Ask Your Pet Question. Pet Experts Answer You ASAP.

(Not a Pet Question?)

FIP

Sent to Pet Experts October 15 2004 at 8:56 AM
   

I just lost a 9 month old Ragdoll kitten to noneffusive FIP. The breeder has offered another kitten as a replacement. I cannot go through this terrible disease again. I need info on the coronavirus to help in making my decision. Does the virus mutate once in a particular animal, or is a mutated form of the virus passed on by those shedding it? I have read that in testing for the vaccine they infected kittens with FIPV, so can I assume that the breeder has an FIPV positive cat and doesn’t know it? I have two dogs and no other cats. I have read that the canine coronavirus is very similar - could this have come from the dogs? Should I have bloodwork run on the dogs to be sure they are disease free (they both seem healthy to me and have an annual physical and shots)? The breeder has said she has never had an FIP death, and none of my kitten’s siblings are ill. I am so devistated and I want to make a very informed decision. I know there is no reliable test, the vaccine would be worthless if a kitten is exposed to a coronavirus prior to vaccination, and I don’t know if I should take another chance on one of her ragdolls, or save a stray kitten from a shelter (which could also be infected). I am in love with this breed of cat and would love to have another. What information on the transmission of FIPV is the most current and reliable?

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $6
Answer
October 15 2004 at 1:57 PM (5 hours and 28 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark
The following is a great site that has a lot of good information on it:

http://www.dr-addie.com/

I recently acquired a kitten, that was ill, and the vet told me we had to watch for FIP. So, I did a lot of studying up about the disease, and it is not an easy disease to really pass to other cats. I have a friend who does a LOT of cat rescue work, and she has her own rescue group. She has lost cats to FIP and she assured me that I should not get upset, because I have other cats.

It turned out, so far, that he does not have FIP, and since there is no definitive test for it, except a necropsy, after the cat has died, we are just praying that he does not have the dry form of FIP. If they have the effusive FIP, yes, the belly swells up, and x-rays will show fluid outside the lungs or in the abdominal area. He showed no fluid, and he seems to have made it over the hump of being so ill.

Your first question, about the virus mutating inside the particular animal is usually what vets believe happens.

I definitely would not vaccinate another kitten, but if it has been a while since your kitten died, (although it sounds like it is recent?) I would wait on getting or bringing another cat into the house, until some time goes by. This disease is very strange, and even though it is not as contagious as once thought, I wouldn't want to take the chance.

With the two options you mentioned, taking another of the ragdolls, or saving a stray, I would opt to save a stray. There are so many cats that are in need of homes, in these shelters, and in places like Petsmart or Petco, where some cats are desperate to belong to someone special. I was just in Petsmart today, and saw a six year old gorgeous cat that is there, because either the owner died, or someone just didn't want the poor cat any longer. A beautiful calico female.

I believe the site above, though, will help you understand the disease better, and give you reliable information about the disease. I do not think that dogs carry the disease. But, you can double check on this site that I gave to you.

Also, there is a Yahoo group that is great, that has a lot of information and people that have been through what you have been through, and you can join that if you want to talk to others about this disease.

The address is FIP-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

God bless and I hope that you will be able to make a choice that is both well informed and one that will give another cat a chance to be with someone who sounds like they have a great heart, such as yourself.

Elena Marie
"Open your heart to learn all you can in this life, and to give to others, the joy and satisfaction that they may remember you as a true friend."
Picture
Elena Marie -- Rescue Work With Cats and Dogs -- 91% Positive Feedback on 111 Pet Accepts
Experienced 40 Yrs. W/Cats, Dogs. Knowledge of Medical Problems, Diseases, and Behavior of Animals.
Reply
October 15 2004 at 4:02 PM (2 hours and 4 minutes and 48 seconds later)
         
My daughter's kitten, Frankie, was put to sleep on Monday, Oct. 11th at the Ryan Veterinary Hospital in Philadelphia. His autopsy confirmed FIP. He had gone blind and had signs of neurological problems, and that is when I choose to stop all tests.

As far as adding another kitten, we are waiting until after the holidays. I disposed of all of Frankies toys, bowls, litter tray, etc. I am disenfecting and shampooing, and the only item I retained was a rather expensive cat perch - I am going to clean it with a bleach/water solution.

I have visited the Dr. Addie site - I am just finding info elsewhere that conflicts with some of her info, and since many sites aren't dated I have no idea of the most recent findings. I like to be properly informed.

Thanks for you concern and reply - I will definately check the yahoo group.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Info Request
October 15 2004 at 10:01 PM (5 hours and 59 minutes and 27 seconds later)
         
So sorry to hear about Frankie. This is such a nasty and tragic disease, especially since it affects kittens so much.

I think you have made a wise decision to wait until after the holidays to get another kitten.

Take care, and thank you for accepting my reply and I am glad I was able to help you. You will find the Yahoo group very interesting.

God bless!

Elena Marie
"Open your heart to learn all you can in this life, and to give to others, the joy and satisfaction that they may remember you as a true friend."
Picture
Elena Marie -- Rescue Work With Cats and Dogs -- 91% Positive Feedback on 111 Pet Accepts
Experienced 40 Yrs. W/Cats, Dogs. Knowledge of Medical Problems, Diseases, and Behavior of Animals.
Think you can answer this question?
Login or Become an Expert

Related Answers

 

DISCLAIMER: You acknowledge that any information you may obtain from individuals you contact through use of the JustAnswer service comes from those individuals, not from JustAnswer, and that JustAnswer is not in any way responsible for any of the information these third parties may supply. The site and services are provided "as is" with no warranty and no representations are made regarding the qualification of an Expert. Responses and comments on JustAnswer are for general information and are not intended to substitute for informed professional advice (such as medical, legal, investment or accounting) and do not establish a professional-client relationship. JustAnswer is not intended or designed to address EMERGENCY QUESTIONS which should be directed immediately by telephone or in-person to qualified professionals. Please carefully read the Terms of Service.

JustAnswer > Pet