I think the treatment recommended and their comments on anti-virals are too conservative. They are probably doing that because they have to cover their butts; without proper research to back up what they're saying it could cause issues. "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 ~~~
----- Original Message ---- From: "[EMAIL PROTECTED]" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [email protected]; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, September 24, 2007 3:05:49 PM Subject: Recommendations from UTCVM Hey all, As promised, below is the written recommendations from UTCVM on Poppy and Grizzabella. Thoughts? ______________________________________________________________________________________________ Subject: Current FeLV recommendations Mr. Roberts, I apologize again for the delay. Here are discharge instructions for "the girls". Please let us know if we can be of any further assistance. The format is a little skewed, but should still be readable. Thank you! emily TITLE: DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS DATE OF NOTE: SEP 22, [EMAIL PROTECTED]:49 ENTRY DATE: SEP 22, [EMAIL PROTECTED]:50:08 AUTHOR: JAMES,TERI-LEE EXP COSIGNER: PURVIS,EMILY D URGENCY: STATUS: UNCOSIGNED (19-27-27) GRIZZABELLA DR. TODD DOLEN CREEKSIDE ANIMAL HOSPITAL 1209 HIGHWAY 68 SWEETWATER, TN 37874 FS 2002 SEL/PNT ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DATE OF ADMISSION: SEP 11, [EMAIL PROTECTED]:45 DATE OF DISCHARGE: SEP 11, 2007 CLINICIAN(S): Emily Purvis DVM STUDENT: Teri-Lee James, Senior Student =============================================================================== Diagnosis - Feline Leukemia Virus, positive ELISA adn IFA Thank you for bringing Poppie and Grizzabella to UTCVM! Poppie and Grizzabella were referred to UTCVM because they tested positive for FeLV at your referring veterinarian's office. On physical exam both Poppie and Grizzabella appeared to be in good health and all of their physical parameters were within normal limits. We took a blood sample from both cats and submitted them for an ELISA and an IFA test for FeLV. The ELISA test was initially positive at Dr. Dolen's office, but sometimes that can be false, so we retested. The ELISA tests for viral antigens circulating freely in the cats' bloodstream. The IFA test detects antigen present on infected blood cells and indicates bone marrow infection. Both Poppie and Grizzabella tested positive on both tests, indicating that the virus has infected their bone marrow. Most cats that test positive on the IFA test remain persistently infected for life. FeLV is transmitted from cat to cat via the oronasal route and by bite wounds. The virus replicates in lymphoid tissue and travels via infected cells to the spleen, thymus and to lymph nodes throughout the body as well as to the salivary glands. Eventually the bone marrow becomes infected, producing infected white blood cells and platelets. Many cats remain asymptomatic throughout life. Weight loss is the most common clinical sign, followed by fever, dehydration, rhinitis (nose infections), diarrhea, conjunctivitis (redness of the eyes) and oral infection. Infected cats may also develop bone marrow disorders, such as decreased red or white blood cell lines. FeLV infected cats also are at a higher risk developing lymphoma (cancer) and secondary infections due to immune suppression. Treatment for FeLV may include immune-modulating and antiviral medications. However, these treatments have not been shown to be particularly effective in many cases, particularly if cats are not showing clinical signs associated with the disease. CARE REQUIRED: At this time we recommend that Poppie and Grizzabella have a complete blood count, blood chemistry with electrolytes, and urinalysis performed as a baseline evaluation. This can be done at your referring veterinarian's office or at UTCVM. Depending on the results of these tests additional diagnostic work may be indicated, including urine culture, thoracic and abdominal radiographs and/or abdominal ultrasound. Poppie and Grizzabella should continue to have annual physicals and semi-annual labwork performed. Often times, changes on the labwork precede actual illness, so frequent monitoring can sometimes catch a problem early. If they have any abnormalities in their bloodwork or other diagnostic tests now or at some time in the future it may be appropriate to start one of the immune modulating medications that is available. Thank you again for entrusting us with the care of your beloved pets. If you have any further questions of concerns please do not hesitate to call. Emily Purvis DVM University of Tennessee Veterinary Teaching Hospital Small Animal Intern Email and AIM finally together. You've gotta check out free AOL Mail! ____________________________________________________________________________________ Boardwalk for $500? In 2007? Ha! Play Monopoly Here and Now (it's updated for today's economy) at Yahoo! Games. http://get.games.yahoo.com/proddesc?gamekey=monopolyherenow
