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Peer-reviewed veterinary case report

Update on Treatment of Feline Infectious Peritonitis: European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases (ABCD) Guidelines.

Journal:
Viruses
Year:
2026
Authors:
Tasker, Séverine et al.
Affiliation:
Bristol Veterinary School · United Kingdom
Species:
cat

Plain-English summary

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a serious illness caused by a virus that affects cats. In the past, it was often considered fatal, leading many veterinarians to recommend euthanasia after diagnosis. However, new antiviral treatments, especially a medication called GS-441524, have changed this situation significantly, making FIP a treatable and often curable disease. Recent guidelines from the European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases provide updated information on various treatments available worldwide, including GS-441524 and others like remdesivir and molnupiravir. Studies show that GS-441524 has a high success rate, often over 90%, and while traditional treatment lasted 84 days, shorter courses of 42 days may also work well.

Abstract

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a disease arising as a result of feline coronavirus infection. It used to be regarded a fatal disease, with euthanasia commonly recommended following diagnosis due to its very poor prognosis. The availability of effective antiviral therapies, particularly nucleoside analogues such as oral GS-441524, has fundamentally changed the outlook for cats with FIP. FIP is now a treatable and frequently curable disease. In these revised guidelines, the European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases (ABCD) presents an update on the treatment of FIP, incorporating the findings of new studies including the range of available treatments (such as GS-441524, remdesivir and molnupiravir (EIDD-2801) and its active metabolite EIDD-1931), which varies globally, as well as suggestions for monitoring and prognostic indicators. Tables are used to present easy-to-find information on antiviral and supportive treatments for cats with FIP. GS-441524 is the most extensively studied antiviral for FIP with treatment success rates often exceeding 90%. Remdesivir is primarily reserved as an injectable antiviral for severely affected cats unable to tolerate oral medication; it is usually replaced by oral medication as soon as, and when, possible. Although 84-day treatment courses have historically been used, emerging evidence suggests that shorter regimens of 42 days can be equally effective.

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Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42043241/