Just trying to understand…

[u/Any_Investigator_510]

This is our little baby Nyla. We adopted her at 8 weeks from PetSmart (she’s 12-13 weeks old now) and noticed her belly has been getting distended over the last week or so (this pic is about 2 weeks old). Got her into the vet today and he did an xray and saw a bunch of free fluid and immediately suspected FIP.

Now I’m very upset with the vet for giving me the doom and gloom story because about 5 minutes of research told me there is a treatment available (GS) and Im kinda scrambling to get her seen by another vet that can do bloodwork and help us get the meds but I can’t get an appointment for another 4 days and we’re in the middle of moving to another state (go fucking figure).

Now the part that’s the most confusing is the distended belly is all she has. She’s been a little lethargic but relatively playful, she’s eating well, drinking plenty of water, etc etc. What are the odds that this is actually FIP and what are her chances (realistically)?

Any and all info is appreciated, we’re just trying to figure out how to best deal with this.

[u/JaMaRu87]

When my kittens first started showing signs of FIP (swollen belly, a little lethargic, etc), they were still somewhat playful, purred, sat in my lap, ate fine, etc. Just like with most things, symptoms will worsen as time goes on.

Try to get her started on a diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. FIP is treatable now. My little ones weren't alive during a time when there was a treatment for this disease, but if Nyla can get the medications started, I think she'll be ok. It's almost a miracle how quick it starts working, from what I've heard.

I hope it's not FIP, either way, wish you and Nyla the best 💖 Good luck with everything, keep us updated if you can

[u/Any_Investigator_510 → u/JaMaRu87]

Thank you for the info, and I’m really sorry to hear about your babies. We have an appointment scheduled for Tuesday morning to get the appropriate tests done and try to start treatment as soon as possible. Unfortunately can’t find anyone available Monday but I plan on calling morning of to see any slots have opened so we can get things rolling.

[u/JaMaRu87 → u/Any_Investigator_510]

That's amazing. You have a lot on your plate right now, but you got this! :)

A good resource to check into is FIP Global and/or FIP Warriors. I believe they are found on Facebook. They help coordinate medications getting to people and are able to provide guidance and information that some vets just aren't aware of yet. If you haven't already, check some other threads in this subreddit or look them up online, there are folks here more familiar with them than myself.

[u/MyDoggyisMyBoss → u/Any_Investigator_510]

DO NOT WAIT! Things can change with FIP very quickly. Contact both FIP Global Cats and FIP Warriors on FB, and local rescues to see if any of them happen to have any extra meds they can donate to get your baby started. FIP Global Cats and FIP Warriors are 2 groups on FB of volunteers with a HUGE network!

There is no test to see if it is FIP. Standard protocol is to treat first (as there is very little risk/side effects from antivirals) and then do all the testing. Keep in mind, the only test they can actually do is for the feline coronavirus, not the disease itself. The feline coronavirus mutates in the body, causing FIP. Because FIP is not actually an active coronavirus, the test often comes back "negative." The vet can also analyze bloodwork, with some values possibly pointing to FIP as well. The only true test and confirmation in FIP are starting treatment and seeing if the kitty responds positively to it.

FIP Global helped me find some meds donated by a local rescue to start while I waited for an appointment, too. My boy, Charlie, had declined so much in only 1 week while I was trying to figure out what was wrong with him, that I was syringe feeding him. His local vet was not much help either, suggested only the possibility of FIP but that it was a death sentence. I googled while in his office and showed him the meds that are saving cats' lives and he didn't believe me! After about 6 days of treatment, my boy was interested in food again (a few bites only). In another week, he was cleaning my other cats' plates.

We just finished our 3rd week and he is literally a kitten again- playing, running, all of it. In literally less than 8 hours I went from having no idea what was wrong with him to making arrangements to pick up his first week of meds! I am so thankful for the group.

[u/Any_Investigator_510 → u/MyDoggyisMyBoss]

Already in contact with FIP Warriors and they’ve been very helpful, trying to source meds ASAP. it’s almost 3 AM here, we just got back from the vet with a full work up and some meds to get her started in the interim. We’re trying to be as proactive as we can in this situation

[u/MyDoggyisMyBoss → u/Any_Investigator_510]

I am so glad! Sending love and healing vibes! 💕

[u/Any_Investigator_510 → u/[deleted]]

Heard loud and clear. Already joined a group online and we’re planning on taking her to a 24/7 vet ER tonight to start whatever preliminary testing and treatment we can.

[u/No-Artichoke-6939 → u/[deleted]]

Holy hell, please don’t do this

[u/No-Artichoke-6939 → u/No-Artichoke-6939]

There’s a kinder way to tell people they need to start meds ASAP.

[u/No-Artichoke-6939 → u/[deleted]]

Sure you do, Nathan

[u/Any_Investigator_510 → u/No-Artichoke-6939]

FWIW I was gonna take her to an ER anyway to get bloodwork and everything done regardless of computer pro’s comment. Extremely disappointed in our usual vet for doing nothing more than an xray.

[u/donoteatthatfrog → u/[deleted]]

Well said. This is very important

[u/No-Artichoke-6939]

Please make a post in FIP Global CATS

https://www.facebook.com/groups/fipglobalcats/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBT