A young kitten in Swindon has made an astonishing recovery after battling a potentially deadly virus, thanks to the dedicated efforts of vets at Eastcott Referrals. The six-month-old Devon Red cat, named Jester, was diagnosed with feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), a rare and often fatal condition that left her unable to walk and suffering from severe neurological issues.
Jester’s owners, Shauni and Jack Lane, were devastated when they discovered their beloved pet was facing such a grim prognosis. Shauni shared, “We were stunned when our beautiful Jester was diagnosed with FIP. It all happened so suddenly, and seeing her so weak and uncoordinated was heartbreaking.”
FIP is a viral disease found in cats, but it is particularly dangerous for kittens aged between four and 12 months. Jester had developed the ‘dry’ form of FIP, which causes inflammation and neurological symptoms, including seizures and loss of balance.
Despite the bleak situation, the expert team at Eastcott Referrals, led by head of internal medicine Matt Best and resident in referral medicine Amy Norman, sprang into action. “When Jester arrived, she was unable to walk and showing severe neurological signs,” said Amy. “We immediately suspected FIP, and blood tests confirmed our fears.”
The treatment involved administering a human antiviral medication called Remdesivir, which is not commonly available for feline patients. Remarkably, within just 72 hours of starting the treatment, Jester began to show signs of improvement. “It was a 16-week course of medication, and we had to monitor her weight carefully to ensure the correct dosage, but we are so grateful this was even an option for us,” Shauni added.
Jester’s recovery was nothing short of miraculous. “Within four days, she was able to walk again, albeit unsteadily,” said Amy. “Over the course of the treatment, her clinical signs almost completely resolved, and she has since grown into an active and happy kitten.”
The Lanes are overjoyed with Jester’s recovery and are full of gratitude towards the Eastcott team for their life-saving intervention. “Jester’s fur has grown back nicely, her balance has greatly improved, and she’s now back to galloping around the house, bringing us so much joy,” Shauni expressed.
Eastcott Veterinary Referrals, part of the Linnaeus Group, offers specialised care in various fields, including internal medicine, neurology, and emergency care. Their expertise proved crucial in giving Jester a second chance at life.
For more information about Eastcott Referrals, visit www.eastcottreferrals.co.uk or follow Eastcott on social media.
