Re: [Felvtalk] Felv Testing flowchart
I have a kitten that tested positive on her in-house ELISA test. I think I'm going to do the ELISA test that is sent out to the lab next. Does anyone know if antibiotics like Clavamox would affect the outcome of the test? I wouldn't think so but you never know. “I am not interested to know whether vivisection produces results that are profitable to the human race or doesn’t….the pain which it inflicts upon unconsenting animals is the basis of my enmity toward it, and it is to me sufficient justification of the enmity without looking further.” – Mark Twain From: gebr...@hotmail.com To: gbl...@aristotle.net; felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Date: Fri, 4 Nov 2011 10:52:27 -0700 Subject: [Felvtalk] Felv Testing flowchart Dear Gloria and all, Here is a link that was sent to me a couple of years ago that I found very helpful. It shows a flowchart with the testing protocols. It doesn't specify much in the way of time frames though. If the kittens tests a "weak" positive on the SNAP Elisa, there is a very good chance that a later retest will be negaive. I was told to wait about a month for a retest, but have had one older kitten test negative on retest in 10 days! I had him retested sooner since he had been in foster care for over a month and his brother tested negative even through they had been very close - mutual grooming, play biting, sharing food dishes/litterboxes, etc. The SNAP tests are VERY sensitive and can sometimes produce light or weak positives if the kitten has been lightly exposed to URI but appears healthy. http://www.felineleukemia.org/felvhlth.html Here is the link to the info. I have quite a bit of other info I have accumulated in case anyone is interested. G ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] FeLV testing protocols
i did not try to bring in my ferals until they had accepted me. i have a "cat house" on the deck for them to sleep in andi put out food until they don't run and then i start holding food in my hand and letting them approach me. at first they snatch and run, but eventually they learn to trust and let me scratch their chin. from then on, they are mine. it usually takes about 6 - 8 months. then i bring them in and when they are at ease, we go to the vet. Beth Noren wrote: > Hi Georgetta, > Yup, I understand how bitey an unsocialized singleton can be! My arms > were SO scratched up from my first positive that lived in quarantine > from 6-12 weeks. Others here may have better references, but I found > one article that says that the time between infection and testing > positive is normally 2-8 weeks. If funds allowed, perhaps one snap > test when the litters are combined, and another prior to adoption? > May not be practical or affordable for a real rescue, I've just done > my private little rescues and kept more (10 total, 2 now deceased) > than I've managed to adopt out (7). I'll see what other references I > can find in the morning... > > Good night, > Beth N. > > ___ > Felvtalk mailing list > Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] FeLV testing protocols
Georgetta, Here are more links that I could find on when to test, somewhat contradictory. Since the Elisa looks for antigens, not antibodies, you can test as young as you like without worrying about maternal antibodies interfering. But, since the virus needs some time to incubate (I'm seeing anywhere from 2-9 weeks mentioned) the earlier you test, the greater a risk you run of getting a false negative. Maybe decide based on risk factors, quarantining those from colonies with a history of positives, those from hoarders, the runts, and sickies as long as possible, and quickly socializing those born to indoor only cats in small number homes (oops litters, or the "I just wanted the kids to see the miracle of birth" babies)? Most cats are adopted out as negative on the basis of just one test, and most adopters don't retest, so there are probably a lot of positives slipping through already anyway. Beth http://www.winnfelinehealth.org/Pages/FeLV_Web.pdf “Vaccination for FeLV does not affect test results since the tests are for viral antigens, not antibodies. Kittens can be tested at any age because maternal immunity does not interfere with testing.” http://www.cpvh.com/Articles/17.html “Diagnosis is made by clinical signs and a positive blood test. Testing is recommended for kittens at least 8-9 weeks of age, all stray cats, and ill cats. Because of the incubation period and also the cat’s ability to fight off the disease, it is recommended to perform two tests at least two months apart. A new kitten or stray cat could be incubating FeLV, and if tested too early in the disease, will receive a false negative result on the test.” http://www.vet.uga.edu/vpp/clerk/iyer/index.php “Viremia is usually evident 2-4 weeks after FeLV infection.” http://www.felineleukemia.org/felvhlth.html Chart for testing protocols which recommends final testing be done 90 days post exposure, if possible. Also gives different protocols based on known versus unknown exposure history. ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] FeLV testing protocols
I had a single kitten with ringworm so bad that she even lost her whiskers and we called her PJ for Piranha Jane because all she did was bite bite bite bite ;) > Date: Sun, 26 Sep 2010 23:30:56 -0400 > From: maxgoodb...@gmail.com > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] FeLV testing protocols > > Hi Georgetta, > Yup, I understand how bitey an unsocialized singleton can be! My arms > were SO scratched up from my first positive that lived in quarantine > from 6-12 weeks. Others here may have better references, but I found > one article that says that the time between infection and testing > positive is normally 2-8 weeks. If funds allowed, perhaps one snap > test when the litters are combined, and another prior to adoption? > May not be practical or affordable for a real rescue, I've just done > my private little rescues and kept more (10 total, 2 now deceased) > than I've managed to adopt out (7). I'll see what other references I > can find in the morning... > > Good night, > Beth N. > > ___ > Felvtalk mailing list > Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] FeLV testing protocols
Hi Georgetta, Yup, I understand how bitey an unsocialized singleton can be! My arms were SO scratched up from my first positive that lived in quarantine from 6-12 weeks. Others here may have better references, but I found one article that says that the time between infection and testing positive is normally 2-8 weeks. If funds allowed, perhaps one snap test when the litters are combined, and another prior to adoption? May not be practical or affordable for a real rescue, I've just done my private little rescues and kept more (10 total, 2 now deceased) than I've managed to adopt out (7). I'll see what other references I can find in the morning... Good night, Beth N. ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] FelV testing
i am SO grateful that i never had a cat i was about to adopt test positive--all i know, until about 2002, was that you SHOULD get them tested like the vast majority of folks, i would have followed the vet's recommendation and euthed the kitty. i know of many in the shelter where i worked who were asymptomatic who were just routinely killed: remember, tho, that that's why we're all here: to learn and teach others. i know it would be very hard for me had i had a healthy positive euthed, but hopefully i'd have come to realize i didn't know better. how did we network and learn from one another before the web i'm a chat host on a cat website, and when people come to chat or post on the boards about having had their vet tell them to kill their FIVs or FeLVs--especially when the cats have been members of the family for awhile, and were just tested routinely--and they did so, i don't know what to say. at that day and time--sometimes in pet loss chats--just doesn't seem right to add more pain to their lives, but i get so frustrated... MC -- Spay & Neuter Your Neighbors! Maybe That'll Make The Difference MaryChristine Special-Needs Coordinator, Purebred Cat Breed Rescue (www.purebredcats.org) Member, SCAT (Special-Cat Action Team) ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] FelV testing
Lorrie, I had that very same experience a few years agoand I still feel guilt to this very dayat least I know I am not alone. Never again! Debbie (COL) "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle" Philo > Date: Fri, 2 Oct 2009 07:03:39 -0400 > From: felineres...@kvinet.com > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] FelV testing > > I'm with you on that one Ignorance is bliss. I still feel > guilty over a cat I PTS years ago, just because I tested him and he > was FelV pos. This was what was recommended then, but I'd have never > known he was positive otherwise. I had 4 other cats at the time and > he'd been with them for years, and none of them were pos. They also > hadn't gotten FelV vaccinations, so I really don't think it's as > contagious as they say. Now I'd NEVER put a positive cat down unless > it was extremely ill or dying. > > Lorrie > > > On 10-01, MaryChristine wrote: > > > > sometimes i wonder, too, about why we bother testing: as chris says, > > ignorance is bliss > > > > MC > > ___ > Felvtalk mailing list > Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org _ Invite your mail contacts to join your friends list with Windows Live Spaces. It's easy! http://spaces.live.com/spacesapi.aspx?wx_action=create&wx_url=/friends.aspx&mkt=en-us ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] FelV testing
I'm with you on that one Ignorance is bliss. I still feel guilty over a cat I PTS years ago, just because I tested him and he was FelV pos. This was what was recommended then, but I'd have never known he was positive otherwise. I had 4 other cats at the time and he'd been with them for years, and none of them were pos. They also hadn't gotten FelV vaccinations, so I really don't think it's as contagious as they say. Now I'd NEVER put a positive cat down unless it was extremely ill or dying. Lorrie On 10-01, MaryChristine wrote: > > sometimes i wonder, too, about why we bother testing: as chris says, > ignorance is bliss > > MC ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Felv Testing Interval for kittens
I think the only way to get a 'true' test on felv kittens is to test them asap and then wait at least 60 days (preferably 90). Keep them totally away from other cats, and then retest. This is so hard to do that I don't think anyone can judge a cat at any age as positive or negative from one test. tonya MaryChristine <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: still seems like it doesn't make sense--i know better than most that it takes an adult cat 90 to 120 days to develop antigens after exposure, so why then do so many articles say that you can test kittens at any age? why not just SAY that a test result isn't valid in kittens before then? seems to me that this is another one of those, "we really don't know, so each of us will make it up as we go along," situations. I WANT ONE ANSWER, darn it! i don't care what it is, i just want one that everyone can agree upon, is that really too much to ask? (yeah, that was a rhetorical question.) and unfortunately, not enough vets seem to know that FIV kittens will show their mom's antibodies, and, subsequently, fewer shelters and rescues do. in EITHER case, a single test should never be taken as definitive--and all the major vet schools, and professional associations and literature have said so for years. hasn't made a whole lot of difference. thanks for the link to the shelter med article, tho, as it confirms some of what i'd been seeing the journals, that transplacental transmission was no longer being considered the main vector. hopefully, i'll be able to find those links again. (i have everything saved--it's just finding it again that can be problematical... ) MC ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Felv Testing Interval for kittens
my crf kitty, who was fed delicat from the time she was weaned at 4 weeks of age (i rescued her at years old), and REFUSED to eat anything other than that--she'd hold her nose and turn calico and BLUE before she'd eat anything else, WOULD eat a home-made ground turkey diet, with hard-boiled eggs for taurine, and brown rice to stretch it out (yeah, i know they don't NEED carbs) then she stopped eating that, too. now she gets whatever it is she'll eat--fancy feast, friskies, 9 lives--all meat ones, no fish. i've tried to have the, "you have to eat well or you'll DIE," discussion with her, and she just gazes at me with her green eyes and says, "mom, i'm going to die anyway, in my own time. you know that, i know that. give it a rest." calicos can be a REAL pain. On Sun, Jul 27, 2008 at 7:29 PM, Sharyl <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Debbie, I don't mean to be sarcastic but it really depends on the issues > the cat has or doesn't have. For my CRF kitty I am looking for the lowest > phosphorus food she'll eat. Cats with sensitive systems really need grain > free foods. > > > > For most cats a high quality canned food is usually best. High quality > doesn't necessarily mean highest price. You can go to > www.petfooddirect.com and find the ingredients for most canned and dry > foods. > > > > I avoid anything with garlic/onions or designer ingredients. Many > companies are adding ingredients that people take for various health issues > without testing to see the impact on cats. For this reason I avoid any > food with cranberries. I expect the 1st few ingredients to be a protein in > the form of a meat. I avoid any food where the first or second ingredient > is a grain. Cats are carnivores not herbivores. > > > > All that said I feed my CRF kitty whatever she will eat. Today it was > Fancy Feast. Yesterday it was Friskies. She refuses to eat any of the > renal diets or any of the so called 'high quality' foods. > > HTH > > Sharyl > > --- On *Sun, 7/27/08, Debbie Harrison <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>* wrote: > > From: Debbie Harrison <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Felv Testing Interval for kittens > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Date: Sunday, July 27, 2008, 3:41 PM > > well...that went poorly...I was asking what constitutes a good diet for > cats these days...please. > > Debbie (COL) > "You gotta bloom where you're planted!" > > > > > ___ > Felvtalk mailing list > Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org > > -- Spay & Neuter Your Neighbors! Maybe That'll Make The Difference MaryChristine ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Felv Testing Interval for kittens
Debbie, I don't mean to be sarcastic but it really depends on the issues the
cat has or doesn't have. For my CRF kitty I am looking for the lowest
phosphorus food she'll eat. Cats with sensitive systems really need grain free
foods.
For most cats a high quality canned food is usually best. High quality doesn't
necessarily mean highest price. You can go to www.petfooddirect.com and find
the ingredients for most canned and dry foods.
I avoid anything with garlic/onions or designer ingredients. Many companies
are adding ingredients that people take for various health issues without
testing to see the impact on cats. For this reason I avoid any food with
cranberries. I expect the 1st few ingredients to be a protein in the form of a
meat. I avoid any food where the first or second ingredient is a grain. Cats
are carnivores not herbivores.
All that said I feed my CRF kitty whatever she will eat. Today it was Fancy
Feast. Yesterday it was Friskies. She refuses to eat any of the renal diets
or any of the so called 'high quality' foods.
HTH
Sharyl
--- On Sun, 7/27/08, Debbie Harrison <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
From: Debbie Harrison <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Felv Testing Interval for kittens
To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
Date: Sunday, July 27, 2008, 3:41 PM
#yiv2102308790 .hmmessage P
{
margin:0px;padding:0px;}
#yiv2102308790 {
FONT-SIZE:10pt;FONT-FAMILY:Tahoma;}
well...that went poorly...I was asking what constitutes a good diet for cats
these days...please.
Debbie (COL)
"You gotta bloom where you're planted!"
___
Felvtalk mailing list
Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Felv Testing Interval for kittens
well...that went poorly...I was asking what constitutes a good diet for cats these days...please.Debbie (COL)"You gotta bloom where you're planted!" From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]: [EMAIL PROTECTED]: Mon, 28 Jul 2008 00:39:29 +0500Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Felv Testing Interval for kittens Michele (and others)...not being sarcastic...I really need to know!! From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]: [EMAIL PROTECTED]: Sun, 27 Jul 2008 06:23:16 +0000Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Felv Testing Interval for kittens Hi, We've had several FIV cats and they've all lived well into their teens. We didn't even start to see any health problems until they were older. One of our FIV cats is about 15 and she has only ever been to the vet for routine things. The one thing I would suggest is that you feed a really good quality diet and also that you get regular teeth cleanings. FIV cats tend to have teeth problems. Michele -- Original message -- From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > We have had a kitten since last summer when he was about 2 1/2 to 3 weeks old. > He came back possitive FIV. He was tested again when he was about 9 or 10 > months old and sad to say, he was still possitive. So I guess he does have FIV. > Not sure what to do now. Thanks, Robin P. > gary wrote: > > OK, here we go. > > > > The only reason to test a kitten for FIV before 6 months is to obtain a > negative test and know for certain the kitten does NOT have FIV and can be > adopted without the chance of FIV. We all know that MOST kittens who test > positive for FIV will test negative when retested around 6 months of age. > > > > For FeLV, the accuracy of the test itself is not affect ed by the age of the > kitten (at least I have never seen any data to indicate that) however, it can > take 1 to 3 months to develop FeLV antigens to a detectable level after > exposure. Some feel they are detectable in as little as 2 weeks. The vet is > just trying to avoid a false negative. > > > > Unfortunately, there has not been enough study done to know just how much > exposure and for what length of time it takes to infect a kitten or a cat. An > article in Shelter Medicine says, "FeLV can be spread transplacentally from > mother to offspring, but spread via nursing or grooming is more common." > http://www.sheltermedicine.com/portal/is_feline_felv.shtml > > > > They don't reference any data for that. Sort of leaves you in a tough place > if you have a know FeLV queen about to give birth, do the kittens already have > it, or do you snatch them away as soon as they ar e born so they don't get it > from milk or grooming? > > > > Hope that helps. > > > > Gary > > - Original Message - > > From: MaryChristine > > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > > Sent: Friday, July 25, 2008 1:19 PM > > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Felv Testing Interval for kittens > > > > > > i guess the question is this, tho i may be wrong: > > > > there is no point in testing for FIV until at least six months of age, > because both the ELISA and western blot test antibodies, and kittens will show > their MOM'S antibodies until (and often for two or three motnsh beyond) then. > > > > is the only reason that the article i just read said you can test for FeLV, > which tests antigens instead of antibodies? why would the vet mentioned above > then say 3 months is the best age? > > ; > > > > > > > ___ > Felvtalk mailing list > Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org Connect to the next generation of MSN Messenger Get it now! _ News, entertainment and everything you care about at Live.com. Get it now! http://www.live.com/getstarted.aspx___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Felv Testing Interval for kittens
Michele (and others)...not being sarcastic...I really need to know!! From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]: [EMAIL PROTECTED]: Sun, 27 Jul 2008 06:23:16 +Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Felv Testing Interval for kittens Hi, We've had several FIV cats and they've all lived well into their teens. We didn't even start to see any health problems until they were older. One of our FIV cats is about 15 and she has only ever been to the vet for routine things. The one thing I would suggest is that you feed a really good quality diet and also that you get regular teeth cleanings. FIV cats tend to have teeth problems. Michele -- Original message -- From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > We have had a kitten since last summer when he was about 2 1/2 to 3 weeks old. > He came back possitive FIV. He was tested again when he was about 9 or 10 > months old and sad to say, he was still possitive. So I guess he does have FIV. > Not sure what to do now. Thanks, Robin P. > gary wrote: > > OK, here we go. > > > > The only reason to test a kitten for FIV before 6 months is to obtain a > negative test and know for certain the kitten does NOT have FIV and can be > adopted without the chance of FIV. We all know that MOST kittens who test > positive for FIV will test negative when retested around 6 months of age. > > > > For FeLV, the accuracy of the test itself is not affect ed by the age of the > kitten (at least I have never seen any data to indicate that) however, it can > take 1 to 3 months to develop FeLV antigens to a detectable level after > exposure. Some feel they are detectable in as little as 2 weeks. The vet is > just trying to avoid a false negative. > > > > Unfortunately, there has not been enough study done to know just how much > exposure and for what length of time it takes to infect a kitten or a cat. An > article in Shelter Medicine says, "FeLV can be spread transplacentally from > mother to offspring, but spread via nursing or grooming is more common." > http://www.sheltermedicine.com/portal/is_feline_felv.shtml > > > > They don't reference any data for that. Sort of leaves you in a tough place > if you have a know FeLV queen about to give birth, do the kittens already have > it, or do you snatch them away as soon as they ar e born so they don't get it > from milk or grooming? > > > > Hope that helps. > > > > Gary > > - Original Message - > > From: MaryChristine > > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > > Sent: Friday, July 25, 2008 1:19 PM > > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Felv Testing Interval for kittens > > > > > > i guess the question is this, tho i may be wrong: > > > > there is no point in testing for FIV until at least six months of age, > because both the ELISA and western blot test antibodies, and kittens will show > their MOM'S antibodies until (and often for two or three motnsh beyond) then. > > > > is the only reason that the article i just read said you can test for FeLV, > which tests antigens instead of antibodies? why would the vet mentioned above > then say 3 months is the best age? > > ; > > > > > > > ___ > Felvtalk mailing list > Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org _ Connect to the next generation of MSN Messenger http://imagine-msn.com/messenger/launch80/default.aspx?locale=en-us&source=wlmailtagline___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Felv Testing Interval for kittens
I would just keep doing whatever you're doing. Having fiv is one of the 'best' things to have if you have to have a health problem and you're a cat. t [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: We have had a kitten since last summer when he was about 2 1/2 to 3 weeks old. He came back possitive FIV. He was tested again when he was about 9 or 10 months old and sad to say, he was still possitive. So I guess he does have FIV. Not sure what to do now. Thanks, Robin P. gary wrote: > OK, here we go. > > The only reason to test a kitten for FIV before 6 months is to obtain a > negative test and know for certain the kitten does NOT have FIV and can be > adopted without the chance of FIV. We all know that MOST kittens who test > positive for FIV will test negative when retested around 6 months of age. > > For FeLV, the accuracy of the test itself is not affected by the age of the > kitten (at least I have never seen any data to indicate that) however, it can > take 1 to 3 months to develop FeLV antigens to a detectable level after > exposure. Some feel they are detectable in as little as 2 weeks. The vet is > just trying to avoid a false negative. > > Unfortunately, there has not been enough study done to know just how much > exposure and for what length of time it takes to infect a kitten or a cat. An > article in Shelter Medicine says, "FeLV can be spread transplacentally from > mother to offspring, but spread via nursing or grooming is more common." > http://www.sheltermedicine.com/portal/is_feline_felv.shtml > > They don't reference any data for that. Sort of leaves you in a tough place > if you have a know FeLV queen about to give birth, do the kittens already > have it, or do you snatch them away as soon as they are born so they don't > get it from milk or grooming? > > Hope that helps. > > Gary > - Original Message ----- > From: MaryChristine > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Sent: Friday, July 25, 2008 1:19 PM > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Felv Testing Interval for kittens > > > i guess the question is this, tho i may be wrong: > > there is no point in testing for FIV until at least six months of age, > because both the ELISA and western blot test antibodies, and kittens will > show their MOM'S antibodies until (and often for two or three motnsh beyond) > then. > > is the only reason that the article i just read said you can test for FeLV, > which tests antigens instead of antibodies? why would the vet mentioned above > then say 3 months is the best age? > > > ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Felv Testing Interval for kittens
still seems like it doesn't make sense--i know better than most that it takes an adult cat 90 to 120 days to develop antigens after exposure, so why then do so many articles say that you can test kittens at any age? why not just SAY that a test result isn't valid in kittens before then? seems to me that this is another one of those, "we really don't know, so each of us will make it up as we go along," situations. I WANT ONE ANSWER, darn it! i don't care what it is, i just want one that everyone can agree upon, is that really too much to ask? (yeah, that was a rhetorical question.) and unfortunately, not enough vets seem to know that FIV kittens will show their mom's antibodies, and, subsequently, fewer shelters and rescues do. in EITHER case, a single test should never be taken as definitive--and all the major vet schools, and professional associations and literature have said so for years. hasn't made a whole lot of difference. thanks for the link to the shelter med article, tho, as it confirms some of what i'd been seeing the journals, that transplacental transmission was no longer being considered the main vector. hopefully, i'll be able to find those links again. (i have everything saved--it's just finding it again that can be problematical... ) MC On Sat, Jul 26, 2008 at 12:54 AM, gary <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > OK, here we go. > > The only reason to test a kitten for FIV before 6 months is to obtain a > negative test and know for certain the kitten does NOT have FIV and can be > adopted without the chance of FIV. We all know that MOST kittens who test > positive for FIV will test negative when retested around 6 months of age. > > For FeLV, the accuracy of the test itself is not affected by the age of the > kitten (at least I have never seen any data to indicate that) however, it > can take 1 to 3 months to develop FeLV antigens to a detectable level after > exposure. Some feel they are detectable in as little as 2 weeks. The vet > is just trying to avoid a false negative. > > Unfortunately, there has not been enough study done to know just how much > exposure and for what length of time it takes to infect a kitten or a cat. > An article in Shelter Medicine says, "FeLV can be spread transplacentally > from mother to offspring, but spread via nursing or grooming is more > common." http://www.sheltermedicine.com/portal/is_feline_felv.shtml > > They don't reference any data for that. Sort of leaves you in a tough > place if you have a know FeLV queen about to give birth, do the > kittens already have it, or do you snatch them away as soon as they are born > so they don't get it from milk or grooming? > > Hope that helps. > > Gary > > - Original Message - > *From:* MaryChristine <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > *To:* felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > *Sent:* Friday, July 25, 2008 1:19 PM > *Subject:* Re: [Felvtalk] Felv Testing Interval for kittens > > i guess the question is this, tho i may be wrong: > > there is no point in testing for FIV until at least six months of age, > because both the ELISA and western blot test antibodies, and kittens will > show their MOM'S antibodies until (and often for two or three motnsh beyond) > then. > > is the only reason that the article i just read said you can test for FeLV, > which tests antigens instead of antibodies? why would the vet mentioned > above then say 3 months is the best age? > > > > > ___ > Felvtalk mailing list > Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org > > -- Spay & Neuter Your Neighbors! Maybe That'll Make The Difference MaryChristine ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Felv Testing Interval for kittens
there are MANY MANY things about FIV that make it better than having FeLV--join the yahoogroup FIVCats2 for accurate info. MC On Sun, Jul 27, 2008 at 12:20 AM, gary <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Robin, > > Time now for a Western Blot test, that is the confirmation test for FIV. > If > you want to discuss FIV and what to so with this kitty, contact, me off > list > and we can talk about it. There are some things about it that make it > better than the kitty having FeLV. > > Gary > > - Original Message - > From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > To: > Cc: "gary" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Sent: Saturday, July 26, 2008 11:06 PM > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Felv Testing Interval for kittens > > > > We have had a kitten since last summer when he was about 2 1/2 to 3 weeks > > old. He came back possitive FIV. He was tested again when he was about > 9 > > or 10 months old and sad to say, he was still possitive. So I guess he > > does have FIV. Not sure what to do now. Thanks, Robin P. > > gary <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > >> OK, here we go. > >> > >> The only reason to test a kitten for FIV before 6 months is to obtain a > >> negative test and know for certain the kitten does NOT have FIV and can > >> be adopted without the chance of FIV. We all know that MOST kittens who > >> test positive for FIV will test negative when retested around 6 months > >> of age. > > > ___ > Felvtalk mailing list > Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org > -- Spay & Neuter Your Neighbors! Maybe That'll Make The Difference MaryChristine ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Felv Testing Interval for kittens
I don't know why. I think most people just wait on both tests (at shelters) until the kittens are old enough to combo test. I think you could give the leukemia test at any age. Honestly, if I were taking in a new cat I would not even test it as a requisite to taking it in at this point. t MaryChristine <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: i guess the question is this, tho i may be wrong: there is no point in testing for FIV until at least six months of age, because both the ELISA and western blot test antibodies, and kittens will show their MOM'S antibodies until (and often for two or three motnsh beyond) then. is the only reason that the article i just read said you can test for FeLV, which tests antigens instead of antibodies? why would the vet mentioned above then say 3 months is the best age? ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Felv Testing Interval for kittens
Hi, We've had several FIV cats and they've all lived well into their teens. We didn't even start to see any health problems until they were older. One of our FIV cats is about 15 and she has only ever been to the vet for routine things. The one thing I would suggest is that you feed a really good quality diet and also that you get regular teeth cleanings. FIV cats tend to have teeth problems. Michele -- Original message -- From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > We have had a kitten since last summer when he was about 2 1/2 to 3 weeks > old. > He came back possitive FIV. He was tested again when he was about 9 or 10 > months old and sad to say, he was still possitive. So I guess he does have > FIV. > Not sure what to do now. Thanks, Robin P. > gary wrote: > > OK, here we go. > > > > The only reason to test a kitten for FIV before 6 months is to obtain a > negative test and know for certain the kitten does NOT have FIV and can be > adopted without the chance of FIV. We all know that MOST kittens who test > positive for FIV will test negative when retested around 6 months of age. > > > > For FeLV, the accuracy of the test itself is not affected by the age of the > kitten (at least I have never seen any data to indicate that) however, it can > take 1 to 3 months to develop FeLV antigens to a detectable level after > exposure. Some feel they are detectable in as little as 2 weeks. The vet is > just trying to avoid a false negative. > > > > Unfortunately, there has not been enough study done to know just how much > exposure and for what length of time it takes to infect a kitten or a cat. An > article in Shelter Medicine says, "FeLV can be spread transplacentally from > mother to offspring, but spread via nursing or grooming is more common." > http://www.sheltermedicine.com/portal/is_feline_felv.shtml > > > > They don't reference any data for that. Sort of leaves you in a tough place > if you have a know FeLV queen about to give birth, do the kittens already > have > it, or do you snatch them away as soon as they are born so they don't get it > from milk or grooming? > > > > Hope that helps. > > > > Gary > > - Original Message - > > From: MaryChristine > > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > > Sent: Friday, July 25, 2008 1:19 PM > > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Felv Testing Interval for kittens > > > > > > i guess the question is this, tho i may be wrong: > > > > there is no point in testing for FIV until at least six months of age, > because both the ELISA and western blot test antibodies, and kittens will > show > their MOM'S antibodies until (and often for two or three motnsh beyond) then. > > > > is the only reason that the article i just read said you can test for FeLV, > which tests antigens instead of antibodies? why would the vet mentioned above > then say 3 months is the best age? > > > > > > > > > ___ > Felvtalk mailing list > Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Felv Testing Interval for kittens
Robin, Time now for a Western Blot test, that is the confirmation test for FIV. If you want to discuss FIV and what to so with this kitty, contact, me off list and we can talk about it. There are some things about it that make it better than the kitty having FeLV. Gary - Original Message - From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Cc: "gary" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Saturday, July 26, 2008 11:06 PM Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Felv Testing Interval for kittens > We have had a kitten since last summer when he was about 2 1/2 to 3 weeks > old. He came back possitive FIV. He was tested again when he was about 9 > or 10 months old and sad to say, he was still possitive. So I guess he > does have FIV. Not sure what to do now. Thanks, Robin P. > gary <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >> OK, here we go. >> >> The only reason to test a kitten for FIV before 6 months is to obtain a >> negative test and know for certain the kitten does NOT have FIV and can >> be adopted without the chance of FIV. We all know that MOST kittens who >> test positive for FIV will test negative when retested around 6 months >> of age. ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Felv Testing Interval for kittens
We have had a kitten since last summer when he was about 2 1/2 to 3 weeks old. He came back possitive FIV. He was tested again when he was about 9 or 10 months old and sad to say, he was still possitive. So I guess he does have FIV. Not sure what to do now. Thanks, Robin P. gary <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > OK, here we go. > > The only reason to test a kitten for FIV before 6 months is to obtain a > negative test and know for certain the kitten does NOT have FIV and can be > adopted without the chance of FIV. We all know that MOST kittens who test > positive for FIV will test negative when retested around 6 months of age. > > For FeLV, the accuracy of the test itself is not affected by the age of the > kitten (at least I have never seen any data to indicate that) however, it can > take 1 to 3 months to develop FeLV antigens to a detectable level after > exposure. Some feel they are detectable in as little as 2 weeks. The vet is > just trying to avoid a false negative. > > Unfortunately, there has not been enough study done to know just how much > exposure and for what length of time it takes to infect a kitten or a cat. > An article in Shelter Medicine says, "FeLV can be spread transplacentally > from mother to offspring, but spread via nursing or grooming is more common." > http://www.sheltermedicine.com/portal/is_feline_felv.shtml > > They don't reference any data for that. Sort of leaves you in a tough place > if you have a know FeLV queen about to give birth, do the kittens already > have it, or do you snatch them away as soon as they are born so they don't > get it from milk or grooming? > > Hope that helps. > > Gary > - Original Message - > From: MaryChristine > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Sent: Friday, July 25, 2008 1:19 PM > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Felv Testing Interval for kittens > > > i guess the question is this, tho i may be wrong: > > there is no point in testing for FIV until at least six months of age, > because both the ELISA and western blot test antibodies, and kittens will > show their MOM'S antibodies until (and often for two or three motnsh beyond) > then. > > is the only reason that the article i just read said you can test for FeLV, > which tests antigens instead of antibodies? why would the vet mentioned above > then say 3 months is the best age? > > > ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Felv Testing Interval for kittens
OK, here we go. The only reason to test a kitten for FIV before 6 months is to obtain a negative test and know for certain the kitten does NOT have FIV and can be adopted without the chance of FIV. We all know that MOST kittens who test positive for FIV will test negative when retested around 6 months of age. For FeLV, the accuracy of the test itself is not affected by the age of the kitten (at least I have never seen any data to indicate that) however, it can take 1 to 3 months to develop FeLV antigens to a detectable level after exposure. Some feel they are detectable in as little as 2 weeks. The vet is just trying to avoid a false negative. Unfortunately, there has not been enough study done to know just how much exposure and for what length of time it takes to infect a kitten or a cat. An article in Shelter Medicine says, "FeLV can be spread transplacentally from mother to offspring, but spread via nursing or grooming is more common." http://www.sheltermedicine.com/portal/is_feline_felv.shtml They don't reference any data for that. Sort of leaves you in a tough place if you have a know FeLV queen about to give birth, do the kittens already have it, or do you snatch them away as soon as they are born so they don't get it from milk or grooming? Hope that helps. Gary - Original Message - From: MaryChristine To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Friday, July 25, 2008 1:19 PM Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Felv Testing Interval for kittens i guess the question is this, tho i may be wrong: there is no point in testing for FIV until at least six months of age, because both the ELISA and western blot test antibodies, and kittens will show their MOM'S antibodies until (and often for two or three motnsh beyond) then. is the only reason that the article i just read said you can test for FeLV, which tests antigens instead of antibodies? why would the vet mentioned above then say 3 months is the best age? ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Felv Testing Interval for kittens
it used to be that if the queen was positive, all kittens were presumed to be. likewise, if mom was negative, all kittens were presumed to be. then mixed mom-and-litter combinations started showing up, and all sorts of new theories were prosoed, and it's all up in the air again. from what can gather, we really don't have a clue how mom can be one thing, and the kittens either/or. maybe mom got pregnant late in the period while she was throwing off the virus, and had already built up sufficient antibodies to protect the kittens. maybe she was exposed LATE enough in the pregnancy that the placental barrier was well established and the virus couldn't cross. maybe it doesn't really cross the placental barrier at all, nor is transmitted through the birth process itself--maybe it depends on hom many positive aunties help with the kitten-raising and grooming. i've read all of these suggestions in one place or another. we just don't know yet. we don't know if the same 90-120 days that seems the safest interval for retest (tho i've seen 60 given in some studies; i just don't trust it for myself, because i've seen the higher number more often--if i got a second positive test after only 60 days, i'd just retest in another 60 days anyway, so.) is needed in kittens: with their immature immune systems, maybe 30 days is enough time--tho i hardly doubt it. can you ask the vet who says 30 days to document it? theoretically, he must be basing this recommendation on something, and asking him to show it to you will make him look it up, and he just might find more up-to-date information (or stuff that the rest of us need to have!). a GOOD vet will not hesitate to do so, and either way, we get to build up our library of real references. as for separating mom and babies, that never used to come up, because mom and babies were always assumed to be the same. so a positive mom wasn't taken away cuz her babies were just presumptively positive. i guess this is why any pregnant cat coming into rescue needs to be tested BEFORE the babies arrive, so that plans can be made--and kittens tested right away. i don't know what the best choice is, here--i don't know if nursing positive kittens can infect a negative wetnurse, tho if she's vaccinated, i'd say the findings of no transmission to negatives would hold. this is just another one we don't know nearly enough about--five years ago, there was no question that a positive mom could ever have negative babies, or that any of her positive babies could ever turn negative--they weren't even retested (but neither were the adults, after all.) sigh. MC. On Fri, Jul 25, 2008 at 7:10 AM, Sharyl <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > This is what has confused me. > > 1.) If the feral queen is presumed positive, how long should you wait after > separating the queen and kittens before testing the kittens? > > 2.) If the queen is positive, can the kittens, over time, 'throw off' the > virus? > > 3.) If the 1st ELISA test is positive, how long should you wait before > doing a follow up IFA test? > > > > I'm in a rural area. No vets in my county. The next county has 2 vet > clinics. One believes in PTS for any kitten that test positive and > euthanizing the entire feral colony. The other believes in ELISA retesting > after 1 month. PTS is out of the question for cats/kittens that appear to > be healthy and one month just doesn't seem long enough. So I rely on groups > like this for guidance. > > Sharyl > > > --- On *Fri, 7/25/08, MaryChristine <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>* wrote: > > From: MaryChristine <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Felv Testing Interval for kittens > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Date: Friday, July 25, 2008, 1:01 AM > > > i've never gotten a straight answer to this question, tho a recent > article i read--remember, i'm in the process of compiling an up-to-date > list, so i read things, save the links, and will go back and actually > organize them later, so i DON'T have the links right now--said that, because > of what the test tests, the antigens instead of antibodies, kittens can be > tested at any age. > > if there's anyone who can explain this to those of us who are doing our > best to be scientists when we really aren't, i know that i would appreciate > it! > > > > On Fri, Jul 25, 2008 at 1:06 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] < > [EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > >> Could someone remind me of the age when testing kittens for Felv is. I >> have some 8 week old kittens, Miss'Tache, Gilbert, Perry, and Eeyore, >> born to a feral queen, queen is untested. My rescue group wants to test >> them real soon. >> >> I also have former tom cat w
Re: [Felvtalk] Felv Testing Interval for kittens
i guess the question is this, tho i may be wrong: there is no point in testing for FIV until at least six months of age, because both the ELISA and western blot test antibodies, and kittens will show their MOM'S antibodies until (and often for two or three motnsh beyond) then. is the only reason that the article i just read said you can test for FeLV, which tests antigens instead of antibodies? why would the vet mentioned above then say 3 months is the best age? On Fri, Jul 25, 2008 at 8:45 AM, gary <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > What, exactly, is the question? Do you want to know why you can test for > FeLV at any age? > > Gary > > - Original Message - > *From:* MaryChristine <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > *To:* felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > *Sent:* Friday, July 25, 2008 12:01 AM > *Subject:* Re: [Felvtalk] Felv Testing Interval for kittens > > i've never gotten a straight answer to this question, tho a recent article > i read--remember, i'm in the process of compiling an up-to-date list, so i > read things, save the links, and will go back and actually organize them > later, so i DON'T have the links right now--said that, because of what the > test tests, the antigens instead of antibodies, kittens can be tested at any > age. > > if there's anyone who can explain this to those of us who are doing our > best to be scientists when we really aren't, i know that i would appreciate > it! > > > > On Fri, Jul 25, 2008 at 1:06 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] < > [EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > >> Could someone remind me of the age when testing kittens for Felv is. I >> have some 8 week old kittens, Miss'Tache, Gilbert, Perry, and Eeyore, >> born to a feral queen, queen is untested. My rescue group wants to test >> them real soon. >> >> I also have former tom cat who has tested positive for Felv via a snap >> test, he is in a different room from the kittens and from my cats. As of >> right now he is not showing any symptoms. He is a sweetheart, I think he >> is a dumped cat left to fend for himself. >> >> Thanks >> >> Sam >> >> ___ >> Felvtalk mailing list >> Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org >> http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org >> > > > > -- > Spay & Neuter Your Neighbors! > Maybe That'll Make The Difference > > MaryChristine > > -- > > ___ > Felvtalk mailing list > Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org > > > > __ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus > signature database 3296 (20080724) __ > > The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. > > http://www.eset.com > > > ___ > Felvtalk mailing list > Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org > > -- Spay & Neuter Your Neighbors! Maybe That'll Make The Difference MaryChristine ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Felv Testing Interval for kittens
my unscientifix explanation is that they can be tested for felv at any age, but you won't know if that's a 'true' positive for at least 3 months of time. 3 months that you KNOW they are not with any other exposed cat. I see it as impossible in the real world. I wish the test had never even been invented. t MaryChristine <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: i've never gotten a straight answer to this question, tho a recent article i read--remember, i'm in the process of compiling an up-to-date list, so i read things, save the links, and will go back and actually organize them later, so i DON'T have the links right now--said that, because of what the test tests, the antigens instead of antibodies, kittens can be tested at any age. if there's anyone who can explain this to those of us who are doing our best to be scientists when we really aren't, i know that i would appreciate it! On Fri, Jul 25, 2008 at 1:06 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Could someone remind me of the age when testing kittens for Felv is. I have some 8 week old kittens, Miss'Tache, Gilbert, Perry, and Eeyore, born to a feral queen, queen is untested. My rescue group wants to test them real soon. I also have former tom cat who has tested positive for Felv via a snap test, he is in a different room from the kittens and from my cats. As of right now he is not showing any symptoms. He is a sweetheart, I think he is a dumped cat left to fend for himself. Thanks Sam ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org -- Spay & Neuter Your Neighbors! Maybe That'll Make The Difference MaryChristine ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Felv Testing Interval for kittens
What, exactly, is the question? Do you want to know why you can test for FeLV at any age? Gary - Original Message - From: MaryChristine To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Friday, July 25, 2008 12:01 AM Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Felv Testing Interval for kittens i've never gotten a straight answer to this question, tho a recent article i read--remember, i'm in the process of compiling an up-to-date list, so i read things, save the links, and will go back and actually organize them later, so i DON'T have the links right now--said that, because of what the test tests, the antigens instead of antibodies, kittens can be tested at any age. if there's anyone who can explain this to those of us who are doing our best to be scientists when we really aren't, i know that i would appreciate it! On Fri, Jul 25, 2008 at 1:06 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Could someone remind me of the age when testing kittens for Felv is. I have some 8 week old kittens, Miss'Tache, Gilbert, Perry, and Eeyore, born to a feral queen, queen is untested. My rescue group wants to test them real soon. I also have former tom cat who has tested positive for Felv via a snap test, he is in a different room from the kittens and from my cats. As of right now he is not showing any symptoms. He is a sweetheart, I think he is a dumped cat left to fend for himself. Thanks Sam ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org -- Spay & Neuter Your Neighbors! Maybe That'll Make The Difference MaryChristine -- ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org __ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 3296 (20080724) __ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Felv Testing Interval for kittens
This is what has confused me. 1.) If the feral queen is presumed positive, how long should you wait after separating the queen and kittens before testing the kittens? 2.) If the queen is positive, can the kittens, over time, 'throw off' the virus? 3.) If the 1st ELISA test is positive, how long should you wait before doing a follow up IFA test? I'm in a rural area. No vets in my county. The next county has 2 vet clinics. One believes in PTS for any kitten that test positive and euthanizing the entire feral colony. The other believes in ELISA retesting after 1 month. PTS is out of the question for cats/kittens that appear to be healthy and one month just doesn't seem long enough. So I rely on groups like this for guidance. Sharyl --- On Fri, 7/25/08, MaryChristine <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: From: MaryChristine <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Felv Testing Interval for kittens To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Date: Friday, July 25, 2008, 1:01 AM i've never gotten a straight answer to this question, tho a recent article i read--remember, i'm in the process of compiling an up-to-date list, so i read things, save the links, and will go back and actually organize them later, so i DON'T have the links right now--said that, because of what the test tests, the antigens instead of antibodies, kittens can be tested at any age. if there's anyone who can explain this to those of us who are doing our best to be scientists when we really aren't, i know that i would appreciate it! On Fri, Jul 25, 2008 at 1:06 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Could someone remind me of the age when testing kittens for Felv is. I have some 8 week old kittens, Miss'Tache, Gilbert, Perry, and Eeyore, born to a feral queen, queen is untested. My rescue group wants to test them real soon. I also have former tom cat who has tested positive for Felv via a snap test, he is in a different room from the kittens and from my cats. As of right now he is not showing any symptoms. He is a sweetheart, I think he is a dumped cat left to fend for himself. Thanks Sam ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org -- Spay & Neuter Your Neighbors! Maybe That'll Make The Difference MaryChristine ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Felv Testing Interval for kittens
Although many vets test sooner, my vet feels that you get the more accurate results if you wait until 3 months. - Original Message - From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Sent: Friday, July 25, 2008 1:06 AM Subject: [Felvtalk] Felv Testing Interval for kittens > Could someone remind me of the age when testing kittens for Felv is. I > have some 8 week old kittens, Miss'Tache, Gilbert, Perry, and Eeyore, > born to a feral queen, queen is untested. My rescue group wants to test > them real soon. > > I also have former tom cat who has tested positive for Felv via a snap > test, he is in a different room from the kittens and from my cats. As of > right now he is not showing any symptoms. He is a sweetheart, I think he > is a dumped cat left to fend for himself. > > Thanks > > Sam > > ___ > Felvtalk mailing list > Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org > ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Felv Testing Interval for kittens
i've never gotten a straight answer to this question, tho a recent article i read--remember, i'm in the process of compiling an up-to-date list, so i read things, save the links, and will go back and actually organize them later, so i DON'T have the links right now--said that, because of what the test tests, the antigens instead of antibodies, kittens can be tested at any age. if there's anyone who can explain this to those of us who are doing our best to be scientists when we really aren't, i know that i would appreciate it! On Fri, Jul 25, 2008 at 1:06 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>wrote: > Could someone remind me of the age when testing kittens for Felv is. I > have some 8 week old kittens, Miss'Tache, Gilbert, Perry, and Eeyore, > born to a feral queen, queen is untested. My rescue group wants to test > them real soon. > > I also have former tom cat who has tested positive for Felv via a snap > test, he is in a different room from the kittens and from my cats. As of > right now he is not showing any symptoms. He is a sweetheart, I think he > is a dumped cat left to fend for himself. > > Thanks > > Sam > > ___ > Felvtalk mailing list > Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org > -- Spay & Neuter Your Neighbors! Maybe That'll Make The Difference MaryChristine ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
