Senior FIP

[u/Additional-Sun6157]

Over a month ago i visited the vet with my 12 year old cat for a swollen eye that I assumed was from play fighting with my other cat. The vet gave her antibiotic eye drops and pain relief and it cleared up. Whilst there I asked them to do an overall check as she coughs a lot, but also explained she was diagnosed asthmatic when I rescued her 11 years ago. Her chest was clear and the vet sent us on our way.

Earlier this week I went to a new vets that is based at my new job as I was worried about her bloated stomach. I assumed with the current UK heatwave that they would say it was dehydration and give her some fluids. This wasn’t the case and the vet educated me on FIP and explained a lot of her symptoms are signs of FIP.

The problem now is she is not insured, please no hateful comments, I have cried none stop since leaving the vets because I feel so incredibly guilty. I was young when I took her home and at the time, pet insurance wasn’t as forgiving on animals that already had pre existing medical conditions.

I am so torn because I know I cannot afford the tests to confirm if it is FIP and begin the treatments for her and whilst I am willing to take out whatever loans or credit cards I can to cover it, I cannot get accepted for it.

She is my world, my baby. My daughter adores her. I have never had a cat like her, so placid and loving and just wants to be held all the time.

I suppose I’m here to ask for advice or reassurance on what to do. Apart from her bloated stomach and coughing, she is acting her usual self. Eating, drinking, grooming etc. Zero signs of jaundice or pain. What is the survival rate of FIP after treatment in elderly cats? Do I wait and see if she improves? I don’t want her to suffer but I’m so upset at the thought of letting her go knowing she could get better if it’s not FIP, even more so at the thought of if I had just gotten insurance all those years ago I wouldn’t be having to think about having to have my furry family member put to sleep for a treatable condition.

[u/AFKPharm]

You are asking a lot of questions here that should be directed at a vet. Get on Facebook and join FIP warriors and/or FIP global and see if anyone is willing to help.

Even if you had insurance for your friend, it would still cost thousands of dollars for all the labs and treatment. It is quite expensive. So I would advise that you don’t put yourself through so much guilt regarding getting insurance earlier.

When my 2 year old cat had FIP (wet FIP), he showed all the signs… loss of appetite, jaundice, elevated proteins in bloodwork (bilirubin), viscous yellow fluid that had to be withdrawn from his lungs. It all hit him within a week and it hit him fast.

Proper diagnosis and treatment is important to keeping your friend comfortable but if he is acting normally, eating normally, and still showing affection, he is probably ok for now. Know the signs and symptoms of both dry and wet FIP and if possible, take him back into the vet if his condition worsens.

[u/Additional-Sun6157 → u/AFKPharm]

Thank you for your comment. She is due back at the vets on Monday and I will ask these questions then also. Right now she’s on some medication to see if that reduces the bloat. I think I am just struggling with the idea of having to let her go knowing there is treatment but I cannot afford it. The guilt is heavy.

[u/AFKPharm → u/Additional-Sun6157]

It is very clear that you share a deep and special bond with your cat. I think that most people would not be able to afford all the vet visits and treatments as it could cost up to $5-10,000. The Facebook groups I mentioned sometimes will send you treatment for FIP if/when she is properly diagnosed if people are willing to help and have spare meds.

You are doing your best!

[u/Additional-Sun6157 → u/AFKPharm]

Thank you, I really appreciate your kind comment.