For the Love of Loki...Help him Fight FIP

Hi Everyone!

We found our beloved Loki along with his two sisters, Poppy and Pixie, in our backyard and immediately fell in love with these teeny, tiny, little love bugs.  While Poppy and Pixie were healthy, Loki seemed to be continuously fighting off colds and upper respiratory infections. Despite this, he was active, playful, and super affectionate with humans and kitties alike, so much so that he was deemed “Goodwill Ambassador” in our home.

At about 7 months old, Loki began to show some troubling symptoms including extreme lethargy; loss of appetite; and very high, unrelenting fevers.  Little by little, his bright, beautiful spark started to dim.  He became a regular staple at our veterinarian’s office and was placed on numerous medications (antibiotics, anti-virals, and anti-inflammatories) and IV therapies and was hospitalized multiple times.  After receiving the results of his labs, we were informed that he tested positive for feline coronavirus (not covid-19).  While we were devastated, our veterinarian assured us that testing positive did not necessarily mean he had FIP and he could still survive.  We remained determined to help him and hopeful that his health would improve.

We continued with the treatments and after another two weeks, Loki’s symptoms worsened and we were informed that the virus had mutated into FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis).  We were instructed to keep him on ice packs to help keep his temperature under control and he would be transitioned to “supportive care.”  The shock and sadness came in waves until our collective hearts shattered into a thousand pieces. We all just wished that our love could be enough to heal him.

We refused to leave his side and one very difficult night, he bravely reminded us that his fight wasn’t over; that he is strong, resilient, and “in it to win it.”  Feeling newly inspired by his warrior spirit, we began researching and found this AMAZING group, FIP Warriors, and a treatment option.

While feline coronavirus is common in cats, most of the time it doesn’t cause too many problems.  Once the virus mutates and multiplies, however; it dramatically alters the disease and it becomes FIP.  It is extremely aggressive and quickly spreads throughout the body.  There are two main forms of FIP: effusive (wet) and non-effusive (dry); both of which are considered fatal.  

Until recently, an FIP diagnosis has meant a death sentence.  Thankfully, I was connected with a group that helps treat kittens for this horrible virus and gives them a second chance at life.  The injectable medication, GS-441524, has shown great success rates with an 80-95% response rate during the UC Davis study trials.  Despite this, it is not yet FDA approved and is very expensive.

The treatment requires a big commitment from us, Loki, and his team of FIP Warriors (otherwise known as advisors, cheerleaders, and saints).  They have doctorates in handholding and are definitive proof that angels walk the Earth.  This very special group gave us hope and quickly brought light to the darkness FIP caused.  I don’t know where we, where Loki would be without them and we are eternally grateful for them.

For our part, we have to give him daily injections for a minimum of 84 consecutive days followed by an 84-day observation period; monitor his weight, temperature, and appearance; and schedule routine appointments for lab work and follow-up care with his veterinarian and ophthalmologist.  The expense has proven to be the hardest part of our commitment.

Loki was diagnosed with dry, ocular FIP which causes chronic inflammatory lesions to develop around blood vessels in many different organs and sites in the body. To date, Loki is on day 58/84 and he has been doing well for the most part.  His bright beautiful spark has returned and he has reclaimed his title of Goodwill Ambassador.  His affection knows no bounds; he has re-discovered his love of toys; and even joined our other kitties in the Olympic Bath Tub games!

Unfortunately, we are having some trouble with his right eye.  It was affected prior to starting treatment and while it rebounded briefly, it has become a casualty of FIP and will have to be removed very soon.  

The money raised will help pay for the cost of his emergency eye surgery, ongoing treatment, and labs.  The estimated cost of the surgery plus the remainder of medication/treatments and labs is $4200-$4700.

Loki has made quite the impression with the veterinary and specialist offices.  After his first visit to the ophthalmologist, the doctor came out and said, “Thank you for saving this sweet boy.”  

Every day we are grateful to Creator for blessing us with Loki.  It has been an honor to care for him and a privilege to share our lives with him.  We love him with all of our hearts and every fiber of our beings and would do anything to save him. 

Please keep Loki in your prayers and thoughts as he continues his fight.  If you are able, please consider donating.  Any amount helps and is greatly appreciated!

 

Love and Blessings,

 

James, Loki, all of our sweet fuzzies