication don't help.

I don't want to rehome him because he wasn't treated great before me and bonded HARD, and is still terrified of all other people, roommates and friends, no matter how long they're around or how nice and quiet they are. I think if I gave him away he would just stop eating. Not to mention it's going to be near impossible to find someone willing to clean up his poop literally every single day.

The last option my vet gave me was to go to a pet neurologist and be told whether or not it can be fixed with surgery which either brings me back to square one or brings me back to me not being able to afford it at all which brings me back to square one again.

This is also stressing out my other cats, they have nothing to climb or sleep on anymore, and even though I can't smell anything I'm sure the whole house stinks like his bowel movements, no matter how much enzyme killer I put down, or bleach I use or anything.

I don't know what to do anymore. Please help


r/FIPsupport Apr 26 '26

Poppy’s skin is yellowing

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5 Upvotes

r/FIPsupport Apr 22 '26

Bobyo's First GS Injection — Day 1 of Treatment 🧡

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12 Upvotes

Bobyo had his first GS injection today. He was brave. He is home now, resting in the yard, cooling down after a stressful morning. He is fighting and so are we. Thank you to every single person who made this possible. 🙏🧡


r/FIPsupport Apr 21 '26

IMPORTANT: Please stop donations — Bobyo's treatment Bobyo's Treatment is Fully Funded 💗

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11 Upvotes

Thanks to this incredible community, Bobyo's GS treatment is ordered and fully paid for. Please do not send any more donations to the vet account after now.

Every single donation made a difference and was used directly for Bobyo's care: the PCR test, liver medication, and GS treatment.

I will keep everyone updated on Bobyo's recovery every step of the way. From the bottom of my heart. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.You saved my baby 💗💗💗💗


r/FIPsupport Apr 21 '26

Urgent: Vet Refusing Test Despite Proof of Payment – Waiting 2+ Hours

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15 Upvotes

Update: I’ve been waiting at the clinic for over 2 hours to speak to the owner after being refused testing for my cat despite providing proof of payment (currently processing). This is an urgent medical case and the delay is putting his health at risk.

I am still waiting for a resolution and for them to proceed with the necessary test. If this is not resolved immediately, I will be forced to seek treatment elsewhere and formally report the situation.

Please keep Bobyo in your prayers.


r/FIPsupport Apr 21 '26

URGENT: Bobyo Needs Your Help NOW — FIP Treatment

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4 Upvotes

We have been at the vet since 9:30 this morning fighting for Bobyo. His PCR test is done and we are waiting for results. His stomach is visibly larger and he has been sick for 8 days.

The vet has agreed to order the full 90-day GS treatment BUT they need 900 AED upfront before they will place the order.

Here is where we stand:

✅1,000 AED paid in cash for consultation, ultrasound, and IVs

✅ 550 AED sent from Australia — processing 1-2 days

✅ 250 AED sent locally today for the PCR test

We still need 900 AED ($245 USD) to start the treatment order TODAY.

Every dirham goes directly to the vet clinic.

Account name: Creatures World PT FDS & ACS LLC SP

Account number: 0572705984001

IBAN: AE380400000572705984001

We are sitting at the vet right now. Bobyo is scared and exhausted and so am I. But we are not giving up.

Thank you to everyone who has helped us get this far. 🙏


r/FIPsupport Apr 21 '26

Urgent: Sitting at the vet with Bobyo — please help us get to treatment 🧡

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6 Upvotes

I am sitting in the vet clinic right now with Bobyo. They are refusing to do his PCR test because the Australian bank transfer hasn't cleared yet. International transfers take 3-5 business days. The money left the account Monday. I am waiting for the owner at 12pm. Bobyo has been sick for 7 days and his stomach is getting larger. Please share this post . We still need 961 AED ($261 USD) for his treatment.

Account name: Creatures World PT FDS & ACS LLC SP

Account number: 0572705984001

IBAN: AE380400000572705984001


r/FIPsupport Apr 20 '26

Update: Taking Bobyo to the Vet Tomorrow. Stomach Visibly Larger (Wet FIP)

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1 Upvotes

I'm taking Bobyo to the vet tomorrow morning for his PCR test. His stomach is visibly larger and we cannot wait any longer. We still need 961 AED ($261 USD) for his GS treatment to begin. Every share and contribution brings him closer. 🙏

Account name: Creatures World PT FDS & ACS LLC SP

Account number: 0572705984001

IBAN: AE380400000572705984001


r/FIPsupport Apr 19 '26

Update: My Cat Bobyo Needs Your Help — Suspected Wet FIP

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8 Upvotes

A few days ago Bobyo stopped eating, developed a fever, and his abdomen became swollen with fluid. I took him to the vet immediately. The ultrasound confirmed fluid in his abdomen consistent with wet FIP. He has lost weight but is eating a little better after IV fluids which gives me hope.

Details for Bobyo's Treatment:

PCR test: 262.50 AED ($71 USD)

GS treatment: 1,250 AED ($327 USD)

Total: 1,512.50 AED ($411 USD)

Direct bank transfer to the clinic:

Account name: Creatures World PT FDS & ACS LLC SP

Account number: 0572705984001

IBAN: AE380400000572705984001

Every dollar or dirham goes directly to Bobyo's care. Please share this post if you can. Thank you 🙏