[christineg]

Hi everyone,

I am a new person on this forum, so mu apologies for beginning with such a heavy topic, but my cat Auther had developed FIP. I took him to the vet last week when he was showing signs of breathing difficulties and a swollen stomach. The vet undertook many tests and has concluded that it is effusive FIP. he had given lots of diuretics and consequently Authur was able to come home, however the vet said that he would not repeat the treatment as it is a terminal disease.

Naturallly we took Authur home and he has had a quiet but peaceful week. His stomach is now swollen again and his breathing is becoming laboured. He is clearly heading to a last trip to the vet. But when to do it? He is still trotting around and appears keen to eat, but when he meows nothing comes out, and he has to take a small break between mouthfuls in order to breathe when eating.

So, does anyone know when it gets painful? How to tell levels of disomfort etc? Anyone had experieince of FIP?

[Sophie_and_Oscars_Mum]

Christine, I'm so sorry you're going through this. I haven't had to deal with FIP directly but others here have, its a dreadful disease. for Auther and for you.

[Catspjamas]

I'm sorry you are having to go through with this. I have never seen end stage FIP, most people decide at the time of diagnosis. Labored breathing is discomfort. A distended abdomen is uncomfortable. Give yourself a couple of days to prepare, and say goodbye. But for the sake of Arthur, don't make him go until he gets worse.

[saintsladyp]

Im sorry to hear that.. All I know that FIP is not good news.. Im sure others with some advice will be along shortly.. So sorry you have to go through this and your poor baby..

[Satchmo]

Welcome to CW, and I am sorry to hear it is in such sad circumstances.
There is no real hard and fast answer to this. If it is FIP (and nobody really knows until after autopsy), then I would be keeping a very close eye on him and you will know when it is time to say farewell to him. Some cats suffer Pyothorax and this also has some similar features to effusive FIP. Speak to your Vet as they should be able to advise you on all the stages of this dreadful disease.
There is a "pinned thread" on FIP at the start of the Purebred/Breeding Forums, that may be of some help. There are also some links in the Cat Health section of the Home Page.

[CatsRU]

I have no experience but I am sending all the CW magic I can for your furbaby. Hugs.

[maigrey]

This is such a terrible disease, Im sending you lots of magic to help cope with it.

[Pam]

Thinking of you at this traumatic time. I am sure you will know when it is time to let your little one fly free.Treasure your time with Arthur.

[Winscar]

Give yourself a couple of days to prepare, and say goodbye.

This was the advice given to me last year when I was losing may darling Oscar to kidney failure. As hard as it may seem you just 'know' and you will do the right thing for your sweet boy. For my Oscar it was his eyes. When I looked into those lovely blue eyes of his he had already gone, it wasnt my Fluffybum anymore.

Big hugs to you at this sad time. It is an extremely difficult promise that we make but must keep for our furball friends.

[Doreen]

I can't offer any advice except to follow your instinct. You will know when things are not good for your little one. Sending you heaps of and a to help you through this awful time. The great thing is that we are able to prevent our little ones from suffering, and we do it will all our love.

[Heather Sharada]

I am sorry that you are having this awful disease darken your door as it does so many.

The only cat I ever lost was put to sleep after being diagnosed with that form of the disease. She was 6 weeks pregnant and was a little girl I had bought as an adult to create an outcross.

The vet did withdraw the fluid as you have mentioned so she was able to lie down - up to that point she could not lie down because the growing babies constricted her already constricted chest cavity and she could not breath and had trouble eating. She spent time comforting herself purring. The vet had told me that he could keep draining her until the babies were born and that they would not have the disease as it does not cross the placenta wall but I could not do that to her.

She spent the night sleeping on my bed - which she liked to do - and then her little family crossed the bridge with her soon after she was diagnosed. It was during one of her better moments - post drainage - as I could not bring myself to let her suffer further. It was a very very sad day.

You will know when it is time.

[Nahren]

Deepest sympathy on this sad news. Many years ago I had a burmese kitten with FIP and the vet was able to drain the fluid off three times - surgically rather than with medication. After treatment he bounced back for a while and seemed happy. This gave me a little more time with with him.

[Bibby]

If it is FIP (and nobody really knows until after autopsy),

A good point.
One of my cats has a tummy full of fluid- it is drained regularly to keep her comfortable.
when she has a lot of fluid build up she seem uncomfortable and at times it affected her breathing.
It is not FIP- been going on for nearly 2 years now. Cause of her problems is so rare it took a while to find the underlying problem.
I hope it is not FIP- others have said you will know when it is time.
I will rely on my vet to tell me when it gets to that stage with my furbaby.
Sending and hugs

This post has been edited by Bibby: 25 September 2009 - 06:13 PM

[christineg]

Thanks so much for your supportive comments. I appreciate the advice and have read the associated threads and they have been helpful.

Thanks again