Re: [Felvtalk] FW: Felvtalk Digest, Vol 20, Issue 9

[Ardy Robertson]

Thank you for all your well wishes. Tigger means the world to us!!
Ardy


-Original Message-
From: Felvtalk [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of 
dlg...@windstream.net
Sent: Tuesday, December 22, 2015 12:03 PM
To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] FW: Felvtalk Digest, Vol 20, Issue 9

AMEN to that!

 Amani Oakley <aoak...@oakleylegal.com> wrote: 
> 
> That is great news Ardy, on both fronts. I am glad that Tigger is doing 
> better, and that interferon was effective for him. I am also happy that your 
> vet has had a change of heart on the Winstrol should you need it in the 
> future. I hope, like you, that maybe with some effective options, vets will 
> begin to offer suggestions other than immediately putting down FeLV cats. And 
> I think that change in attitude begins with being willing to work with 
> dedicated cat lovers who are willing to go the extra mile to save their 
> babies.
> 
> Amani
> 
> From: Felvtalk [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Ardy 
> Robertson
> Sent: December-21-15 10:40 PM
> To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org<mailto:felvtalk@felineleukemia.org>
> Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] FW: Felvtalk Digest, Vol 20, Issue 9
> 
> My Tigger who is FeLV+ and was sick, has since rounded the corner and is 
> better. My vet had him on interferon. After she considered him to be “back to 
> normal” she wanted to wait 30 days and retest him for the virus. I had him 
> retested two weeks ago, and he is still positive unfortunately but is doing 
> wonderfully – eating, drinking, playing, happy etc. He had lost two and a 
> half pounds, and has gained it all back except for 2/10’s of a pound. She 
> said he could go on like this indefinitely, but is still considered a 
> “carrier”. I of course will not have him near other cats except his housemate 
> who is 18 and negative. They originally wanted me to put her down too (and 
> she is perfectly healthy – just old.) Hello! Could I at least wait until she 
> gets sick??? Duh.
> 
> Since Tigger is still positive, I asked the vet about Winstrol if he needs 
> something later on, and she is now AGREEABLE to getting it for me at that 
> point if necessary. I am located in West Central Wisconsin. I hope I never 
> need to ask for it, but  it was nice to hear that she is willing to prescribe 
> it if I want it. Maybe there are a few vets that are beginning to listen. 
> When Tigger first got sick, she did not offer it, but I have mentioned it to 
> her a few times so she may have done some reading on it. I also am using a 
> second vet who is closer to my home for some of Tigg’s needs and have talked 
> to them about it too. Their position on FeLV+ cats has always been to 
> euthanize immediately, and since Tigger’s return to health, they were 
> questioning me on what my other vet did to treat him. Both of the vet offices 
> have been amazed at Tigger’s recovery, and seem to feel that now there is a 
> chance for FeLV+ cats. I pray every day that Tigger will live out the 
> remainder of his life as a healthy cat. He is 5 now, and they feel that he 
> was born with it, even though he tested negative when I first found him. 
> (They said he must have been “shedding” the virus at the time I had him 
> tested, so the test was inaccurate. Apparently you have to retest if you want 
> to be sure…..who knew?) They also told me the vaccination can be ineffective 
> in some cases.
> 
> Ardy
> 


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Re: [Felvtalk] FW: Felvtalk Digest, Vol 20, Issue 9

[dlgegg]

At the edge of the woods, I have a grave yard for dogs and cats.  I go out and 
talk to them a lot.

 Ardy Robertson <ar...@centurytel.net> wrote: 
> Thank you for all your well wishes. Tigger means the world to us!!
Ardy


-Original Message-
From: Felvtalk [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of 
dlg...@windstream.net
Sent: Tuesday, December 22, 2015 12:03 PM
To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] FW: Felvtalk Digest, Vol 20, Issue 9

AMEN to that!

 Amani Oakley <aoak...@oakleylegal.com> wrote: 
> 
> That is great news Ardy, on both fronts. I am glad that Tigger is doing 
> better, and that interferon was effective for him. I am also happy that your 
> vet has had a change of heart on the Winstrol should you need it in the 
> future. I hope, like you, that maybe with some effective options, vets will 
> begin to offer suggestions other than immediately putting down FeLV cats. And 
> I think that change in attitude begins with being willing to work with 
> dedicated cat lovers who are willing to go the extra mile to save their 
> babies.
> 
> Amani
> 
> From: Felvtalk [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Ardy 
> Robertson
> Sent: December-21-15 10:40 PM
> To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org<mailto:felvtalk@felineleukemia.org>
> Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] FW: Felvtalk Digest, Vol 20, Issue 9
> 
> My Tigger who is FeLV+ and was sick, has since rounded the corner and is 
> better. My vet had him on interferon. After she considered him to be “back to 
> normal” she wanted to wait 30 days and retest him for the virus. I had him 
> retested two weeks ago, and he is still positive unfortunately but is doing 
> wonderfully – eating, drinking, playing, happy etc. He had lost two and a 
> half pounds, and has gained it all back except for 2/10’s of a pound. She 
> said he could go on like this indefinitely, but is still considered a 
> “carrier”. I of course will not have him near other cats except his housemate 
> who is 18 and negative. They originally wanted me to put her down too (and 
> she is perfectly healthy – just old.) Hello! Could I at least wait until she 
> gets sick??? Duh.
> 
> Since Tigger is still positive, I asked the vet about Winstrol if he needs 
> something later on, and she is now AGREEABLE to getting it for me at that 
> point if necessary. I am located in West Central Wisconsin. I hope I never 
> need to ask for it, but  it was nice to hear that she is willing to prescribe 
> it if I want it. Maybe there are a few vets that are beginning to listen. 
> When Tigger first got sick, she did not offer it, but I have mentioned it to 
> her a few times so she may have done some reading on it. I also am using a 
> second vet who is closer to my home for some of Tigg’s needs and have talked 
> to them about it too. Their position on FeLV+ cats has always been to 
> euthanize immediately, and since Tigger’s return to health, they were 
> questioning me on what my other vet did to treat him. Both of the vet offices 
> have been amazed at Tigger’s recovery, and seem to feel that now there is a 
> chance for FeLV+ cats. I pray every day that Tigger will live out the 
> remainder of his life as a healthy cat. He is 5 now, and they feel that he 
> was born with it, even though he tested negative when I first found him. 
> (They said he must have been “shedding” the virus at the time I had him 
> tested, so the test was inaccurate. Apparently you have to retest if you want 
> to be sure…..who knew?) They also told me the vaccination can be ineffective 
> in some cases.
> 
> Ardy
> 


___
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Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
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Re: [Felvtalk] FW: Felvtalk Digest, Vol 20, Issue 9

[dlgegg]

AMEN to that!

 Amani Oakley <aoak...@oakleylegal.com> wrote: 
> 
> That is great news Ardy, on both fronts. I am glad that Tigger is doing 
> better, and that interferon was effective for him. I am also happy that your 
> vet has had a change of heart on the Winstrol should you need it in the 
> future. I hope, like you, that maybe with some effective options, vets will 
> begin to offer suggestions other than immediately putting down FeLV cats. And 
> I think that change in attitude begins with being willing to work with 
> dedicated cat lovers who are willing to go the extra mile to save their 
> babies.
> 
> Amani
> 
> From: Felvtalk [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Ardy 
> Robertson
> Sent: December-21-15 10:40 PM
> To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org<mailto:felvtalk@felineleukemia.org>
> Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] FW: Felvtalk Digest, Vol 20, Issue 9
> 
> My Tigger who is FeLV+ and was sick, has since rounded the corner and is 
> better. My vet had him on interferon. After she considered him to be “back to 
> normal” she wanted to wait 30 days and retest him for the virus. I had him 
> retested two weeks ago, and he is still positive unfortunately but is doing 
> wonderfully – eating, drinking, playing, happy etc. He had lost two and a 
> half pounds, and has gained it all back except for 2/10’s of a pound. She 
> said he could go on like this indefinitely, but is still considered a 
> “carrier”. I of course will not have him near other cats except his housemate 
> who is 18 and negative. They originally wanted me to put her down too (and 
> she is perfectly healthy – just old.) Hello! Could I at least wait until she 
> gets sick??? Duh.
> 
> Since Tigger is still positive, I asked the vet about Winstrol if he needs 
> something later on, and she is now AGREEABLE to getting it for me at that 
> point if necessary. I am located in West Central Wisconsin. I hope I never 
> need to ask for it, but  it was nice to hear that she is willing to prescribe 
> it if I want it. Maybe there are a few vets that are beginning to listen. 
> When Tigger first got sick, she did not offer it, but I have mentioned it to 
> her a few times so she may have done some reading on it. I also am using a 
> second vet who is closer to my home for some of Tigg’s needs and have talked 
> to them about it too. Their position on FeLV+ cats has always been to 
> euthanize immediately, and since Tigger’s return to health, they were 
> questioning me on what my other vet did to treat him. Both of the vet offices 
> have been amazed at Tigger’s recovery, and seem to feel that now there is a 
> chance for FeLV+ cats. I pray every day that Tigger will live out the 
> remainder of his life as a healthy cat. He is 5 now, and they feel that he 
> was born with it, even though he tested negative when I first found him. 
> (They said he must have been “shedding” the virus at the time I had him 
> tested, so the test was inaccurate. Apparently you have to retest if you want 
> to be sure…..who knew?) They also told me the vaccination can be ineffective 
> in some cases.
> 
> Ardy
> 


___
Felvtalk mailing list
Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
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Re: [Felvtalk] FW: Felvtalk Digest, Vol 20, Issue 9

[dlgegg]

I think that like many diseases, he will always test positive.  My Annie is 
still positive and is 8 going on 9 this year.  She is healthy, with a glossy 
coat and active.  She shows no signs of having any illness and goes to the vet 
every year like I do for a check up.

 Ardy Robertson  wrote: 
> My Tigger who is FeLV+ and was sick, has since rounded the corner and is 
> better. My vet had him on interferon. After she considered him to be “back to 
> normal” she wanted to wait 30 days and retest him for the virus. I had him 
> retested two weeks ago, and he is still positive unfortunately but is doing 
> wonderfully – eating, drinking, playing, happy etc. He had lost two and a 
> half pounds, and has gained it all back except for 2/10’s of a pound. She 
> said he could go on like this indefinitely, but is still considered a 
> “carrier”. I of course will not have him near other cats except his housemate 
> who is 18 and negative. They originally wanted me to put her down too (and 
> she is perfectly healthy – just old.) Hello! Could I at least wait until she 
> gets sick??? Duh.
> 
>  
> 
> Since Tigger is still positive, I asked the vet about Winstrol if he needs 
> something later on, and she is now AGREEABLE to getting it for me at that 
> point if necessary. I am located in West Central Wisconsin. I hope I never 
> need to ask for it, but  it was nice to hear that she is willing to prescribe 
> it if I want it. Maybe there are a few vets that are beginning to listen. 
> When Tigger first got sick, she did not offer it, but I have mentioned it to 
> her a few times so she may have done some reading on it. I also am using a 
> second vet who is closer to my home for some of Tigg’s needs and have talked 
> to them about it too. Their position on FeLV+ cats has always been to 
> euthanize immediately, and since Tigger’s return to health, they were 
> questioning me on what my other vet did to treat him. Both of the vet offices 
> have been amazed at Tigger’s recovery, and seem to feel that now there is a 
> chance for FeLV+ cats. I pray every day that Tigger will live out the 
> remainder of his life as a healthy cat. He is 5 now, and they feel that he 
> was born with it, even though he tested negative when I first found him. 
> (They said he must have been “shedding” the virus at the time I had him 
> tested, so the test was inaccurate. Apparently you have to retest if you want 
> to be sure…..who knew?) They also told me the vaccination can be ineffective 
> in some cases. 
> 
>  
> 
> Ardy
> 
>  
> 
>  
> 
> From: Felvtalk [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of 
> Amani Oakley
> Sent: Monday, December 21, 2015 11:35 AM
> To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
> Subject: [Felvtalk] FW: Felvtalk Digest, Vol 20, Issue 9
> 
>  
> 
> I tried to send this on December 19th. It is being held to review by the 
> listserve because it is too large a file. I don’t know how long it takes to 
> review, but I think three days is a bit unreasonable. I am trying to send it 
> again.
> 
>  
> 
> Amani
> 
>  
> 
>  
> 
>  
> 
> Dear Annette:
> 
>  
> 
> Believe me – I’ve talked and talked to my vets and a very good friend of mine 
> who is also a senior research vet. They really can’t give me any reason for 
> the bizarre response. They refer back to the rise in enzymes but also – like 
> your vet – usually concede the rise is temporary and there is no real 
> evidence of actual damage to the liver. Having had these conversations, 
> researched the medication like crazy, especially in light of the amazing 
> response I have seen in my cats, I ultimately came up with the theory of the 
> bad association with athletic abuse. Maybe it’s a little like going in and 
> asking for a substance that the general public associates with bad things – 
> say cannabis (marijuana). Even with proof of a good response in animals 
> (because there is also evidence on line of Winstrol’s effectiveness in dogs) 
> the immediate reaction would be a negative one because of the public 
> perception of cannabis.
> 
>  
> 
> However, the problem I have with this automatic and not-particularly 
> well-thought out response is several-fold:
> 
>  
> 
> 1.   We just DON’T have that many effective options with feline leukemia 
> so to refuse to even consider a medication that may reverse the severe anemia 
> which results from FeLV and seems to also boost the production of white cells 
> and platelets, as well as allowing the animal to FEEL better, eat more and 
> put on weight, is nonsensical, and frankly, the choice should be that of the 
> owner – not the vet. If something might actually save my cat’s life, I have a 
> right to know about it, rather than being told to put my cat down. Period.
> 
> 2.   It is highly unlikely that a vet would not know if a person were 
> instead abusing the medication for him/herself or selling it. At the 
> recommended dose for a cat (1 mg tablets), a person would have 

Re: [Felvtalk] FW: Felvtalk Digest, Vol 20, Issue 9

[dlgegg]

RE:  other cats, Annie has been around all my cats(now down to 4) who died of 
old age, 18 and 19.  They get their vaccinations for FELV.  My vet said as long 
as the others are vacinnated and they do not get into a "to the death" fight 
where their is exchange of blood or saliva, they are safe.  Must be because 
they are all living a healthy, hapy life style.  

 Ardy Robertson  wrote: 
> My Tigger who is FeLV+ and was sick, has since rounded the corner and is 
> better. My vet had him on interferon. After she considered him to be “back to 
> normal” she wanted to wait 30 days and retest him for the virus. I had him 
> retested two weeks ago, and he is still positive unfortunately but is doing 
> wonderfully – eating, drinking, playing, happy etc. He had lost two and a 
> half pounds, and has gained it all back except for 2/10’s of a pound. She 
> said he could go on like this indefinitely, but is still considered a 
> “carrier”. I of course will not have him near other cats except his housemate 
> who is 18 and negative. They originally wanted me to put her down too (and 
> she is perfectly healthy – just old.) Hello! Could I at least wait until she 
> gets sick??? Duh.
> 
>  
> 
> Since Tigger is still positive, I asked the vet about Winstrol if he needs 
> something later on, and she is now AGREEABLE to getting it for me at that 
> point if necessary. I am located in West Central Wisconsin. I hope I never 
> need to ask for it, but  it was nice to hear that she is willing to prescribe 
> it if I want it. Maybe there are a few vets that are beginning to listen. 
> When Tigger first got sick, she did not offer it, but I have mentioned it to 
> her a few times so she may have done some reading on it. I also am using a 
> second vet who is closer to my home for some of Tigg’s needs and have talked 
> to them about it too. Their position on FeLV+ cats has always been to 
> euthanize immediately, and since Tigger’s return to health, they were 
> questioning me on what my other vet did to treat him. Both of the vet offices 
> have been amazed at Tigger’s recovery, and seem to feel that now there is a 
> chance for FeLV+ cats. I pray every day that Tigger will live out the 
> remainder of his life as a healthy cat. He is 5 now, and they feel that he 
> was born with it, even though he tested negative when I first found him. 
> (They said he must have been “shedding” the virus at the time I had him 
> tested, so the test was inaccurate. Apparently you have to retest if you want 
> to be sure…..who knew?) They also told me the vaccination can be ineffective 
> in some cases. 
> 
>  
> 
> Ardy
> 
>  
> 
>  
> 
> From: Felvtalk [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of 
> Amani Oakley
> Sent: Monday, December 21, 2015 11:35 AM
> To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
> Subject: [Felvtalk] FW: Felvtalk Digest, Vol 20, Issue 9
> 
>  
> 
> I tried to send this on December 19th. It is being held to review by the 
> listserve because it is too large a file. I don’t know how long it takes to 
> review, but I think three days is a bit unreasonable. I am trying to send it 
> again.
> 
>  
> 
> Amani
> 
>  
> 
>  
> 
>  
> 
> Dear Annette:
> 
>  
> 
> Believe me – I’ve talked and talked to my vets and a very good friend of mine 
> who is also a senior research vet. They really can’t give me any reason for 
> the bizarre response. They refer back to the rise in enzymes but also – like 
> your vet – usually concede the rise is temporary and there is no real 
> evidence of actual damage to the liver. Having had these conversations, 
> researched the medication like crazy, especially in light of the amazing 
> response I have seen in my cats, I ultimately came up with the theory of the 
> bad association with athletic abuse. Maybe it’s a little like going in and 
> asking for a substance that the general public associates with bad things – 
> say cannabis (marijuana). Even with proof of a good response in animals 
> (because there is also evidence on line of Winstrol’s effectiveness in dogs) 
> the immediate reaction would be a negative one because of the public 
> perception of cannabis.
> 
>  
> 
> However, the problem I have with this automatic and not-particularly 
> well-thought out response is several-fold:
> 
>  
> 
> 1.   We just DON’T have that many effective options with feline leukemia 
> so to refuse to even consider a medication that may reverse the severe anemia 
> which results from FeLV and seems to also boost the production of white cells 
> and platelets, as well as allowing the animal to FEEL better, eat more and 
> put on weight, is nonsensical, and frankly, the choice should be that of the 
> owner – not the vet. If something might actually save my cat’s life, I have a 
> right to know about it, rather than being told to put my cat down. Period.
> 
> 2.   It is highly unlikely that a vet would not know if a person were 
> instead abusing the medication for 

Re: [Felvtalk] FW: Felvtalk Digest, Vol 20, Issue 9

[Amani Oakley]

That is great news Ardy, on both fronts. I am glad that Tigger is doing better, 
and that interferon was effective for him. I am also happy that your vet has 
had a change of heart on the Winstrol should you need it in the future. I hope, 
like you, that maybe with some effective options, vets will begin to offer 
suggestions other than immediately putting down FeLV cats. And I think that 
change in attitude begins with being willing to work with dedicated cat lovers 
who are willing to go the extra mile to save their babies.

Amani

From: Felvtalk [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Ardy 
Robertson
Sent: December-21-15 10:40 PM
To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org<mailto:felvtalk@felineleukemia.org>
Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] FW: Felvtalk Digest, Vol 20, Issue 9

My Tigger who is FeLV+ and was sick, has since rounded the corner and is 
better. My vet had him on interferon. After she considered him to be “back to 
normal” she wanted to wait 30 days and retest him for the virus. I had him 
retested two weeks ago, and he is still positive unfortunately but is doing 
wonderfully – eating, drinking, playing, happy etc. He had lost two and a half 
pounds, and has gained it all back except for 2/10’s of a pound. She said he 
could go on like this indefinitely, but is still considered a “carrier”. I of 
course will not have him near other cats except his housemate who is 18 and 
negative. They originally wanted me to put her down too (and she is perfectly 
healthy – just old.) Hello! Could I at least wait until she gets sick??? Duh.

Since Tigger is still positive, I asked the vet about Winstrol if he needs 
something later on, and she is now AGREEABLE to getting it for me at that point 
if necessary. I am located in West Central Wisconsin. I hope I never need to 
ask for it, but  it was nice to hear that she is willing to prescribe it if I 
want it. Maybe there are a few vets that are beginning to listen. When Tigger 
first got sick, she did not offer it, but I have mentioned it to her a few 
times so she may have done some reading on it. I also am using a second vet who 
is closer to my home for some of Tigg’s needs and have talked to them about it 
too. Their position on FeLV+ cats has always been to euthanize immediately, and 
since Tigger’s return to health, they were questioning me on what my other vet 
did to treat him. Both of the vet offices have been amazed at Tigger’s 
recovery, and seem to feel that now there is a chance for FeLV+ cats. I pray 
every day that Tigger will live out the remainder of his life as a healthy cat. 
He is 5 now, and they feel that he was born with it, even though he tested 
negative when I first found him. (They said he must have been “shedding” the 
virus at the time I had him tested, so the test was inaccurate. Apparently you 
have to retest if you want to be sure…..who knew?) They also told me the 
vaccination can be ineffective in some cases.

Ardy

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Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
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Re: [Felvtalk] FW: Felvtalk Digest, Vol 20, Issue 9

[Ardy Robertson]

My Tigger who is FeLV+ and was sick, has since rounded the corner and is 
better. My vet had him on interferon. After she considered him to be “back to 
normal” she wanted to wait 30 days and retest him for the virus. I had him 
retested two weeks ago, and he is still positive unfortunately but is doing 
wonderfully – eating, drinking, playing, happy etc. He had lost two and a half 
pounds, and has gained it all back except for 2/10’s of a pound. She said he 
could go on like this indefinitely, but is still considered a “carrier”. I of 
course will not have him near other cats except his housemate who is 18 and 
negative. They originally wanted me to put her down too (and she is perfectly 
healthy – just old.) Hello! Could I at least wait until she gets sick??? Duh.

 

Since Tigger is still positive, I asked the vet about Winstrol if he needs 
something later on, and she is now AGREEABLE to getting it for me at that point 
if necessary. I am located in West Central Wisconsin. I hope I never need to 
ask for it, but  it was nice to hear that she is willing to prescribe it if I 
want it. Maybe there are a few vets that are beginning to listen. When Tigger 
first got sick, she did not offer it, but I have mentioned it to her a few 
times so she may have done some reading on it. I also am using a second vet who 
is closer to my home for some of Tigg’s needs and have talked to them about it 
too. Their position on FeLV+ cats has always been to euthanize immediately, and 
since Tigger’s return to health, they were questioning me on what my other vet 
did to treat him. Both of the vet offices have been amazed at Tigger’s 
recovery, and seem to feel that now there is a chance for FeLV+ cats. I pray 
every day that Tigger will live out the remainder of his life as a healthy cat. 
He is 5 now, and they feel that he was born with it, even though he tested 
negative when I first found him. (They said he must have been “shedding” the 
virus at the time I had him tested, so the test was inaccurate. Apparently you 
have to retest if you want to be sure…..who knew?) They also told me the 
vaccination can be ineffective in some cases. 

 

Ardy

 

 

From: Felvtalk [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Amani 
Oakley
Sent: Monday, December 21, 2015 11:35 AM
To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
Subject: [Felvtalk] FW: Felvtalk Digest, Vol 20, Issue 9

 

I tried to send this on December 19th. It is being held to review by the 
listserve because it is too large a file. I don’t know how long it takes to 
review, but I think three days is a bit unreasonable. I am trying to send it 
again.

 

Amani

 

 

 

Dear Annette:

 

Believe me – I’ve talked and talked to my vets and a very good friend of mine 
who is also a senior research vet. They really can’t give me any reason for the 
bizarre response. They refer back to the rise in enzymes but also – like your 
vet – usually concede the rise is temporary and there is no real evidence of 
actual damage to the liver. Having had these conversations, researched the 
medication like crazy, especially in light of the amazing response I have seen 
in my cats, I ultimately came up with the theory of the bad association with 
athletic abuse. Maybe it’s a little like going in and asking for a substance 
that the general public associates with bad things – say cannabis (marijuana). 
Even with proof of a good response in animals (because there is also evidence 
on line of Winstrol’s effectiveness in dogs) the immediate reaction would be a 
negative one because of the public perception of cannabis.

 

However, the problem I have with this automatic and not-particularly 
well-thought out response is several-fold:

 

1.   We just DON’T have that many effective options with feline leukemia so 
to refuse to even consider a medication that may reverse the severe anemia 
which results from FeLV and seems to also boost the production of white cells 
and platelets, as well as allowing the animal to FEEL better, eat more and put 
on weight, is nonsensical, and frankly, the choice should be that of the owner 
– not the vet. If something might actually save my cat’s life, I have a right 
to know about it, rather than being told to put my cat down. Period.

2.   It is highly unlikely that a vet would not know if a person were 
instead abusing the medication for him/herself or selling it. At the 
recommended dose for a cat (1 mg tablets), a person would have to take 10 to 12 
tablets to get to the RECOMMENDED dose for a human. To abuse the drug at the 
levels taken by athletes, one would have to take more than double those number 
of tablets daily (and I have no idea how many more than double, since athletes 
sometimes use it at 100 or 1,000 times higher than the recommended dose). But 
even at the recommended human dose – ie – a level which is used in humans to 
treat things like severe anemia – the average number of pills given by a vet at 
one time for a cat (say 50 to 100