Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Treatment outcomes for effusive FIP in retrovirus-positive cats
By Marilize Van der Walt et al.·Published in Pathogens·2026·Internal Medicine Department, MedVet Medical & Cancer Center for Pets, Columbus, OH 43085, USA, CH·View original on DOAJ →
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Original publication title: Clinical Features and Outcomes of Treatment for Effusive Feline Infectious Peritonitis with GS-441524 in Seventeen Retrovirus-Positive Cats
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of 17 cats with feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) and retrovirus infections (like feline leukemia virus or feline immunodeficiency virus) were treated with an antiviral medication called GS-441524. Most cats started on a dose of 7 mg/kg per day, which was increased for many during treatment. After 12 weeks, 94% of the cats were still alive, and 82% survived for a year, although some later died from cancer. Overall, the treatment showed promising results, and many cats lived for over three years after their FIP diagnosis.
People also search for: cat FIP treatment GS-441524 · feline leukemia virus symptoms · how long can a cat live with FIP
Abstract
Background: There is limited information about treatment success and outcomes in retrovirus-positive cats diagnosed with feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). Methods: A survey was distributed to caretakers of cats with feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and/or feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) that were treated with GS-441524 for presumptive effusive FIP based on survey responses. Results: Cats with FIV developed FIP at an older age and longer after retrovirus infection than cats with FeLV. The average starting dosage (7 mg/kg/d) was increased in 65% of cats, and treatment was extended in 35%. Three cats relapsed (18%). There was a 94% (16/17) twelve-week survival rate and 82% (14/17) one-year survival rate. Seven cats were alive at follow-up, a median of 1306 days (range 983–2069) after FIP diagnosis, but many cats succumbed to neoplasia. Conclusions: Treatment success for retrovirus-positive cats with presumptive FIP was similar to previously reported outcomes for FIP alone. This could support current evidence of successful antiviral therapy for similar populations, if noncurrent, unstandardized protocols and unlicensed product use are considered. Additional studies are needed to determine ideal protocols for rapid resolution of FIP, good long-term survival, and limited relapse in retrovirus-positive cats, and the impact of the FeLV proviral load.
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Search related cases →Original publication on DOAJ: https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens15030337