Re: Research studies in California?

[Nina]

Hello Danielle, I rescued 6 kittens at 2 1/2 weeks old. Because of their young age, and lack of exposure after we took them in, we deduced  that they contracted FeLV in utero.  We didn't find out that they were positive until one of the kittens (already adopted out) had a seizure from what we suspect was a tumor pressing on his lungs, he was about 8 mos old.  His sister, adopted by the same unfortunate couple, was euthanised after a tumor behind her eye ruptured about a month later.  I have 3 of the remaining kittens and one other that was adopted out is asymptomatic, (the folks that adopted him have decided not to have him tested unless he shows signs of illness).  The kittens, I will forever think of them as kittens, are 14 mos now.  You may have been following my posts about Grace, Jazz and the special dispensation I was able to get for Virbagen Omega.  The other litter mate in my care, Timothy, has tested negative!  Don't ask me to explain this heinous disease.  When I spoke to one of the vets at my clinic about a research study, he suggested I contact either Jim Richards at the Feline Health Center, Cornell, or Neals Peterson at UC Davis.  I have been waiting to write them, until I see how my angels fare with the VO treatments.    There is also a wonderful vet in Canada that I contacted when trying to get VO, that has gotten the drug approved for "Emergency Use" and also for study purposes.  I'm keeping in contact with her, so I should hear of any new developments. I would love to see more research being conducted as well.  It seems that since the vaccine became available and, I suspect, because of the success of the vaccine, research into a cure has dwindled to a trickle.  There is still some interest in FeLV because of the correlations that can be drawn for human immune suppressive diseases, but no one seems to be searching for a cure for the cats afflicted with it.  Virbac, the manufactures of VO, have conducted two studies that I know of.  I can send you the links to the abstract (the latest) and the full study of the other if you are interested. My vet's liaison has said she is willing to share the information she used in obtaining the dispensation from the FDA with  anyone's vet that calls her.  It's expensive, and it took me about 3 months to finally get the stuff in my hot little hands.  To me it was worth it, it's the only hope that I've been able to uncover for truly fighting this disease, besides providing the absolute best life style, supplemental care and treating symptoms as they arise. Have faith, and have hope.  My little Grace has become very ill, twice now, and has bounced back.  She is doing extremely well right now.  I'm not sure if her success is due to Doxycycline, or the VO (this last bout), or both.  Hang in there and keep fighting. Nina Danielle wrote: Does anyone know of any research going on at UC Davis or any other California vet programs? Is there a site that lists possible research? When our eyes see our hands doing the work of our hearts, the circle of creation is completed, Inside us, the doors of our souls fly open and love steps forth to heal everything in sight." -Michael Bridge Do you want to foster or adopt a Border Collie? http://bcrescue.dogsaver.org/