Tallgrass Animal Urgent Care would like to introduce you to Iris. We met Iris about 2 months ago when he presented for anorexia, weight loss, a fever, and episodes of slight ataxia/incoordination in both his hind limbs. At his first visit we did a physical exam, orthopedic exam, and neurologic exam. We decided at this time to not pursue any diagnostics beyond the exams and to start him on an anti-inflammatory and monitor.
Approximately 1 week later Iris returned for a follow-up exam. Diagnostics were completed at this time as his hind limb ataxia/incoordination had significantly worsened. Diagnostics included blood work, radiographs, abdominal ultrasound, and a recheck neurologic exam.
At this time Iris was diagnosed with FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis) which is a severe auto-immune disease caused by a non-virulent (non-disease causing) coronavirus that mutates in the cat to a virulent (disease causing) form.
The 2 most recognized forms of the FIP disease are the “Dry” form which causes neurologic deficits and the “Wet” form which causes abdominal effusion as well as effusion in other body spaces. While FIP is generally categorized as either “Dry” or “Wet” it is not uncommon for some cats to have clinical attributes of each form.
Following the diagnosis we had to order medication from a compounding pharmacy for Iris. In the 5 days it took to receive the medication Iris went from being slightly ataxic/incoordinated in both hind limbs to not being able to stand and walk in just 5 days. In addition, he became very lethargic and stopped eating.
Treatment for FIP is typically around 80 days and can involve one medication or a combination of several medications depending upon response. We saw significant improvement with Iris each week and are excited that he is doing so well.
We would like to thank Sarah for trusting us with Iris’s care as well as allowing us to share his story.