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Homeopathic treatment of FIP.

Species: Cat
Breed: British Shorthair
Age: 6-12 months
Hello,
My cat is verified (80% confirmed) to infect FIP(wet type).

The vet told me that the death rate of FIP is 100%. I want to know if there is any exception? If there is any case of recovery?
I am currently trying Homeopathy and chinese medicine, but I am not sure if Homeopathy is really helping. What is your point of view about Homeopathy?
The test report of my cat is here:
http://i.imgur.com/jfowE.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/CRdmM.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/99RsW.jpg?1
http://i.imgur.com/yQaVC.jpg?1

can you please give some comment and advice based on this report?

Beside taking steroid, if there is any way to help to reduce ascites? Does fluid restriction help?


Online vet, Dr. Marie

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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Disclaimer: Although Dr. Marie is a qualified veterinarian, the information found on this site is not meant to replace the advice of your own veterinarian. AskAVetQuestion.com and Dr. Marie do not accept any responsibility for any loss, damage, injury, death, or disease which may arise from reliance on information contained on this site. Do not use information found on this site for diagnosing or treating your pet. Anything you read here is for information only.

Customer reply:

My pet's liver is not as good as other normal cats. I want to know if its okay if I want to bring him to the vet and remove fluid from his abdomen. I am afraid that the anaesthetic will add pressure to his liver. Will the surgery bring any painful or uncomfortable feeling to my cat?


Online vet, Dr. Marie

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.



Customer reply:

My cat started to convulse(~1 per hour)

But he still eat

What should i do....


Online vet, Dr. Marie

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.



Customer reply:

he cant walk normally now....He cant stand, he can just crawl


Online vet, Dr. Marie

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.



Customer reply:

so.....is it time to put him to sleep?


Online vet, Dr. Marie

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.



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Dr. MarieDr. Marie is a veterinarian who practices in a busy animal hospital in Ottawa, Ontario. She created Ask A Vet Question as a resource for good, accurate veterinary advice online. Dr. Marie treats dogs, cats, hamsters, guinea pigs, and rats. She has been a vet since 1999.

Is an online vet visit just as good as a trip to your veterinarian? No! But, many times, asking an online veterinarian a question can help save you money. While Dr. Marie can't officially diagnose your pet or prescribe medications, she can often advise you on whether a vet visit is necessary. You can also ask Dr. Marie for a second opinion on your pet's condition.