Feline Infectious Peritonitis was once uniformly fatal, but antiviral treatments have transformed it into a manageable disease. Understanding FIP enables early intervention and gives affected cats a genuine chance at survival.
FIP causes profound suffering through the progression of its two forms: wet FIP produces painful abdominal or chest fluid accumulation causing breathlessness and discomfort; dry FIP causes neurological signs, ocular inflammation, and organ failure. Before effective antivirals, diagnosis was a death sentence and euthanasia was routine within weeks. The availability of GS-441524 has transformed the welfare equation — cats that previously had no options now have an 85%+ remission rate. However, access to treatment remains complicated by regulatory status (GS-441524 is not yet licensed in many countries) and cost. Palliative steroid therapy prolongs life briefly but cannot achieve remission. Early diagnosis and prompt antiviral treatment are now the ethical standard of care.