Hi Malone!
Hideyo is quite right, leaving the cats together is the best thing due to their
quality of life (they love each other) and it's quite possible that the girl
kitty will not ever get the virus.
And I would definately find another vet ASAP.
To recommend euthanizing a cat (pet) that is testing pos. but has no symptoms
is irresponsible, and he / she needs to get w/ the new millineum.
I have 4 cats that are felv+ (so far, I also have 12 fosters that were exposed
from a hoarder that are waiting for retesting), and my protocal is to give them
L-Lysine in their moist food every morning along w/ Missing Link.
I use the "professional strength" Missing Link that is supposed to help detox.
Instructions say to give them 3/4 of a teaspoon, but sometimes cats don't like
it, so I am starting them off w/ a smaller amount and building them up to the
regular dosage.
We are up to 1/2 teas. now, and so far so good.
Missing Link can cause soft stools, but I have heard that is temporary.
Princess Naughty Lola, who has long, fine, feathery cream furrage did develope
some soft stools, but we seemed to have worked through that.
Boy, was she fun ......... :(
I had to chase her around the office and clean her butt & fur several times a
day, and even trim her.
She does not like that.
But like I said, that lasted only a few days and now things have settled down.
Good luck and please keep us posted.
Susan J. DuBose >^..^<
www.PetGirlsPetsitting.com
www.Tx.SiameseRescue.org
www.shadowcats.net
"As Cleopatra lay in state,
Faithful Bast at her side did wait,
Purring welcomes of soft applause,
Ever guarding with sharpened claws."
Trajan Tennent
----- Original Message -----
From: HIDEYO YAMAMOTO
To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
Sent: Tuesday, July 17, 2007 1:17 AM
Subject: Re: I need information please
I am so relieved to hear that you did not kill your boy, Basil -- I used the
word "kill" - because if he was put him down, it's so far away from "being
euthanized" -- there is no reason for him to be killed - and he is lucky to
have you, and have your wisdom on his side as apparently your vet is not as
wise as you are.. (I think you should be looking another vet as soon as you get
a chance) -
The myth of whether a kitty can throw off the virus once infected/exposed
seems to be still myth - but apparently, statistically, 2/3 of kitties who were
exposed to the virus (not infected) throw off the virus.
It seems that later s/he is infected at their age, better the chance they
have to throw the virus off. The fact that hs is alrady 4 years old is a very
good sign already as again statistically, 80% of felk kitties die within three
years of their age.
Also, I am so glad that you are wise and care enough not to separate the boy
kitty from girl kitty -- no matter what, sometimes, we have to balance their
quality of their lives - and I really feel that they are lucky to have you as
someone who care for them.
I have three year old girl, Ginger who is also felk positive and she has been
healthy and I feel very fortunate about it.
I try not to let test result control their or my life -Whether he throw off
the virus off or not, the most important thing is to provide stress free
environment for him so that he can maintain the health that he has -- I use FOI
(feline interferon -anti vira agent) and other people on the list use different
things..
Any vitamin supplement or immune boosters are good for them ---
Hideyo
----- Original Message -----
From: Malone
To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
Sent: Monday, July 16, 2007 9:22 PM
Subject: I need information please
I read all the posts, so I can learn how to deal with this virus. I lost my
kitten at 9 months, and apparently even though he was vaccinated my 4 year old
has tested positive for felv. He was diagnosed 4 months ago and shows no sign
of illness. My vet had recommended putting him down. I just couldn't lose both
my boys in one day. I am so thankful I didn't because Basil is fine. My
question is about the ability to fight off the virus-does this really happen?
Has anyone on this list actually had a felv+ cat that kicked the virus? What
should I expect and what should I be doing to help keep him healthy? I tried to
separate my felv+ boy and felv- girl, but they howled and cried something
fierce. They have been together since they were kittens. I let them mix, and
she is still negative. I read the information about blood tests, and I get
confused. Basil's blood work seems normal, other than the fact that he tested
positive. Thank you.
