The BATTLE for my cat's life against Feline Infectious Peritonitis FIP

This is Keith's story.
Timestamps
0:00
0:34 overview
0:51 the adoption
2:19 the signs
3:32 the investigations
5:11 the difficulty in diagnosing diseases such as FIP feline infectious peritonitis
8:23 his life in danger
10:06 what is remdesivir?
11:47 the treatment for FIP feline infectious peritonitis
14:35 how is Keith now?
15:40 final thoughts
🐄 Who am I?
I am a recent veterinary medicine graduate from Cambridge university, one of the Chief Mentors at Vet Mentor, and currently in small animal clinical practice. I make videos to help pre-vet students get into veterinary school, how I am surviving new graduate vet life and trying to be the best version of ourselves.
Resources to help you understand what is feline infectious peritonitis :
*🚨 2024 updated protocol by FIP advice team (BOVA) rb.gy/yq2ch5 🚨**
- update on FIP treatment in the UK icatcare.org/app/uploads/2022...
- guidelines of FIP treatment by ABCD www.abcdcatsvets.org/guidelin...
- review of remdesivir: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...
- history of remdesivir: www.theatlantic.com/science/a...
🌻 Come and say hi🌻
Insta: @mayyeanc
Twitter: @mayyean
Music: share.epidemicsound.com/tthe82
📸 My simple gear 📸
Camera: iPhone
Audio: amzn.to/3NHUiBY
Tripod stand: amzn.to/38AGraZ
Video editing software: FCP
PS: Some of the links mentioned are affiliates (at no extra cost to you), thank you for supporting me 🙂

[@LaFayette2024]

My cat passed in 2022 from wet FIP. He was seven years old. He was my son and I'll miss him forever. I love you, my little man. 💙✝️

[@dreamstrider3179]

My grandma's cat caught this and it was a hard few months but he's now in the observation period. I want this disease to get more attention so more owners know what to do.

[@aviendhaalthor6928]

One thing i must add. FIP isnt caught, its a mutation that only 2-3% of cats develop from the simple common cat flu - which is feline corona virus. So, your grandma`s cat has this weakness that any time she gets the flu, she might develop FIP again! Always keep the kitty warm during winter

[@31cats]

I have adopted 31 and counting cats and I am retired with 2 disabled adult sons .the expenses of these cats is crazy.I tried to give some away but nobody wanted them. Vet bills are insane!

[@dsidhl]

My wife and I just lost our 16 year old cat that I think may have had dry FIP. I know normally FIP hits young cats but it can affect older cats as well. Vets were telling me that she had Small Cell GI Tract Lymphoma, but we couldn't know for sure since she was already weak. Her blood work gave impression of infection, she had watery eyes as if she was crying with gunk around it. She suddenly developed a slight heart murmur and was having difficulty keeping her balance which I had taken as well as thickening of the intestinal wall with issues with crystallization in her Kidneys. The last report I saw was the day prior having to euthanize her was an xray which did not show any tumors or masses but there was free fluid/air in her abdomen. The issue I have with the original diagnosis was that Small Cell GI tract Lymphoma normally takes a while to kill a cat but the process from initial symptoms to her dying was 1 month. We had her on pred and clorumbucil which seemed to help her feel better but made no difference in the long run. She went from 6.5 pounds to 4 pounds in 1 month. I know it makes no difference now as she's gone, I guess I just want to know the why of it all, and if we had been looking for this would we have been able to get the meds to her in time. I'm very glad that your story had a happy ending, and I wish more awareness is put on this disease so folks don't have to learn about it after you say goodbye to your furr baby.

[@aviendhaalthor6928]

Dry FIP or neurologic FIP affects mood and balance of the cat. Mine in 3 days couldnt move his back legs anymore and was very depressed - stoped eating. Took him to the vet as soon as he started showing signs and the tests took 3 more days to confirm. Dry FIP kills in 1 week or 2 weeks if the cat is kept on antibiotics and fluids. From what you describe, it doesnt seem like your`s was affected by FIP. Whatever it was, may she rest in peace. /hug

[@MayYean]

Hey friends, I am so nervous & excited to share this video with you, as always thank you for your time & let me know what you think.. What have you learned from this video, if you have any further info to share on this topic & any feedback on how to improve my videos moving forwards ☺! Mayy xx

[@paranoia4287]

How much was the dose and for how long you used the injections before moving to pills my cat just got the same virus and I'm racing time waiting for the treatment to reach me so I can start with him its really sad to lose this beautiful souls for a stupid corona virus waiting your reply and I'm happy for your cat ❤

[@MayYean]

@@paranoia4287 I would refer to 'update on treatment of fip in the UK' article linked in the video icatcare.org/app/uploads/2022/05/An-update-on-treatment-of-FIP-in-the-UKv2.pdf and consult with your own vets as it depends on your cat's weight and type of fip presentation, really hope you get the treatment for your cat ASAP 🙏

[@cindymaun8952]

My 6 month old Zeke was diagnosed with wet FIP mid-March 2023. He's now almost finished with observation. He was treated with GS, Karma at 1.1ml daily. Initial weight with full belly fluid was 7.7 lb. He will be officially cured in 2 weeks. We did injections the full 12 weeks of treatment.

[@parthapatra7470]

R u vet student?

[@TOMDXBSCOT]

We still have to get the drug ourselves and administer them at home.. I am in the UAE and it's still not legal for vets. FIP warriors is still going strong and helping lots of concerned owners. Please show some consideration for those of us who are still going through treatment for our FIP cats.. Also most people don't have pet insurance, so it's very expensive to get. My cat is 1 week into her FIP treatment and slowly her appetite is returning. 😊

[@off-the-label]

13 minutes in, somebody's cutting onions. About 2.5 weeks ago, we rescued 3 week-old foster kittens that had been abandoned by their mother and left in the attic for about a week. We immediately took the weakest one of the three to the vet, but unfortunately, she passed away just a few days after we started caring for her. Now there are two kittens left, and one of them has suddenly become lethargic, lost its appetite, and has bad diarrhea. Just an hour ago, I saw blood in his stool. I've never felt this helpless about a pet before. I helped them poop and pee for our first weeks together, and now that they're getting bigger and can do it on their own, they've gotten sick. I was planning to take them for vaccinations and deworming when they turned 6 weeks old, but I'm afraid they already caught something now. I feel like a bad kitten parent. Just before these little ones, I had to hospitalize a stray kitten that hung around our yard, but it passed away 1.5 weeks ago. A year ago, I took care of 3 stray kittens, but they all got sick and died. And the year before that, I cared for 4 stray kittens who also passed away after multiple vet visits. My heart can't take it anymore. I've been babying these two, and they're still sick. I'm so afraid they will pass away too. I feel so weak typing this.

[@Artemoose]

You are amazing, the world needs more people like you.

[@gomdori1040]

I knew of the FIP black market drug but didnt know it had been legalized! That’s great great news. I’m glad Keith is better. He is blessed to have such a dedicated cat mom.

[@normanlee31]

I have 20 cats and it all started in my youngest after she was spayed! I ended up with four cases. The GS wasn't legal here either and I was running everywhere to get it. To cut a long story short 2 cats made it but 2 died as treatment started too late! The 2 that made it are touch wood doing well now 8 months on. I stayed with the GS injections for 6 weeks as my vet recommends a minimum of 4 and then changed to molnupavir (esperavir) for the last 6 weeks. The whole outbreak cost me several thousand euros! But at least I saved 2!

[@unabashed]

I run a rescue group and I had 20 cats get it! All were saved, although a few ended up as special needs due to neurological symptoms. I diagnosed ALL of them, no vet was able to correctly diagnose any of them. It's a damn shame.

[@normanlee31]

@@unabashed well done for saving them all. An amazing achievement. Can I ask what your treatment plan was?

[@31cats]

I have 31,plus one had kittens this morning,I have one 11 month old boy named miracle in the hospital with flip,heart enlargement,pleural effusions,anemia etc.please pray for him!

[@patdavid4528]

Thank you so much from taking time sharing Keith story with us. You are so kind and so caring person. Bless you and Keith for all good health and happiness ❤🎉😊

[@nazaninzinouri9894]

I randomly came across your video. I also have a baby that went through the treatment and she’s now 111 days post treatment and still no clinical signs of FIP and good bloodwork. Thanks for putting this video out there ❤

[@MayYean]

aww thank you, so glad your kitty is doing better 💕

[@skylasalas5210]

Great video

[@delibrateconfusion]

Thanks for uploading

[@cherylgioh8356]

Tq3 for sharing your knowledge and experiences! glad Keith recovered so well! and wonderful video!

[@djthefed1505]

My cat passed away 2 days ago 😞 From this, Keith is Luckt that he was saved by an actual Vet that Knew what to Do

[@bucklee93]

My boy Elbert just started his treatment… we thought he got a bit sick from drinking the water at the bottom of the xmas tree…turns out he has FIP. Worst weekend ever but he’s a trooper and he’s gonna make it.

[@MayYean]

so sorry to hear this, praying for your boy Elbert 🙏

[@ria-rh7sx]

how is your cat what medication did you give?

[@elychambers1663]

Thank You soo much for all the information!!

[@iekakimmmm7]

I feel you. My FIP cats died after blood transfusion last year. I work as Veterinary Assistant yet I didnt notice his condition😭 And this year my other cats got infected with FIV since he is semi indoor cats. He start his treatment right away on 2 January. He also has mycoplasma, his kidney was infected, anemia and need to do blood transfusion. I feel bad that I couldnt pay enough attention to him since I have 18 other cats at home...

[@ListerBliss]

Done, and purrfectly done at that! Thanks for your great content and for saving Keith !

[@arielzshell]

Your videos are so inspiring please keep them coming

[@Cindy-hz3kl]

Thank you thank you for sharing your experience with us and he is very lucky to have you as a mom❤

[@user-hu5xe8pw5x]

Thank you for sharing Keith's story May! The both of you have been an inspiration to not give up even when the going gets tough. I aspire to be an awesome vet like you as I approach the end of my veterinary degree. Thank you for shedding your experiences and I hope that Keith continues to live a long and happy life!

[@user-yw1cd5tc1q]

Congratulations for Keith’s recovery. I was wondering if you could make a video to illustrate how do you handle your students’ loan of veterinary school. Thank you !

[@ZipperheadSmudge]

So happy for your kitty. I had a kitty pass of lymphoma earlier this month and one that passed from a stroke earlier this week.

[@WouldbeRenaissanceLady6926]

Keith is gorgeous, well done to the two of you.😁😸

[@garyssimo]

Boy is he a lucky boy to have you as his loving mom!!!

[@garyssimo]

Hmm ...I seem to have saline solution pouring from my eyes.... I have a very sick 17 yr old been to emerg. and regular vets this week. Im giving Martin sub Q ringers myself and its working!! All three of my cats got terrible colds same time and they are indoor only! no visitors or contact by me with other cats. shoes?

[@recycledfelines]

As a neonatal kitten rescue, we run into fip quite a bit, GS is a lifesaver and you nailed all of the big points! In the US it is still a gray market drug, So can't be prescribed, but I can hold it in my hand and administer it as somebody who is not a vet. We have two cases currently that are doing well!

[@barbiebangz2986]

How do you get the treatment? I'm just now researching and scared there isn't anything in the US

[@schanppycoconut9184]

Thank you for this wonderful video! I was in the exact position as you were. The month that I injected my cat with this drug was the ultimate reason that I decided to apply for veterinary medicine. And I am starting veterinary medicine in Bristol this September！

[@rabiaqureshi1829]

Same here! My now cured (praise the lord!), fip cat is the reason that I decided to embark on a career in veterinary medicine! I’ll be going to Liverpool university in September! ❤

[@schanppycoconut9184]

@@rabiaqureshi1829 omg 😭😭

[@user-hd6nm5hn1z]

Thank you for sharing this May! My furbaby Kobe is now on the hospital being treated for FIP and I am losing my mind. He has been on subcu GS44 injections for almost 1wk now and I am praying it will work for him.

[@MayYean]

Fingers crossed for Kobe 🙏 hope you are taking care of yourself as well

[@debx7234]

Keith is so so soooo cute

[@vinchenzokeith8592]

Well done simply splendid congratulations 🎉

[@nerdy_nurse]

I’m so happy for you and Keith. My 9 yr old former stray has dry FIP. We are in the US so remdesivir is not available through affordable means. We are doing prednisone for comfort. 😢

[@MayYean]

ahh thank you, you can only do whats best at the moment so hopefully the preds can give your cat that comfort they need.

[@MagdalenaKlicnikova]

I am in the US and I was able to purchase it through fip warriors. Mine rescue kitty has neurological FIP and I did almost a week but you can see the difference. The only things is that injection hurts him and is braking my heart every evening to give it to him …

[@ammfbht3047]

​@MagdalenaKlicnikova Really scary feeling doing this, yesterday the fluid came out once we Administered it not sure how much leaked but we gave him more , hes on 2.1 but we gave him 1.5 to compensate the leaked. Seems like you're doing so great how is ur lil freind now, its day 3 for us today . He had a spring in his step after the first does but today hes quiet again so im really worried i may have underdosed ? Hope your little freind has made a full recovery .Fip is awful disease.

[@84thNeedle]

I'm in Brazil and can tell you that the situation -- as far as availability and 'legalities' go -- still has not changed for most of the world, unfortunately also, from all the things that I read, the pandemic only complicated matters insofar as the cure's availability for cats goes or to be more specific; the pharmaceutical company that owns the patent hasn't made it available for veterinary use only because attempting to do so (in the midst of the urgency caused by the pandemic) would require additional clinical trials which could generate data which could adversely affect its approval for use in humans -- or so the story goes anyway, glad to hear that it's easier in the UK, at least; ..and, of course, that Keith won his battle against FIP

[@xlerb2286]

Thank you for sharing. I'll be happy when Remdesivir is legal in the US. We lost a couple kittens to FIP before this drug existed, and another one this spring - we'd have treated him but he was misdiagnosed and we only learned he had FIP as a result of the necropsy. We had suspected and ordered a course of treatment but he was already so sick he died before they even arrived.

[@MayYean]

i am so sorry to hear that :( fip is a horrendous disease, hopefully it'll become legal soon.

[@danieleckert1255]

Found this vid when looking for videos on how to deal with a VERY angry cat in pain while injecting. Mine is bloated, no muscles and I can feel his bones, including the spine. Blood test was done, vet says fip. Germany hasn't legalized the drug. So Facebook it is. Everything is Super shady, after they hooked me up with my first 7ml for 90€ vial they ignore me. Your cat is super chill when injecting. Mine goes nuts. Will switch to pills in a few days.

[@user-kill666]

Hi May I'm happy for Keith is healthy and happy after this terrible disease. My cat was also diagnosed FIP and we are doing GS-44 injections and they are working well but they are very painful. Do you remember how many injections Keith got before switching to pills? What indicator in him did you use to know that's the time to use pills instead? Thank you so much for sharing your story

[@MayYean]

hey there we based our treatment on these current guidelines by feline specialists linked here: icatcare.org/app/uploads/2022/05/An-update-on-treatment-of-FIP-in-the-UKv2.pdf I would advise to consult with your local vet that will probably assess your cat either via clinical exams, blood tests, scans etc to make that decision forward. We had about 7 days of injections before transitioning to oral medications, although the guide says 7-14 days, it depends on severity of your cats disease, and for myself, lucky he responded well by day 2-3 of injections, the cost of injections also played a part in transitioning to oral tablets sooner, best of luck!!

[@arielzshell]

I’m a 34 year old program manager working in a big tech company in Silicon Valley. I’ve been contemplating to get a career change to become a vet. But I’m not sure if it’s too late now, because to become a vet in the US I need to be school for another 6 years, by then I’m already 40 years old. Now I’m considering becoming a vet tech, that one is 2-4 years of school

[@MayYean]

ahh it really depends what you want to do, its never too late, we had other vet students in variety of ages, some 40+ after working elsewhere and decided it was their dream career! all the best!

[@tracywilson8339]

I have a British blue that has just been diagnosed with the most severe form of FIP. She is currently having daily remdisivir injections on day 4 now. Has 2 more injections then on to 11 weeks of daily tablets. It's been very hard for her and traumatic as the injections are painful. I'm dreading doing the daily tablets as she is so aggressive at the moment, and we have only had her for 8 weeks and has been unwell for 7 of those. Fingers crossed she gets through this and am determined to get the medication down her. Towel wrap is the only way I think.

[@MayYean]

Finger crossed that she responds to therapy 🙏 it’s not easy and I hope you take care of yourself too 💛

[@tracywilson8339]

@MayYean thankyou so much. So far looks promisingly 😻 The oral medication turns out to be easy enough, the many eye drops, not so. But the towel wrap method works for us. Happy with her progress so far. Best wishes to you and Keith. 💞

[@tracywilson8339]

So my cat has now finished the 84 day course of GS meds. Initially 6 days of remdisivir injections then the oral tablets.She had a few problems along the way with ulcerated eyes and herpes in the eyes, but with many eye drops and the daily meds it seems to have worked. she had bloods done 2 days ago after the 84 day course and all her levels are back to normal. She is a different cat. She looks well. Such a relief but was very hard going. It was a full time job getting her through this. Thankyou for your videos as they have really helped. Also I would say ro anyone with a cat with FIP. Stay strong and positive.

[@TRDjuli]

​@tracywilson8339 my kitty I believe may have this. The vet told me there is a 80% chance she does. I currently do not have the funds to save her life which hurts me 😞. How much did everything run you.

[@tracywilson8339]

​@@TRDjuliI'm so sorry to hear this. It truly is heartbreaking. We were insured thankfully. The total cost was approximately £4, 600. Bearing in mind she had many additional problems along the way. FIP had affected her eyes so on many eyedrops for months then contracted Herpes in the eyes, so the cost just crept up. The remdisivir for FIP is very expensive unfortunately. Is there any way your Vet would do a payment plan?

[@littleoakstudio4254]

Our kitty ( 7m/o female) is suspected of dry fip. neu 70% lym 17%. with high glob and .6 a/g. elevated protein and white blood cells seems to be in pain, hides and pees on floor. less of an appetite. started gs treatment today, hoping threres improvement. I find that prednisolone helps them have a better appetite.

[@shrikumar8518]

Please tell me the oral medicine also Remdecivir?

[@moustafakaid3904]

It’s legalized now but very hard to get. Any advice on how to get the treatment Thank you

[@shona6873]

Were his globulins still high at the end of the 12 weeks? My boy's still are a little, but it may be inflammation from another condition...worried about finishing treatment.

[@user-sm3js5ck8e]

Plz help me my cat is wet fip i have no money or vaccines for save this life

[@mielchavz4547]

can I ask help, my 2yr old cat is diagnosed of FIP, and now underr inject treatment of GS-441524 basmi, and need to continue medication until november. If there is someone with good heart who can help my cat to continue her basmi injection, i will owe with my whole heart

[@rohankhade3972]

I have a persian cat and she is 3 months old dont know how she catched the FIP but we are regularly go to the vet for treatment but no signs of improvement and we are not financially well so hoping she gets better

[@xXAlaysiaXx]

Did she get better ? My cat is 1 yr old and has it too please tell me

[@rohankhade3972]

@@xXAlaysiaXx she died after 4 weeks of suffering FIP treatment is too costly and expensive and we couldn't afford to give her that treatment 84 days of gs course but cats can be cured if catched early my cat stopped moving and couldn't walk or get up whole time she use to lie on the bed. please start the FIP treatment as soon as possible because FIP is 90 % fatal and there are less chances of surviving mostly all the vets told me my would not survive but I have seen many cats getting better after gs FIP treatment.

[@xXAlaysiaXx]

@@rohankhade3972 yes i visited the vet today and he started her gs treatment. Most of the vets are saying there is no hope left, and she is in her last stage, But the one we are currently visiting says the first five days are critical if she survives them she will recover fast with the 80 day gs treatment

[@DerBessinger]

Is Mr.Keith alive nowadays?

[@TheRobversion1]

I just found out today my newly adopted rescue kitten (barely a week with me) has FCOV. The vet made me confine her and advised that even if she survives this, i have to separate the kitten and my FCOV negative resident cat. I was wondering if you have any advice, especially on the topic of separation.

[@clairefagyan1627]

I also find out my 9 month old cat has Fcov. But my vet only prescribed antibiotics and for immune system. His becoming weaker now. And syringe feed. We are going back to his vet tomorrow. Hopefully he gets better. 🙏

[@TheRobversion1]

@@clairefagyan1627 same with mine. anitbiotics and immunol then continued separation as much as we can. also need to santize litter boxes. so hard to separate them now as our kitten is bigger.

[@sns4103]

Is Remdesivir the same as GS-441524?

[@MayYean]

essentially yes, remdesivir is a prodrug of GS-441524, meaning remdesivir metabolises in the body to become GS-441524, more info here: www.ndsr.co.uk/insights/feline-infectious-peritonitis-fip/

[@user-us9cf2nf2j]

I have GS441 here and have a lot of treatment experience, welcome to consult

[@user-xe9ci7bo2s]

ارجو مساعدتي انا من الاردن... وقيمة معه fip ... ارجو المساعدة لي

[@user-us9cf2nf2j]

@@user-xe9ci7bo2s How to contact you, I can help you

[@imnotkidding6768]

Hello what is the best way to reach you?

[@mikethomas1900]

My boy Axel has been diagnosed with pleural effusion, most likely as a result of FIP. My vet didn't want to stress him more by trying to do a blood test and basically suggested euthanasia. He is only 1 year old, that seems completely unfair for him, so I have set off on the quest of trying to help him live. I believe Remdesvir is thousands of dollars here in the US. Does anyone know of a way to get it at a more reasonable price, or some kind of fund raiser that could help in just a few days I might have to make a decision? Thank You.

[@FilieKha]

You could try to become part of the FIP Warriors group or other Facebook groups and post something in those to see if anyone could chip in for his treatment.. Or maybe post about it on as many social media platforms as possible to have it gain traction. Im very sorry about his diagnosis.. Of course im hoping Axel will be able to receive treatment, but im sure youre doing the best you can to keep him comfortable either way, so please dont feel guilty if you end up not being able to do more for him... No one should have to pay exorbitant prices for their pets health :(

[@mikethomas1900]

@@FilieKha Thank You for the reply. I did use FIP Warriors to get meds for him, but unfortunately it turned out he had Congenital Heart Disease instead and I had to help my sweet little buddy find his way to the rainbow bridge. I miss him soo much. :(

[@FilieKha]

@@mikethomas1900 Im so so sorry about that ;; may he rest easy.. You did the best you could for your little guy and im sure he'll forever remember that, but of course that doesnt make it any easier.. Take all the time you need to grieve 🫂

[@andreeamoon]

Please ,name of pills what give on cat and dosage

[@sevilyamahmudova6835]

My cat was also diagnosed with FIP. Right now, I give him GS-441524 pills. Dosage depends on cats' weight

[@chrisflinder3125]

Alb:Glob ratio?

[@celestethisandthat8887]

Did Keith have FIV or FIP?

[@MayYean]

he has both 🥲 but *touchwood clinically fine after completing FIP treatment, so just living with FIV now

[@celestethisandthat8887]

@@MayYean I'm glad he has *touchwood recovered from FIP. We are caring for a cat right now who has FIP. We are on day 45. Money is running out though...

[@blondellstathopoulos699]

🤦 *promo sm*