It’s nice to get some replies to this even though I posted that over a year ago.
We went through hell for about six months, actually we found the vet we were using at the time didn’t really know how to lessen the problems with anything other than constant antibiotics. Vets in Taiwan, you gotta watch, if you feel something is strange or you feel what they say and what a vet back home might say, you should consider changing or at least going for a second even thrid or fourth opinon. Yes it get’s expensive and it is time consuming to take your pet to get all kinds of tests over and over again, but if you love your pet, you are best to do so. Just make sure you leave time in between vet visits to let your animal recoup from the blood taken, from what I understand cats need a week or more, but you should check with your vet, don’t just assume. Also when possible make sure you get a copy of the cat’s record any X-rays, etc. It comes in handy when you need to get second opinions.
Since we took our cat to someone else she’s been doing ok. We use a special food for her recommended by the vet. However, if your cat has the virus that causes FIP you need to know what type of FIP it has and what course of action to take, it may or may not be a problem that only food can fix, it just depends. We choose to stop using medication and in our case, food fixed the problem, it was as simple as that. Your cat may be different.
Three things to remember:
- Does your cat eat normally?
- Does your cat play normally?
- Is the cat’s bladder/stool normal?
We have learned sooo much since this horrible experience, so I can say now I am more educated about many things. Including how Taiwan’s enviroment really wreck’s havoc on animals here.
If all three things are ok, then your cat is probably healthy regardless of having the virus. Of course, yes the virus does reduce the overall life expectancy of your cat, but a good diet, good immune system and a family that loves it the cat will do far better. We’ve been told 10-12 years, but then again you just never know.
As for FIP shots… If your cat already has the virus then I believe your cat CANNOT get those shots otherwise it will make the situation worse. At least that is what we were told, our cat has never had the shots. And actually she cannot even get her yearly immune shots because her body cannot make the antigens anyway so most of these immunization shots are useless.
Indeed in Taiwan animals are treated like @#$!, breeders only want money. Not that this is not true in other counties, but it appears to be especially true in Taiwan. We are very angry at the breeder and had considered sueing both the breeder and the vet for various reasons. We still hold the right to do so if we should need to in the future. It wouldn’t be for our gain either, it would simple be to stop them from destoying so many animals. We are sickened by these jerks who don’t care and love the animals their breed.
Some suggestions: For testing, go to Tai-Da Animal Hospital. However, do not accept any treatments there, they are great for testing animals, but really suck at providing treatment for serious problems. This is our experence, others may have a different opinion. Find a vet you like, trust and can give you the guidance you need and one that fits your budget and personality and of course your pet’s need. You have to do the footwork yourself to find someone you trust and can really treat your animal.
