BECAUSE YOU HELPED
Enjoy these beautiful stories of FIP cats that because of your donations got a second chance at life.
ISLAY’S STORY — ONTARIO
(WET/OCULAR FIP)
January 2023 was the month Islay was diagnosed with Wet FIP at 11 months old.
A virus as a cat owner had never heard about.
He had digestion issues on and off since he came home to us & when we moved in December he was not himself but we thought it was simply the move stressing him, until he stopped being playful, active, and completely stopped eating.
We had him for exams the day I called the Vet and they advised us to come in right away.
Islay was then stable from IV after 2 days but unfortunately with his diagnosis there was not much that could be done in the moment.
I couldn't believe the situation & researched night and day about FIP treatments. I had multiple people through my ragdoll group send me to the wonderful FIP support page. Where I then was connected to the amazing support team. At first I needed to research further ask a million questions and speak with one of the support members personally to feel comfortable. After this, and getting the support from our vet my husband and I were 100% in and have never looked back.
Day 3 of Islays injection we already started to see improvements like eating on his own and playing. We couldn't believe it and we're thankful about the positive outcome of treatment so far.
Our treatment plan was 42 days of injections & 42 days of oral medication.
Even though injections took a lot from my husband, Islay & I . The encouragement we got from him feeling better was what lead us to do it and continue. But we're thankful to switch Pills and went that went well continued on.
Blood work checkups regularly were helpful to determine his progress, which he did!!! He is known as a prince at our wonderful vets office & we all are absolutely in awe about it all.
Now we are almost week 3 Post treatment and we are watching him very carefully but are happy to say each day is a blessing to have him here and healthy, eating so much & loving life!!!!!!
NOVA’S STORY — NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR
(DRY/OCULAR FIP)
I took Nova home on November 14th 2022, she was just a little kitten that I had fallen in love with on first site. Very small with a big personality. December 2nd I came home from work and noticed something odd about her eyes, they were clouded over and red. I started drops immediately until I could bring her to work the following Monday. Working in a vet hospital was convenient but made it no less scary. After eye tests, blood work and an ultrasound we had little to no answers, just a very good possible guess. FIP.
At just 10 weeks of age we had discussed quality of life and comfort care as treatment for the most part was impossible. It was explained to me that there was a medication that might work but it wasn’t available through a clinic, FDA approved or affordable. It had taken a lot of research, trust and support along with many conversations in a very short time before I had decided to start her on GS-441524, the only known FIP treatment.
Nova started the medication December 9th and after just 5 days her eyes had a miraculous improvement. Everything started going up from there. Along with other medication it took 30 days of injections and 68 days of tablets for a grand total of 98 days of treatment. Without the support of The Aggie Fund, Amber of Ambers Safe Haven and the clinic, Nova wouldn’t be with us.
Nova’s last day of treatment was March 17th 2023 and is currently in observation. Everyone is so excited to see how much she continues to grow and thrive all thanks to the people who gave her the chance to fight. It was a terrifying chance to take but I’m forever grateful for the people who helped us through.
NOVA’S STORY — NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR
(WET FIP)
When I met my little Nova, I was instantly in love with her big blue eyes, and little mitten paws. Her sassy personality and attitude were always on display for those to see, but when she was not getting any bigger and eating so frequently with no weight gain, we became considered about her- especially after becoming aware of the passing of her littermate to FIP. I become obsessed researching the condition that I no idea about and was fearful for her outcome and made a Vet appointment. The Vet and assistant were as comforting as could be when dealing with my little one, but when I heard that FIP was suspected I was broken. I was aware of the treatments in the States, but my vet told me unfortunately he could not do anything to help her because the treatment was no approved in Canada. He redirected me to supplements to try to help her gain weight, but the concern could be seen in his eyes. I went home that evening and started researching more and more. I could not let this kitten die from a curable disease- but I felt like my hands were tied until I discovered the longest standing FIP support group in Canada. I made a post and within an hour I was chatting with someone who understood what I was going through and had solutions to help my kitten. The Administrators were understanding, supportive, and quick to help me help Nova. When the time came that I needed some financial help (the treatment is very expensive plus vet fees and testing) Aggie’s mom was there to provide me information about Aggie’s Fund. There helped cover the cost of a blood test, a requirement of treatment to make sure the cats are progressing positively, and the treatment is working. Nova began treatment on November 25 th , 2022, at 0.773kg, on May 10 th 2023 Nova will be deemed cured of FIP at over 3.2kg. She is my little sassy kitten who is for sure a fighter thanks to the help of the FIP support group. I am very happy to spread the awareness of these wonderful people who help so many kittens all over Canada.
RUSTY’S STORY — ALBERTA
(DRY FIP)
My little Rusty had a very rough go in his very young life already, when we were told he has FIP. The first thing came to our mind was NO, there is no way he survives this time.
I never forget the day crying searching for any possible help totally hopeless, but all changed when I knew the FIP support group, great team, wonderful admins, and very helpful community.
Not only they were with me since day one emotionally, but also they generously let me using Aggie Fund to finish Rusty’s treatment (16 tablets desperately needed).
Please keep trusting these people and help them raise more and more money, if you are looking for a trusted fund source for little kittens in Canada. Your money goes where it should go.
Let’s help more kittens in Canada to have opportunity for this amazing life saver treatment
Love
Rusty’s Mom
FLORA’S STORY — NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR
(DRY/OCULAR/NEURO FIP)
Flora was diagnosed with FIP in early March of this year. I could not believe what the doctor was telling me. I had no idea about this virus! A mutation of Coronavirus! A fatal virus that will most likely kill my baby if left untreated. After hearing that news I was then told that there is no approved treatment in Canada. My heart melted right then and there and I felt hopeless.
Flora came into my life exactly at the right time, along with her sister Angel. As the passionate cat lover I am, my heart always welcomed feline companions into my life. I had just lost my cat Sam after spending 17 wonderful years with him. Shortly after, I found Flora and her sister online. I immediately messaged and begged the owner to let me have both the kittens. I wanted them to stay together but one was already taken for. After begging and pleading she finally decided to let me have both of them. They were inseparable since day one.
Flora was five months old when I suddenly saw a drastic change in her behavior and well being. All of a sudden, she had no energy, she was not able to balance on her feet very well and her eyes were almost closed shut. She was not playful or she had a decreased appetite. I knew something bad was wrong with her. I could see it in her eyes. I immediately called my veterinary hospital and they insisted I go straight to the emergency clinic. Flora was seen right away and some tests were taken. That is when Flora’s journey started.
Although the test for FIP was negative, she was definitely experiencing all the symptoms of Dry FIP Neuro, so it was strongly recommended that I proceed with treatment as soon as possible. A pink sticky note later she was in the hands of some really amazing people. She was given the chance to fight for her life and through the process hopefully raise some awareness of FIP.
Just with the tip of my finger, through an online facebook group in Canada was there to help and assist me with anything I needed. They informed me on all the treatments and research that was available to me. The outpouring of kindness touched me to the core, renewing my faith in humanity. I found peace in the presence of a network of compassionate individuals who understood the profound bond I shared with Flora and Angel. With their unwavering support, I embarked on a journey filled with unwavering determination and renewed hope. Without The Aggie Fund, Flora would not be with me today. I turned to the power of community. The response was nothing short of extraordinary. People, complete strangers united by their love for animals, extended their guidance, empathy, and even financial assistance to help Flora regain her health.
Just a few days of treatment Flora started to flourish and be the playful kitty she always was. The treatment was working. Flora started off her treatment by taking injections every night for 60 days. Also, while being injected she had to take Prednisone for the first week or so to take the swelling off her brain. And also every night a few hours before her injection she would have to take Gabapentin to reduce the pain and make her feel calm for the needle. Now, for the next 38 days or so she will only take tablet form for her treatment and no other medication. She has also been getting blood work tested every four weeks white being treated and all results so far are remarkable.
I know she is a little warrior and she has come so far already and she is going to make us all proud. I am forever thankful for this treatment and everyone who has helped me along the way.
Flora is now able to grow into the strong healthy cat she is supposed to be. She is the sweetest little darling who loves to cuddle, kiss, purr and play all day long. I cannot believe she has come this far already and she is doing so well. During the beginning of her treatment the feelings and emotions were very challenging for me. After a while and seeing how science and medicine were helping Flora my feelings and emotions started to become stronger, I cannot thank the support group and The Aggie Fund enough for the enormous amount of support for Flora.
NEZUKO’S STORY — NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR
(WET/OCULAR FIP)
We did it !!!!! My Nezuko has officially beaten FIP and is recovered from it. A death sentence for any kitty, but, now with an experimental treatment there is a chance !!
Just 3 days before Christmas 2022 we found out our youngest kitty Nezuko had FIP, a mutated form of feline coronavirus. It is a death sentence, most kitties die once diagnosed, either from the illness or euthiniza as there is no approved cure yet. However, there is an experimental treatment that is being studied, that has helped thousands and thousands of cats beat this horrible deadly illness. Unfortunately the treatment comes at a very very high cost, but I had to give my Nezzy a chance, we were not ready to let her go.
So, December 26, 2022, we started the 12 week treatment. It was so very stressful and worrisome in the beginning. But as the days and weeks went by, our girl began showing positive signs of improvement, which made continuing with the treatment an easy decision. Once her 12 weeks of treatments were done, she moved into 12 weeks of observation, meaning we watch her for any signs of relapse and have her blood checked every 4 weeks to make sure her levels were staying normal.
Today was the final bloodwork, the deciding factor that tells us did it work ? Did it all pay off and give me my girl back ?
YES !! YES IT DID and am I ever happy