A recent development in veterinary medicine has brought hope to cat owners in Ireland whose feline companions are afflicted with Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), a fatal disease caused by feline coronavirus (F-CoV). With the introduction of a new system, veterinarians in Ireland can now import the necessary drugs to treat cats suffering from this devastating illness, eliminating the need for owners to seek treatment in Northern Ireland or resort to sourcing medicine from the black market.
Unlike the coronavirus responsible for Covid-19, F-CoV is not transmissible to humans. However, FIP poses a significant threat to cats, with the disease almost always resulting in fatality. The emergence of new antiviral treatments, including Remdesivir and GS-441524, has brought newfound optimism, boasting a success rate of approximately 85% in treated cats.
Although these treatments were made available in the UK in 2021, they were previously unavailable in Ireland, placing veterinarians and cat owners in a challenging position. Dr. Alan Rossiter, a Veterinary Surgeon and past-President of Veterinary Ireland, highlighted the legal and logistical hurdles faced by owners seeking treatment for their cats with FIP.
Under the new EU veterinary medicines regulations, veterinarians in Ireland can now apply for a special license from the Department of Agriculture to import these life-saving medications for cats diagnosed with FIP. This development aligns Ireland with other EU member states and countries such as Australia, Canada, and Switzerland, where the treatments have recently become available.
Dr. Rossiter emphasized the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment, noting that the majority of cats respond positively to the medication regimen. While the treatment course spans 84 days and can typically be administered at home, some cats may require initial treatment in a veterinary clinic. Although rare, some cats may not respond to treatment, necessitating adjustments in dosage or alternative therapies.
The availability of these medications offers a ray of hope to cat owners in Ireland, providing a lifeline for their beloved pets diagnosed with FIP. This development marks a significant step forward in addressing the devastating impact of FIP on feline health and well-being.