Can Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) Ascites Be Drained?

1 Draining Ascites in FIP: What You Should Know

1. What is FIP?

FIP stands for feline infectious peritonitis, caused by mutation of the feline coronavirus, and leads to multisystem vasculitis and granulomas in cats.

It is usually split into dry and wet forms. Both start with fever, appetite loss, weight loss, lethargy, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing; later they are distinguished by whether abdominal fluid forms.

Wet FIP shows obvious exudate gathering in the chest and abdomen, gradually enlarging the belly and, in severe cases, causing breathing difficulty.

2. Can the fluid be drained?

Whether wet-FIP fluid can be drained depends on the case. Draining heavily affects the cat, so it is generally not recommended unless necessary, and draining alone does not treat FIP.

3. How is FIP treated?

FIP is a serious threat, but fortunately an effective antiviral is now available — an advantage over panleukopenia or parvovirus. If FIP is diagnosed, take the cat to a vet to check for the drug.

The most effective drug is GS-441524 (also called 441), though not every clinic stocks it. While waiting to start it, use antibiotics to control inflammation and support the cat’s condition.

Note: ascites is not always from FIP — some liver and heart diseases also cause it, so get a thorough check at a vet first.