Feline Gastrointestinal Eosinophilic Sclerosing Fibroplasia
A resource center for cat caregivers and veterinary professionals
Who are we?
We are a collective of veterinary specialists and the parent of a FGESF cat, with the common goal of providing education and spreading awareness of this disease, whilst improving the lives of cats living with the illness. Together, we have practical experience managing the condition, are actively researching the disease, and have authored a number of journal articles and book chapters on this disease. We continue to educate pet parents and veterinarians about this condition through treatment guidance, seminars, online resources, and additional research studies. We also actively contribute to the FGESF - Feline Gastrointestinal Eosinophilic Sclerosing Fibroplasia Support Facebook community which includes pet parents and veterinary professionals.
Meet the Team
Jill Fox, Website Developer & Content Creator, FGESF Parent
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​Jill is an experienced marketing professional with a passion for helping animals. She owns a marketing consulting business, creating custom-tailored marketing plans for small businesses of all kinds, to meet their unique goals. With over 25 years of marketing communications experience, Jill has worked with clients across many different industries, but she most enjoys working with animal-related businesses. Since her beloved cat, Remy, was diagnosed with FGESF in early 2016, she has been dedicated to providing support for other cat parents dealing with this condition, as well as spreading awareness throughout the veterinary community. Jill's FGESF Support Facebook group has provided guidance and support to pet parents and veterinary professionals on six continents. This website is the latest labor of love in preserving Remy's legacy. He passed away in 2023 from colon cancer, which was unrelated to his FGESF.
Dr. Michael Linton, BVSc FANZCVS (Feline Medicine)
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​Michael has worked in both referral and general practice since graduating in 2006. He received his qualifications as a Feline Medicine Specialist in 2018. As part of his training, he undertook an original research project on a unique disease known as Feline Gastrointestinal Eosinophilic Sclerosing Fibroplasia (FGESF). This disease became the focal point of his expertise, propelling him into a role where he not only gives lectures on the subject, but has also authored various internet resources and textbook chapters. His research study, Feline gastrointestinal eosinophilic sclerosing fibroplasia: 13 cases and
review of an emerging clinical entity, serves a crucial role in the ongoing exploration of this rare condition. Michael continues to be at the forefront of active research in this field, shaping the future of feline medicine. In addition to his contributions to feline medicine, Michael has co-authored research on canine lung worm, showcasing his broad expertise in veterinary sciences. Currently immersed in private practice, Michael dedicates part of his time to tutoring practicing veterinarians, aiming to enhance their knowledge through the postgraduate foundation, at the University of Sydney. His passion for education extends to his involvement in the Feline Chapter of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists, where he plays a significant role in organizing the annual conference for the stream. He is passionate about gastroenterology and haematology. At home, his world revolves around his beloved furbabies – Harry, a domestic shorthair cat, and Rainbow (“Bow”), an Irish Wolfhound crossed with a variety of other dog breeds. This blend of professional dedication and personal love for animals encapsulates Michael's holistic approach to veterinary care.
Dr. Petra ÄŒerná, PhD MRCVS CertAVP AFHEA AdvCertFB
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​Dr. ÄŒerná has completed a Small Animal Internal Medicine Resident at Colorado State University, USA in 2023. She graduated from the University of Veterinary Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic in 2018 where she also obtained her PhD in 2023. She completed a Small Animal Rotating Internship at Vets Now Referral Hospital, Glasgow, UK in 2019 and Small Animal Medicine Internship at The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, UK in 2020. Dr. ÄŒerná obtained an ISFM Advanced Certificate in Feline Behavior with Distinction in 2018 and has particular interest in feline medicine and is currently doing a PhD degree at Colorado State University in Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) which is funded by the Center for Companion Animal Studies from generous donations from multiple sources including Merck Animal Health. Petra also has a special interest in FGESF and has recently published a study on Clinicopathological findings, treatment, and outcome in 60 cats with gastrointestinal eosinophilic sclerosing fibroplasia. She is currently conducting new research on histopathological and infectious disease findings of cats diagnosed with FGESF. This study will be looking at the differences in tissue changes (severity of the disease) in cats with FGESF based on their survival, as well as looking for infectious disease agents with special tests, hoping that determining the most likely triggers for this syndrome may lead to development of prevention strategies and improved treatment and outcome.