Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)

Herbal nutrition to help address Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) in cats.

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a viral infection caused by a virulent strain of feline corona virus (FCoV). In Feline Infectious Peritonitis, the FIP virus can replicate throughout a cat's body causing a wide variety of clinical signs.

In nearly every case, once clinical signs of FIP develop, the kitten or cat will either die from the disease or need to be euthanized due to sudden and lethal progression of the disease. Herbal supportive care is traditionally recommended through the use of Cat's Claw extract and a natural pain reliever to provide quality of life. (Please see herbal nutrition suggestions below)

The clinical signs of FIP are extremely diverse. There are two forms of FIP; one is called 'wet FIP' and the other, 'dry FIP'. In wet FIP the most obvious symptom is accumulation of fluid in the body cavities, usually in the abdomen, causing marked swelling and distension as well as the chest around the lungs, which presents with difficulty breathing.

In dry FIP, the disease mainly presents as inflammation within various tissues of the body. Small accumulations of inflammatory cells, referred to as granulomas, form in various organs. This can lead to very diverse and often complex clinical signs including neurological disease, ocular disease, liver disease, kidney disease and intestinal disease. Other common symptoms include excessive thirsty and urination, vomiting and weight loss.  

Some cats can develop both wet and dry forms of FIP and present a dizzying array of symptoms and will be incredibly ill. An infected cat may be lethargic, lose its appetite, lose weight, have a fever and does that not respond to antibiotics (referred to as pyrexia.). 

The course of the disease can vary from a few days to a few months. In the early stages, some cats remain quite bright, but over time there is an inevitable deterioration. Unfortunately, none of the clinical signs associated with FIP make an easy diagnosis and it is often confused with other diseases due to similar symptoms.

Herbal Nutrition - (listed in order of relevance and recommendation by holistic vets - human grade meets/exceeds highest safety criteria for pets)

Herbal remedies are used to reduce symptoms of viral infections, to promote general, systemic health in cats, to help keep an animal free of infection, to help soothe all bodily systems affected by infection, for its anti fungal, antiviral and antibacterial properties, to help support incurable viral infections such as Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), to help promote immunity and help reduce inflammation, as well as diseases and conditions related to infection, to help maintain the normal balance of micro flora in the gut, and to help promote and help restore liver and digestive health.

SUGGESTIONS FOR DRY VS. WET FIP AND IN BOTH CASES, A PAIN RELIEVER SHOULD ALSO BE ADDED

DRY FIP SUGGESTIONS: 

I Feel Good –  (learn more) contains antioxidants, prebiotics, probiotics, digestives enzymes, fiber, inulin, fatty acids and adaptogens and is a potent plant-based anti-viral, which may help nutritionally tone the animal body, may help boost or balance immunity as needed, including soothing an over-stimulated immune system or boosting an under- performing immune system, may help build white blood count to help fight infection; may help reduce all forms of system-wise metabolic and oxidative stress that undermine immunity; may help support water regulation and fluid balance in the body; may help reduce all types of inflammation, may help provide dermal support and growth of healthy cells and tissues in the body’s defense mechanism, may help reduce the histamine trigger for contact allergies, seasonal and chronic allergens, pathogens, skin rashes, infections, hot spots, inflammation, swelling, hair loss, itching and geriatria (dull coat, lethargy) and fever; may be an important anti-viral adjunctive in cases of Herpes virus; may help alleviate symptoms for all types of arthritis, including Degenerative Joint Disease, Osteoarthritis, Osteoporosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and symptoms associated with rheumatism, including pain, strains, injuries, muscle pain, swelling and lack of mobility; reduces all types of inflammation, particularly from the heart to brain; as a gastrotonic to support stomach health; contains prebiotics and probiotics useful in balancing digestive health and function plus much more. Recognized as one of the most important medicinal plants in the world, particularly related to supporting balanced immunity and limiting inflammation and inflammatory conditions.

AND

I Want Liquid Immunity -  (learn more) contains water-soluble plant bioflavonoids that function as potent antioxidants which are important in disease prevention; used adjunctively for growth abnormalities such as tumors, cysts and lipomas (often related to poor diet, excessive medication, environmental toxicity as well as aberrant cellular mutations); provides antioxidant protection against free radicals; helps promote cellular health and to reduce catabolic waste; may help address symptoms related to allergies, Lyme disease and other auto immune diseases; provides nutritional, biochemical and plant botanical support of healthy immune cells; promotes optimal immune protection and systematic health and strength; supports bone, teeth and muscle health and integrity and for animals that need extra joint, immune, circulatory and vascular support. Strongly anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-microbial and anti-mutagenic.

OR

Hepa Protect – (learn more) may help support proper liver function and metabolism, bile production and flow, ma help rehabilitate the performance, health and repair of the liver, kidneys, bladder and gall bladder, may help rehabilitate and detoxify the kidneys and liver; tones and balances the connective tissue of the liver, kidneys and bladder, normalizes liver enzyme levels, regulates kidney acid/alkaline levels, for all types of stones and gravel of the liver, kidneys, bladder and gallbladder, including oxalate and struvite crystals and stones; reduces uric acid, for gall bladder inflammation, gall stones and gallbladder infections, for renal colic and renal calculi; helps to protect red blood cell formation, useful in diseases such as ehrlichia and ehrlichiosis.

WET FIP SUGGESTIONS:

I Feel Good –  (learn more) contains antioxidants, prebiotics, probiotics, digestives enzymes, fiber, inulin, fatty acids and adaptogens and is a potent plant-based anti-viral, which may help nutritionally tone the animal body, may help boost or balance immunity as needed, including soothing an over-stimulated immune system or boosting an under- performing immune system, may help build white blood count to help fight infection;may help reduce all forms of system-wise metabolic and oxidative stress that undermine immunity; may help support water regulation and fluid balance in the body; may help reduce all types of inflammation, may help provide dermal support and growth of healthy cells and tissues in the body’s defense mechanism, may help reduce the histamine trigger for contact allergies, seasonal and chronic allergens, pathogens, skin rashes, infections, hot spots, inflammation, swelling, hair loss, itching and geriatria (dull coat, lethargy) and fever; may be an important anti-viral adjunctive in cases of Herpes virus; may help alleviate symptoms for all types of arthritis, including Degenerative Joint Disease, Osteoarthritis, Osteoporosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and symptoms associated with rheumatism, including pain, strains, injuries, muscle pain, swelling and lack of mobility; reduces all types of inflammation, particularly from the heart to brain; as a gastrotonic to support stomach health; contains prebiotics and probiotics useful in balancing digestive health and function plus much more. Recognized as one of the most important medicinal plants in the world, particularly related to supporting balanced immunity and limiting inflammation and inflammatory conditions.

Seal ‘Em & Heal ‘Em – (learn more) capsules, tincture,  powder may help promote healing for all types of wounds, including hot spots, abscess, abrasions, bites, cuts, scrapes, skin irritations, infections, viruses, bacteria, fungi and germs; for bleeding & hemorrhaging conditions, ulcers, GERD, esophaghitis & other degenerative conditions of the larynx & throat; adjunctively and holistically to help address conditional needs of DNA and RNA viruses; used holistically to help address conditional needs related to respiratory viruses A and B (RSV) and influenza virus A (FLU-A) and para-influenza (PIV); may help inhibit bacterial and microbial skin fungus infections related to Staphylococcus aurous, S. epidermis and other gram negative bacteria such as enterobacteria, citrobacteria, salmonella; may help provide cellular support of tissue, skin & coat; for gastrointestinal distress; as a neurasthenic that may help block the activation of nerve fibers & tissue response to inflammation, supporting the body's tissue repair mechanism to help stop mutations (important in the treatment of all types of Lyme disease, including Lyme borealis, burgdorferi, borreliosis & Chronic Lyme disease (CLD); and may help remove plague and tartar upon application to help support healthy teeth and gums.; Strongly anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-microbial, anti-spasmodic, antibiotic, anti-septic, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcerous, anti-Candidal and reduces nerve pain associated with wounds and injury.

ALSO SUGGESTED FOR EITHER WET OR DRY FIP FOR PAIN/DISCOMFORT:

Serenity Zen Meal Caps or Topper – (learn more) – is used holistically for its nutritional content to help carry out a read/repair and restore function for imbalance in the body systems; may help relax and calm an anxious, stressed dog or cat due to its calming, mildly sedative and nervine effects which may help relax the Central Nervous, autonomic, sympathetic ("fight or flight"), somatic and parasympathetic ("rest and digest") nervous systems; may help relieve stress triggers in the animal body and its natural plant based tonic actions may help bring all body systems into balance by helping promote feelings of comfort, security and relaxation by soothing the brain, relaxing muscles, and normalizing heart rate and blood pressure; may help reduce general stress and anxiety as well as behavioral responses related to introduction to a new home or family; adaptogen and nutritional content may help reduce restlessness, separation anxiety, stress, panting, whimpering, pacing, panic attacks and depression by cooling stress related protein and excess cortisol production in the body and may help reduce anxiety and fear related to vet, grooming and boarding visits, thunder and lightning storms and fireworks and loud noises; nutritional content may help reduce motion and car sickness commonly experienced by dogs and cats; may help diminish destructive behaviors such as aggression or urine marking; adaptogen content may help relax and soothe the adrenal, cardiovascular, digestive, excretory & respiratory systems, helping to nutritionally and adaptogen content helps support balance in all bodily systems when your pet is anxious or stressed; suitable for all life stages of dogs and cats.

Conventional Remedies:

Unfortunately, there is no known treatment for FIP. In cats where the disease is diagnosed or suspected the immediate action depends on the severity of the disease.

In some cases immediate euthanasia is necessary on humane grounds. In others, palliative treatment may be provided with anti-inflammatories (natural Cat’s Claw; synthetic prednisone) for a period of time to make the cat comfortable. However, the disease will eventually progress and euthanasia will inevitably be required.