Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) was until recently almost universally fatal. New antiviral treatments have transformed the prognosis, making welfare-aware treatment decisions easier.
The development of effective antiviral treatment for FIP represents one of the most dramatic welfare improvements in companion animal medicine in recent years. Previously, a diagnosis of FIP meant making a compassionate euthanasia decision promptly — the disease caused rapid deterioration and death. Now, with effective treatment, most cats can achieve clinical remission. The welfare implications are profound: cats that would previously have been euthanised can have full, healthy lives. The welfare-conscious owner and veterinarian should be aware of treatment availability and ensure that cost or lack of awareness does not prevent cats from accessing potentially curative treatment.