Hideyo,
Go to yahoo groups.... they have several
FIV support groups.
As far as FIV+ cats, in the years I have
worked w/ them at the shelter, it always seemed that our FIV+'s were among
the healthiest there. And 90% of them were big, tattered toms that tested
positive when brought in for S/N clinics, usually from TNR groups. (We do
not release any positives) The majority have gone on to lead long,
healthy lives.
As far as their passing, most have
succombed to a secondary illness, probably as a result of their
compromised immune systems. We did notice however a high rate of
"heart related" conditions. I do not know if there is any connection
there.
I have to add, the majority have been very
healthy and we do have many geriatric FIV+'s. But, since we don't
know their history, it's hard to say when they were exposed to the
virus.
In the litters of kittens that have tested
positive, we have never had a entire litter test positive, strangely
enough. And remarkably, we have had MANY kittens that would test
negative/positive back & forth..... Very frustrating. But we always
felt it was well worth the effort to keep them isolated until we had what
we considered a definitive result. Out of the last litter, Mom was
positive and all 4 tested positive thru the first 3 tests. We thought
perhaps since they had all nursed from her, and were already weaned when
they came in, that it had passed to all of them. But knowing how many
before had "shed" the virus, we continued to keep them isolated. The final
results, at 8 months of age, were 2 positive, 2 negative. We then
separated them, and the 2 negatives remained negative, but the 2 positives
remained positive.
There is still so much about FIV, like
Felv, to be learned.
And it's a shame, that many vets also
consider FIV an automatic death sentence.
Best of luck w/ your kitty.
Patti
