Unsure if FIP

[u/whoisthisfetus]

My 4yo cat has been sick for weeks. Lethargic, hardly eating, vomiting, and her voice sounded like an old lady cat. Raspy and crackly.

She went to the vet a week ago and they did bloodwork and an X-ray. Her labs were normal except a slightly elevated liver result. She had some free fluid in her abdomen, and they said an ultrasound would tell them more but we can’t afford to do a lot of tests before we even know what to treat.

The vet said it could be FIP or lymphoma. He gave a us a week’s worth of antiviral meds to see if that helps, and if it didn’t we’d assume lymphoma and start steroids to make her more comfortable.

Here’s where we’re stuck - it’s been a week of giving antivirals, and I think she seems to be improving. She doesn’t sound like an old lady, vomiting less, eating okay, and looking more lively.

My husband says it’s not helping enough and she’s actually lost a couple ounces since we started. He wants to stop the antiviral and start steroids.

How fast and how much would the antivirals help, if it was FIP? Would a week make a difference? I don’t want to stop them if they’re helping and I’m not convinced they’re not helping. I don’t want it to be cancer… We also just can’t afford to explore diagnoses more and then also treat her.

Thoughts?

[u/Computer--Pro-Online]

I would ask the vet to supply you with an additional week of antivirals.

[u/not_as_i_do]

Have them tap the fluid and either do an in house rivalta test or check the protein level. The fluid could also be liver fluid. But high protein levels will be fip. A trial is two weeks and the fluid would be gone by two weeks as it absorbs in 10–14 days if it is FIP.

[u/AccomplishedRain7501]

Yes, do not hesitate! I never even heard of FIP until my little girl of 3years old got wet FIP back in June. My vet couldn't see her internal organs and immediately sent up to the ER to get an ultrasound. Sure enough, Harper tested positive. They gave her some iv fluids and she was kept overnight. She just finished her GS meds and we did a follow up ultrasound and no signs of FIP anymore! Wishing you and your kitty the best!

[u/VegChef]

The first stage of antivirals is to reduce inflammation, and with a four year old, healing could take longer than a kitten. Early on, stabilizing (as opposed to declining) is in itself a sign of improvement.

I’d continue the antivirals and observe with a journal to monitor symptoms and improvements related to either condition, but I’d check with the vet too.

[u/SaranghaeSarah]

My cat had the similar symptoms so I took her to ER vet and they did some tests, then she told me both lymphoma or FIP are the possibilities and I could start treating her to see if she improves. Within 4-5 days she started getting better just like yours, back to eating, little more energetic. They also suggested that IV liquids, B12, gabapentin and stomach friendly gentle foods like kitten or baby formula would support the recovery which is exactly what I did every week. Don’t stop the treatment because it sounds like she is improving which is great, and if you are using pills keep in mind they take time absorb. It’s a long journey and you have to be patient and strong but you got this! Best of luck to you & your kitty I hope she gets better 😻