Re: [Felvtalk] Wolfie Update
***Sorry about my lengthy email*** Hello MaryChristine sorry about my late response :-) I don't know how to read the blood test results, but here is what I have... What's on the left of arrow is the results of first blood test taken on 1/9/2009, and what's on the right of arrow is the resulst of second test taken on 3/28/2009. I didn't know which values indicate what, so I wrote down the items indicating abnormal values (High Low) from the first blood test results... AST (SGOT) 121 (H) - 32 ALT (SGPT) 145 (H) - 52 Cholesterol Total 235 (H) - 304 (still High) Phosphorous 3.0 (L) - 4.1 (still Low) CA/PHOS Ratio 2.7 (H) - 2.2 Total Protein 15.8 (H) - 7.6 Albumin 5.2 (H) - 3.2 Globulin 10.6 (H) - 4.4 LDH 1141 (H) - 434 RBC 3.2 (L) - 7.4 HGB 5.2 (L) - 11.1 HCT 18 (L) - 39 MCV 58 (H) - 53 MCHC 28.2 (L) - 29.1 Lymphs 17 (L) - 62 (H) Lymph/Absolute 935 (L) - 2728 Platelet Count 58 (L) - 253 FELV (ELISA) Positive - Negative 1/9/2009 - I took my cat, Puma to the vet for bladder infection (I thought that was the only problem then). Since it was the first time, the vet did the blood test. Looking at the test results, he told me that Puma was FeLV+ and had severe anemia. (I don't know what kind...) The vet gave Puma LCTI on 1/31, 2/7, 2/14 (once a week for 3 weeks) 2/28, 3/14 (every other week). On 3/28 which is two weeks after his 5th shots, the vet did the 2nd blood test which you can see the results above. Looking at the 2nd test results, the vet told me that Puma no longer has anemia; however, I asked the vet to continue the LCTI treatment. The vet gave Puma LCTI on 4/11, 5/9, 6/6, and 7/4 (Once a month). I'm planning to ask the vet to do another blood test on 9/5 which will be two month from the last treatment. Only other thing that I did was to make sure that Puma gets nutritious food. When the treatment started, I switched from dry food (Nutro Natural Choice Complete Care) to can food (Natural Balance Ultra Formula) (I'm back to dry food (Wellness) now though) I also gave him Hi-Vite drop daily (and I still do...) Let me know if I missed anything that you asked. Hiromi :-) From: twelvehousec...@gmail.com Date: Wed, 5 Aug 2009 13:08:36 -0400 To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Wolfie Update hiromi, i'd be very interested in learning about the blood values your cat showed, what kind of anemia it had, what other things you tried, how long it was on the lcti, etc. -- Spay Neuter Your Neighbors! Maybe That'll Make The Difference MaryChristine Special-Needs Coordinator, Purebred Cat Breed Rescue (www.purebredcats.org) Member, SCAT (Special-Cat Action Team) ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org _ Windows Live™: Keep your life in sync. http://windowslive.com/explore?ocid=PID23384::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:NF_BR_sync:082009 ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Wolfie Update
Amy, Epogen is very effective for treating non-regenerative anemia. Treatment is not started until the HCT or PCV is below 20 and usually in the mid-teens. The Anemia group I gave you the link for has more info on treatment protocol. Sharyl --- On Thu, 8/6/09, Iva Lark Emily Seaberg melleph...@sbcglobal.net wrote: From: Iva Lark Emily Seaberg melleph...@sbcglobal.net Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Wolfie Update To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Date: Thursday, August 6, 2009, 1:32 AM A few years ago I had a kitty with Chronic Renal Failure. Towards the end he was extremely anemic and we did the Epogen. I'm so glad we did it because it did buy us some time. I decided to try the Epogen when it became clear he was not making new blood cells, his anemia became extreme and we knew that without help he would die from it, a slow, lethargic and very sad death. I wanted to give him a chance and the Epogen did. My vet talked to UC Davis about his unique situation (he also had high blood pressure and a heart problem) and we gave him a really really low dose. I believe typically they give it 3-4 times a week and we gave it once a week. It was such a low dose the vet thought it might not work, but it did and actually better than we anticipated. So, I can't speak for the FeLV stuff, but I can say the Epogen wasn't as evil as I was expecting to be from what I had heard word of mouth. We used it very cautiously, and it seemed to make a big difference. You just really have to watch it, start off slow. It is easier to add treatments then try and slow it down and you don't want their values increasing too fast. Good luck, Iva - Original Message - Message: 7 Date: Tue, 4 Aug 2009 16:38:44 -0700 (PDT) From: Amy awilkin...@yahoo.com Subject: [Felvtalk] Wolfie Update So I've been posting about my cat Wolfie who has been losing weight since about mid 2006, from 15.4 lbs down to 10.8 lbs today. His last visit was on July 2nd and he had a HCT of 29. He also tested positive for Mycoplasma haemominutum previously called Haemobartonella felis small form. He's been on doxy, pred, and Pet-Tinic twice daily for almost a month. My vet thought he looked great today and he hasn't lost any weight since his last visit but he's not gaining and his HCT is still going down. We took a tiny amount of blood and sent it out for a reticulocyte count. I've lost almost all my leuk positives to anemia in the end (except for one to lymphoma and one to neurological issues) and I'm really bummed out by the news. I was hoping treating the Hemobart would help the HCT even though my vet wasn't as optimistic. I'm just wondering how most people here lose their leuk positives. It seems all of mine do so well, are completely asymptomatic and then out of nowhere they stop making red blood cells, the HCT starts to drop, and it is downhill from there. My vet wrote me a 10 page letter on everything that could cause weight loss and anemia and we have eliminated almost all the possibilities I think. We haven't done a digestive panel yet because it takes 4 mls of blood and I don't want to do that with his HCT dropping. If the reticulocyte test comes back and shows he is making red blood cells, we will start investigating digestive issues or anything else that could be causing his lower HCT. If it comes back as nonregenerative anemia, is there anything I can do? I know there is the option of Epogen and I'm looking into that. Anything else or do I just spend time with him and wait? I hate this point where they are feeling fine, looking fine, and I know it's only a matter of time :( This guy has been with me longer than any of my other positives and I'd do anything to help him but I'm afraid there's nothing else I can do. Thoughts? Amy ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Wolfie Update
If nothing else is working, by the way I have heard doxy can take as long as 6 weeks to show results, but if his HCT is still going down don't know that I would be thinking that. But as I was saying if nothing else is working and you are faced with death, my personally I would try the epogen, if the alternative is death you have nothing to lose. Sending lots of prayers for Wolfie and you. What is his HCT now?? It was 27 when we went this week and he's still acting fine. He's nowhere near where I'd start it yet. Just wanted to know if there's anything I can do before he gets to the low 20's/teens or if I just wait. Thanks Amy -- Belinda happiness is being owned by cats ... http://bemikitties.com http://BelindaSauro.com ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
[Felvtalk] Vitamin C
Hello everyone, Does anyone have a good source for powdered vitamin C for cats. The shelter I volunteer for is looking to add vitamin C with the lysine and we are looking for a source that is tried and true. Thank you, Sue (katlover1300) ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Vitamin C
Well, you might check out Dr. Belfield's vitamin C - http://www.belfield.com/ Gloria On Aug 6, 2009, at 9:53 AM, Sue Frank Koren wrote: Hello everyone, Does anyone have a good source for powdered vitamin C for cats. The shelter I volunteer for is looking to add vitamin C with the lysine and we are looking for a source that is tried and true. Thank you, Sue (katlover1300) ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Vitamin C
I have Sammie on MEGA C PLUS from Belfield website. I have been sprinkling this and AC-11 onto his food two times a day. I have been doing this since May so I don't know if it is working or not. Sammie is very healthy (as of today) but I'm trying to keep his immune system healthy. -Original Message- From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Gloria B. Lane Sent: Thursday, August 06, 2009 11:23 AM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Vitamin C Well, you might check out Dr. Belfield's vitamin C - http://www.belfield.com/ Gloria On Aug 6, 2009, at 9:53 AM, Sue Frank Koren wrote: Hello everyone, Does anyone have a good source for powdered vitamin C for cats. The shelter I volunteer for is looking to add vitamin C with the lysine and we are looking for a source that is tried and true. Thank you, Sue (katlover1300) ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Wolfie Update
I would keep doing what you're doing, 27% isn't horrible. Be sure and keep up the pet tinic, is he getting folic acid too it isn't in pet tinic and is needed for building new blood. I wouldn't panic yet, just keep a close eye on him and think positive. -- Belinda happiness is being owned by cats ... http://bemikitties.com http://BelindaSauro.com ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Vitamin C
I have used http://iherb.com for a long time and have been very happy with their prices and customer service. http://www.iherb.com/Search?kw=vitamin%20c http://www.iherb.com/Search?kw=lysine -- Belinda happiness is being owned by cats ... http://bemikitties.com http://BelindaSauro.com ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Wolfie Update
Thanks, joined both of these. Amy --- On Wed, 8/5/09, Sharyl cline...@yahoo.com wrote: From: Sharyl cline...@yahoo.com Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Wolfie Update To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Date: Wednesday, August 5, 2009, 9:21 AM Amy. I haven't had any success once they start to fail. Maybe others can help. There are two yahoo groups that may help with the symptoms. There is a assist feeding group that can offer support regarding the wt. loss. http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/Feline-Assisted-Feeding/ There is an anemia group that has info in their files on Epogen for non-regenerative anemia http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/Feline_Anemia/ Hugs to Wolfie Sharyl --- On Tue, 8/4/09, Amy awilkin...@yahoo.com wrote: ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Wolfie Update
He isn't getting a folic acid supplement but he does get some in his EVO cat food. I'm almost done with the bottle of Pet-Tinic and then I'm going to try Nutrived. Amy I would keep doing what you're doing, 27% isn't horrible. Be sure and keep up the pet tinic, is he getting folic acid too it isn't in pet tinic and is needed for building new blood. I wouldn't panic yet, just keep a close eye on him and think positive. -- Belinda happiness is being owned by cats ... http://bemikitties.com http://BelindaSauro.com ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Wolfie Update
Thanks for the info. I've joined the anemia group and am reading up on it. Has anybody on this list tried the Epogen for a leuk pos cat that is anemic? I read a lot about Epogen being very effective for anemia and I read about people using it for CRF. Just wondering what sort of experiences people have had using it for non-regenerative anemia not due to CRF. Thanks Amy --- On Thu, 8/6/09, Sharyl cline...@yahoo.com wrote: From: Sharyl cline...@yahoo.com Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Wolfie Update To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Date: Thursday, August 6, 2009, 6:48 AM Amy, Epogen is very effective for treating non-regenerative anemia. Treatment is not started until the HCT or PCV is below 20 and usually in the mid-teens. The Anemia group I gave you the link for has more info on treatment protocol. Sharyl --- On Thu, 8/6/09, Iva Lark Emily Seaberg melleph...@sbcglobal.net wrote: From: Iva Lark Emily Seaberg melleph...@sbcglobal.net Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Wolfie Update To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Date: Thursday, August 6, 2009, 1:32 AM A few years ago I had a kitty with Chronic Renal Failure. Towards the end he was extremely anemic and we did the Epogen. I'm so glad we did it because it did buy us some time. I decided to try the Epogen when it became clear he was not making new blood cells, his anemia became extreme and we knew that without help he would die from it, a slow, lethargic and very sad death. I wanted to give him a chance and the Epogen did. My vet talked to UC Davis about his unique situation (he also had high blood pressure and a heart problem) and we gave him a really really low dose. I believe typically they give it 3-4 times a week and we gave it once a week. It was such a low dose the vet thought it might not work, but it did and actually better than we anticipated. So, I can't speak for the FeLV stuff, but I can say the Epogen wasn't as evil as I was expecting to be from what I had heard word of mouth. We used it very cautiously, and it seemed to make a big difference. You just really have to watch it, start off slow. It is easier to add treatments then try and slow it down and you don't want their values increasing too fast. Good luck, Iva - Original Message - Message: 7 Date: Tue, 4 Aug 2009 16:38:44 -0700 (PDT) From: Amy awilkin...@yahoo.com Subject: [Felvtalk] Wolfie Update So I've been posting about my cat Wolfie who has been losing weight since about mid 2006, from 15.4 lbs down to 10.8 lbs today. His last visit was on July 2nd and he had a HCT of 29. He also tested positive for Mycoplasma haemominutum previously called Haemobartonella felis small form. He's been on doxy, pred, and Pet-Tinic twice daily for almost a month. My vet thought he looked great today and he hasn't lost any weight since his last visit but he's not gaining and his HCT is still going down. We took a tiny amount of blood and sent it out for a reticulocyte count. I've lost almost all my leuk positives to anemia in the end (except for one to lymphoma and one to neurological issues) and I'm really bummed out by the news. I was hoping treating the Hemobart would help the HCT even though my vet wasn't as optimistic. I'm just wondering how most people here lose their leuk positives. It seems all of mine do so well, are completely asymptomatic and then out of nowhere they stop making red blood cells, the HCT starts to drop, and it is downhill from there. My vet wrote me a 10 page letter on everything that could cause weight loss and anemia and we have eliminated almost all the possibilities I think. We haven't done a digestive panel yet because it takes 4 mls of blood and I don't want to do that with his HCT dropping. If the reticulocyte test comes back and shows he is making red blood cells, we will start investigating digestive issues or anything else that could be causing his lower HCT. If it comes back as nonregenerative anemia, is there anything I can do? I know there is the option of Epogen and I'm looking into that. Anything else or do I just spend time with him and wait? I hate this point where they are feeling fine, looking fine, and I know it's only a matter of time :( This guy has been with me longer than any of my other positives and I'd do anything to help him but I'm afraid there's nothing else I can do. Thoughts? Amy ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Wolfie Update
Great, I think as long as he seems to feel fine and his HCT doesn't start dropping I would be too concerned yet. All kitties are individuals and maybe that is a decent HCT for him, wouldn't want it to get much lower though. Fred's (CRF) HCT has been between 24% and 29% for the last 3 years or more. -- Belinda happiness is being owned by cats ... http://bemikitties.com http://BelindaSauro.com ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Wolfie Update
Bailey was on epogen for almost 6 months when he became anemic, it brought his HCT from a low of 15% back up to 40% within 6 weeks or so. When he passed he was still on a maintanence dose of epogen once a week and his HCT was holding at 33%. -- Belinda happiness is being owned by cats ... http://bemikitties.com http://BelindaSauro.com ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Wolfie Update
PS. His anemia was related to his positive status. My vet thinks the virus activated in his bone marrow and that is what brought on the anemia, he developed pancreatic cancer in the 6 months we were trying to figure out what was going on. It was obvious something was still wrong because even after we got his HCT normalized he was very lethargic and wouldn't eat. My gut feeling was pancreatitis but my vet didn't think so because his blood work was normal, I wish I had followed my instincts and had the test for pancreatitis done, he may not have developed cancer if we had treated him for that. -- Belinda happiness is being owned by cats ... http://bemikitties.com http://BelindaSauro.com ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
[Felvtalk] My New Kitty
Brought my new kitty home from the pound on Sat and found out this morning she is Feline pos. WE were given the choice to return her or have her put to sleep..orbring her home.. WE decided to bring her home...Although we may only have her for a short time...She will be loved and cared for with no regrets She is a beautiful Siamese..and about 2 yrs old...and gas all ready brought much joy to our lives... Cherokee A failure is just a stopover on the way to SUCCESS. ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] My New Kitty
You made a great choice, FeLV+ make some of the most loving kitties I have ever had the privilege of being owned by. My Bailey was a real smoocher. -- Belinda happiness is being owned by cats ... http://bemikitties.com http://BelindaSauro.com ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
