FAQ Group: Basic Questions

Infectious peritonitis of cats (Feline infectious peritonitis, common abbreviation FIP) is a fatal infectious disease of cats. There are two basic forms – wet (effusive) and dry (non-effusive). FIP can also affect the eyes and central nervous system. In this case, we are talking about the ocular or neurological form of FIP. More information can be found practically on this entire portal, as it is entirely dedicated to FIP and its treatment.

Not. The coronavirus is highly contagious and most cats will be exposed to it at some point in their lives. FCoV is shed in feces, so cats that share litter or groom/lick each other are exposed to the benign form of the virus. Cats that have healthy immune systems will get through a coronavirus infection with minimal or no problems other than an episode of diarrhea and/or cold-like symptoms.

Cats that have weakened or not fully developed immune systems may not be able to deal with the coronavirus, and it mutates into FIPV. After mutating to FIPV, the virus is no longer contagious.

It is thought that there is a genetic component to FIP, so biologically related cats from the same litter may share the same genetic predisposition that allows the FCoV mutation. Unfortunately, a family history of FIP increases the likelihood that siblings will develop FIP.

There is no definitive test that will definitively confirm the diagnosis of FIP. Diagnosis is usually the result of a combination of clinical signs, blood tests, titer results, the presence of fluid in the abdominal or thoracic cavity, and other specific tests. See page about FIP diagnostics .

GS-441524 (abbreviated GS) is an experimental antiviral (nucleoside analogue) used during clinical trials led by Dr. Niels Pedersen at UC Davis in 2017.

The drug exists in injectable and oral form under different brand names.

Treatment lasts 12 weeks. Of course, tablets have a bit of a disadvantage in dosing accuracy, as it is very difficult to break a tablet into smaller parts than quarters, so the real price will be a bit higher. You never have to buy medicines for the entire treatment at once.

But in general it can be said that medicines per day they will cost approx 35 – 125 CZK (1.4 – 5 Є) on the 1 day and 1 kg live weight of the cat. The large price variance is related to different forms and brands of drugs and especially to the type FIP, on which the dosage depends.

Recommended duration of treatment based on the original clinical study of Dr. Pedersen takes at least 12 weeks in the form of subcutaneous injections.

After twelve weeks, it is recommended to do a blood test and, based on the cat's clinical condition, assess whether it is still necessary to continue the treatment.