Thank you for the information. I am taking Smokey back to the vet on Wednesday. I will ask about a herpes virus. It does appear that with the eye ointment I've been giving him he's getting better. I love to hear about these guys that are six and seven years old. It gives me hope. It really is possible, so my vet says, that Smokey has problems because of neglect and maybe not the virus. I think the fact that he's perked up so much is positive. Sunday he didn't want to leave his bed and today he's looking all around.
I will get him the supplements that you all have suggested and I will look in to a holistic vet. I am lucky though that my current vet has taken a special interest in this cat. I feel he's getting good care from her. Thanks again, Kathryn -----Original Message----- From: Lynne <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Sun, 6 Jul 2008 5:48 am Subject: Re: Welcome, Kathryn I wonder if Smokey has feline herpes virus, not that it makes much of a difference in light of his other problems.? My Snowy, a rescue cat, was diagnosed with that and before she was released to us both of her eyes were terribly infected, one being left with scarring, and a URI.? Again, stress brings outbreaks on.? Fortunately she hasn't had one since we've had her.? I doubt she will either as she's the most indulged, spoiled cat on the planet. ? I commend you for your dedication to and love of these less fortunate creatures.? Life with you will be the best thing that could ever happen to dear Smokey. ? Lynne ----- Original Message ----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Saturday, July 05, 2008 10:40 PM Subject: Re: Welcome, Kathryn Thank you all for the information. Right now he does have an eye infection and a little upper respiratory issue that we are dealing with . We don't know if it's the disease or if it's just from being neglected.? He really loves to sit on my lap and be petted and seems to be pretty relaxed. He also is eating well, loves canned food, which I am giving him plenty of. I know that might not be good for him, however, I want him to enjoy his life for as long as he can. I have dogs ( 2 rescues) which pose a little problem for us. I haven't introduced them yet, I'm waiting because I don't want to stress "Smokey" out. I really hope he's one of those guys that will live a few years. My vet, who never suggested putting him down, says that it is possible. She's been very supportive. You are all correct with the expense though, I've had him only about a week and I've all ready spent about $500 with another $200 for shots and such coming up next week. It's worth it if I can make a difference in his life. I also ha ve two horses. One is a rescue with ringbone. My large animal vet did not want me to get Monty, but I didn't listen and it was the best decision I ever made regarding my pets. I'm sure little Smokey will bring me as much joy as my horse Monty has. I will keep you all posted?on Smokey's progress. I really appreciate everyone's support. Kathryn -----Original Message----- From: Lynne <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Sat, 5 Jul 2008 6:07 pm Subject: Re: Welcome, Kathryn I totally agree with everything Diane has said Kathryn.? Good food and a stress free life are probably the two most important things you can do for your little one.? Of course if he becomes ill hopefully he can be treated with medication.? It can all be a tremendous expense once they become ill.? I would suggest you have blood work done to try and get an idea of what you are dealing with here.? When we had that done I got 3 opinions, all telling me it wa s a hopeless situation and very grim.? That didn't stop us from trying other methods of treatment but in the end the disease won.? I don't regret for one moment the expense of trying to save our little guy who was only with us for one month but you have to be realistic when or if he starts to really deteriorate. Our cat was 4 when we got him and was already quite advanced with the disease, unknown to us until that first trip to our vet but if your kitty is healthy and active he may very well live a good long life.? Many on this group have had their cats do just that.? I truly hope yours will be one of these long time survivors.? Don't let it make you crazy though. I think my constant worry and sadness over our little one's illness didn't help him any.? ? Best of luck to you. ? Lynne ----- Original Message ----- From: Diane Rosenfeldt To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Saturday, July 05, 2008 1:35 PM Subject: Welcome, Kathryn You've come to a great place for information and support.? Others have much more experience with these babies, but I can tell you that diet and stress control are paramount.? If you can give your new guy (what's his name?) the best food possible and keep him as happy as possible, that's a great first step.? You can also supplement his diet with L-lysine (from natural food stores, without the addit ives found in the kind you find in most drugstores, which is toxic to cats).? Make sure your vet is knowledgeable on FeLV -- if he/she didn't immediately suggest euthanasia, that's a good sign.? If he/she isn't, look around for one who is.? Some people here like holistic vets, if there are some in your area, in addition to their regular vet.? ? There's no way to know how long any of them will last.? Some people here have kitties who have lived long and well with FeLV, and then there are some (like my Patches, who came to me as a stray, too,?who only stayed with me six weeks.)? What's important is to enjoy him every minute he's with you, fight the good fight together, but know when it's time to let go.? Not easy, but doable.? Go od luck with your guy. ? Diane R. From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, July 05, 2008 9:50 AM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: Melina Please add to the CLS :( I am very sorry to hear of the passing of Melina. I am new to this site and really know nothing of this terrible disease. I have recently (just bringing him home from the vets today) adopted the sweetest little boy who sadly has this virus. He showed up a few days ago as a stray. My husband and I fell in love with him and took him to the vet for shots, etc. Sadly, we were informed that he has tested positive. ? I really do not know what this means. Any information will be greatly appreciated. I especially would like to know what I can do to keep him well for as long as possible. The vet suggests Vitamin C. Any information will be greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Kathryn -----Original Message----- From: Lynne <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Thu, 3 Jul 2008 8:20 pm Subject: Re: Melina Please add to the CLS :( I'm so saddened Sherry that Melina couldn't rally yet another time.? My heart honestly aches everytime I hear of another passing.? It sometimes makes one wonder just how much a body can endure.? But I guess the courage and trusting nature of these dear creatures makes it possible to go on. ? Lynne ----- Original Message ----- From: Sherry DeHaan To: Felvtalk Sent: Thursday, July 03, 2008 10:44 PM Subject: Melina Please add to the CLS :( First of all I want to thank all of you for your prayers and good thoughts for this beautiful baby.The aweful disease was way too much for her this time.She was a VERY spunky little girl.My heart aches without her in my life.I need to keep telling myself that I gave her so much love that she was happy until the end.I will miss her little loving head butts and rubbing her sweet face on mine.Ok now the tears are coming out. :( Once again thank you all so much for having to listen to all my sadness.But I also get ALOT of goodness out of these creatures. 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