Hi Lisa,
Take a look at the responses to Maggie's posts, "Off antibiotics", it
seems like they will apply to you guys as well. I completely agree that
separating Timmy and Chester at this point doesn't make any sense. I
would have Timmy tested, just so you know. Did you have him
tested/vaccinated for felv in the past? If you did, there is a very
good chance that he's still negative. I'd find myself a new vet right
away. So many regular "GP" type vets have no idea, or the inclination,
to keep a felv kitty healthy. You need to find an Internist, someone
that is more familiar with the secondary illness that felv kitties have
such a hard time with because of their weakened immune systems. Felv
doesn't actually make them sick, but because of it, you can't take a
wait and see approach when they don't feel well.
Kittens are more susceptible to the disease because they haven't
developed a strong enough immune system to fight it off when exposed.
From what you say about his living conditions, it would appear that
Chester got felv from his mother. There is a chance that Timmy is
actually the carrier, another good reason to have him tested.
It's good news that he's still eating and his digestive system is okay.
Did the vet tell you anything about what he suspects is making him feel
ill, (besides the fact that he's tested pos). You need to pinpoint the
secondary illness that's making him sick in order to treat it. Are his
gums pink, or do they look pale? Is he licking strange things like
cement? We just discussed signs of anemia on the list, you might want
to look through the archives for ideas about what's going on with Chester.
I'm so sorry Chester isn't feeling well, but I'm so glad you found us.
I can hear in your words how much you love him, Using the word "we"
about testing positive says it all. There is every reason to hope that
you've caught his symptoms early enough to help him pull through
whatever's going on. I certainly will be praying that is the case. Get
him to someone that understands that a positive test result is no reason
to give up on him. Please let us know what you find out. We all
understand what you're going through, and we're here to help support
you, Chester and Timmy in any way we can.
Keep your chin up,
Nina
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
Hi Guys-
I hope I am posting this the right way.
We just found out today that we are positive.
Chester just turned a year old in April. We got him after we was weaned and
has been inside our house ever since. I suspect that he got it from his
mother (his mother was an indoor cat-or that's what we were told). He
didn't show any signs until a few months ago. He came down with a cold and
has been given antibotics for that twice. When he goes off of it he still
is not normal. Right now he has a sore throat and fever. My major concern
is his laying around which he never did as a kitten, he just seems
depressed. Still eating and going to bathroom okay. Doctor gave me Baytril
and Prednisone. Doctor said that he could last a few months but will get
worse. I also have another cat, Timmy 6 years old. Timmy was tested as a
kitten (negative) but not yet recently. Still keeping both together because
if Timmy were going to get it he'd probably already be infected.
I feel horrible. I just need some support as I am new to this whole thing.
Any ideas, suggestions? What should I do? Of course I want to keep Chester
as long as possible but I don't want him to suffer. I want to do what's
best for the cat. Any advice is appreciated.
Thanks,
Lisa
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