FIP

[admin]

I am so sorry about Nala...my prayers and thoughts are with you...it is so sad....

 

[Kimmyqitty]

I had a cat with FIP, my vet and an exotic vet family member in California told me they think that FIP is a pre existing gene from when they are born. But, of course, like cancer and aides, more research needs to be done. If at the very least, to cure it, not prolong it. If your animal is diagnosed with FIP, it can be managed for a while, but unfortunately, they can not survive this disease, not at this time anyways. I, myself, could not watch him get thiner and thiner, no matter how happy he seemed. I made the conscious descision to put him to sleep, all the while brushing his little face with his favorite brush. He loved grabbing at my brush while I was brushing my own hair, he wanted me to brush him at the same time. God I miss that little guy, he was my little Angel.

 

[Patti]

I'm very sorry to hear of Nala's passing, just know that you made the right decision for her and she is now free of pain and disease.

As for the FIP being related to modified live vaccines, I think the majority of vets use modified live, and many Savannah owners and breeders do as well, and I have never heard of any cases of FIP related to it. The only Savannah I've ever had die from FIP received killed virus vaccines only.

 

[ambiente18]

Our vet is pretty confident that we are dealing with the dry form of FIP in our 6-month-old f2 female savannah. This has been a diagnosis two months, and several hundred dollars in the making. Our girl was 5.2 lbs at her peak in November. She was going to be a very tall and beautiful melanistic savannah cat. Then she got what we thought was a cold. That turned into off-and-on high fevers. She became very lethargic and eats almost nothing. Her weight 2 1/2 months later is 4.6 lbs. She is a pile of bones on a frame that is 12 inches tall at her front shoulders. Her coat looks bad and she just prefers to sit, where she used to do extraordinary acrobatics through the house. She has been on several rounds of antibiotics, fever reducers, high calorie supplements and prescription appetite stimulants. All ineffective. Within the past week we have noticed that her hind quarters are drooping and she appears clumsy. The indicators in the bloodwork, response to treatment and symptoms have led our vet to make her final diagnosis. I would like to add that our breeder has been very responsive and helpful throughout the process. It is also important to note that this is not a disease that is the fault of any breeder. Much like MS in a human, it is a mutation of a very common virus that can occur in any cat. Although, those cats which have higer percentages of wild DNA appear to be more susceptible. We are doomed at this point since it appears the lesions on her neurological system are causing physical impairment. Not sure if there is a hail mary play here, or whether we should just get prepared to put her down before too much more pain and suffering. She has fought a heroic battle, but appears to be losing. Any thoughts you have would be appreciated

I'm sorry, this is very sad, terribly ...may be you try to to use Virbagen Omega

 

[Kimmyqitty]

Christopher Cauble, "Moble Vet" in California, is a vet that specializes in exotic animals. He is a family member of ours, maybe look him up and maybe he has learned something new about this condition since our baby died from FIP little over a year ago. Always worth a try.

 

[WitchyWoman]

Condolences to you Abby. It's just heartbreaking to see you and others here dealing with loss due to this disease. I wish I could do something, find the words to make it less painful for you. Hugs to you and yours.

 

[Kimmyqitty]

FIP, straight up needs to be researched! Cause whether it is a pre existing gene or caused by a unconventional or conventional vaccine, we need to know either way.
Seems like it is becoming way too common.

 

[Kimmyqitty]

When my little guy was diagnoste with FIP, my vet told me that we could sustain him with meds but his quality of life would not be very good. That's when I made the very hard discision to to let him go. It was the first time in my life that I ever had to be there ,when someone I loved so much, to watch him go to sleep and never wake up. But! I am happy knowing he is in heaven and reaking havoc and having a good ol' time. Every single day we remember the silly little things he did. He was such a character. My suggestion, unfortunately, let her go, she is suffering. Trust me when I say, I know how hard it is, I HAVE BEEN THERE! And I am so sorry for your pain.

 

[Brigitte Cowell]

Update:
Today we decided to euthanize Nala. Wow, that is a gut wrenching thing to do. She was down to only 4 lbs, and could no longer walk. In all that pain, she still wanted to nibble on my finger. The time had come. Enough said.

Here is the kicker and where I could use some help. Based on a hunch from the breeder, we asked for specific data on Nala's vaccinations. Turns out, she was given a modified live virus Purevax Distemper vaccination on 11/27/2012. I was shocked! I had a lengthy conversation with the vet about using only killed virus vaccinations to which she (the vet) agreed to do. I had her photocopy the care sheet from the breeder with this specific warning call-out to be kept in Nala's file. The vet cut a corner without informing me, and claimed today that it is "hard" to get the killed virus vaccines these days due to risk of cancer. The apex of Nala's health was that day. She started going downhill in the beginning of December. Is it related? I don't know for sure. I do know she did not follow my instructions, which of course voids any warranties.

Do any of you know of other cases where a modified live vaccine was used on an early generation savannah with a bad outcome?

I'm so sorry, Abby, it is heartbreaking to let a beloved kitty go...even when you know it is the right time to do so :-(

I don't believe the modified live vaccine is to blame. If what she had developed were symptoms of distemper then one might blame a modified live vaccine for replicating the disease... but FIP is a mutated form of coronavirus. Her immune system reacted badly to it, our best guess with all the research that has been done to date is that it is a fault in the immune system coupled with exposure to the virus. Given how prevalent the virus is, then it is that fault in the immune system that is critical. It's a horrible horrible disease, but don't beat yourself up about missing that vaccine. It was not to blame. Do feel mad at your vet for not listening to your specific instructions though!That is NOT okay.

 

[Pam Flachs]

Abby, my deepest condolences. You did the right thing for your precious Nala...RIP.

Hugs and prayers for your both.....