Hi everyone!
I’m hoping to get some insight from people who have been through this, because we’re in a really confusing spot with my cat Archie.
Background:
- 9 year old siamese cat.
- ~3 months of ongoing illness
- Primary issue: recurrent abdominal effusion (he’s been getting drained about every 14 days)
- Last drain: 500 mL (highest so far)
- We’re now at day 18 since last drain, which is already longer than his usual cycle of every 14 days.
He has been evaluated extensively:
- Seen a cardiologist → heart disease ruled out
- Been to 3 different ERs
- Seen by multiple vets/internists
- Fluid has been tested:
- Negative for cancer
- Negative for FIP (based on testing, though I know that’s not definitive)
- Bloodwork:
- Mild anemia
- Low white blood cells
- Ultrasound:
- Enlarged / abnormal-looking spleen, liver, and kidneys
- No obvious masses
Symptoms:
- Recurrent abdominal fluid buildup (feels like a water balloon)
- Developed blindness
- Otherwise… surprisingly normal:
- Strong appetite
- Very social, seeks attention
- Grooming
- Active and comfortable
Current situation:
Because nothing has been definitive, our vet suspects possible Feline Infectious Peritonitis despite negative testing, and we started a trial of antiviral treatment.
- Started meds: 7 days ago
- Today: Day 7 on meds, Day 18 since last draining (he is looking really full again)
What we’re seeing so far:
- He is still feeling good overall (eating, social, acting like himself)
- BUT his abdomen:
- Still feels like fluid
- Seems to be filling again
- Back to what he normally looks like before needing another drain
So we’re struggling with:
Is this just early and slow to respond… or does this mean the meds aren’t working?
I’m trying to understand:
- Has anyone had a cat with wet FIP where fluid didn’t clearly improve by day 7?
- Did anyone see continued or fluctuating fluid early on that later improved?
- Or does this pattern usually mean it’s not FIP / not responding?
Extra context:
- He has not declined over these 3 months — if anything, he’s stayed stable aside from the fluid
- That’s part of what’s making his diagnosis so difficult
- His personality and appetite have stayed strong throughout
I feel like we’re stuck between:
- Not wanting to stop treatment too early if it could work
- But also not wanting to continue if this pattern doesn’t fit FIP
If anyone has been through something similar... especially with delayed response, atypical presentation, or long-term stable effusion, I would really appreciate hearing your experience.
Thank you so much in advance 🙏