Help Whiskey Conquer FIP

Our Story

Hi, my name is Ariane. I live alone with my two cats, Iorek and Whiskey, and while I have a full-time job, I do not have any supplemental income. I am the sole breadwinner. Especially, because I live alone, my cats are everything to me. Particularly, during these past two years during COVID 19 where there has been so much stress and isolation, their company has been like a ray of sunshine in my life. I would do anything for them. That’s why I’m here. Whiskey needs my help, and I am asking for yours. It isn’t an easy thing to do - to ask others for a hand - but I find I have little recourse as the situation is critical, and I cannot bear the financial burden alone.

I adopted Whiskey in January 2021 from a certified breeder here in Quebec. From day one, she was a little spark of joy, full of life and curiosity. She’s always had an appetite for mischief, fun, and all her snacks. Her affectionate nature and need to be social made her the perfect companion and foil to her brother, Iorek, who – while playful – is typically more laid back.

So, when I noticed Whiskey’s dramatic change in appetite and activity, I knew something was wrong.

On May 6, 2022, I took Whiskey to her primary vet for a check-up. This led us, from her primary care to multiple emergency clinics over the next 10 days, set off a chain of events. First, Whiskey presented with vague symptoms – high fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite, but no apparent cause could initially be found.

However, on May 18, extensive bloodwork and an ultrasound revealed a marked deterioration in her health. The veterinarian found that she had an enlarged spleen and inflammation of various organs, and some suspicious anomalies in her bloodwork.

At this time, I received the devastating news that Whiskey was battling FIP.

What is FIP?

According to Cornell Feline Health Center FIP is: “is a viral disease of cats caused by certain strains of a virus called the feline coronavirus […]” For affected cats “[a]n intense inflammatory reaction to FIPV occurs around vessels in the tissues where these infected cells locate, often in the abdomen, kidney, or brain. It is this interaction between the body’s own immune system and the virus that is responsible for the development of FIP. Once a cat develops clinical FIP, the disease is usually progressive and almost always fatal without therapy that has recently become available, but that has yet to be approved to treat FIP in cats by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

How is it treated?

Currently, there is no authorized treatment for FIP. While treatments like GS – 44152 are as much as 96% successful in treating FIP, it is not yet approved. While veterinarians cannot prescribe these treatments, they are available from 3rd parties and groups dedicated to FIP support. Unfortunately, these live-saving injections are incredibly costly, running several thousand dollars for a single 12-week course.

How the treatment works:

To learn more about GS – 441542 and how it works for cats battling FIP, please visit: UC Davis Veterinary Medicine Center for Companion

If you can donate anything at all – even a dollar – please do. Every cent counts. If you can’t, please share Whiskey’s story with others. That will also be a big help. Thank you so much!

Below is a current breakdown of Whiskey’s medical treatment, including veterinary visits, medicines, and supplies (Amounts shown in CND dollars):

Vet

May 6th

-initial consultation neighborhood vet: 44.84$

-emergency vet blood test, hospitalization & meds: 1778.28$

May 17th

-emergency vet blood test & FIV/FeLV test: 635.81$

May 18th

-emergency vet hospitalization, ultrasound, cytology, urine & PCR test: 2284.22$

May 22nd

-emergency consultation & antibiotics: 241.66$

Experimental medicine

184$ per 10mL vial, an estimate of 25-30 vials will be needed for the 84 days of treatment depending on weight gain, a total between 4600-5520$ is expected

Supplies (Ongoing)

5.52 sharps container for used needles

32.18 grooming bag to facilitate injections

57.48 baby scale to keep track of the weight

95.43 full treatment supplies kit (needles, alcohol pads, syringes, etc.)

133.55 digestive care food (special canned food)

Projected additional costs

-approximately 350$x2 for follow up blood tests, required mid treatment at 6 weeks, and at 12 weeks at the end of treatment

-additional food for special diet & probiotics

-additional medicine that may be needed to help support her during treatment (appetite stimulant, anti-inflammatory, antibiotics)

GOAL: 12k