Need ideas for treating FeLV+ cat with FIP and other issues (not diabetic)

JL and Chip

JL and Chip

Member Since 2009
I’m looking for anyone with knowledge or experience (or even any suggestions) for how to treat an immunocompromised stray cat I just took in. It’s probably a long shot, but I thought it was worth asking.

Here are the basics:
* FeLV+
* FIP with effusion
* Deep injury/abscess (from bite wound??) on back leg. After it ruptured, you can see ligament/tendon.
* Significant anemia
* Enlarged lymph nodes in abdomen
* Likely deaf
* Vision impaired
* Broken teeth
* Seems to have thin skin
* Full of shotgun pellets from head to tail (stopped counting at 30)
* Ears frostbit

The backstory:
A stray cat showed up awhile back and started hanging around one of my TNR feeding stations. He was relatively elusive but his white coat was filthy and it was clear he’d had a rough life. He would eat but kept a distance from everyone and the other cats. He acted feral but I suspected he was in survival mode and perhaps had had a home at one point.

As time passed, he gradually got closer and let down his guard a little more. I intended to trap him but he was very specific about when he would show and at the slightest breach of his safe zone, would leave without eating.

Fast forward to this week — he was clearly declining and developed enough comfort (or was simply sick enough) that I could sneak up on him and nearly touch him. So yesterday I gloved up and nabbed him. He didn’t fight.

At the clinic he initially acted ferocious. But after a night of fluids, food, and hospitalization, he seemed to realize these humans are ok and we found that he was quite friendly.

He has quite the constellation of medical issues going on and, sadly, the prognosis isn’t great with FeLV, not to mention stacking FIP on that. But it seems clear that he is fighting to live, so for now I’m giving him a soft place to land, good food, a warm bed, and safety from all that has haunted his past. Seeing the xray with all of the shotgun pellets was shocking. He’s started on antibiotics and will get subQ fluids and either GS or Molnuparivir for the FIP. We’re taking it one day at a time. He is a great eater and now craves attention.

I’m open to any and all thoughts and suggestions. Supplements? Treatments? To be clear, I’ll make the “final” decision if need be. But he doesn’t seem ready yet.
 
Last edited:
Staci & Ivy said:
wanted to send all good wishes and prayers for this sweet warrior kitty
Click to expand...
Thanks Staci, appreciate the response and kind sentiments.

He’s doing pretty well, considering. He has settled in well, although he flinches and softly growls if you come at him too fast or reach for him from above. Can’t say as I blame the guy, given what he’s apparently been through. But he seems to enjoy laps and ear scratches, rests peacefully, and purrs quickly. For now, that’s good enough.

I’m still open to suggestions, should anyone have any.
 
Thank you for the ping @Wendy&Neko !! I actually am a FeLV adopter as well. :) Chronically so. Pants is my fourth FeLV+ all told.

My boy Pants is a "medically complicated" case himself: FeLV+/FIV+/FIP (now beaten, knock on wood) and more. You are in good company @JL and Chip ! Studies have shown that FIV and FeLV kitties can kick FIP's butt no problem, though the friends brought along by FeLV and/or FIV can complicate matters. Does your new rescue buddy have a name? :) I think you're definitely on the right track with him, sounds like he's got a good bit of fight in him! Thank you for being there for him.

My immediate recommendations based on our experience and working with FIP Global Cats:
  • Definitely start GS as soon as possible if you haven't already; I didn't want to risk trying molnupravir with my guy. I'm not aware of documented success with FeLV and molnupravir just yet. For us, GS pills via pill popper slathered in Churu were the way to go
  • Get a mycoplasma test done (Feline Hemotropic Mycoplasma (FHM) RealPCR™ Test is what Idexx calls it). Given his life on the streets, there's significant chance he could have contracted a blood parasite that's contributing to the anemia. We're on our third round of doxycycline for haemominutum :/
  • Get the injury and the teeth addressed as best as you are able; obviously surgery options might be limited depending on the severity of the anemia, but the stress can exacerbate all other problems
  • If you are able to treat him for about a month and he seems responsive on all counts but the anemia -- consider sending out for a flea and tick panel, or discussing additional diagnostic options. Pants has been persistently anemic since FIP dx, and everything has been ruled out except his haemominutum and recently discovered Bartonella...

I have all of our bloodwork, medications, etc. from our journey in my spreadsheet if you'd like to peruse. Happy to answer any additional questions you If you'd like to talk more in-detail, I'd be happy to DM you my personal number as well. I would be happy to provide some of the emotional support I wish I had in such a complicated journey.
 
@Wendy&Neko Thank you for the response and tagging some help.

@Christina&Pants
Thank you for the information and suggestions. This is exactly what I was looking for. I will definitely have some questions for you.

Here is an update on “Nike”:
- started Molnuparivir immediately (before I saw your recommendation, Christina). He is doing very well on it.
- estimated age is 10-12 years
- initial weight was 5.3 lbs (including the fluid in his abdomen). His spine protrudes and you can see/feel ribs, but it seems the fluid might be lessening or, at minimum, not progressing.
- still needs subQ fluids every few days.
- eating very well.
- greets me and asks for attention, sometimes choosing petting and head scritches over food. Lots of purring and kneading going on. Got my first head butt two days ago.
- third eyelid back to normal.
- still on antibiotics.
- respiratory issues improved (he had been a bit snorkely when released from hospital).
- bright and alert and interested in what’s going on around him. He’s a much different cat than the lethargic, dehydrated, filthy lump of a cat that I dropped off at the vet hospital.

Overall I’m cautiously optimistic. But hope can be a dangerous thing, so we’re taking it one day at a time. The improvement isn’t linear and we have had a few setbacks even in this short time, so we’ll have to wait and see.

Here’s a photo of Nike the day he was released from the hospital. He’d had a bath so the fur is actually white (compared to what it had been) here.

1780283775568.jpeg
 
@JL and Chip Ohhhh, my heart! He is so precious!!!

It sounds like he's responding well to the molnupiravir if he's bright and alert and eating well instead of the previous lethargy!! Here is a timeline from the GS-441524 treatment study that recommended the 84 day treatment protocol -- I think it is similar for molnupiravir too. Based on the timeline, the abdominal fluid should start to clear within 1-2 weeks ♥️ that is what I saw with my Pants, too, I could hardly believe it

How has his bloodwork looked, is he anemic as well? I hope he's okay in that department. I have sent you my number just in case!
 
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