feline infectious peritonitis

Question
I have a 6 month neutered male manx who within the last two weeks has exhibited general malaise.  A visit to the vet ruled out feline
leukemia and fiv, but my vet believes he has fluid abound his abdomen. I know that this is a terminal disease but find it hard to believe that this corona virus was somehow picked up by him when he is an inside cat. Anyhow, he is on amoxicillin and hydroxyzine.  Any other ideas to put him in remission?
His bilirubin is elevated (3.2) All other hematology and chemistries are normal.  He will not eat unless I feed him with a syringe. Thanks, Lisa

Answer
Hello Lisa,

FIP is a very controversial disease and usually they will run fevers despite antibiotic therapy--there is a dry and a wet form.  Was an FIP test sent out to Cornell for PCR?  If not, I would recommend doing so.  I would also recommend x-rays of his chest and abdomen to check for fluid or other lesions.  Did your vet aspirate any fluid from his abdomen?  Typically the fluid is light yellow and sticky.  Fluid in the abdomen can also be caused by an overload of parasites, but that would be clear; therefore, I would recommend a course of deworming with Panacur, 1 ml per 5 pounds once daily for 5 days since he is still a kitten parasites are very likely.

I am a bit confused why he is on hydroxyzine?  That is an antihistamine used for itching.  Cyproheptadine is the one that is used to stimulate appetite.  Also if he is not improving with Amoxicillin in a few days, I would switch him to something stronger such as Baytril.

As far as corona viruses, they are every where in the environment and FIP develops when one mutates.  Most cats from catteries are exposed to corona.  My one rescued Ocicat is FIP + but if it is truly FIP it must be the dry form.  (I never sent out the confirmation test.) I give him natural, good quality food that is free of dyes, preservatives and meat by-products as well as supplement his diet with Prozyme, Vitamin C and Transfer Factor.  I have a friend who has a bunch of FIP + cats and they are doing quite well with the Transfer Factor   www.transferfactor.com   www.4tf-pets.com/testimonials
I would highly recommend starting him on the Animal Stress Packs which you could syringe in his mouth.

For feeding, try meat baby food or even raw chicken livers to see if he will eat that.

Best Wishes!
If you have any other questions, feel free to e-mail me at dr_fry_the_vet@hotmail.com

Dr. Fry