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Rescue at the last second: Niko the cat survives thanks to Animal Aid Wolfsburg!
Tierhilfe Wolfsburg saves tomcat Niko from euthanasia and uncovers surprising background to FIP.
Rescue at the last second: Niko the cat survives thanks to Animal Aid Wolfsburg!
In a dramatic rescue operation, a cat from Hamburg who was supposed to be euthanized due to a supposedly fatal illness was saved. The Animal Aid Wolfsburg stepped in after an animal protection association found out about Niko's fate. The little guy had been suffering from severe stomach pains and constant vomiting, which was causing his owners great concern.
The relief was all the greater when an x-ray showed surprising results: Instead of FIP, the dreaded feline infectious peritonitis that often causes cats to suffer, a completely different problem was found. The vet discovered several cigarette filters in the cat's stomach, which were surgically removed. Niko now has to rest, but has a good chance of recovery, even if he is not completely out of the woods yet.
What is FIP?
FIP is a serious and often fatal disease that can severely impact cats. Young cats between six months and two years, as well as older animals aged 14 and over, are particularly often affected Troisdorf animal shelter reported. The disease is caused by a mutation of the feline coronavirus (FCoV), which occurs in two forms: the harmless feline enteric coronavirus (FECV) and the mutated and more aggressive FIP virus (FIPV).
One of the most common questions among cat owners is how FIP spreads. FECV is common, and cats can become infected through contact with infected feces or contaminated objects. It is interesting to know that many cats carry the virus without showing any symptoms. Only a small percentage of the virus mutates, which then leads to the development of FIP. Variables such as stress or a weakened immune system also promote this dangerous process Bad Wildungen animal shelter explained.
Symptoms and diagnosis
Cats that develop FIP often exhibit a variety of symptoms, including fever, weight loss, and lethargic behavior. Fluid accumulations in abdominal cavities are particularly noticeable in the wet form, while the dry form can cause neurological symptoms. Diagnosis is extremely difficult because there is no easy test, and many cats do not show symptoms until late.
FIP has long been considered almost incurable, but new drugs such as GS-441524 show promising results, but are expensive and not yet approved in Germany. Given the serious consequences of this disease, it is important for cat owners to pay attention to early symptoms and, if in doubt, to consult a veterinarian.