Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 13/03/2023 - 10:54
Meet some of the lovely cats that have received Remdesivir as part of their treatment for FIP!
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a feline coronavirus, which is a common group of viruses that often affect the upper respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract in animals. Coronaviruses are very common in cats but most of the time infection doesn’t cause significant problems. Unfortunately, the virus can mutate to a strain which can cause disease. This mutated coronavirus strain known as FIPV is thought to be the cause of FIP, with clinical signs that may be non-specific, like weight loss and depression, but can be neurological, such as seizures. Once clinical signs have started, they tend to get progressively worse, for most cases, this deterioration is rapid. Euthanasia is recommended usually in a matter of days or weeks.
Previously FIP has been considered to be a non-treatable disease, but there has been a significant recent development in the management of this condition. A new drug called Remdesivir has become available legally in the UK, which is showing promising results for the treatment of FIP.
Initial experience using Remdesivir have been positive, with a 80-95% response rate, although still too early to see how many will recur, we have reason to be optimistic. These cats (pictured) have all been treated with Remdesivir and are currently doing well!
We are still constantly learning about treatment with Remdesivir and are excited to see what the future holds for this once fatal disease.
