Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Treatment outcomes for effusive FIP in retrovirus-positive cats
By Van der Walt, Marilize et al.·Published in Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)·2026·Internal Medicine Department, United States·View original on PubMed →
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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 positive for retroviruses (like feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus) were treated with an antiviral medication called GS-441524. Most cats showed improvement, with a 94% survival rate after 12 weeks and 82% surviving for a year. Some cats needed higher doses or longer treatment, and a few experienced relapses. While many cats lived for over three years after diagnosis, some unfortunately passed away due to cancer. Overall, the treatment was effective for these cats, but more research is needed to find the best treatment plans.
People also search for: cat FIP treatment GS-441524 · feline leukemia virus prognosis · feline infectious peritonitis survival rate
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 PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41901790/