Hope For Hendrix

On Monday August 10th, Hendrix was unfortunately diagnosed with wet FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis). It is a feline coronavirus which mutates if not shed. It usually attacks the intestinal wall. It can also become ocular and or neurological.  We were told that it is fatal and nothing can be done. This is because there are no FDA approved drugs. There are experimental drugs that have had high success rates with curing FIP. The drug itself is expensive. He will have to have one injection a day for 84 days. Along with injections he will have to get bloodwork throughout the 12 weeks of treatment. Not only do we have to pay for the vials of medicine, we have to pay for needles and the cost of shipping both med and needles, vet visits, and any other supplies we may end up needing. The dosage goes by his weight so as he (hopefully) gains weight the dose will increase and so will the cost. I know everyone is going through a hard time right now. Anything helps!

Backstory: Hendrix is a 3 year old Manx. We rescued him when he was around 12 weeks old from the local SPCA. At the time he was just getting over the second conjunctivitis infection. After being home for a couple of weeks he developed conjunctivitis again. In the short time we have had him he has had one URI and a GI bug. He is very sensitive to smells but other than that he has been healthy and no sick trips to the vet for over a year. 
In June, we noticed that he had started to lose weigh and started to go outside the litter box. He was acting normal, eating, drinking, and playing so we didn't really think it was an issue. By the beginning of July he had lost more weight and was lethargic. We took him to the vet and he had a fever and gingivitis. They did blood work and his CBC/Chem was okay. The only thing they noticed was elevated globulins. 
We made a follow up for August 10th because he just wasn't getting any better. We noticed a change in the color of his urine and his belly seemed bloated. An ultrasound was performed and ascites was found in his abdomen. A biopsy was performed and it was determined to be FIP. He also had swollen lymph nodes and his kidneys are measuring smaller than they should be. He was sent home on prednisolone to help him in what the vet basically said would be his final days. We went home and began researching and found a very helpful Facebook group that has done wonders to ease our minds.
We now know of a new medicine that can give him a new lease on life! We have hope as we are not ready to say goodbye and we know Hendrix is not either. We appreciate the help and support.

Megan & Katerina