A much-loved cat has cheated death and is back to his ‘playful, chatty self’ thanks to pioneering treatment at Cave Veterinary Specialists in Somerset.
One-year-old Atlas became lethargic and lost his appetite over a two-week period before he was referred to us.
When Atlas arrived he was immediately started on fluid therapy and tests were carried out to confirm a suspected diagnosis of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), a condition which is almost always fatal.
The team also carried out an ultrasound of the abdomen, where fluid was building, to rule out other causes.
Once FIP was confirmed, the team began lifesaving treatment with the revolutionary medication remdesivir, while Atlas was also fitted with a feeding tube as he was not eating.
Following his ground-breaking treatment at Cave, Atlas’ owner, Naomi Smith from Plymouth in Devon, said: “Atlas is doing very well. He’s over the 4kg mark and back to his playful, chatty self.
“He is once again super playful with his bother and super affectionate with people, if not a bit mischievous.”
Atlas was treated by internal medicine specialist Nele Van den Steen, who said: “It was by the fourth day that Atlas showed considerable improvement and had regained his appetite.
“After his discharge from Cave, Atlas took a once daily oral tablet for three months, together with two other treatments.
“He has recovered well and it’s fantastic news that we can now offer this potentially lifesaving treatment to cats suffering from FIP.”
