For Gary---Determing the stages of FeLV

[Kerry MacKenzie]

Hello Gary Bless you for fostering the kitties, and for wanting to do the best for them since they tested FeLV positive. FeLV isn't like cancer where the more advanced the stage, the less likelihood of recovery. Rather, FeLV depresses the immune system, so the most important goal is to do as much as possible to boost the immune system. Buying the highest quality of food you can afford--eg with no additives or preservatives--and using filtered water are an excellent start. Many members on the list use supplements. Many members have, or have had, FeLv cats that lived to a ripe old age. Others--including myself--have loved and cared for FeLV kitties that died way before their time, but nonetheless enjoyed life until succumbing. Here's an excerpt from The New Natural Cat--A Complete Guide for Finicky Owners, by Anitra Frazier-- if you come across the book, it's in the Feline Leukemia section on pages 326/327)--that you may find useful in regard to your question. "When a positive cat---one carrying the virus--comes into contact with a negative cat--one not carrying the virus--the negative, but exposed cat may: *not become affected in any way; *become infected (positive), develop immunity, and revert again to being negative; *become positive, but not become ill and remain positive--thus becoming a new carrier of the virus; *become positive and develop lymphosarcoma, leukemia, or other cancer; or *become positive and be ill from the virus infection, much like flu; and then recover and remain positive or become negative. "A positive cat who has not developed cancer can be tested again in three months. If he has been treated by an experienced veterinary homeopath and put on a high-quality diet designed to build general health and strengthen the immune system, chances are good that he will have reverted to negative. "(my emphasis--unfortunately mine did not revert) Please feel free to ask as many Qs as you need to---I'm sorry you've had to find us, but this is without doubt the best source of information you will find anywhere, including a vet clinic (I'm relatively inexperienced, and it's been a godsend to me). You won't find a more supportive, generous, informed group of people anywhere. Weekends can be slow, but you'll find many more people will respond to any further questions you have.  (There's also an archive, with every past question and response posted there.) Hope this is of some help. Again, bless you for caring enough. Kerry  ----- Original Message ----- From: Chris To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Saturday, September 24, 2005 10:11 PM Subject: RE: Determing the stages of FeLV I’m not sure what you mean by ‘stages’…..    Chris [EMAIL PROTECTED] -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of gary Sent: Saturday, September 24, 2005 4:12 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Determing the stages of FeLV   Hello All,   First, my heart goes out to those whose little ones recently passed.   I am new to the list and new to dealing with FeLV, I now have 3 fosters that have tested positive.  Fortunately, no are sick at this time.  I was wondering how you determine what stage of FeLV they are in?   Gary