Hi Michael,
Welcome to the group. I'm sorry that you had to find us, but glad you did. I
know this news must be devastating for you, as you said your kitties were your
babies. But there is so much you can do for them to keep their immune systems
strong.
First, you are right to find a vet you are comfortable with. I like to call
them on the phone and speak with the vet directly, asking him/her their
philosophy on treating FeLV cats. If they say pts, I'm outta there.
Second, you did well to test with IFA.
Third, you are right. An internist is your best bet in dealing with FeLV.
Fourth, the two most important things you can do to keep your kitties healthy
is to feed them a high quality diet, one with no grains, like Innova Evo or the
like. Add supplements like lysine to the food. Lysine must not have propylene
glycol in the ingredients. It causes Heinz body anemia in cats. The other
thing is to keep your kitties as stress-free as possible. New additions to the
family, vacations and especially boarding, moving, environmental factors like
heat, company, and loud noises are all some things that can stress kitties out
(you probably already know this, but it can't hurt to write it for the benefit
of all). I'm not saying not to take vacation or to have friends over. I just
wouldn't have any big parties without putting my kitties away in a bedroom or
go away for an extended vacation or travel if I can help it. My Cricket who I
lost almost two years ago was fine when we went away for a week at a time every
so often. The virus
kicked in and he developed anemia when we had ten extra family members staying
at our house for a week during a hurricane.
Fifth, vaccinate your negatives for FeLV, but be aware the vaccine is only
about 70% effective; I've seen other stats elsewhere, so that's a general
number.
Sixth, your kitties are all already exposed. Separating them at this point is
only going to stress them out further, something you don't want.
Seventh, your kitties can still seroconvert and 'throw' the virus, so don't
give up hope that one day they will be negative. I would retest every 3-6
months (probably 6, since it's less stressful on them to travel and test less
often).
Eighth (man, I'm getting up there...lol), do the food switchover gradually,
mixing like 10/90%, then 30/70%, 50/50, etc. or however you want to do it, so
it doesn't upset their systems.
Please post here asap if you don't get them eating in 24 hours. It's important
so that fatty liver disease not set in, but I imagine they will be fine. I am
surprised they vaccinated with a positive test though. Did they vaccinate for
FeLV?
Please keep us posted Michael. We're here to help.
:)
Wendy
Dallas, TX
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the
world - indeed it is the only thing that ever has!" ~~~ Margaret Meade ~~~
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