FAQ Group: Answers from Dr. Pedersen

There is no scientific evidence that any available flea treatment has a negative effect on GS-441524 treatment. However, I am personally opposed to the use of systemic insecticides to kill fleas in cats. Their use is based on the fact that the insecticide is less toxic to the cat than to the fleas that feed on it. Using them to control fleas is similar to military tactics, as artillery is called in to help the enemy cross your line.

It would be great to have a simple test that could determine exactly when the cure took place, but in its absence we can only follow a significant and gradual improvement in external health (activity, alertness, appetite, weight gain, coat quality) and all the most important blood test values (hematocrit, white blood cell count, lymphocyte count, total protein, albumin, globulin and A / G ratio). The 12-week treatment period is based on clinical trials with both GC376 and GS-441424 and represents the period that allows for the maximum rate of cure. There is no doubt that some cats will not be cured for more than 12 weeks until they can be cured sooner (ie 8-10 weeks). However, premature termination of treatment will always lead to a reduction in the proportion of cured cats, and the sooner you stop treatment, the higher the rate of relapses. Finally, it is up to the owner and his veterinarian to decide when to stop treatment and to start the post-treatment observation period.

Yes, this is possible as an alternative to not providing treatment. But it may be better, based on the half-life of GS in the blood, to give the full dose every other day instead of half the dose every day. However, like skipping doses when the drug is available and significantly changing the time of day for injection, this is something that should not become a routine practice.

Occasional fluctuations during administration do not matter as the effective blood level is more than 24 hours. There is some flexibility in dosing, but the constant change in administration time depending on the owner's schedule does not say well about the owner's attitude towards treatment and his cat.

Not. Missing a dose is not serious because effective blood levels are maintained for more than 24 hours. However, skipping a dose should definitely not become a rule.

There is no evidence that deworming drugs have a negative effect on GS treatment. Like any other drug in the treatment of FIP, there should be good reasons for its use (ie the benefits outweigh the risks).

Avoid stress and overcrowding. Keep cats in small separate groups. Consider isolating kittens from their mother after weaning to avoid exposure to FCoV. Do not mix very young kittens with older cats. If you can limit exposure to the coronavirus until 12-16 weeks of age, when the immune system is more developed, the likelihood of developing FIP may be reduced. Breeders should avoid mating between cats that have had close relatives that have died of FIP or that have produced kittens that have developed FIP. Also, follow established vaccination protocols and follow proper husbandry practices to limit further infections. Clean and disinfect cages, boxes and bedding regularly. You can easily destroy the coronavirus with bleach and other disinfectants.

If you have lost a cat due to FIP, remove any cat-related items that you cannot wash or disinfect, such as scrapers or soft toys. Clean and disinfect everything else in the environment. Time will take care of the rest, because viruses of this type do not have a long lifespan in the environment. It is recommended for several months (about 2 months or more), which is the standard for most infectious diseases.

A cat with FIP should respond very quickly to treatment and no other medication is needed at this time unless clearly indicated. However, prednisolone, or corticosteroids in general, have rules for their discontinuation. Depending on how long they have been given, they cannot be planted immediately. Be sure to consult your veterinarian for the correct procedure.

It won't help, it won't hurt either.