Articles & resources for maine coon enthusiasts

What is Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)?

Feline Infectious Peritonitis, commonly known as FIP, is a distressing and often fatal disease that has long haunted cat breeders and pet owners. The disease originates from the ubiquitous feline enteric coronavirus (FeCV), which mutates within a cat’s body under conditions not yet fully understood. This mutation allows the virus to infiltrate the kitten’s immune cells, leading to widespread inflammation and, without intervention, eventual death.

What complicates matters further is the prevalence of FeCV. Almost every cat will contract this virus at some point in its life, typically showing no symptoms and recovering entirely unnoticed. However, a small percentage of these cats, weeks, months, or even years later, will develop FIP. Given this delayed response, pinpointing the exact timing or source of the original FeCV infection is nearly impossible.

While FIP can impact any cat or kitten, those most at risk of developing FIP include:

• Cats under two years of age
• Pedigreed cats
• Cats living in multi-cat households

It’s important to note that neither FeCV nor FIP is transmissible to humans, so there’s no risk to you or your family. Nevertheless, understanding the symptoms of FIP can be crucial for early diagnosis and timely access to treatment.

Initial Symptoms of FIP:

• Lack of appetite
• Weight loss
• Fever
• Depression

Advanced Symptoms of FIP:

• Progressive distention of the abdomen
• Difficulty breathing
• Eye and/or central nervous system signs

The New Life-Saving Treatment for FIP

Perhaps the only good thing to come from the COVID-19 pandemic is significant advancements in antiviral research. One of the most promising outcomes has been the development of GS-441524 (a metabolized form of Remdesivir), which has proven to be remarkably effective against FIP. Clinical studies show that more than 93% of cats treated with GS-441524 fully recover.

Until now, however, cat owners in the United States were forced to work through lifesaving organizations like FIP Warriors to obtain this lifesaving treatment on the Black Market. Thanks to the efforts of the Winn Feline Foundation and others, GS-441524 is now available through a U.S. compounding pharmacy with a veterinarian’s prescription.

Bye-Bye Black Market

Thanks to the efforts of the Winn Feline Foundation and others, there’s good news: for the first time, an oral treatment for FIP is now available through veterinarians in the United States, provided via prescription. Available through Stokes Pharmacy, a compounding pharmacy in New Jersey, the US-approved treatment is an oral tablet form of GS-441524, which is made in the US in partnership with the Bova Group, a veterinary pharmaceuticals company based in the UK and Australia. This breakthrough treatment, combined with early diagnosis, provides hope for saving thousands of cats from the devastating effects of FIP. Veterinarians can now play a central role in patient treatment with this option, further improving the quality of care and the odds of complete recovery. This website provides important information from Stokes Pharmacy for veterinarians and their clients.

The Importance of Trupanion Health Insurance

Since the treatment for FIP became commercially available in Australia in 2022, Trupanion has provided coverage for eligible pets there. When the treatment was authorized in Canada earlier this year, they quickly extended this coverage to our neighbors to the North. Now, Trupanion offers the same life-saving support for cats in the United States.

At Maine Street Coons, we have long advocated for Trupanion insurance coverage for our cats and kittens. In our opinion, Trupanion stands out as the premier provider of medical insurance for our pedigreed Maine Coon cats, uniquely focused on paying veterinary invoices directly to hospitals in real-time.

Maintaining Trupanion insurance is particularly vital for conditions like FIP, given the high cost of treatment. With Trupanion, you can secure peace of mind, knowing that you can afford the best care for your beloved pets without overwhelming financial strain.

Conclusion

FIP is a devastating disease, but recent advancements in treatment offer newfound hope for affected cats and their owners. With the availability of GS-441524 through veterinarians in the US, paired with comprehensive coverage from Trupanion health insurance, the odds of battling and defeating this disease have dramatically improved.

If you are a cat owner or breeder, we strongly recommend maintaining Trupanion insurance coverage. It ensures that, should the unthinkable happen, you are well-prepared to provide your furry family member with the life-saving treatment they need.

Stay informed, stay prepared, and cherish every moment with your pets.

NOTE: FIP treatment is rapidly changing. Please visit Cornell Feline Health Center, EveryCat Health Foundation, FIP Warriors 5.0 and University of California Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program for the most up-to-date information.

To learn more about Trupanion’s coverage options and how you can protect your cat or kitten, visit Trupanion’s website today.

Disclaimer:
The information provided by Maine Street Coons and its owner, Kyra Hagan, is for general educational purposes only and reflects the breeder’s personal experience. It is not professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Maine Street Coons is a private cattery, and Kyra Hagan is not a licensed veterinarian.

All health decisions should be made with a licensed veterinarian who has examined your cat. Every Maine Coon is unique, and health outcomes can vary due to genetics, environment, and other factors.

Maine Street Coons makes no guarantees about the accuracy or applicability of the information provided. Always consult your veterinarian for personalized guidance. In case of a medical emergency, contact your vet or an emergency animal hospital immediately.