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 against the use of systemic insecticides to kill fleas on 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 the military tactic of calling in artillery to help when the enemy crosses your line.

It would be great to have a simple test that could determine exactly when a cure has occurred, but in its absence we can only go by the marked and gradual improvement in external health signs (activity, alertness, appetite, weight gain, coat quality) and all the most important blood test values (hematocrit, number of white blood cells, count lymphocytes, total protein content, albumin, globulin and A/G ratio). The twelve-week treatment period is based on clinical trials with both GC376 and GS-441424 and represents the period that allows for the maximum cure rate. There is no doubt that some cats will not heal for more than 12 weeks, while they can heal sooner (ie 8-10 weeks). However, stopping treatment early will always lead to a lower proportion of cured cats, and the sooner you stop treatment, the higher the relapse rate. Ultimately, it is up to the owner and their veterinarian to decide when to stop treatment and begin a 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 in the time of administration do not matter, since the effective level in the blood is more than 24 hours. There is some flexibility in dosage, but constantly changing the time of administration depending on the owner's schedule does not reflect well on the owner's attitude towards treatment and their cat.

Not. Missing a dose is not serious, as 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 the treatment of GS. Like any other drug included in the treatment FIP, here too there should be strong 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 litter regularly. You can easily destroy the coronavirus with bleach and other disinfectants.

If you lost a cat to FIP, remove any cat-related items that you cannot wash or disinfect, such as scratching posts 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-term lifespan in the environment. Several months are recommended (about 2 months or more), which is standard for most infectious diseases.

In the cat with FIP There should be a very rapid response to treatment and no other medications are needed at this point unless clearly indicated. However, prednisolone, or corticosteroids in general, have rules for their withdrawal. Depending on how long they have been administered, they cannot be planted immediately. Be sure to consult your veterinarian for the correct procedure.

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