Homeopathic treatment of FIP.

Dr. Marie replied:

Oh, I am sorry to hear about Star's diagnosis of FIP. FIP is such a nasty disease. I find it seems to affect the nicest cats usually. :(

The first image you sent me is of some blood tests. You've highlighted the fact that ALKP and ALT are less than 10 but really that is not something I would worry about. What is significant to me is the ALB/GLOB ratio. Albumin and Globulin are two types of protein in the body. Cats that have FIP will usually have an Albumin Globulin ratio below 0.6. Star's is 2.1/6.2 which is about 0.3. That is not a good sign.

I did a double take when I saw the CBC. A white cell count of 226 x 10^9/L is higher than I have ever seen. This means either severe infection or inflammation.

If your vet is saying this is wet FIP then I am assuming that there is fluid in the abdomen. Actually, you mentioned ascites which means that there is fluid in the abdomen.

When we combine the facts that we have a young cat with fluid in the abdomen and an albumin globulin ratio of 0.3 then this is almost guaranteed to be FIP. You didn't mention if there is a fever but if so then this is more evidence towards FIP.

I have not had much success with anything in regards to FIP. I do find that steroids (such as prednisone or prednisolone) can help to slow down the disease but unfortunately I have found that once we start seeing fluid in the abdomen it is almost always fatal. It usually takes a few weeks and then we are talking about euthanasia but every case is different. I have had some cats that have done relatively well for a while when we take a needle and remove fluid from the abdomen to give some relief.

You mentioned "fluid restriction". If you mean restricting Star from drinking water, no, this will not help and will make things worse.

I did some research for you on homeopathic remedies for FIP. I did find evidence of some homeopathic vets who have tried a number of different homeopathic treatments (mostly aimed at decreasing inflammation) but there was no evidence at all that they helped. The general consensus amongst homeopathic vets is that it won't hurt so it's worth a try, but it's not likely to be terribly helpful.

I wish I had better news for you.

Dr. Marie.


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Dr. Marie replied:

That is really a decision that you need to make with the guidance of your vet as they know Star's health status the best.

I find that FIP kitties often tolerate abdominal fluid drainage without an anesthetic so you could ask your vet about that.

Dr. Marie replied:

Oh, this is not good. FIP can commonly cause little lesions called granulomas to form in the brain and this can cause seizures. There is a chance that anti-seizure medication can make a difference for a short while, but usually they don't work well.

Unfortunately when I have a FIP cat who is having seizures this is usually my indication that we need to euthanize soon. Seizures are not painful for a cat but if he's having them frequently it is not comfortable.

I'm so sorry.

Dr. Marie replied:

You need to call your vet, or if they are not available, call an emergency vet. It sounds like he is really not doing well.

Dr. Marie replied:

Your vet will help you decide that but from what you have described it does sound like it's time.

Dr. Marie.