Ziggy and Stripes – Journey of FIP survivors.

The rescue took in four very sick and tiny stray kittens found in some fall leaves last October. Ziggy was only 14 ounces and all of them had a lot of nose and eye discharge, terrible upper respiratory tract infections then developed some diarrhea and vomiting. The amoxicillin liquid antibiotic and Terramycin eye ointment cleared up their respiratory signs except some on and off congestion.  Many diarrhea medications, probiotics and antibiotics were used with minimal response at first.

The smallest, sickest tabby sister passed away, then the biggest healthiest sister suddenly died. We knew we might lose Stripes next. He no longer had any clinical signs-- no vomiting, diarrhea, no sneezing or coughing. He just wouldn't play, hardly ate and wasn't gaining any weight.  While Ziggy was petite, he in comparison bounced off the walls, played with toys, loved canned food and treats. 

Many tests were performed to diagnose their problems. They had three upper respiratory infections including "kennel cough", unusual in cats, and three intestinal parasites, none of which should be life-threatening.  Full blood work showed Stripes was in liver failure, but why?

Ziggy's blood work was normal and her Xrays showed an enlarged lliver.   The only illnesses left were an immune suppressive viral disease, Felv (Leukemia), FIV (Feline immunodeficiency virus) or FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis). It was easy enough to rule out Felv and Fiv with the SNAP test that all rescue cats get before adoption, but they were negative. FIP is more challenging.

Determined not to lose sweet boy the, now available life-saving GS-441524 antiviral medication was ordered, and the 84-day treatment started Dec.1 for both Stripes and Ziggy. 

Ziggy was hospitalized on IV fluids. He was a delightful and happy patient that all of the veterinary technicians fell in love with. He had big paws, they said, maybe swollen, but they are just his big paws that he has now grown into. 

He didn’t feel well the day after he went home to his foster, who gave up on him, saying it's no quality of life for him. But he purred and hugged. His sweet eyes showed he had a lot more love to give and wanted a chance to live, so he was hospitalized a second time, though the doctors were unsure if the antiviral medication was working.

The weekend before Christmas the little mini miracles went home with Dr. Fisher, since the foster no longer wanted to watch Stripes be sick.

He started to improve every day! He played more, he ate more, even though he developed a food aversion to all the kitten food he had been eating, and most importantly, he grew and grew and grew! Sunday he was 6 lbs and 14 oz and his little sister 6 lbs.

Now they were off their antiviral medications and hopefully headed for a life-long remission. They received all of their wellness services and were spayed and neutered, ready for adoption.

Stripes and Ziggy are true survivors, little tame tigers.

Their new family will be able to enjoy their purrs, kisses and love for llife! They certainly deserve the dollars spent on them.