for what it's worth, because it's not really definite, i just read on one of the health lists that the FeLV vaccination protocol is currently being revised, as was done for the other main vaccinations..... don't know how long a process this is/will be, but will share anything i learn when i do!
On 4/30/06, Dudes <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
Hi Everyone, I know it's been a long time, but I started a new job at the beginning of the year, and things were kind of stressful for all of us here at home for a while, but in the meantime, I have been reading when I can in lurk. I do have an update on my cats that relates to this thread, even if a little late. If anyone may remember, we took in Cotton, the little orange cat who did not have a stable home, but who is now a little over a year old. After his former housemate died, we discovered to our great upset, that he is FeLV+. But I guess a good diet and stable routine at home among other things have agreed with him, because he's been really well. My other three older established cats, Myca, Miss and Cricket were all tested shortly after we found out about Cotton,and Myca and Miss both tested negative. But Cricket tested positive in the office the last time she went. When I last talked to the list, Cotton had a bout of illness which landed him in the vet ER, and subsequently it was recommended that he have an ultrasound of his liver and kidneys, as they were enlarged. But I felt compelled to have him examined again, as the xray which prompted this recommendation was taken when he was quite ill and rather dehydrated. When I did take him back in, the vet said he didn't need it after all. His abdomen palpated within normal range, and his bloodwork is all normal. He said we can just treat him like a normal cat now, he just needs more frequent checkups. I had him neutered, he never missed a beat, and his behavior (spraying, fighting with Cricket) has improved somewhat. He also got a rabies vaccine, which didn't seem to bother him at all. My worries are now about my petite all-black female Cricket, who is now six. She has been in a few bad fights with Cotton despite our efforts to keep them separate, since she hates him. Both of them have had some bite wounds which drew blood. I had her tested a few weeks ago by IFA, and she is positive. She was not showing any symptoms of viremia, but she did have a heart murmur on her checkup, and although I hesitated, she got her rabies vaccine, and it did seem to be hard on her. For a couple of days she seemed tender at the injection site, and was quieter than usual. Other than that, she is well. My theory about Cricket is that she was (and still is) the most highly stressed by Cotton's arrival, and perhaps the affect on her immune system contributed to her contracting FeLV. The other two cats were boostered once, and continue to be negative. Anyone have any experience with heart murmurs? I also wonder how this relates to her FeLV+ status? She has not ever had a murmur before. The vet is going to recheck her, and if it is still present, he will order an echo, which I agree should be done promptly. She has an appointment in two weeks to be re-evaluated. Any advice would be appreciated. Sandy Carter Myca, Miss, Cricket and Cotton [EMAIL PROTECTED]
-- MaryChristine AIM / YAHOO: TenHouseCats MSN: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ICQ: 289856892
