The VSP VoiceEducating, Advocating, & Caring for Every Paw Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) has long been one of the most heartbreaking diagnoses for cats and their families. In the past, a positive FIP diagnosis was often considered a death sentence, with limited treatment options. But today, thanks to new advancements in medicine, the outlook for cats diagnosed with FIP is changing—and it’s all thanks to groundbreaking drug therapies. How New Treatments Are Changing the Game FIP is caused by a mutation of the feline coronavirus, leading to serious inflammation in a cat’s body. Fortunately, new antiviral treatments are now showing real promise in treating FIP. One of the most exciting new drugs is GS-441524, which targets the virus directly and helps stop it from spreading in the cat’s body. This treatment is given through oral medications, and it’s proving to be very effective in clearing the virus and improving the health of cats diagnosed with FIP. Incredible Success Rates: Turning FIP from Fatal to Manageable What’s truly remarkable is how well these new treatments are working. In fact, studies show that up to 80-90% of cats who are treated with GS-441524 can go into remission, meaning the virus is cleared from their bodies and they return to living a normal, healthy life. Even cats with severe, life-threatening forms of FIP, such as the wet form (which causes fluid buildup in the belly), are showing significant improvements. These treatments aren’t just saving lives—they’re giving cats back the quality of life they deserve. Cats who were once lethargic and in pain are now playing, eating, and enjoying life with their families. Success Stories From Our Clinic At our clinic, we’ve had the privilege of witnessing these treatments work wonders. Take, for example, Fuz, a cat who came to us with wet FIP. After starting treatment with GS-441524, his condition improved dramatically. Within weeks he began to act like his old self again—running, jumping, and playing. His owners were overjoyed to see him back to his happy, energetic self! We’ve seen many similar success stories, and it’s heartening to know that so many cats are getting a second chance at life thanks to these new therapies. Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for FIP Treatment The future of FIP treatment is brighter than ever. With these new medications, FIP no longer has to be a fatal diagnosis. More cats are surviving and thriving after treatment, and as more research is done, we are hopeful that even more options will become available. If your cat has been diagnosed with FIP, we want you to know that we carry the medication at both of our VSP locations and can help. We encourage you to talk to your primary veterinarian about these new treatment options. With the right care, there’s a very real chance that your furry friend could be one of the many cats who make a full recovery. Give your feline friend the care they deserve! Schedule a specialty consultation today--Click Here to take the next step! Sources: • Pedersen, N.C., et al. (2020). “Treatment of feline infectious peritonitis with an oral antiviral drug, GS-441524.” Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. • Addie, D.D., et al. (2021). “Long-term outcomes of treatment for FIP with GS-441524.” Veterinary Microbiology. • The American Association of Feline Practitioners. (2023). “FIP: Advances in Treatment and Prognosis.”
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From the AuthorHi! At VSP, we are passionate about helping pets, their people, and our team thrive. I created The VSP Voice to share insights, tips, and stories from behind the scenes of specialty and urgent care. ArchivesCategories |