Re: [Felvtalk] Thanks for the replies
Another side-effect of pred is bone loss. One of mine was on it for 1.5-2 years and broke his hind leg. Very slow to heal, was pinned for quite a long time. He is off it now. Having trouble eating and having an irritated throat - is it possible he has developed a stricture from getting pilled each day? I don't have any experience with it myself, but have read that giving a little water after each pill can help to avoid this... Best wishes, Beth N. On Wed, Nov 16, 2011 at 11:56 PM, Marta Gasper marta.gas...@yahoo.comwrote: Muscle weakness and muscle wasting on rear legs are the first side effects of long-term pred dosing. And long term for pred is not(as I thought)5 years but a couple or 3. ... ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Hi, new member here
Hi Anne, Welcome to the group. I love the pictures of Dublin with your greyhound! It's been a little while since I've had a positive, he was infected as a young kitten, lived for 3.5 years (with his still negative siblings) before he passed. If your guy was a little older when he was infected, he may have a better chance of living longer than that. A few people on this list have had positives that made it to 8 years old or more. The only supplements I used were daily L-lysine (powdered, from iHerb), and interpheron alpha (part of the time). And when he was initially diagnosed because of a recurring high fever, my vet put him on Clavamox and we left him on it for several months. This goes against the standard advice to avoid long-term antibiotic use because it kills the good bacteria in the gut. He never had any digestive problems. I think that the standard 7-10 antibiotic protocol is just not long enough for immune-compromised kitties. Anyway, you'll get lots of good advice from some of the more experienced folks here. Enjoy those two beautiful, lucky boys! Beth (+angel Will Feral) . On Tue, Nov 1, 2011 at 5:37 PM, Anne Myles anne.my...@uni.edu wrote: Hi, wanted to introduce myself and my cats. I adopted two new adult kitties from a rural no-kill shelter in my area a little over a month ago, after my 15-year-old cat passed away. Little orange Dublin and hunky white and tabby C.J. are both about two years old ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] new positive kitten/QUESTION
My positive grew up wrestling with his two negative brothers and they were fine. They initially all tested negative, so some of the tussling happened before the neg's were vaccinated, and still no transmission. Once Will tested positive, we vaccinated the neg's. Will lived with them until he passed at 3.5 years. Best wishes, Beth On Mon, Oct 24, 2011 at 8:02 AM, dot winkler venus7ora...@yahoo.com wrote: But what about mixing when the healthy male cat likes to bite and plays rough with the FELV pos cat? They wrestle, lick, groom together and bite/nip as they play and cuddle and sleep together. Has anyone had mixed cats that do this and my question is, is it safe in that situation? ... ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Being blunt
Hi Marcia, I know popular opinion is to limit antibiotic use, because it can kill the good bacteria in the gut, but in my limited experience I prefer to leave immune-compromised kitties on it longer. I had one little FeLV pos kitten with a URI that had a 10 day regimen of Clavamox. She was vaccinated a few days later, as she seemed to have cleared the URI. Big mistake, I didn't know any better. The URI was not cleared, just masked by the antibiotic, it came back, lost her to FIP a couple of weeks later. When her positive brother started getting sick soon after, he got prednisolone twice for fever and was on clavamox for months (5, 6?) just in case. He never had any bowel problems from it. My vet finally said she couldn't in good conscious keep prescribing it for such a healthy cat. Had I left his sister on it (and not vaccinated so young) I feel her immune system may have been less exhausted and better able to fight the corona virus that turned into FIP and killed her. Best wishes, Beth On Wed, Aug 24, 2011 at 11:47 AM, Marcia Baronda marciabmar...@gmail.com wrote: Terri ...He's om amoxicillin and they said he could stay on that indefinitely. Do you agree? She also said we could try some prednisone. What are you opinions?? Take care everyone Marcia ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Being blunt
Hi Marcia, Glad to hear Fletch is looking better! After what I went through with Alice (trapped at 6weeks, lost to wet FIP at 12 weeks), I'd leave him on it for awhile even after he seems ok, just to be sure. I am on the FIP list too, as hard as the FeLV stories are, FIP is even worse! I only got to know Alice for 6 weeks, but I was able to enjoy her FeLV positive brother Will Feral for 3.5 years, and at least see him grow into adulthood. I still miss them both. I also do vaccinations every 3 years on my adult cats, but I wait until kittens are a little older now and do just one thing at a time, even though it means lots more visits. And I will never again vaccinate anyone so soon after they have recovered from an illness. Guess the most important thing I've learned from these lists that it's ok to question my vet and sometimes say no, instead of just blindly trusting them like I did with Alice... I haven't had to deal with CRF yet (knock on wood). That is interesting about the kidneys, I hadn't heard that before. I wonder if I am stressing their kidneys out more by spreading out the vaccines? Hmmm, all such a balancing act! I do get yearly complete blood panels done on two of the surviving siblings of Will and Alice. They are both FeLV neg, but have severe food/environmental allergies. I think their immune systems just went on overdrive fighting FeLV and could never slow down. Wish the science on all of these diseases would move forward faster. Sigh. Hoping to hear of Fletch's continued improvement, Head bumps from Beth N., Blue, Moxie, Dash, and Scooter (Alice and Will's sibs) On Fri, Aug 26, 2011 at 12:00 AM, Marcia Baronda marciabmar...@gmail.com wrote: Hi Beth How are you? Dr chrisler said to keep him on it for 3 weeks, and then when I took the others in for testing, i saw Dr metzger. We were discussing Fletch and she mentioned that he could stay on it indefinitely if need be. But, I think I'm seeing some improvement today. His coat looks much better and he actually trotted across the floor today(-: yes, I saw a little bounce to his step. Warmed my heart! I'm with you, i vaccinate my cats, mainly because of panleukopenia, but I think it definitely drops their immune system. I also had a cat die from FIP. I loved her so so much and it broke my heart to lose her. Her name was Yogi and she was a botle baby. I immediately got on the FIP list. I was on it for a couple years and learned a lot from them, just like i am learning a lot from all of you(-; Tjis last year my daughter lost her 15 year old cat to CRF. We researched together to learn all we could. I think the most important thing i learned was that feline vaccine is grown on feline kidney cells and causes an imflammatory response on the kidneys everytime they are vaccinated, They think this could help lead to CRF. So vaccinating ccan be overdone, once every 3 yrs is enough and maybe too much! ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] My 1 year old just diagnosed
Hi Marcia, So sorry to hear about Fletch. There is a good chance your adults will be just fine. I would get them tested and vaccinated, and keep Fletch seperated for a couple of weeks after the last shot. 3 of mine ran around with an infected brother for weeks before he was diagnosed and they never contracted it. The brother had tested negative initially, we didn't realize he had it until he came down with a bad fever. Antibiotics weren't helping to break it, so twice we had to give him small doses of Prednisolone. That did the trick, and he lived a happy, healthy life for several years. His siblings mixed with him and remained negative. This list was a huge help and comfort to me through all of it, fire away with the questions and someone here will be able to help. Best wishes, Beth On Sun, Aug 21, 2011 at 11:04 PM, Marcia Baronda marciabmar...@gmail.com wrote: Hi everyone! My one year old sweet litle boy was just diagnosed. I have a million questions... ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Chick feed for litter
Thanks, I'll look for that next time I'm there. Beth N. On Sun, Jul 10, 2011 at 3:01 PM, MaiMaiPG maima...@gmail.com wrote: Big 12 pound bags of soda are available at WalMarts/Sams etc---often with the swimming pool supplies. Usually about $6.00. On Jul 10, 2011, at 9:39 AM, Lorrie wrote: Thanks for the info, Beth. We have a Tractor Supply about 12 miles away, and tho we don't go there often, I want to try this chick feed. We live in a very cool climate, so maybe we won't get the weevils or sour smell that sometimes comes from wet corn. I scoop frequently too which should help. Lorrie On 07-09, Beth Noren wrote: Yes, I've used Dumor brand Starter/Grower Chick Feed. I get it from Tractor Supply Co., think it was $13.00 for 50lbs? last time I got it. It's a bit of a hike to TSC, so I don't always use it. Plus. my husband complains that it doesn't handle odor well enough. Pros: 1.price 2.low dust 3.biodegradable 4.doesn't come from strip mining. 5.safer. Cons: 1.odor control 2.doesn't clump as hard as clay 3.doesn't sift as easily as clay 4.some people have problems with weevils in it, especially in summer. Overall I like it, especially after paying 40-50 bucks for a much smaller bag of World's Best, which is pretty similar. Hope this helps, Beth N. ___ 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] Clumping litter dangers
Yes, I've used Dumor brand Starter/Grower Chick Feed. I get it from Tractor Supply Co., think it was $13.00 for 50lbs? last time I got it. It's a bit of a hike to TSC, so I don't always use it. Plus. my husband complains that it doesn't handle odor well enough. Pros: 1.price 2.low dust 3.biodegradable 4.doesn't come from strip mining. 5.safer. Cons: 1.odor control 2.doesn't clump as hard as clay 3.doesn't sift as easily as clay 4.some people have problems with weevils in it, especially in summer. Overall I like it, especially after paying 40-50 bucks for a much smaller bag of World's Best, which is pretty similar. Hope this helps, Beth N. On Sat, Jul 9, 2011 at 9:16 AM, Lorrie felineres...@frontier.com wrote: I've often wondered and worried about this chemical stuff in the clumping litter. A friend of mine uses ground chicken corn. Have any of you tried this? She says it's not only safer but much less expensive. ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now
Winn Foundation is legit and does a lot of good, I know they give grants for FIP research, but I think they do grants for other cat health issues as well. If you go to their home page and click on Grants you can see listings for what they have funded. Each year they put out a list of what projects they have funded. I didn't see anything for FeLV in 2010, but there was one grant for improving lymphoma treatment. My vet made a contribution in honor of my kitten when she died of FIP. Beth N. On Wed, Jul 6, 2011 at 7:48 PM, Natalie at...@optonline.net wrote: I have no idea...do you know what exactly they do? What's their website - let's look into it. -Original Message- From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Ben Williams Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 7:34 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now Doesnt the Wynn Foundation do a lot of good work for cats? -- My iPhone told me to send this message. -- On Jul 6, 2011, at 6:15 PM, Natalie at...@optonline.net wrote: I have no idea - maybe we should all do some searches to see what's out there and ask a lot of questions! I'd hate to donate to anyone who merely uses cats for the sake of research; I'd like to see if there's someplace where they actually treat FeLV+ cats while trying for a cure, not mere research for research sake and getting their hands on grant money. I should ask my veterinarian, he was co-founder of AVAR (Association of Veterinarians for Animal Rights, now part of HSUS) whether he is aware of any real and constructive research done on FeLV. In the 90s, Cleveland Amory was on a show debating a researcher who got lucrative grants for animal experiments, and not really contributing to anything specific - just useless stuff! Cleveland asked him about a specific case (Please note: it was made up at that moment to see how ridiculous and irrelevant some research is!), describing a really grotesque scenario of one cat's eye sewn shut, while the other was sewn so it couldn't close, electrodes attached to the forehead, tail cut off, feeding tube inserted, etc. The researcher started defending every bit of it without a blink of an eye. When he finished, Cleveland boomed Aha, I knew you would defend just about anything to get your hands on grant money; I just made the whole thing up! BTW- Cleveland Amory was my very first adopter of a kitten that I trapped at the Greenwich dump in 1992 - Tiger Bear, an pale orange tabby with golden eyes (after his beloved white cat Polar Bear died). Natalie -Original Message- From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Lynda Wilson Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 6:54 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now You are most certainly correct, Natalie! Anyone know of a Feline Leukemia Society to donate to? Is there a group of scientists that are trying to find a cure or a better treatment plan for this deadly disease? Our poor babies!! - Original Message - From: Natalie at...@optonline.net To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 2:41 PM Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now It is always so sad to hear about any of our little furries succumbing to this horrible disease; I just wish that there were more available to help them to feel better or get well. One would think, that after all these years, there would be more hope for them! What is it about this disease that makes it so complicated? So many different symptoms that mimic other thingsdoes anyone out there care to find a cure? I am so sorry to hear about all of the crossings over the rainbow bridge! Natalie -Original Message- From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Cindy McHugh Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 1:31 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now Dear Cathy and Mark, I didn't realize you lost your little Cali. I'm so sorry for your loss, but I'm glad that Cali got to know your love and kindess. As I said to Ben, I pray you find comfort in knowing she's now happy and healthy. And when you consider that you'll have eternity together, this separation is but a speck of time. Cali just turned a corner before you did and one day, you'll turn that corner and there she'll be. She's not gone...just gone ahead. You're in my thoughts and prayers, Cindy - Original Message - From: ckess...@cox.net To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 12:00 PM Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now Ben, I guess Dexter knew that Cali needed someone to play with from Dallas. We lost our Cali last Monday and it has been to hard
Re: [Felvtalk] Fleas Hylands bioplasma tablets
Hi Cindy, I'm not familiar with Hyland's Bioplasma tablets either, but if you decide to try them and they don't work, maybe talk to your vet about Cyclosporine. I have 2 boys with severe allergies (one food/environmental, one just environmental) and tried many things, including food trials and allergy shots. The cyclosporine is the only thing that works for us. Hate to have them on a drug forever, but my vet says the feedback has been pretty positive on it, few problems so far (It's a fairly new drug for cats). Mine have been on it for 3 years and 1 year, they get yearly CBC's, but no issues so far. They are now on 25mg per day, 5 days per week. It costs about $43.00 for 30 pills. It took about 4-5 months to start working on one of the boys, but his quality of life is now so much improved. No more e-collar, yay!!! Best wishes, Beth N. On Tue, Jun 21, 2011 at 10:01 PM, Cindy McHugh ci...@furangels.org wrote: Thanks Dana - and everyone else too! So far, the aggression and spraying haven't been a problem, but he continues to lick/chew himself raw. ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Cali - 7 month old kitten
Natalie, Just a note of caution, a mom cat can test negative and still have positive babies. Happened to me. Also, if they are tested immediately upon rescue, there can be false negatives because the virus is still incubating and hasn't had time to show up yet. Also happened to me. Even if a rescue or shelter has run tests on mom and all babies, they should warn people not to put too much faith in a single test, positive or negative, and emphasize the importance of quarantining until the adopter can get a second test run. In my case, I vaccinated my negs and mixed and they are still negative. One of the positives made it to 3.5 years, with no FeLV issues until the very end. He was a joy to have known, and I still miss him. Best wishes, Beth On Tue, Jun 21, 2011 at 5:34 PM, Natalie at...@optonline.net I would definitely contact PetCo and advise them of this; it is totally unethical to adopt out a cat that may be FeLV+ or FIV+- if there was a mother cat, she should have been tested. Depending on the kitten's age at the time of adoption, if old enough, she should also have been tested! Any cat adopted from my group must be FIV/FeLV negative! I'm sure you will hear more from others! Best of luck and hang in there - I am so sorry for you and your dilemma! Natalie ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Vets for Felv cats
Hi Pam, I think a good regular vet who is willing to listen is the absolute best kind. I've tried another vet with a larger 24 hour practice who has pioneered some procedures. He was a mean, nasty ego-maniac. I much prefer a smaller practice where they can spend time to get to really know you and your cat, even if they don't see a lot of FeLV. I have also used some specialists when needed, and they have are nice, but very busy and probably don't remember me or my cats in 6 months. Like the difference between a family doctor and a brain surgeon. I would use U of WI as a specialist, and stick with the good regular vet for everything you and he feel comfortable tackling. Hopefully it won't be much, my positives only health issue before the end was a bladder problem unrelated to his FeLV. I know some others here will be able to offer advice on holistic vets, I've never used one for my cats. I guess my only concern would be to keep the regular vet informed of any supplements or treatments that the other one provides, as I think it is really important that they have a complete picture of what is happening with their patient. Best wishes, Beth N. On Fri, Jun 10, 2011 at 10:57 PM, Pam Norman pam_nor...@charter.net wrote: Do you all have your FeLeuk kitties seen by your regular vets? I talked to a wonderful consulting vet I know re Miss Eleanor (formerly Sabrina) his first recommendation was Internal Medicine at U of WI, but then said that this would probably not be necessary as long as she is asymptomatic. That regular blood work, every 6 months, would be the main requirement. Certainly hope that is the case as just a couple of visits to UW would be well over $1000! I would like to combine the services of a good regular vet, which I think I have, altho he freely admits that is practice does not see a lot of FeLeuk kitties - which is probably pretty much the case with all non-specializing vets, I would think, with those of a holistic vet as well. Do any of you do that? Are any of you in Wisconsin? Pam ___ 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] FW: Pet Armor/Diatomaceous Earth
Many dog products are extremely dangerous for cats, but at least the last time that I ordered, Revolution used the same formula for both dogs and cats. I have used the large dog tube many times on my cats. Like Lynda, I have a couple of cats that lose their fur at the application site, so I usually don't give it to them. The Revolution website claims that hair loss is due to the cat over grooming the area, which is baloney, IMHO, as I place it in a pretty difficult to reach spot on the neck, and I have never seen them or any other cat licking those spots. It looks more like a crusted over burn to me. Beth N. On Tue, May 31, 2011 at 11:47 PM, Lynda Wilson longhornf...@verizon.net wrote: The Revolution that I have is 15mg for puppies or kittens 5 lbs or less. It works quick and is effective. However, one of my cats loses his fur at the site of application so I have discontinued it. It did work well enough that he nor the house has fleas. Lynda - Original Message - From: Cindy McHugh ci...@furangels.org To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Tuesday, May 31, 2011 9:58 PM Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] FW: Pet Armor/Diatomaceous Earth I noticed a couple people have mentioned using Revolution intended for dogs on their cats. I thought this was extremely dangerous. I remember watching an episode of Emergency Vets or one of those shows on Animal Planet where a cat died because someone used a flea product intended for dogs on it. So *please* be very, very careful when doing this and speak to your vet first about adjusting the dosage. Cindy Angel Jackpot ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Soft Paws
Hi Melinda, I tried them on back paws to try to prevent one with severe allergies from scratching his head. Didn't work. He just chewed them off. (he's on Cyclosporine now, which works wonders). Haven't tried them on front paws, perhaps they would chew less on those, or if you are really dedicated about replacing them they may eventually get used to them. I think I would spend the money on adding more acceptable places for them to scratch, and rewarding them with treats when they do it...maybe also trim their nails and block the unnacceptable scratching areas with less tempting surfaces, like tinfoil or scraps of vinyl flooring, at least temporarily. Maybe more high-up perching places would decrease the amount of time they spend on the floor and help a bit too? Just brainstormin' :o) Best of luck, Beth N. On Sat, May 21, 2011 at 11:38 PM, Melinda Kerr msk...@me.com wrote: Has anyone tried Soft Paws for their cats?... ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Please add Rosie to CLS
I am so sorry to hear that Rosie has passed. I really hoped that at least one would be spared a while longer. They were a lucky bunch of kittens to have found you, so many people won't give even one positive a chance. Hugs, Beth N., angel Will Feral's mom ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Insight Please
Marnie, It is common for this to happen. I trapped 5 plus mom, mom was snap negative, runt was positive, 4 others were negative. 6 weeks later one of the negatives got a fever, was retested, and was positive. We think the first test was done too soon after his last exposure, there was not enough antigen yet in his body for the test to detect. Some vets will wrongly try to tell you that they will all eventually test positive. This is definitely not true. Three of our negative littermates are now 4.5 years old and still negative. As far as why this happens, there are a few different theories, but no one knows for sure. One that I have heard is that they could be infected by a nanny cat. In our case we only did the Elisa on the momma, then spayed and released her. Had we done an IFA, she may have showed positive. Following is a link to a chart which shows what testing path to follow based on the results that you are getting. http://www.felineleukemia.org/felvhlth.html Best wishes, Beth On Sat, Dec 11, 2010 at 12:52 AM, Marnie marni...@embarqmail.com wrote: My shelter just took in a litter of 5 kittens. They are about 8 weeks old. The 3 females tested possible for feline leukemia with the Idexx snap test and the 2 males were negative. We retested from another batch of tests and the same thing. How is this possible if they are all from the same mother? Can anyone shed some light on this please? Marnie ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Eosinophilic granuloma in Spanky's nasal passage
Hi Stacy, One of my negative cats has EGC on his belly. He gets raised, red plaques and licks constantly. I had no luck with topical creams, fish oil, or allergy shots. We had him on prednisolone to control it for quite a while, because it worked and it was what we could afford. Unfortunately, it also thinned his bones and he broke his leg last summer. All better now, but all told, the steroid was not so cheap. His brother has food allergies and is on Cyclosporine to control them. It was $90.00 bucks a month for his meds, but our vet found a cheaper supplier ($43.00/month) so we were able to start giving it to our EGC boy as well. It has worked even better for him than for the food allergy boy. He gets a 25mg pill 5-6 days a week, hoping to be able to cut him down to every other day eventually. It is an immune suppressant, so they are not getting vaccinations while on it. Not as big of an issue here as we no longer have any FeLV+ in our group. Kidney function does need to be monitered while they are on it. My vet was more paranoid about this in the beginning, did CBC's before starting it, another a month later, and then one every six months. As it's been used on more cats she's become more confident in its safety and now they will just get a yearly CBC, unless they show any signs of urinary issues. Best of luck, Beth On Fri, Nov 5, 2010 at 11:59 AM, Stacy Zacher stacy_zac...@yahoo.com wrote: This week I noticed Spanky's nasal passage looked swollen and red. At first I thought it was bleeding. It seemed that it just happened overnight! I took Spanky to the vet on Wed morning and she said it looks like he now has an the eosinophilic granuloma in his nose and it is swollen and half blocking the nasal passage. ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] how to make Whimsy an inside only?
Hi, I have 1 formerly stray, and 1 formerly feral. I think the best way is cold-turkey. Otherwise they will just keep begging to go out and trying to slip outside. Mine adjusted quickly, had one scary over-night sneak out, but overall they seem content to be inside. Teaching him that he must wear a harness to go out can work too, but he will be more likely to try to sneak out if it is sometimes allowed and sometimes not. Best cat toy I've found to occupy their time is the Catch Me If You Can toy at Walmart, $20.00. (Don't waste your money on the Butterfly Blast). I also hide treats on their cat tree... Best wishes, Beth N. On Tue, Oct 19, 2010 at 11:22 PM, Emeraldkittee emeraldkit...@yahoo.com wrote: I would be interested in hearing others' stories of bringing inside an FeLV 'former feral' - to permenantly indoor. ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Mixing
I rescued a litter of 5, 1 tested positive and was quarantined, and died of FIP at 12 weeks old. One of the negatives became sick soon after, was retested, and he was now positive. He had no contact with his sick sister between tests. I began to get his negative siblings vaccinated, but did not seperate them from their remaining positive sibling, as they had already been exposed anyway. I did keep the whole group seperate from my original adult cat. I didn't let them mix with her for many months, not until the vaccine had been boostered and and another FeLV test had been done. The positive remained positive for the 3.5 years I had him, and the negatives have remained negative. Best wishes, Beth ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Foster cat with FeLV
Hi Rachel, Here is a link to a chart that explains what the next step should be for each type of test result. For positive Elisa, negative IFA, they recommend retesting after a certain time period until the results are no longer discordant. Hope this helps, Beth http://www.felineleukemia.org/felvhlth.html On Wed, Sep 29, 2010 at 9:20 AM, Rachel sshutterb...@yahoo.com wrote: Question: From what I understand, if the IFA test comes back negative, that may just mean that while he may have the virus, he's just not shedding it? If the first two tests are positive and the IFA test comes back negative, doesn't he still pose some kind of transmission risk to other cats? From: Sharyl cline...@yahoo.com To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wed, September 29, 2010 12:10:05 AM Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Foster cat with FeLV Rachel, check with the vets to see what test was used. There has been a lot of reports of false positives with the new IDEXX heartworm/FeLV/FIV combo test. If that was the test used please arrange for the IFA test before making any decisions about Oscar. Sharyl --- On Tue, 9/28/10, Rachel sshutterb...@yahoo.com wrote: From: Rachel sshutterb...@yahoo.com Subject: [Felvtalk] Foster cat with FeLV To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Date: Tuesday, September 28, 2010, 10:45 PM Hi- I work with a nonprofit animal rescue based in Cincinnati, Ohio. Two weeks ago we took in an owner-surrender cat who tested positive yesterday for FeLV. We had him retested this evening at another facility and that test also came back positive. Unfortunately we do not have any fosters who can accommodate an FeLV-positive cat out of concern for our own and other foster animals. I am trying desperately to find alternate placement for Oscar locally, but am not having a lot of success. Oscar is a purebred odd-eyed white Persian cat. He is about three years old and is asymptomatic. He was purchased from a breeder as a kitten and was kept as an indoor-only cat in a household with no other cats. Does anyone here know of any resources or organizations that may be able to take Oscar in? We are willing to transport Oscar (within reason). He has been neutered and will be fully vaccinated prior to placement. I would absolutely hate for this friendly, gorgeous cat to be euthanized simply because alternate placement cannot be found. Thank you, Rachel Richardson ___ 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 ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] FeLV testing protocols
Georgetta, Here are more links that I could find on when to test, somewhat contradictory. Since the Elisa looks for antigens, not antibodies, you can test as young as you like without worrying about maternal antibodies interfering. But, since the virus needs some time to incubate (I'm seeing anywhere from 2-9 weeks mentioned) the earlier you test, the greater a risk you run of getting a false negative. Maybe decide based on risk factors, quarantining those from colonies with a history of positives, those from hoarders, the runts, and sickies as long as possible, and quickly socializing those born to indoor only cats in small number homes (oops litters, or the I just wanted the kids to see the miracle of birth babies)? Most cats are adopted out as negative on the basis of just one test, and most adopters don't retest, so there are probably a lot of positives slipping through already anyway. Beth http://www.winnfelinehealth.org/Pages/FeLV_Web.pdf “Vaccination for FeLV does not affect test results since the tests are for viral antigens, not antibodies. Kittens can be tested at any age because maternal immunity does not interfere with testing.” http://www.cpvh.com/Articles/17.html “Diagnosis is made by clinical signs and a positive blood test. Testing is recommended for kittens at least 8-9 weeks of age, all stray cats, and ill cats. Because of the incubation period and also the cat’s ability to fight off the disease, it is recommended to perform two tests at least two months apart. A new kitten or stray cat could be incubating FeLV, and if tested too early in the disease, will receive a false negative result on the test.” http://www.vet.uga.edu/vpp/clerk/iyer/index.php “Viremia is usually evident 2-4 weeks after FeLV infection.” http://www.felineleukemia.org/felvhlth.html Chart for testing protocols which recommends final testing be done 90 days post exposure, if possible. Also gives different protocols based on known versus unknown exposure history. ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] FeLV testing protocols
Hi Georgetta, Yup, I understand how bitey an unsocialized singleton can be! My arms were SO scratched up from my first positive that lived in quarantine from 6-12 weeks. Others here may have better references, but I found one article that says that the time between infection and testing positive is normally 2-8 weeks. If funds allowed, perhaps one snap test when the litters are combined, and another prior to adoption? May not be practical or affordable for a real rescue, I've just done my private little rescues and kept more (10 total, 2 now deceased) than I've managed to adopt out (7). I'll see what other references I can find in the morning... Good night, Beth N. ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] FeLV misconceptions
Hi Georgetta, A negative snap is not always negative. I rescued a litter of 5 six week olds, sickly runt was immediately quarantined, Elisa tested positive at seven weeks old. Her siblings were first tested at eight weeks old, all negative. One brother came down with a high fever at fourteen weeks, retested positive. He was probably so newly infected at the time of the first test that he didn't have enough antigens? or antibodies? (can never remember which one the test looks for) in his system yet. Both of my positives are now gone, their 3 vaccinated siblings remained negative. I know it is not practical for rescues to hang on to a kitten for months waiting to retest and confirm the negatives, but FWIW I don't really trust a single snap test, positive or negative, especially if it is done too soon after the cat's last possible exposure. Beth N. One question I have for the FeLV group - How young do you test for FeLV? I know there is the concern about maternal antibodies triggering a false positive, but if a Negative is really a Negative on the Snap (ELISA) test... shouldn't you be able to test pretty young/small kittens, provided you can draw the blood required? I know there might be a greater chance of a false positive, but taking the into account, you should be able to clear at a pretty young age, maybe 3-4 weeks? That way you could clear the negatives and relax a bit, then be supercareful to keep the + kittens in quarantine as long as necessary to clear or confirm! Any experience or insight would be greatly appreciated. (I am ccing to orphankittens and the feralcats groups for more input.) Thanks and good luck with your cats and kittens, Georgetta (back from today's PETCO adoptions - placed just 2 older kittens in 4 hours - neither were any of the 8 I took to show for adoption... sigh... wish me better luck tomorrow.) www.CatsCradleRescue.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Murphy's check up
Alice, I lost two of five to this lousy disease, can't imagine going through it as many times as you have. Wishing you strength to see Murphy through his journey. They were a lucky litter to find you. Hugs, Beth ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Cat Litter
Glad you your kitties like it! Beth N. On Sat, Aug 14, 2010 at 8:18 PM, rache20...@aol.com wrote: Thank to whomever suggested the Chicken starter/grower from TSC. I went and got a 50lb. bag for $11.49 (and I live in NY state). I'm thrilled. It is just as good or better than the World's Best at a fraction of the price. I love it. So, thanks for the suggestion! It's great and the cats love it. It does have a little bit of an odor to it (not any different from World's Best) but it is not nasty or offensive. Just kind of like food, or yeasty (it is corn after all) -Original Message- From: felvtalk-rowrequ...@felineleukemia.org To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Sat, Aug 14, 2010 1:00 pm Subject: Felvtalk Digest, Vol 26, Issue 12 ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] cat litter
Hi Kelley, Me too! I like the way this box catches the urine in a reservoir. One of my boxes is a Tidy Cat Breeze right now. The cats love it, it is their favorite box too pee in, but the urine collection tray is too shallow and the pads are bad for the environment. It's too bad, I love the way it looks, and how the scoop can hang off the side, if it just had a urine bottle instead of the tray/pad combo it would be perfect... Beth (Blue, Moxie, Dash, Scooter, Mama, Sprite, Schnozzie Harriet, and angel Will) On Tue, Aug 10, 2010 at 12:22 AM, Kelley Saveika moonv...@gmail.com wrote: I want one of these so bad! It uses safflower seeds for litter. Completely biodegradable and you CAN get the safflower seeds from Walmart. Do not have to buy from this company. http://www.felinediabetes.com/SCB/SCBcatalog.htm ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Do you know why....
Not sure statistically how often it happens, but I know it can, because it happened to me. Tested mom cat (negative) and sickly 7 week old runt (positive) with the in-house Elisa snap test. Four other littermates were separated from mom and the runt and were tested at 8 weeks (all negative). At 14 weeks one of the negatives came down with a fever, we ran the Elisa test again and he was positive. He apparently was very recently infected when we tested him the first time, and thus didn't yet have enough of the antibodies? or is it antigens? circulating in his blood stream for the test to detect. It is important to retest cats that test positive as well, as they may fight off the disease and test negative at a later date. In order to give the virus time to clear out or settle in, you should wait at least 120 days from last exposure to test again. And, it is best to use the IFA test the second time. I understand it is better at picking up persistent infection which has settled in the bone marrow. I suspect that had we IFA tested the feral momma kitty, we may have found that she actually was infected. Instead, when we got that first negative we had her spayed and released. Of course, their is also a chance that she really was negative, the kittens could have been infected by another stray... Beth On Mon, Apr 19, 2010 at 12:55 AM, Reyna Castano rcpin...@yahoo.com wrote: If a cat tests negative for feline leukemia why does the vet recommend a second test in two months? What are the possibilities of the same cat testing positive the second time? Reyna ___ 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] Will Feral, thank you Diane
Thank you Diane. He had a nice last day, ate a little, begged for a piece of bread crust from my sandwich, batted it around a couple of times and then fetched it and dropped it at my feet so I would throw it. Sat with his brothers and sisters while they played with a string my mom dangled at them. He was so good I started panicking that it wasn't time, but once his little bit of energy was used up he lay back down on the steps and was breathing heavy, lots of side movement and seemed uncomfortable. I decided to keep our afternoon appointment. They left us alone for a few minutes in the exam room, I had his favorite nursing blanket on my lap, but he was nervous and wanted to jump down. I put my arm under the blanket and bunched it up into a little mound under his front paws, he lay right down, stretched his arms right out with all his toes extended and kneading away, and stated suckling face down in the material. It was like he was doing all his favorite things one last time to please me...When he was done the vet came in, we layed his blanket on the table, it was a very peaceful passing. His stuck his little tongue out at us as he passed, which seemed kind of appropriate. I am so grateful for all the kind people on this list who gave me such good advice when he was a kitten, I am going to stay a member. Thank you to everyone for your help and support over the past few years, and hugs to your furbabies, Beth, Blue, Moxie, Dash, Scooter, and Angel Will Feral On Thu, Dec 10, 2009 at 12:15 AM, Diane Rosenfeldt drosenfe...@wi.rr.comwrote: Beth, I remember Will, and I'm so sorry he had to go to the Bridge. Hugs to you. Diane R. -Original Message- From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Beth Noren Sent: Wednesday, December 09, 2009 7:09 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Multi Cat House Protocol Hi, I'm not sure if you got a reply as my computer has been down for quite some time. I tested everyone Elisa and IFA initially, did a follow-up IFA several months later, and vaccinated the negatives. My plan was only to retest if a negative became sick, and this was supported by my vet. The chance that a healthy, adult, vaccinated negative will pick up the disease is small, so I felt the funds were better spent on other problems (2 of my negs have severe allergies). I haven't told the list yet, as I just got functioning Internet service again today , but I had to help my sweet positive boy leave this world on November 13th. I haven't been active on the list for some time now, but some folks here may remember Will Feral. Lymphoma finally got him, after 3.5 active, happy years. He is so terribly missed. I plan to test my 4 negatives as soon as finances permit, so that I can comfortably discontinue vaccinating them for FeLV. Best wishes, Beth On Tue, Dec 8, 2009 at 9:00 AM, Maria Ianiro mian...@gmail.com wrote: Hello - For those of you with multi-cat households, I was wondering what your vet has recommended in terms of re-testing for FELV in the negative cat. I have 1 positive and 1 negative that have been living together for over a year now. I have been advised to re-test the negative cat once a year for FELV and give the negative cat the FELV combo shot once a year. Thank you ___ 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 ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Multi Cat House Protocol
Hi, I'm not sure if you got a reply as my computer has been down for quite some time. I tested everyone Elisa and IFA initially, did a follow-up IFA several months later, and vaccinated the negatives. My plan was only to retest if a negative became sick, and this was supported by my vet. The chance that a healthy, adult, vaccinated negative will pick up the disease is small, so I felt the funds were better spent on other problems (2 of my negs have severe allergies). I haven't told the list yet, as I just got functioning Internet service again today , but I had to help my sweet positive boy leave this world on November 13th. I haven't been active on the list for some time now, but some folks here may remember Will Feral. Lymphoma finally got him, after 3.5 active, happy years. He is so terribly missed. I plan to test my 4 negatives as soon as finances permit, so that I can comfortably discontinue vaccinating them for FeLV. Best wishes, Beth On Tue, Dec 8, 2009 at 9:00 AM, Maria Ianiro mian...@gmail.com wrote: Hello - For those of you with multi-cat households, I was wondering what your vet has recommended in terms of re-testing for FELV in the negative cat. I have 1 positive and 1 negative that have been living together for over a year now. I have been advised to re-test the negative cat once a year for FELV and give the negative cat the FELV combo shot once a year. Thank you ___ 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] Supplementing the diet of a + cat in a multicat house-
My cats tend to be fattest on dry food. They are thinner, more playful and energetic on wet, and it is supposed to be a lot healthier for them (less chance of diabetes, etc.), although it is painfully expensive for 5 cats. Mine have severe allergy problems so I have to feed them Natural Balance Venison Green Pea. I think special snackies are a great idea... Beth ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
[Felvtalk] ISO FeLV+
Saw this on Detroit area Craig's List last night, thought I'd pass it along... WANTED: FELV OR FIV POSITIVE KITTEN (Troy) -- Reply to: comm-1037835...@craigslist.orgcomm-1037835...@craigslist.org?subject=wanted:%20FELV%20OR%20FIV%20POSITIVE%20KITTEN%20(Troy) [? http://www.craigslist.org/about/help/replying_to_posts] Date: 2009-02-16, 9:27PM EST I am in search of an FELV or FIV positive kitten. Our cat died a few months ago and we miss him a lot :( Seeing we don't have any other cats now, I'd like to provide a home for one that may not have much of a chance otherwise. Preferably long haired, male, neutered, and would really prefer that he was declawed because my husband would probably fall over and die if he woke up one morning to a shredded couch. It's a long shot I'm sure, but if there's something out there, here I am. lol - Location: Troy - it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests PostingID: 1037835806 -- Copyright (c) 2009 craigslist, inc.terms of usehttp://www.craigslist.org/about/terms.of.use.html privacy policy http://www.craigslist.org/about/privacy_policyfeedback forum http://detroit.craigslist.org/forums/?forumID=8 ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] ot-another fip Q
Hi, me again, I just re-read some info on FIP at this site, and they are saying FCoV transmission is primarily through shared litterboxes, so even less chance for worry... http://marvistavet.com/html/body_fip.html Beth ___ 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] ot-sneaker fip?
Hi Tonya, I lost one 12 week old to suspected wet FIP 2 years ago. She had a chronic URI and began having fevers that stopped responding to antibiotics. When her belly very first started to swell I noticed it, but the vet couldn't see it (or perhaps didn't want me to worry too much prematurely?) It quickly became obvious, (swayed, stuck out to the sides, hung way down, felt a bit like a water balloon) and was accompanied by anorexia and a very pronounced spine. From the first signs of swelling to the end was maybe 3 weeks or less? Hope sneakers is ok, if he's still eating good and no fevers then that's a good sign. Beth On Sun, Nov 2, 2008 at 8:49 PM, catatonya [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: thanks. maybe he's just gaining weight from the canned food. he's been exposed to no new cats and has been breathing funny for at least a year now... we've done antibiotics twice. i just don't know... t ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] ot-another fip Q
Hi Laurie, If there are no other symptoms (fever, pronounced spine) then I wouldn't worry. Wet FIP normally progresses pretty quickly, from my experience and what I've read. When I lost my Alice to it it was maybe 3 weeks or less from first noticing symptoms to having her so swollen and unresponsive to meds that we had to pts. As you may already know, FIP isn't directly contagious from cat to cat. Instead, the usually harmless but very contagious feline corona virus, which is present in a majority of shelter and cattery cats, happens to mutate into deadly FIP within a specific cat. So it IF Tessa has FIP, your others likely already have FCoV, even just with limited casual contact, but unlikely that it would mutate into FIP in another of your cats. Some strains of FCoV do seem to make deadly mutations easier than others, and genetics may make some cats more susceptible than others. In my case, Alice's siblings are all still here at 2.5 years... Wouldn't worry too much, Beth On Sun, Nov 2, 2008 at 7:27 PM, Laurieskatz [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi. Another FIP question. My foster cat Tessa has a large belly. She was spayed and vet said she was full of fat cells. She kind of sways when she walks. Another vet examined her and said her belly was firm and not spongy like an FIP belly would be. Any thoughts? She has mostly been isolated but is occasionally in areas in common with my cats but no direct cat to cat contact and no sharing of food or water bowls. She has urinated in their boxes a couple times. Would anyone here be concerned? Thanks Laurie et al -Original Message- ___ 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] ot-sneaker fip?
I think it's called Rivalta's test? Beth On Mon, Nov 3, 2008 at 2:38 AM, Kelley Saveika [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: There is a test which MC will probably remember the name of that can rule out FIP. Most vets do not know about it. If the cat does indeed have wet FIP, the prognosis is very poor and the time frame is short, but I do think a lot of vets use FIP as a diagnosis when they don't really know what is wrong. ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] ot-sneaker fip?
Here's a link with a good explanation: http://marvistavet.com/html/body_fip.html Beth :o) On Mon, Nov 3, 2008 at 2:49 AM, Kelley Saveika [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: That's it - thanks! On Mon, Nov 3, 2008 at 1:47 AM, Beth Noren [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I think it's called Rivalta's test? Beth ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Testing New Kittens - Need Help
Hi, I would test all, if financially possible. I rescued a mom and five babies, mom tested negative, runt tested positive at 7 weeks old and was quarantined, 4 siblings were negative at 8 weeks old. One of the neg's got a fever at about 14 weeks old, he was retested Elisa and IFA and was positive on both. They were all tested again 2 or 3 months later (I can't remember which, I know that 90 days is better, but we were anxious to get them out of quarantine, so I think we bumped it up a little). The neg's were still neg. They are now vaccinated and we mix, don't plan to retest unless someone gets sick. Best of luck, Beth, Blue, Moxie, Dash, Scooter, and Will Feral ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Urinary issues
Hi Sherry, quick question...has she had an ultrasound of her bladder? Our Will Feral was recently dx'd with idiopathic interstitial cystitis (blood in urine off and on, peeing on the floor, straining at times, normal urine ph, no evidence of crystals, no infection, nothing on xray). He gets dasuquin and amitryptaline, still having problems. We finally had an ultrasound done and it showed grit in his bladder, so first dx was wrong, it is actually the beginning of some type of stones. He doesn't seem to be incontinent in his sleep or while sitting, so maybe your girl has something else...but I think the ultrasound was worthwhile for us. Beth, Blue, Moxie, Dash, Scooter and Will Feral On Thu, Aug 14, 2008 at 9:29 PM, Sherry DeHaan [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Does anyone here know of a group of some sort or have any ideas what I can try next? First of all my fiv+ girl has been diagnosed with IFLUTD ( idiopathic feline lower urinary tract disease) ... ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] while we await a retest
Sharyl, Don't give up hope that some are negative. Ours initially tested 4 negative, 1 pos. One of the negs was incubating the virus and tested positive some weeks later, but the other three were still negative 6 months later. Their feral momma tested Elisa negative (didn't do IFA on her) and she is still running around. We vaccinate, and will only retest if a neg. gets sick... Good luck, Beth On Wed, Jul 23, 2008 at 3:56 PM, Sharyl [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I'll be watching the replies with interest Julie. I have four 6 week old kittens that are probably positive (could only afford to have one tested). I'm giving them a similar mix of supplements - Super B complex, folic acid, Lactoferrin, DMG, CoQ10, L-Lysine, Brewers Yeast and Mega C Plus in their food twice a day. The Mega C Plus may be a snake oil type supplement but I figured I'd try one jar on my positives. Sharyl and Daisy's Babies --- On *Wed, 7/23/08, Julie Lafferty [EMAIL PROTECTED]* wrote: From: Julie Lafferty [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [Felvtalk] while we await a retest To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Date: Wednesday, July 23, 2008, 1:31 PM Hi, I posted the other day about my 4 13 week old foster kittens who tested positive for FeLV. While we wait out re-testing them, is there anything that can be done in hopes of boosting their immune system and fighting off the virus? I am using Pet Tinic liquid vitamins twice a day and lactoferrin/colostrum supplement in their wet food twice a day..anything else we should be doing? ___ 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] crf-Belinda
Hi Tonya, Sounds like Bob is having problems very similar to what we are now going through with Will Feral. He began spraying a few weeks ago, blood has been in the urine off and on. X-ray was clear, urinalysis had no crystals, good ph, no blockage. Dx was interstitial cystitis. He did 2 weeks of Clavamox with no improvement. He is now on a glucosamine/chondroitin drug made for cats. It's called Dasuquin, it also has avacado/soybean unsaponifables added to it, probably just something to make it unique and patentable and doubly expensive. I mix 2 capsules with a tablespoon of Fancy Feast every morning and he scarfs it down. Didn't seem to be helping so the vet has added 1 more drug, Elavil (Amitriptyline) 5mg per day by pill popper. It is an anti-depressant but is also supposed to have anti-inflammatory properties. 4 days into it he still had bloody urine, we're at 1 week now, haven't seen any puddles in a couple of days, but he may just be hiding his squatting better. He's still playing fetch with his mouse and eating well. We haven't done the prescription food yet as it is difficult to feed it to just one of 5. I have decreased the amount of dry food they all get and have increased the wet. I also read some good tips somewhere (maybe I got the link here?) on getting them to drink more water. I now leave a bowl on the end table by the couch where he always tries to steal sips from my glass. They all love drinking at that spot now. I put the L-lysine into this water. Here are Will's blood values for comparison: Creatnine - 2.1(0.8-2.4) *HIGH NORMAL Bun - 35 (16-36) *HIGH NORMAL Na - 162 mmol/L (150-165) K - 4 mmol/L (3.5-5.8) Cl - 120 mmol/L (112-129) HCT - 37.4 (30-45) I'll holler if the Elavil, (or anything else) seems to work. Kind regards, Beth, Blue, Moxie. Dash, Scooter, and Will Feral ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Welcome to new members and saying Hello
Hi Terrie, I am so sorry to hear what you are going through with your mom. Just as a little bit of hope, my dad is the same age as your mom and his doctor gave him 1 month to 1 year to live over 2 and a half years ago. We thought it was really the end just before last Christmas, he couldn't walk to the bathroom without passing out, was shivering all the time and sleeping all day. His doctors acted like this was just the inevitable progression of his disease. Turns out it was his meds. They finally let him lower his blood-pressure medication and he woke up, started eating healthy, exercising a tiny bit, and is enjoying his life again. His condition is still ultimately fatal, but this reprieve has been wonderful. Hoping she has many barbeques to come... Hugs, Beth ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: Hobbs, May 4, 2008
Dear Heather, I am so sorry that Hobb's has passed. Thank you and Jann for all you have done for him and his sister Sissy. I rescued a litter of 5, mom tested negative on the Elisa, very sick runt tested Felv+ right away (7 wks old), after a brief rally we lost her to suspected FIP at 12 weeks. One of her brothers tested Felv+ a few weeks later, he turned 2 in April and is a healthy, hyper, head-butting joy. No problems since the fever that caused us to retest him. Hoping that Sissy has a similar strength and graces Jann's life for a long time. Peace, Beth On Mon, May 5, 2008 at 5:04 PM, Heather Wienker [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Thank you everyone, for your kind thoughts. Hobbs was just over a year old, they were about 6 weeks old when we found them mid-April of 2007. I am wondering what others' experiences have been with kittens born with leukemia, and how long they have lived. Thank you all for your prayers for Sissy and Jann as well--they sure need them right now. Wishing peace to our sweet boy, I am so thankful that he did have the happy life unlimited love that he did. Heather
Re: Hobbs, May 4, 2008 Question for Beth Noren
Hi Heather, Of the 5 kittens, one was positive right away, and one turned positive several weeks later. We lost the first one to FIP, which I partially blame on vaccinating too soon and too short a regimen of antibiotics. She was vaccinated a couple of days after the antibiotics were stopped, they were still in her system then and were masking the fact that she hadn't really kicked her URI. Her immune system just got tired, and she came down with FIP. She was a very sick little runt when we found her, so she may not have made it even without our mistakes. When one of her brothers came down with a high fever, we had him retested and he came up positive. He got prednisolone for 1 or 2 days and was put on Clavamox. The fever came back within a week, one prednisolone tablet was all it took to break the fever. After all I had been through with the first one, there was no way I was letting him off the antibiotic. He was on Clavamox as a preventative for *months*. Everyone says that it will kill the good bacteria along with the bad, and that may be true for some cats, but he never had a problem. He has always been my best and most enthusiastic eater, no diarrhea or anything. I think that the antibiotics allowed his body to concentrate on its fight with the virus instead of wasting its energy on any bacteria. Just my layman's guess. I think that the typical 10 day antibiotic prescription is way too short. Then again, he was much healthier than his sister when I found them, so maybe he has stayed well *despite* my meddling. Anyway, I was kinda flying under my vet's radar getting Clavamox refills, finally I took him in to have his mouth checked 'cause he wouldn't eat his crunchy treats (it was fine) and she said that she couldn't in good conscience see any reason to continue prescribing meds to such a healthy looking cat. He's solid muscle from playing all day long. The only supplement I use with him is L-Lysine powder in his wet food. Food brands have changed a few times, but for a lot of their lives they have been on California Natural chicken and rice dry. Current wet food is Pet's Promise chicken from Petco. I avoid fish flavors because they can have a flame retardant chemical in them (from pollution). Once in awhile they get a plate of wet baby greens or romaine lettuce, otherwise they try to steal it from our birds. That's it. Oh, and I waited longer to have him neutered (7 months). He is healthier than his three remaining siblings (all negative, but two have food allergies and one broke her femur). I know that the odds are long on making 3 years, but I have hope, and I try to concentrate on the joy of his company right here and now. Even when he's hell-bent on stealing used Q-tips from the bathroom trash. :o) Sending good thoughts for Sissy, Beth On Tue, May 6, 2008 at 9:34 AM, Heather Wienker [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Beth (Noren)- For your two surviving 2 year old FELV kitties, are there supplements you've used or anything in particular you attribute to them doing so well? Thank you all for your condolences and thoughts, I sent Jann a link to the archives so that she would know that many thoughts are with her, with wishes of peace and love for Hobbs. Heather
Re: OT: socializing barn kittens
My crew of born-in-a-brush-pile kitties acted like that at first. They were 7-8 weeks old when we brought them into our house. We had them quarantined in our bedroom, got a positve FELV test, and kept them in there until we could run a confirming test 3 months later, and get our adult kitty vaccinated and boostered. So they were locked in with us a lng time. They hid under the bed for the first couple of weeks, then finally began playing with wand toys. It was a big deal the first time they chased the toy up onto my lap. Even after they came out of quarantine, we shook a treat bag to get them to get them to come back for bedtime. Now they are total mushballs, even Miss Moxie, who was the hissiest, spittinist one of the bunch. If it's possible, I think confinement in your bedroom is perfect, because your in there for long stretches of time every day and your pretty non-threatening while your sleeping. Well, it's perfect for the kittens, anyway. Once they warm up to you and decide 1-4 AM is play time, it gets a little rough... Good luck, Beth On Dec 19, 2007 3:59 PM, Caroline Kaufmann [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: My other issue is that is took in 3 female barn kittens last Sat. We are estimating they are about 8 wks (just got spayed on Mon and all weigh almost 3 lbs). They were born in a barn in Indiana- mom was dropped off on this man's farm and had her kittens in the barn. I don't know too many details, but after they were born, they started coming out of the barn a little so they were noticed by the farmer and his daughter. They were not taken into the house as far as I know they stayed in the barn until they were caught and brought to me. So my contact at the adoption agency obviously wanted to get them fix and out of the bitter bitter cold and wants to see if they can be socialized enough to be adopted out. If not, they will have to re-released to the barn. She doesn't have the time/resources to take on this project right now and she was given my name and number as the newest kitten rehabber on the block I guess. But I'm a rehabber of sick kittens- that's my forte! And these babies are the healthiest lil piggies I've seen in a loong time (aw the irony). (By the by, 5 of the 7 kittens that I have nursed through illnesses and fostered since Sept. have been adopted! The remaining ones are Yoda- who shows badly b/c he thinks I'm his mommy and he has no intention of going anywhere...and the little booger is growing on me daily anyway; and Possum (aka Possee- my little struggling underweight darling who's finally growing and moving around now that we've gone through a whole thing of Nutrical! He's not caught up to Yoda yet, even tho they are the same age, but there's been improvement. He isn't show-ready yet so I haven't even tried to adopt him yet.). Anyway, I don't know what I am doing with these barn kittens! Other than just generally forcing myself on them, I am kind of at a loss. They're not really wild like feral cats or anything, they just would prefer it if you didn't touch them. They kind of go into this panic mode when I do pick them up by the scruff where they will just curl up their body like a ball and they just kind of go to their happy place-- like lapse into a trance and don't engage. So people who don't truly know cats think they are darling little docile things you can just hold forever, but it's not so. I know if you put them on the ground, they would be off and under something and you'd never find them again. It's like they go into survival mode when you hold them, so people think they are fun to hold, but really, these little things are dying on the inside while you are doing it! They never purr when I scratch them or handle them. They will hiss sometimes when they first see me or I reach for them, but it's really baby hissing and I totally ignore it. Of course, they are scared of sounds and some toys I originally gave them, but we are making headway now b/c they love the cat teasers with feathers, so I can get them to engage, but only for the purpose of playing. *Other than forced holding of them, what can I do to work on getting them to engage with people- and even like them? *I hold them together as a group all wrapped up in a towel- I thought that would lessen the trauma by them all having each other. Plus, the farmer's daughter (hee hee!) favored only one of them and held only that one kitten- so it's more socialized and easier to hold than the other two. It's actually really sad to see the effect that that favoritism had on these babies! *I just want to be doing all that I can b/c if they can't be socialized, they will have to be released and I will feel like it's partly my fault-- I feel like I can't fail here. *It would be especially sad b/c these little things are cute cute! They have those big round apple heads and pudgy faces and huge round eyes and they have medium fur that is
Re: Here is the link
Thanks Tonya, I'm tryin', though it doesn't come easy! I just joined a parrot behavior list that teaches people to modify their parrots behavior through positive reinforcement and modeling the correct behavior. Funny thing is, list members are required to live by those same principals in their communications with each other. Joined to find help in dealing with my husband's new bird, but I think it may just change the way I relate to people too! I'll keep practicing here, though it still feels like my point gets lost in all the diplomacy... :o) Beth On 9/26/07, catatonya [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Thank you Beth for being much more diplomatic than me. :) tonya
Re: Here is the link
Glenda, many of us here mix our vaccinated negatives with our positives. It is a calculated risk that takes into account quality of life, as is your decision to allow your cats outside. In my situation, with my neighborhood and my street-senseless cats, an outdoor kitty is a risk that I won't take. Your situation may be very different. I guess I am just trying to suggest that we ALL care deeply for our cats, and that we be gentler with each other when voicing our different opinions. It does the cats no good if all of us crazy cat ladies start attacking each other. Sherry has worked so hard, and takes each loss so personally, and for that I thank her. Best wishes, Beth, Blue, Moxie, Dash, Scooter. and Will Feral On 9/24/07, glenda Goodman [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Sherry, ...Sherry I am trying to control my emotions ,but I have to tell you I am scared to death for these two groups of cats. I am believing/hoping your girl Mystique is vaccinated...that could help, but she is at terrible risk. Her immune system is already compromised by the FIV. I cannot implore you strongly enough to please get her out of Crash'slanding ASAP! You have been lucky with your FIV kitties and especially with your kitty who threw the FIV. When I read about the beautiful Mystique, I felt relieved that she was only FIV+. I felt you would have good luck with her and she might live a pretty normal life. The fact she is in a situation where she can contract the FeLV virus any day now, is making me a little crazy...I worry about her and everyone else in that environment...and what about the kitties that might possibly be able one day, to throw one of the viruses or the other? What chance do any of them really have...They are at huge risk of getting THE OTHER virus. There has to be a way to seperate the two groups. FIV+ kitties have such a better chance , but here they are almost certainly, over time going to become FeLV+ too. You need to get Mystique out of there. You should have her tested for both FIV and FeLV, just so you know, what you will be dealing with. Then have her tested again in 4-6 months. If she is FeLV- you are both blessed. If I were you, I'd want to know, for myself, if she is really FIV+. Crash'slanding comes across beautifully on it's intro page and it is set up well to navigate through. The kitties are beautiful. Their stories are well written and touching. This is a nokill shelter, right? The way it appears to me, is a showplace type of place, that collects cats, donations ,but seriously needs to become a bit more cat- friendly...Besides taking in these cats, are they really doing what is best for each cat? If they cannot seperate the FIV+ cats from the FeLV+ cats they should only be dealing with cats with one disease or the other disease and let another shelter deal with the other... Do they get a lot of volunteers as sweet as you? Well, they are lucky if they do. Nobody is driving a cadillac are they...bad joke, sorry. I have one FeLV+ cat in my household of 7-cats. All my cats are vaccinated. Yet I am very, very careful my negatives do not come into contact with my one positive, little girl. If I found out I had a FIV+ cat in my household I would possibly allow him to continue as always with his brothers, but if anyone were to turn up FeLV+ it is quarantine time. FIV is a far easier disease to deal with. I'm in the process of having all my guys tested again, because my guys do get outside at times, supervised, as they are and as confident as I am they have not run into any positive, strange kitties out there, I still believe in knowing their health status every year or so...This, because I do not believe in putting any of my kitties in harm's way. If I were perfect, they would never get outside, at ever, but I love for them to have fun in the yard...I get weak when they beg...I am a bad mommy for that, but I take that risk for the, quality of life, argument... Well, I have done enough damage for one day...Sherry, thank you. And please do not hate me, because ...I do not trust people... Love and best wishes from Nebraska, Glenda --- Sherry DeHaan [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi Glenda,isn't she georgeous!!! :) We do not separate the felv and the fiv.I wish we had the space to do so.Until I become one of those crazy cat ladies that win the lottery it will have to do!! :) I myself have 3 fiv+ boys and one boy that tested felv+ when he first arrived to Sids and then 1 1/2 years later tested negative for anything.Then I brought Genevieve home back in April,she was felv+.I risked it because my heart told me to bring that baby girl home to love her as much as possible.AND I DID!! I am getting choked up just writing about her.It will be 4 weeks tomorrow since she left us. :( You did not offend me in anyway,I just get a bit uneasy when it comes to that subject. Thank you for checking out the fur kids.
Re: Here is the link
But the FIV cats have not been given a death sentence, they have been vaccinated for a much reduced risk of a catching FeLV. They are weighing that risk against the risk of death on the streets or in a kill shelter. If anyone believes that that risk is not justified they can say so in a much nicer way than calling the place a hell hole and attacking poor Sherry. From my experience, I do believe that some rescues are too set on the idea that declaws are neccesary to attract adopters. Our local rescue declaws every kitten it can before offering it for adoption. When I told one of their volunteers that I was looking for a clawed companion for my clawed one-year old, she looked horrified and actually said What about the furniture? A politely worded letter to the director telling them that they lost out on an adoption can have more impact than jumping into impassioned rhetoric and telling them they're in the dark ages. Beth On 9/25/07, Susan Dubose [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Allowing mixed pet cats to stay together that have already been exposed is one thing altogether. Deliberately exposing already immune compromised fiv+ cats to felv+ is giving them a death sentence. While she (Not Sherry, the owner) collects donations for this and tells everyone, We do the best that we can. Question, as far as declawing, are the adopters even asked or is it just a given? Sounds like the dark ages. And besides, a cat that is fiv+ is stillvery adoptable, w/an education programset in place. A cat that is felv+ is much harder. A cat that is fiv+ and exposed to felv is just about impossible. Susan J. DuBose ^..^ www.PetGirlsPetsitting.com http://www.petgirlspetsitting.com/ www.Tx.SiameseRescue.org http://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:* Beth Noren [EMAIL PROTECTED] *To:* felvtalk@felineleukemia.org *Sent:* Tuesday, September 25, 2007 1:16 AM *Subject:* Re: Here is the link Glenda, many of us here mix our vaccinated negatives with our positives. It is a calculated risk that takes into account quality of life, as is your decision to allow your cats outside. In my situation, with my neighborhood and my street-senseless cats, an outdoor kitty is a risk that I won't take. Your situation may be very different. I guess I am just trying to suggest that we ALL care deeply for our cats, and that we be gentler with each other when voicing our different opinions. It does the cats no good if all of us crazy cat ladies start attacking each other. Sherry has worked so hard, and takes each loss so personally, and for that I thank her. Best wishes, Beth, Blue, Moxie, Dash, Scooter. and Will Feral
Re: Moe has taken a turn for the worse...
Liquid Benadryl will make your cat drool and foam at the mouth like it's gone rabid. I think crushed up pills may do the same. Best bet is a pill popper, or having it compounded into a transdermal cream. Beth On 8/10/07, Caroline Kaufmann [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Beckie: I bought pill pockets for Monkee back when he was really sick because I thought he would welcome the break from pilling...but Monkee was super-smart, so it worked ONE time. Now I still have a $7 container of pill pockets that will never get used probably! If Moe is smart and you think he will figure out there's a pill in there, I wouldn't recommend them. They are just too expensive. The same thing could be accomplished with some raw meat like someone suggested- much more affordable! Back when Monkee was taking his final turn for the worse, I went to Whole Foods and got him organic raw buffalo meat (it's naturally leaner than beef, low in fat, and full of vitamins, and it has tons of protein and iron in it). When I told the butcher I needed just a tiny bit- like a handful because it was for my very sick cat- he gave it to me for free. Monkee wasn't eating at the time and we were trying everything. The buffalo meat was the last thing he ate. Wrapping a pill, or parts of a crushed pill in this meat (raw) is worth a try. *Benadryl comes in a Liquid form.* You can get that, call your vet and ask for dosing info. Or, *Benadryl also comes in a chewable tablet. That would work for crushing (I use a hammer). * You probably have the regular Benadryl that is a coated, hard caplet for adults and it's just too hard to crush as it's not meant to be crushed. *Try the liquid or the chewable tabs. * Hope this helps. -Caroline -- From: *wendy [EMAIL PROTECTED]* Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: *Re: Moe has taken a turn for the worse...* Date: *Fri, 10 Aug 2007 07:56:00 -0700 (PDT)* Hey Beckie, Prayers going out that Moe's scratching will get better soon. Do you think pill pockets would work for him? You can get them at pet stores. :) Wendy *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: Beckie McRae [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Friday, August 10, 2007 8:42:43 AM Subject: Moe has taken a turn for the worse... *Well Moeman has gotten REALLY sick again. * *He's got huge bumps ALL around his neck, like he's wearing a collar or something, but he doesn't. I called the vet and explained to her that since I've already had him in there 3 times, I couldn't afford to keep bringing him back and asked for Clavomox (spelling?). When our other cat McGhee was really sick like this that's what she had and we would notice a difference in her in a matter of hours. The vet said it would upset his stomach and make him more sick. She said to try to give him a benydryl (again spelling?) and see how that goes for the weekend. We gave him 25mg last night, and he FINALLY went to sleep. I seriously don't think this poor little thing has gotten a good night's sleep in weeks. He's CONSTANTLY scratching, or licking, it's bad. So when we got up this morning he seemed to be a little perkier, but not much. Hopefully the benydryl will work and he'll get his strength back. Only thing is we have the pills, and I feel HORRIBLE when we give them to him. Mitch has to hold him by his neck, then I have to pry his mouth open, etc….I've tried crushing it up and putting it food, but he knows it's there and won't touch it. Even wet food, which is like a treat for him! Any ideas on how I could crush up a pill and have him take it without even knowing it?* ** *Thanks guys. I swear, sometimes I wonder what I did before I found you all.* *Beckie* -- Pinpoint customers http://us.rd.yahoo.com/evt=48250/*http://searchmarketing.yahoo.com/arp/sponsoredsearch_v9.php?o=US2226cmp=Yahooctv=AprNIs=Ys2=EMb=50who are looking for what you sell. -- Puzzles, trivia teasers, word scrambles and more. Play for your chance to win! http://g.msn.com/8HMBENUS/2728??PS=47575
Re: A bit OT: Need help with sore on kitty's back; reaction to flea meds?
I can't remember where I read it, (thinking it was in Kittens for Dummies, which I can't find right now), but I know I've read that products containing lidocaine should not be used on cats. Bactine contains lidocaine. Can't remember what the side-effect was with cats, anyone else out there have the Kittens book handy? Regards, Beth On 8/3/07, wendy [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi guys, I put flea medication on my cat's back 2-3 weeks ago. We left for a short vacation (4 days) and when we returned, she had this big sore on her back about the size of a quarter. The hair and top layers of skin were gone, and it was just raw skin, so I started spraying Bactine on it. After a few days of that, I could tell it was infected, so I put her on antibiotics (Clavamox), and the infection (pus) went away. I also started putting topical antibiotics on it. But even after several days of this, it is still not scabbing over! I am fairly sure it's a reaction to the flea meds, because my dog had the same reaction a few weeks before, but Bactine worked great on her. Although, it could be a spider bite or something else. Any ideas on what I can do for her now or what might be causing it? What about liquid skin? Has anyone used the human formula on their cats? I know it's not ringworm. I know what that looks like and it's not this! I can send a pic to anyone if you think you might be able to help by looking at the sore. I don't want to wrap gauze around her b/c she will just tear it off. Thanks guys! Thanks, :) Wendy 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 ~~~ Ready for the edge of your seat? Check out tonight's top picks on Yahoo! TV. http://tv.yahoo.com/
Re: Something is killing my cats, please help me
Hi Kelley, I am so sorry for what you are going through. If it is FIP, maybe you have a chronic FeCov shedder with a more easily mutating strain? I know regular old FeCov is gonna be present in any rescue, but if more than 5-10% of your cats are getting FIP, maybe a nastier strain is the problem. Not sure how possible or practical it is to do the titer testing that Dr. Addie recommends to identify chronic shedders when it's a rescue and funds and space are limited. Can you break up the group at your house into separate foster homes? (I know, easier said than done). Don't know how much a necropsy runs, maybe do at least one when someone passes with the most common symptoms that you are seeing in the group? The dehydration, anorexia, and weight loss were all present in the kitten that I lost last summer to suspected FIP, but there was also recurring high fever that became unresponsive to antibiotics. (She had the wet form, not dry). Have any had their A/G ratio run to help rule FIP in or out? It may not be FIP at all, maybe it is a horrible coincidence that they got sick from different things at the same time. Who knows what kinds of care and feeding these guys have ever had in their pasts. Hugs and strength to you for helping those most in need. Beth On 6/27/07, Kelley Saveika [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: This is the toll so far from this year, not including kittens. Joey - 10 - died in late April. Being treated for AIHA. Lucky Lady - 12 - got sick, was adopted by my vet, apparently recovered but is now dying, they think cancer. Caroline - ran up a bill in excess of $1,000. No one knows what was or is wrong. Possible FIP (but she's getting better), brain cancer, toxo. Suzie - I don't even want to see the bill and don't know how I am going to pay it. Possible FIP, toxo. They are all 5 and up. All presented with massive dehydration (skin tenting), anorexia, massiive weight loss. Some w/neuro symptoms..bloodwork varying... All tested neg/neg for FELV. Tehy are down to looking in my house for asbestos and leadsomeone please help me...I don't know what is killing my cats -- Rescuties - Saving the world, one cat at a time. http://www.rescuties.org Vist the Rescuties store and save a kitty life! http://astore.amazon.com/rescuties-20 Please help Caroline! http://rescuties.chipin.com/caroline I GoodSearch for Rescuties. Raise money for your favorite charity or school just by searching the Internet with GoodSearch - www.goodsearch.com - powered by Yahoo!
Re: Suzie crossed the bridge
Oh Kelley, I am so sorry for your loss, I just finished responding to your other email and then saw this one. Please don't put the blame on yourself for trying to rescue too many. Look instead at how many lives you have saved. Add them up. Our local Humane Society euthanized almost 28,000 animals in 2002. We are all getting the emails showing whole families of cats about to go to the gas chamber. You are doing good in the face of a horribly frustrating problem of overpopulation. If some of yours are succumbing to stress, it is the owners who surrendered that are responsible for causing the stress, not you! Beth On 6/28/07, Kelley Saveika [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: She was a sweet girl who liked to sit in laps, but didn't like other cats much. She was positive for FIP. Dr Samon euthanized her this morning. I wish I had been there, but they said she was comatose.. -- Rescuties - Saving the world, one cat at a time. http://www.rescuties.org Vist the Rescuties store and save a kitty life! http://astore.amazon.com/rescuties-20 Please help Caroline! http://rescuties.chipin.com/caroline I GoodSearch for Rescuties. Raise money for your favorite charity or school just by searching the Internet with GoodSearch - www.goodsearch.com - powered by Yahoo!
Re: OT - Phelix...and lessons learned.
Do you know if the raw diets can be cooked, or does that destroy the vitamins and taurine and stuff? Or does it make the ground up bone chips too brittle and dangerous? I have a link from someone for mail-order supplements that can be added to home-cooked meals, may go that route... Thank you, Beth On 6/11/07, Marylyn [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: If you get into the raw diets: Primal runs about $16 for 4 pounds. It comes in little ounce cubes that you thaw and, given how concentrated it is, is as cheap or cheaper than some otc canned foods..FF is about 70 cants a can here (3 ounces). Don't panic yet. If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow man. St. Francis - Original Message - *From:* Beth Noren [EMAIL PROTECTED] *To:* felvtalk@felineleukemia.org *Sent:* Monday, June 11, 2007 12:13 AM *Subject:* Re: OT - Phelix...and lessons learned. Hi Marylyn, Thank you so much for your suggestions, I really appreciate your kindness. I haven't tried an alternative vet yet, but do know of a good one not too far away. I've got a couple more food trials to do, and then I think we'll see what the holistic vet has to say. I know someone said before that Hill's Z/D did the trick for them. I want to try it, but am afraid of Hill's since the tainted food nightmare. Mine were all on Hill's D/D in February, and I had piles of throw-up everywhere. The D/D was never recalled, but now I don't totally trust Hill's. They did eat the recalled Natural Balance Venison Green Pea in January, with no noticeable ill effect (or improvement in his itching). The itching first started around Christmas, and it's all up on his head, so I don't think it's flea allergies, but maybe. I did just start them back on Revolution (thank you again for the help with that Kelley S. and MC!) so we'll see. These darn food trials just take s long. And I'm afraid the ultimate answer is going to be home-cooking mail-order rabbit or some such for five kitties. Yikes! I'll post if (when! positive thinking) I find something that works. Funny, other than two fevers early on, my FeLv kitty has been the healthiest one of the bunch. Way more worries and vet bills (allergies, broken bone, ear infection, tumorish-looking fat deposit) for the virus-free bunch. Ya never know... Thank you again for your help, Beth On 6/10/07, Marylyn [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Have you tried a holistic/alternative vet? Or AC's? You would be surprised what a cat will tell an AC it trusts. There are volunteer groups (they tell me) on the internet. Dixie has been able to tell me that she was spayed and certainly didn't need spaying again, even if the vets couldn't find the scar (hormone tests proved her right), when she has a flea (even one or two causes hot spots), if she needed to go to the vet after the pet food scar (long story) etc. I've been off computer and really don't know what all you have tried but I know of two avs that are great. For some reason I have to believe you need to try Just Born or some other colostrum containing supplement for your little friend. That may help and I can't believe that mother's milk would hurt. If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow man. St. Francis - Original Message - *From:* Beth Noren [EMAIL PROTECTED] *To:* felvtalk@felineleukemia.org *Sent:* Sunday, June 10, 2007 12:47 PM *Subject:* Re: OT - Phelix...and lessons learned. Hi Tad, I agree, rescuing a declawed shelter cat is the perfect solution for those that must have a declawed cat. Unfortunately, I haven't had much luck suggesting this to people yet, (even when I tell them how much money they can save) as they all seem to want itty-bitty kittens. In my case, I WANT the claws, I am just considering a possible declaw in the distant future if I can't figure out what is making his head itch so bad that he kicks it open... Beth On 6/10/07, Tad Burnett [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: `I guess the point is that its a great way to keep the piece... Nobody can get upset if you tell people you rescued your declawed cat from a shelter already declawed... Tad Kelley Saveika wrote: On 6/10/07, Tad Burnett [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: There was an 18 year old siamese is a county shelter that I was looking at last night
Re: OT - Phelix...and lessons learned.
Hi Phaewryn, I know that we will probably have to agree to disagree on this, but if I take your opinion to it's logical conclusion, then all declawed cats that end up in a shelter should automatically be euthanized to end their suffering? Like you, I am not a knee-jerk no-kill ever person. Like you,I believe that it comes down to quality of life. I just don't think that a declaw tips the scale so far into poor life quality that euthanasia is required. Weighing a life of being collared, open head wounds, and increased risk of infection against a declaw, the scale tips for me in favor of the declaw, (once we have exhausted all other medical and food options). Although we disagree, I still respect your opinion. In my life away from the Internet, I have yet to meet ANYONE, friends family or acquaintances, that understands our decision not to declaw our five. I hope to lead by example, without preaching, and at least show them that full claws can be an option. And I try to understand when they feel that it is not workable for them (admittedly hard to do with the save-the-couch crowd), and at least find joy in the life that was saved. Respectfully, Beth On 6/10/07, [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Beth, it's not my never declaw ideal that made me say that, it is my genuine belief that declawing causes long term physical and psychological suffering, and I do not think putting a suffering cat through more things to make it suffer more is a correct course of action. Two wrongs don't make a right. Declawing is 100% cruel and inhumane, and euthanasia is 100% humane when done correctly. To me, there is no gray area there, it's black and white. To eliminate suffering, yes, I will euthanise an animal. I do not have those strong no-kill ideals others have these days. My son bites his fingernails until they bleed sometimes... would I ever THINK to even consider amputating his fingers to solve that problem? True, it WOULD completely eliminate the problem, and his self-mutilation, but at what cost? That's how I feel about it. That's just me, personally. I'd like to see a $1000 fine and mandatory 90 days in jail for felony animal cruelty for anyone that has a cat declawed - that and the revoking of veterinary licenses for any vet that does the surgery. But I admit, I'm totally way on one side of the fence on declawing - probably to the point of being impractical and even a bit of a lunatic. Phaewryn http://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html Special Needs Cat Resources http://www.iGive.com/html/refer.cfm?causeid=21303http://www.igive.com/html/refer.cfm?causeid=21303 Sign up for iGive and a percentage of your purchases helps save animals!
Re: OT - Phelix...and lessons learned.
Hi Tad, I agree, rescuing a declawed shelter cat is the perfect solution for those that must have a declawed cat. Unfortunately, I haven't had much luck suggesting this to people yet, (even when I tell them how much money they can save) as they all seem to want itty-bitty kittens. In my case, I WANT the claws, I am just considering a possible declaw in the distant future if I can't figure out what is making his head itch so bad that he kicks it open... Beth On 6/10/07, Tad Burnett [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: `I guess the point is that its a great way to keep the piece... Nobody can get upset if you tell people you rescued your declawed cat from a shelter already declawed... Tad Kelley Saveika wrote: On 6/10/07, Tad Burnett [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: There was an 18 year old siamese is a county shelter that I was looking at last night.. Looking through the list of about 30 cats that they had I noticed that they also had 2 other siamese as well as all the cats seemed like they would make great pets... Then I noticed that about one in four were declawed !!! If you want a declawed cat there are plenty of great kitties just dying waiting to be adopted and already declawed... Tad 1 in 4 is about the national average for declawed cats. So this statistic makes sense to me.
Re: OT - Phelix...and lessons learned.
Hi Marylyn, Thank you so much for your suggestions, I really appreciate your kindness. I haven't tried an alternative vet yet, but do know of a good one not too far away. I've got a couple more food trials to do, and then I think we'll see what the holistic vet has to say. I know someone said before that Hill's Z/D did the trick for them. I want to try it, but am afraid of Hill's since the tainted food nightmare. Mine were all on Hill's D/D in February, and I had piles of throw-up everywhere. The D/D was never recalled, but now I don't totally trust Hill's. They did eat the recalled Natural Balance Venison Green Pea in January, with no noticeable ill effect (or improvement in his itching). The itching first started around Christmas, and it's all up on his head, so I don't think it's flea allergies, but maybe. I did just start them back on Revolution (thank you again for the help with that Kelley S. and MC!) so we'll see. These darn food trials just take s long. And I'm afraid the ultimate answer is going to be home-cooking mail-order rabbit or some such for five kitties. Yikes! I'll post if (when! positive thinking) I find something that works. Funny, other than two fevers early on, my FeLv kitty has been the healthiest one of the bunch. Way more worries and vet bills (allergies, broken bone, ear infection, tumorish-looking fat deposit) for the virus-free bunch. Ya never know... Thank you again for your help, Beth On 6/10/07, Marylyn [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Have you tried a holistic/alternative vet? Or AC's? You would be surprised what a cat will tell an AC it trusts. There are volunteer groups (they tell me) on the internet. Dixie has been able to tell me that she was spayed and certainly didn't need spaying again, even if the vets couldn't find the scar (hormone tests proved her right), when she has a flea (even one or two causes hot spots), if she needed to go to the vet after the pet food scar (long story) etc. I've been off computer and really don't know what all you have tried but I know of two avs that are great. For some reason I have to believe you need to try Just Born or some other colostrum containing supplement for your little friend. That may help and I can't believe that mother's milk would hurt. If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow man. St. Francis - Original Message - *From:* Beth Noren [EMAIL PROTECTED] *To:* felvtalk@felineleukemia.org *Sent:* Sunday, June 10, 2007 12:47 PM *Subject:* Re: OT - Phelix...and lessons learned. Hi Tad, I agree, rescuing a declawed shelter cat is the perfect solution for those that must have a declawed cat. Unfortunately, I haven't had much luck suggesting this to people yet, (even when I tell them how much money they can save) as they all seem to want itty-bitty kittens. In my case, I WANT the claws, I am just considering a possible declaw in the distant future if I can't figure out what is making his head itch so bad that he kicks it open... Beth On 6/10/07, Tad Burnett [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: `I guess the point is that its a great way to keep the piece... Nobody can get upset if you tell people you rescued your declawed cat from a shelter already declawed... Tad Kelley Saveika wrote: On 6/10/07, Tad Burnett [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: There was an 18 year old siamese is a county shelter that I was looking at last night.. Looking through the list of about 30 cats that they had I noticed that they also had 2 other siamese as well as all the cats seemed like they would make great pets... Then I noticed that about one in four were declawed !!! If you want a declawed cat there are plenty of great kitties just dying waiting to be adopted and already declawed... Tad 1 in 4 is about the national average for declawed cats. So this statistic makes sense to me.
Re: OT - Phelix...and lessons learned.
It sounds like Phelix and Mythic might have inhalant or contact allergies and that the allergy tests might be worthwhile for them. Unfortunately, my vet and I are fairly certain that Scooter's problem IS a food allergy, which means food trials are the recommended method of diagnoses and treatment. Nothing that I can put on him topically is going to ease that facial itching that is coming from inside. Steroids do nothing (which is also an indication of food allergy). The good news is, he is NOT so uncomfortable that I would even begin to consider euthanasia. We have him on CalNat right now and it seems to lessen the scratching a good deal, (we have the left side of his head completely healed). But when I take off the collar it takes him less than a minute to kick the right side of his head open. He still plays, wrestles the other kitties, runs around and cuddles wearing the collar. But I know he would prefer life without it, as he hides if he sees me coming back with it after I've taken it off. I am pretty passionate about not declawing cats as well, ours all have their claws. I have many more possible food trials and alternative treatments to try before I get desperate enough for declawing. But if it comes down to it, I will consult with my vet about the possibility of a rear-declaw. I would never make my cat drink the poison Kool-Aid just because it couldn't live up to my never declaw ideal. Beth On 6/9/07, [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Personally, I will euthanise Mythic if I think he's suffering so much that I am considering something as drastic as declawing. His allergies ARE manageable with Dexamethisone injections though, so I do have something I can resort to when it gets really bad. I would take him to a feline dermatologist before I considered declawing or euthanasia. There are very involved and specific allergy tests that can be done, and once they get those results, they can begin allergy shots. I've gotten all the info in the past, but it's so costly I keep putting it off. He's only like this a few months max out of the year though... if it were a food allergy year-round, I would probably invest that money into the specialist. There's a good veterinary dermatologist specialist in New Hampshire. If you want to find one in your area, there is a find a veterinary dermatologist near you webpage from their association, I can find the link and post it if anyone is interested. Phaewryn http://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html Special Needs Cat Resources http://www.iGive.com/html/refer.cfm?causeid=21303http://www.igive.com/html/refer.cfm?causeid=21303 Sign up for iGive and a percentage of your purchases helps save animals!
Re: OT - Phelix...and lessons learned.
Hi, I have laminate (Armstrong) and so far, so good, no scratches from the cats. MIne is called Easylock, not sure if they still make it, but it was very easy to install (easier than the Pergo I put in for my sister a few years ago.) :o) Beth On 6/7/07, Marylyn [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: That red dye may be causing the problem. Some of it is made from shellfish and other things the cat (and a lot of people) have trouble with. I don't know about laminate and cat claws. Do yourself a favor and get a piece for the cats to run on for a while. I have pine floors with a shellac finish. Dixie has scratched the devil out of them running and making turns. This is an ok thing. I am grateful just for the privilege of watching her. I suspect I will break down and put a polyurethane finish on them one day...or maybe not. I have Bruce floors in another house and the critters don't seem to have caused any damage to them. Just to clarify: She has not shredded the floors. There are just little claw marks all over the joingt. If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow man. St. Francis - Original Message - *From:* Rosenfeldt, Diane [EMAIL PROTECTED] *To:* felvtalk@felineleukemia.org *Sent:* Thursday, June 07, 2007 11:22 AM *Subject:* RE: OT - Phelix...and lessons learned. Oh, been there! For some insane reason we chose a light-colored carpet, and at the moment there's a large, several-days-old, 409'ed-but-needs-further-work reddish splotch in the middle of the living room floor where Luc hacked up a tummyful of solid food with more than the usual amount of liquid. Got it almost right away, but that liquid really soaked in. I would so love to rip out that carpet and put in Pergo-ish laminate, but my housemate is unconvinced that it's as easy to install as like 4,000 people say it is, plus it's a 25x14 space so it would be a big investment aside from moving all that furniture. Luckily it's a cheap carpet so I don't get frantic when there's a new stain but hey, we're already on the raw edge of white trashhood to begin with without big stains all over. ;-) It would be so nice if cat food companies would lay off the damn red dye (maybe they can work on that after they get rid of the plastic and the acetaminophen!!) One of my friends could only buy certain varieties of cat food because her baby has a sensitive stomach and yacks on a daily basis, and the red dye just wouldn't come out of the light carpet in her rental unit. It's a good thing Spike likes chicken flavor (I am happy to report that in a few weeks Spike will be living in a house with hardwood floors.) Diane R. -- *From:* [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto: [EMAIL PROTECTED] *On Behalf Of *Melissa Lind *Sent:* Thursday, June 07, 2007 8:52 AM *To:* felvtalk@felineleukemia.org *Subject:* RE: OT - Phelix...and lessons learned. Yes, but I wish they would also learn where to puke and where not to. I flipped the cushion over on the lounge yesterday after an unsuccessful attempt to remove the vomit stain. I hope I didn't make it worse. Then this morning, out of all the places in the house to vomit, Ashley chooses the clean side of the lounge. Ack! How frustrating. I had left a message with our carpet guy yesterday, but he didn't return my call. This morning I left another message telling him that it has elevated to a crisis! For Pete's sake, we haven't even paid for the furniture yet, and I certainly don't want to re-upholster it already! I hope that he can get the stains out since they are in places that can't be covered up by cushions or blankets—right in the middle of course! G! What a day! Thanks for letting me vent—I know it's not a big deal; we've always said our kitties are more important than our furniture—but really—both sides of the lounge?! Melissa -- *From:* [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto: [EMAIL PROTECTED] *On Behalf Of *elizabeth trent *Sent:* Wednesday, June 06, 2007 8:12 PM *To:* felvtalk@felineleukemia.org *Subject:* Re: OT - Phelix...and lessons learned. Hey MC...I may be morally opposed after I try it once ;0) Pass the bandaids... Half of my furniture is cat furniture. The wonderful thing is they seem to know where it's ok to sharpen and where it isn't (at least when I'm here LOL) elizabeth On 6/6/07, *MaryChristine* [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: you're morally opposed to TRIMMING claws, dear? explain, please. (thinking that i would long ago have bled to death--not to mention having had to pay enormous vet bills for ingrown claws).. On 6/5/07, [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Your cats get
Re: OT - Phelix...and lessons learned.
The outside of my house is my current project, I just ripped down gutters and started replacing fascia boards, then hubby and I are going to reshingle. I would love to do new siding and windows while we're at it, but that's not happening this year. Gotta save something for all those one-year check-ups in July! Beth On 6/7/07, elizabeth trent [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: That's good info, Beth. After I get the outside of this house looking like someone actually lives here - I'm going to start on the inside. All the floors are coming up. It's good to know about products that are cat-friendly. elizabeth On 6/7/07, Beth Noren [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi, I have laminate (Armstrong) and so far, so good, no scratches from the cats. MIne is called Easylock, not sure if they still make it, but it was very easy to install (easier than the Pergo I put in for my sister a few years ago.) :o) Beth On 6/7/07, Marylyn [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: That red dye may be causing the problem. Some of it is made from shellfish and other things the cat (and a lot of people) have trouble with. I don't know about laminate and cat claws. Do yourself a favor and get a piece for the cats to run on for a while. I have pine floors with a shellac finish. Dixie has scratched the devil out of them running and making turns. This is an ok thing. I am grateful just for the privilege of watching her. I suspect I will break down and put a polyurethane finish on them one day...or maybe not. I have Bruce floors in another house and the critters don't seem to have caused any damage to them. Just to clarify: She has not shredded the floors. There are just little claw marks all over the joingt. If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow man. St. Francis - Original Message - *From:* Rosenfeldt, Diane [EMAIL PROTECTED] *To:* felvtalk@felineleukemia.org *Sent:* Thursday, June 07, 2007 11:22 AM *Subject:* RE: OT - Phelix...and lessons learned. Oh, been there! For some insane reason we chose a light-colored carpet, and at the moment there's a large, several-days-old, 409'ed-but-needs-further-work reddish splotch in the middle of the living room floor where Luc hacked up a tummyful of solid food with more than the usual amount of liquid. Got it almost right away, but that liquid really soaked in. I would so love to rip out that carpet and put in Pergo-ish laminate, but my housemate is unconvinced that it's as easy to install as like 4,000 people say it is, plus it's a 25x14 space so it would be a big investment aside from moving all that furniture. Luckily it's a cheap carpet so I don't get frantic when there's a new stain but hey, we're already on the raw edge of white trashhood to begin with without big stains all over. ;-) It would be so nice if cat food companies would lay off the damn red dye (maybe they can work on that after they get rid of the plastic and the acetaminophen!!) One of my friends could only buy certain varieties of cat food because her baby has a sensitive stomach and yacks on a daily basis, and the red dye just wouldn't come out of the light carpet in her rental unit. It's a good thing Spike likes chicken flavor (I am happy to report that in a few weeks Spike will be living in a house with hardwood floors.) Diane R. -- *From:* [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] *On Behalf Of *Melissa Lind *Sent:* Thursday, June 07, 2007 8:52 AM *To:* felvtalk@felineleukemia.org *Subject:* RE: OT - Phelix...and lessons learned. Yes, but I wish they would also learn where to puke and where not to. I flipped the cushion over on the lounge yesterday after an unsuccessful attempt to remove the vomit stain. I hope I didn't make it worse. Then this morning, out of all the places in the house to vomit, Ashley chooses the clean side of the lounge. Ack! How frustrating. I had left a message with our carpet guy yesterday, but he didn't return my call. This morning I left another message telling him that it has elevated to a crisis! For Pete's sake, we haven't even paid for the furniture yet, and I certainly don't want to re-upholster it already! I hope that he can get the stains out since they are in places that can't be covered up by cushions or blankets—right in the middle of course! G! What a day! Thanks for letting me vent—I know it's not a big deal; we've always said our kitties are more important than our furniture—but really—both sides of the lounge
Re: ot - Ever ubiquitous pee - and still more pee
I love having 5, though our ordinance is for 3. Silly, because we are allowed up to 3 dogs as well, which would make six total. Guess I'll just count the play fetch kitties as dogs... :o) Beth On 5/22/07, MaryChristine [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: i always liked five.. tho i can barely remember that far back. On 5/22/07, Nina [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Ha! I told her that! I even have another tuxedo cat that would fit in nicely with her color scheme, (both Tux and Sam are tuxies). Connie's not going for it though. I think it's a great idea. I remember reading somewhere that the perfect number for cat dynamics is something like 5 or 6 cats. I'm perfectly happy to accommodate her with meeting that quota, but she's hesitant for some reason :-) . N Susan Hoffman wrote: Throw in a third cat? That will alter the dynamic. *Nina [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED]* wrote: I'm thinking of contacting the fire department to see if I can lease one of those airplanes that dump water/chemicals on fires. I could fill the hold with anti-stink and have them dump it on my house. My sister has all of two cats and one of them climbed on her table yesterday and while Connie watched in horror. squatted and peed in her very expensive, (well previously expensive) purse. Of course this is a rescue kitty that I begged her to adopt from me. She loves Sammy, he's a sweet, sweet boy that cuddles under the covers with her at night, but she's been asking me what to do about this and I'm running out of ideas. This is the third time he's done his inappropriate urinating in the last couple of months. The first time was in one of those cardboard scratching boxes on the floor, the second was in my dad's backpack while he was visiting, and now the purse that Tux treats like his mother, (Tux has been known to seek out this purse and rub and nurse on it). She's already taken Sam to the vet for a check up and urinalysis; he's healthy as can be. She's added additional litter boxes. That seemed to help for a little while and he uses them most of the time. The two cats get along for the most part, but Sammy is older and they do sometimes scuffle when Tux becomes too energetic. (You may remember Tux as the kitty that gave us all a scare when he went missing for 3 days and ended up being locked in the attached garage the entire time). I'm pretty sure this has something to do with the dynamic between the two cats, (Sam is Connie's cat and Tux is more bonded to her son Justin), or at least some sort of territorial/jealousy thing. I suggested keeping Sam confined to her bedroom for a couple of days to see if he appreciates the alone time, and a litter box that is not contaminated with Tux smells. I thought she could try that at least when she's not home, but she doesn't want to segregate Sam. Sam used to be an indoor/outdoor cat that never used litter in the house. I'm wondering if the problems would stop if he had access to the outside, but Connie lives in coyote country. I suggested a trip to Home Depot to construct an attached outdoor habitat, but she thinks that's extreme. Ha! She don't know extreme! Anyone have any suggestions? N -- Spay Neuter Your Neighbors! Maybe That'll Make The Difference MaryChristine AIM / YAHOO: TenHouseCats MSN: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ICQ: 289856892
Re: question on test result
Hi Deana, Very glad to hear you are finding a new vet. I rescued a litter born of a feral mom who tested negative (we had her spayed and released). One sick baby tested positive right away, the other 4 tested negative. The sick one developed FIP and had to be pts (but at least had some quality time on this earth when she was feeling much better), and eventually one of the negatives tested positive for FeLV, but he is still healthy and going strong at over a year old, and enjoys every day of his life to the fullest. His favorite thing to do is to stomp all over me at 4:00 in the morning and head-butt my face, and I am mostly just so grateful that he is there to bug me! :o) I would have missed out on all his charm had I euthanized, and I can't even imagine if my vet had told me to euth the three that are negative too based on one cat's test. Thank you for questioning your vet and researching this for yourself! Enjoy those babies, Beth On 5/8/07, Deana K. Wagoner [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Here is the next bit of info on my situation - My husband went by the vet office to pay the bill for the service provided on the stray mama that died from the dog inflicted injuries. The vet was not at all happy that we were not bringing the kittens to her to be put to sleep - since she is confident they are all positve and will die. (she has never seen them) The vet now says the first test on the dying mother was slightly postive so she ran it again and it was More positive. Is there such thing as slightly positive or is it just yes or no? I will never know if the mama cat was beyond treatment for sure, but I do know that the test was done about 4 hours after I left her there and no treatment or exam was done before that. The most important item on the list was this test. We are looking for another vet. Deana
Re: Stamp went to the bridge
Beth, I am so sorry for your loss of Stamp. I had to pts Ally last summer due to FIP, it is a rotten disease. Peace to you and yours, Beth N. On 4/17/07, Gussies mom [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I had Stamp PTS this morning. He was getting very uncomfortable from the FIP, was jaundiced, losing weight, and anemic. Beth -- Ahhh...imagining that irresistible new car smell? Check out new cars at Yahoo! Autos.http://us.rd.yahoo.com/evt=48245/*http://autos.yahoo.com/new_cars.html;_ylc=X3oDMTE1YW1jcXJ2BF9TAzk3MTA3MDc2BHNlYwNtYWlsdGFncwRzbGsDbmV3LWNhcnM-
Re: Ages please
Angel Alice - captured at 6 weeks, tested positve Elisa and IFA at 7 weeks, pts with unconfirmed FIP at 12 weeks (unresponsive fevers, huge belly of fluid, anorexic). Will Feral -captured at 6 weeks, tested Elisa negative at 8 weeks, fever at 13.5 weeks, tests Elisa and IFA positive. Fever returns 9 days later, responds well to prednisolone and antibiotics. Kept him on antibiotics and alpha interferon for 2-3 months. No problems since, most muscular and playful of the bunch. Turned one year old this week. Moxie, Dash, and Scooter are the other littermates. They each tested Elisa negative at 8 and 13.5 weeks. Vaccinated them, won't test again unless someone gets sick. Blue is our 2 year old neg., vaccinated. Mia was the wild momma, tested Elisa neg, TNR. Saw her a few times over the winter, but no sighting yet this spring. She is at least 4 years old. Big grey daddy's FeLV status is unknown, he has not been sighted since last fall. Take care, Beth On 4/12/07, Kelly L [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Would anyone mind sharing me the ages of your FELV cats and age of diagnosis. Thanks so much Kelly
Re: To MC: Re: Mom cat neg/neg - chances of babies being pos?
I've wondered about the possibility too :o) My kittens momma tested Elisa negative when she was spayed, but one kitten tested positive (elisa and IFA) at seven weeks, and a second one turned positive at about 14 weeks. I think that the momma was probably the source and would have tested positive on IFA had we known before releasing her, but the daddy is a possibility, as he did seem to come around the brush pile where they were born quite a bit before I caught them. Beth On 4/9/07, wendy [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: for me, possibility=wondering. my apologies if i offended you mc. that certainly wasn't my intention. :) wendy --- TenHouseCats [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: it was me just WONDERING if dads might have any impact on the status of the babies, as sometimes that might be the only explanation another area where research is needed but hasn't been possible in the past because the test population was routinely killed. MC On 4/9/07, wendy [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Not sure (no experience), but someone posted here not too long ago the possibility of the father being responsible for the positive FeLV status of kittens, which might explain why some are pos. out of a litter but some not. How's that for a monkey wrench thrown into the mix?!!! :) Wendy --- Kelley Saveika [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi all, How likely are the babies to be pos, if the mom is neg? I know that the babies can still turn neg if the mom is pos. I will still have them tested, just want to know what your experience is. Right now I have 2 litters with a neg/neg mom, and 3 litters with moms of unknown status. Thanks, Kelley -- Rescuties - Saving the world, one cat at a time. http://www.rescuties.org Vist the Rescuties store and save a kitty life! http://astore.amazon.com/rescuties-20 Please help Joey! http://rescuties.chipin.com/joey-autoimmune-hemolytic-anemia 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 ~~~ No need to miss a message. Get email on-the-go with Yahoo! Mail for Mobile. Get started. http://mobile.yahoo.com/mail -- Spay Neuter Your Neighbors! Maybe That'll Make The Difference MaryChristine AIM / YAHOO: TenHouseCats MSN: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ICQ: 289856892 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 ~~~ The fish are biting. Get more visitors on your site using Yahoo! Search Marketing. http://searchmarketing.yahoo.com/arp/sponsoredsearch_v2.php
Re: To MC: Re: Mom cat neg/neg - chances of babies being pos?
Sorry, meant to send that to the list and sent it direct to you instead. Hope your having a wonderful morning and that your friendly old orange boy is sitting up on the table, enjoying a patch of this wonderful sunshine... :o) Beth On 4/10/07, Beth Noren [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I've wondered about the possibility too :o) My kittens momma tested Elisa negative when she was spayed, but one kitten tested positive (elisa and IFA) at seven weeks, and a second one turned positive at about 14 weeks. I think that the momma was probably the source and would have tested positive on IFA had we known before releasing her, but the daddy is a possibility, as he did seem to come around the brush pile where they were born quite a bit before I caught them. Beth On 4/9/07, wendy [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: for me, possibility=wondering. my apologies if i offended you mc. that certainly wasn't my intention. :) wendy --- TenHouseCats [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: it was me just WONDERING if dads might have any impact on the status of the babies, as sometimes that might be the only explanation another area where research is needed but hasn't been possible in the past because the test population was routinely killed. MC On 4/9/07, wendy [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Not sure (no experience), but someone posted here not too long ago the possibility of the father being responsible for the positive FeLV status of kittens, which might explain why some are pos. out of a litter but some not. How's that for a monkey wrench thrown into the mix?!!! :) Wendy --- Kelley Saveika [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi all, How likely are the babies to be pos, if the mom is neg? I know that the babies can still turn neg if the mom is pos. I will still have them tested, just want to know what your experience is. Right now I have 2 litters with a neg/neg mom, and 3 litters with moms of unknown status. Thanks, Kelley -- Rescuties - Saving the world, one cat at a time. http://www.rescuties.org Vist the Rescuties store and save a kitty life! http://astore.amazon.com/rescuties-20 Please help Joey! http://rescuties.chipin.com/joey-autoimmune-hemolytic-anemia 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 ~~~ No need to miss a message. Get email on-the-go with Yahoo! Mail for Mobile. Get started. http://mobile.yahoo.com/mail -- Spay Neuter Your Neighbors! Maybe That'll Make The Difference MaryChristine AIM / YAHOO: TenHouseCats MSN: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ICQ: 289856892 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 ~~~ The fish are biting. Get more visitors on your site using Yahoo! Search Marketing. http://searchmarketing.yahoo.com/arp/sponsoredsearch_v2.php
Re: time between cats.
Hi, What did her cat pass from? If it was complications from FeLV then she can get another cat immediately. FeLV does not survive long at all outside of a cat's body, if it dries, it dies. Beth On 4/4/07, Jennifer Madon [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I have a neighbor that had a cat get sick and pass about 2 weeks ago. She found out about 3 days before he passed that he was FeLV +. She wants to get another cat but this on is not FeLV +. How long should she wait between cats and what can she do to help prevent any problems. Carla came to me because she know about Midnight but I am not to sure. I didn't have to worry about this with Norman. Thanks in advance for you advice. Jennifer M
Re: Good Bye Mama Kitty
Dear Elizabeth, I am so sorry for Mama Kitty's passing. Her picture is just beautiful. I know she is doing better now (rolling in the sun somewhere just as I pictured her on her last day). The hard part is knowing the pain that you, her kind, generous, loving caretaker must struggle with in her crossing. Now I am picturing you, sitting with a cup of tea on the porch in Mama's favorite spot, feeling the warmth of the sun and knowing that it is really a big hug from Mama and all of us on this list. Ok, now I have to go blow my nose... Hugs, Beth On 3/28/07, elizabeth trent [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Leslie, thank you. By the time we got to the vets office, she was having really bad seizures every few minutes. She really did not know where she was. She had lost over a pound this week and her gums were just white. The vet felt that she was not getting enough oxygen to her brain. She couldn't stand - she was just like a little rag doll. Her back was very sensitive - she was obviously in pain - I am not sure why. I talked to her. She was ready to go. She didn't want to be kept alive by extreme measures only to waste away and be in pain. It was a very hard decision but I believe it was the right one for her. She was very close to death and she was gone in no more than a second or two - she was very calm. There is nothing I wouldn't have done for her - no matter how much it cost...but no amount of money could have given her back her quality of life. I believe that to have kept going by extreme measures would have been selfish of me. She made it almost a year after her first crash with an excellent quality of life. This all happened so fast. I am so glad she slept with me last night. She knew that she was loved. I am so grateful for the time we had together. This is so very hard. We had such a close bond. Every day is a gift. elizabeth On 3/28/07, Leslie Lawther [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: *I think I missed something... wasn't she having seizures? Did you find out what caused them? * ** *I'm sooo sorry Elizabeth... When I read about the seizures I felt so bad... I went through that with our Tikki (double positive) last year. We never did find out what was causing them. * *I'm sooo sorry for your loss. * ** *Leslie =^..^=* On 3/28/07, Kelly L [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: At 08:27 AM 3/28/2007, you wrote: OhElizabeth I hurts so much I know, You are not alone and it is good Mama Kitty is in no more pain, and you have taken that pain for her. Time will ease the pain and the happy memories will take over, but that will take a while,] You are not alone in this, all of our thoughts are with you now, Kelly L Mama Kitty, You will forever rest in this yard that you loved so much. You are surrounded by roses. I covered your grave with tulips and apple blossoms. It hurts so much to say goodbye. You will forever be alive in my heart. I love you. elizabeth No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.413 / Virus Database: 268.18.18/734 - Release Date: 3/26/2007 -- Leslie =^..^= To leave the world a better place - whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or an improved social condition - that is to have succeeded. That only one life breathed easier because you lived - that is success. ---Ralph Waldo Emerson
Re: Hammy Please add to the CLS
Hi Sherry, I am so sorry for your loss of Hammy. Prayers going out for dear Lucinda. Beth On 3/28/07, Sherry DeHaan [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi all,thank you for your good wishes and prayers for sweet little Hammy.He is now with all the Angel fur kids. Could you also put Lucinda in your prayers too? she is at Dr. Jens house possibly with some brain problems due to the felv.My boyfriend loves this beautiful orange tiger girl.Thank you all so much Sherry -- Looking for earth-friendly autos? Browse Top Cars by Green Ratinghttp://autos.yahoo.com/green_center/;_ylc=X3oDMTE4MGw4Z2hlBF9TAzk3MTA3MDc2BHNlYwNtYWlsdGFncwRzbGsDZ3JlZW5jZW50ZXI-at Yahoo! Autos' Green Center.
Re: Hideyo - Please send her strength
Hideyo, sending strength and good thoughts to you in this difficult time. Beth On 3/28/07, Nina [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I'm writing to the list for prayers, strength and love to be sent to our dear friend Hideyo. She has had so many losses, so much pain and sadness, so much strife, she could so use our strength right now. It has been difficult for her to find time to participate in the list lately. She has stoically been dealing with loss after loss, and still, when I asked for her help in interpreting Joey's test results she wrote back immediately. I have never met a more giving unselfish heart as Hideyo. You may not agree with where her decisions take her, but they are always made from a place of love and giving. I wish there was more that I could do to relieve her burdens. Sometimes knowing that you are not alone, knowing that others care and are sending good thoughts and blessings your way can help rally our fortitude and get us through the worst of times. Hideyo is such an unsung hero and I'm proud to call her friend. Hang in there Hideyo, you are loved, Nina
Re: Fred Update
Hi Belinda, Glad to hear that Fred spirits are up. Is there any way you could have a syringe filled with water or tuna juice and maybe squirt it in after he gets his pills? I don't know how possible that would be if he's struggling, why is it the ones that really really need the meds seem to be the ones who fight it most? So frustrating... Good luck, Beth On 3/28/07, Belinda [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi All, I was going to have them put another tube in but I think they would have to wait 2 or 3 weeks because his infection isn't gone yet and they said we would have to wait for that to completely heal. But I have already decided to wait on the tube because it is so obvious that Fred is a different cat without it. He slept on my pillow for the first time in 6 weeks, coincidentally about as long as he had his tube. Even Mike, my hubby noticed the difference, Fred was scratching on the bathroom door wanting in while hubby was in there this morning, something he did every morning before he got the tube but not once after. My greatest concern is getting his meds into him and getting him to eat enough. Gave him his blood pressure meds this morning and it wasn't pretty, I can get the pills into him, it's getting him to drink or eat something after to make sure they go down and don't sit in his throat. I've made a deal with him that if he learns to cooperate with meds and eats better in the next 2 or 3 weeks we will put off the feeding tube indefinitely, so we'll see what happens. I'm going to ask my vet about injections for his potassium supplement and find out if his norvasc can be compounded or if it comes in an injectable, I think I already called the companies that sell it and I don't think it can be made into an injectable but I really don't remember. It's been a very trying 6 weeks, Fred's had an infection for pretty much most of that time. I'm worried about what the future holds but I'm really going to try and just take it one day at a time. -- Belinda happiness is being owned by cats ... Be-Mi-Kitties http://bemikitties.com
Re: Slinky - Sad News
Marissa, Thinking of you and Slinky at this difficult time, so glad that he was able to spend his life with such a good friend at his side. Peace and hugs to you both, Beth N. On 3/26/07, Marissa Johnson [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Nina (and EVERYONE!), thank you soo much! It is so helpful to know that those doubts are normal and that it won't be an indication that I made the wrong decision. I honestly don't know how I would get through this time without all of you! MC and Barb have been absolutely amazing chatting with me online and helping me sort things out - thanks! And all of you, your words of encouragement and support mean so much to me! I know this is going to be near impossible and that it's going to hurt a lot...but somehow I'll manage to get through it. Thank you for sharing this journey with me and for lending me your strength! I've been telling Slink all about my other pets who are waiting for him at the Rainbow Bridge... and telling him that I'm gonna help him get rid of his tired weak body and feel wonderful again. I hope he'll carry a piece of my heart with me...and I know I'll have him in my heart forever. He'll always be my most precious kitty...the kitty of my heart. I truly don't think I understood the depths of love and responsibility I was capable of feeling until he came into my life. He has taught me S MUCH (which I'll write more about someday) and I will cherish those lessons always. I can only hope I've been able to show him the same depth of love, acceptance, and security he has shown me. Thank you again for being here with me. I've got less than 24 hours now to be with my precious baby, so I'm going to make the most of it. GLOW to you and your babies! MJ *Nina [EMAIL PROTECTED]* wrote: Marissa, I'm so sorry. My eyes filled with tears when I read your news this morning. I had such high hopes for a miracle for you and your Slinky boy. I know you haven't come to this decision lightly and that the only reason you would even consider this is to spare him any unnecessary suffering. MC has a quote that has given me comfort, something about it being better to let them go a day too soon than an hour too late. I have been on both sides of this terrible coin; waiting with hope only to have them suffer, and living afterward with the fear that I made the decision to help them cross too soon. No matter what we do in these circumstances we may be plagued by the possibility that we did the wrong thing, (the dreaded what ifs). I just wanted to let you know that I understand, and that I don't believe that it is possible to do the wrong thing when these hard decisions are made from our hearts. When we lose the hope of recovery, then letting them go is the last gift of love we can bestow on them. The last act of protection we can provide. I had such terrible regrets when I helped my Jazzy cross, but in the weeks that followed I found myself replacing my self-recriminations with acceptance. Even if I hadn't made the decision I did, she most likely would have been gone by then. Finally, I was able to forgive myself, not so much for the decisions I made, but for not being able to control the circumstances of our time together. I was able to forgive myself for not being able to save her. At least I can know that because I made the decision I did, when I did, her suffering was not prolonged. I know that she knows I will always love her, that I'm grateful for the time she graced my life and that no matter how many tears I shed, I will never be sorry I took her in. I can rest easier knowing that my sweet bottle baby, whom I had protected and nurtured from the time I became her surrogate mom, never had a moment of fear or want. Not even at the end of her all too short life. I'm glad that you've made it possible to spend this time in Slinky's company. With how hard you've both fought, with all you and your family have done for your darling Slink, I'm praying that you will be spared the torture of any what ifs. Hold that angel close and know that he has worked his way into all our hearts. Much love to you, Nina Marissa Johnson wrote: Thanks for that reminder Phaewryn. I've actually been able to postpone tomorrow's meeting (my boss had asked if I wanted to this morning because I've been sick, but like a dope I said I'd be okay!...but I was able to call everyone and tell them we're postponing it. I think it's for the best all the way around). So I've made the appointment for tomorrow evening at 6:40 - the last appointment of the day - and have found a friend to go with me. I can't believe I'm doing this. It seems so...FINAL. And I guess it is, but...wow. I know it's what's best but that doesn't make it any easier. Anyway, Slink and I have the rest of tonight and all of tomorrow to be with each other. Thanks again for all your support! MJ -- Looking for earth-friendly autos? Browse Top Cars by Green
Re: Mama Kitty - seizure
Hi Elizabeth, So sorry to hear Mama Kitty had a seizure. I haven't had time to write anyone much lately, but I have tried to keep up with reading the list and have followed what you've been going through with her. It is weird, we had lots of beautiful sunshine this afternoon and I was thinking of you two and hoping that Mama Kitty was feeling good and strolling around your yard enjoying it. I could just picture her doing it. I will be hoping things go smoothly for you tomorrow. I picked up a cat that had epilepsy once. I was leaving a painting job late one snowy night two years ago. I was following the two black, rutted tire tracks down the middle of a snowy road. I thought I saw movement, started to brake, then thought I'd imagined it but continued slowly. A little dark brown tabby cat became visible walking slow and strange in the tire track. I stopped, waited for it to move, but it stopped and looked at me with absolute confusion on its face. I parked, it came back and tried to go under the car, I picked it up (wet on one side, smelled of urine) put it on my front seat and it sat there without moving the whole 45 minutes to my house. At the house, it just sat in a ball upstairs with its eyes shut. I thought it was dying, that it had already been hit by a car, called my husband sobbing. Maybe twenty minutes later, it opened its eyes and started to explore everything and act like a regular cat. I put a sign up in his neighborhood the next day and the owner called, said he was epileptic, but didn't usually go out of the yard. We figure he seized, then didn't remember where he was or which identical looking snowy driveway was his. Guess my point is be careful with her outside if she has more seizures, I think you are rural and maybe don't have to worry about cars, but it can be so easy for them to get confused out there. Hope this was ideopathic and it won't happen again. It is so scary. Big hugs, Beth On 3/27/07, elizabeth trent [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Susan, Thank you for writing -- you've helped me take a deep breath. I'll send you an email off-list. elizabeth On 3/27/07, Susan Hoffman [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I have a cat who is epileptic though not FeLV+ She is controlled with phenobarbitol. I'm leaving my office right now but if you want to talk feel free to email me off list. I know how scary it is to see a grand mal seizure but it is still something you and the cat can cope with. *elizabeth trent [EMAIL PROTECTED] *wrote: I am so worried. When I got home this afternoon, I noticed that Mama Kitty didn't have a lot of spunk. She ate well this morning but this afternoon, she didn't get up and go to the front door to go outside. I picked her up and took her -- she sat on the porch a bit and seemed interested in some cat food. She really sat in one spot for a while though so I picked her up to hold her at pet her. She wanted to get down so I let her. She went to a place where she usually suns and all of the sudden started breathing very rapidly. Her eyes looked very strange and she started to let out this low yell/growl. That's when she turned over on her side -- legs straight out and head lolled to the side..tongue sticking out. It was a seizure. There is no mistaking it. I thought she was going to die. She did this once last summer when I was giving her Pet Tinic. When it was over, I took her inside to her royal chair and just kept everyone very calm and still. In a few minutes, she was purring again. I got her to eat some fancy feast too and she ate fairly well. She seems tired - but ok. I started to take her to the ER (45 min drive away) -- but my heart told me not to. I've been sitting beside her, keeping her calm and I put one of her favorite CDs on to soothe her. Going to simmer some lavender oil. I was supposed to go out tonight but nixed those plans right away. The only thing I can figure is that she was afraid I was picking her up to give her medicine or go to the vet's and she didn't have the energy to run so just just frieked out and had a seizure. My vet told me that cat's can do this - idiopathic seizures with no underlying pathology. I'm worring myself sick but I am afraid a 45 minute trip to the vet would just friek her out more and the last thing she needs right now is stress. The fact that she ate convinced me more to just chill out and stay with her. She has an appointment for more Acemannan tomorrow. When I get her to go to the vet - it's fast and painless. She's in that pet taxi before she knows what happened. She's really in a delicate state right now though. My vet is less than 2 miles away so hopefully we can get there without a big ordeal. elizabeth
Re: OT - HELP, Cat crying all night long.
Hi Kelley, I was surprised at how forgiving and positive you sounded when this adoption didn't work out. I just read your link to the Boulder Humane Society's open adoption program and now I understand. What a great approach! I know of many pet-worthy people in our area who have really been turned off by one of the local shelters. Wonder if it would do any good if I forwarded this link to them? H... All the best, Beth Blue, Scooter, Dash, Moxie, Will Feral, and Max the parrot On 3/25/07, Kelley Saveika [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Thanks, but I'm trying to get away from home visits altogether, although I generally end up doing one informally anyway - I took Sapphire over to his new mom's house for a trial visit to make sure he didn't freak out around the kid or the (cat-friendly) dogs. I'm practicing, as well as I can with the restrictions that are placed upon me by the local animal control, what are known as open adoptions. More info about open adoptions can be found here: http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ih_pro_adoption http://network.bestfriends.org/Blogs/Detail.aspx?b=860g=3042316787ce4a6e8eb13f7e1c31758d http://petsmartcharitiesblog.org/webinars/?q=node/85 Thanks so much for the offer though! On 3/25/07, [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: oh yeah... for sure! Too concerned for the condition of her house sounds really bad. Perhaps you would like to consider using my home visit form and doing pre-adoptive home visits? I have found that I can completely eliminate those types of adopters by a good home visit with lots of questions (it takes about 45 minutes to complete it when done right). I'd be happy to send you a copy of the form if you want it. Phaewryn http://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html Special Needs Cat Resources -- Rescuties - Saving the world, one cat at a time. http://www.rescuties.org Vist the Rescuties store and save a kitty life! http://astore.amazon.com/rescuties-20 Please help Joey! http://rescuties.chipin.com/joey-autoimmune-hemolytic-anemia
Re: Dilemma - Mixing (was consistent...)
Hi Gloria, I believe it was Bonnie that brought home a false negative kitten that possibly infected 3 of 6 indoor cats. If I remember correctly, one was able to throw the virus and 2 were not and eventually passed. Not sure if the existing cats were healthy adults, or when they had last been tested. Bonnie, if you are out there and this was your experience, can you chime in with more details? Thanks so much! Beth On 3/20/07, Gloria Lane [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Just wondering who out there has mixed and had negatives turned positive? Thanks... Gloria On Mar 19, 2007, at 9:34 PM, wendy wrote: This is assuming that the unvaccinated cats were not already born with it or carrying it; we seem to never be able to say for sure that that wasn't the case. This virus is SO frustrating sometimes!!! :) Wendy --- Beth Noren [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi, Just a quick point, it is probably safe to mix VACCINATED negatives with your positive. There is at least one list member who had 3 unvaccinated cats turn positive after unknowingly mixing with an felv+... Regards, Beth On 3/19/07, wendy [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Donna, A lot of us here mix our positives and negatives, mainly because we did not know we had a positive initially. But once most of us found out, we felt separating the kitties would be more stressful than risking a positive contracting the virus. I don't think many here, if any, have had that happen. I've been a member here for a year and a half. Thus, the general consensus here is that as adult cats, it is difficult to contract the virus. Kittens are much more susceptible, and bite wounds an easier way of contracting. I am not sure what to make of the conflicting test results. We do know that there are a lot of false positives and false negatives, which doesn't help your situation. I've never heard of the PCR Assay test. How many others do you have in your home and how old are they? Do you think they would get along with Elise? :) Wendy --- [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I am looking to the group for experiences on dealing with a cat whose scenario is as written below. I would very much like to hear from anyone who may have experienced, or be currently experiencing, this same thing. Advice and guidance is sought. Here is the dilemma: I have a kitty I rescued at about 12 weeks old around 3 yrs ago. She had a bad uri at the time of rescue but snap combo tested fiv/felv negative. The vet vaccinated her while she will sick with this uri (I wasn't too happy about that myself). I always retest kittens and upon her retest about a month later she came up slight felv+. I had an elisa done which was positive. I had more snap tests done - all of them all came up slight positive. I eventually had an IFA done and a PCR Assay done. The PCR Assay for felv (done with blood, not bone marrow, of course) was negative. All of these tests were done over the course of 2 years (I've had her for 3 yrs now). The last snap combo test I had done - just out of curiosity - was March of last year and that came up slight positive again. Unfortunately, Elise (or Lisee Angel as I call her because she has a big white 'angel' on her back :), has been relegated to the only place I could keep her all this time, which is a relatively small spare bedroom. I had always hoped I'd be able to at least let her integrate at some point with the rest of the house, but her consistent slight felv+ snap combo test worries me too much. Even though the PCR Assay was negative, she keeps testing slight positive on the snap combo test. I am so confused about the more extensive test being negative, but all the lower level tests being positive. I feel so awful that she is stuck in that spare room, and I cannot imagine her having to live her entire life in that one room. I just don't know what else I can do. The dilemma is not really knowing if she is, or is not, felv positive and should she, or should she not, be allowed to integrate with non-positives? Thanks to all, Donna __ __ AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at AOL.com. __ __ Food fight? Enjoy some healthy debate in the Yahoo! Answers Food Drink QA. http://answers.yahoo.com/dir/?link=listsid=396545367 __ __ Finding fabulous fares is fun. Let Yahoo! FareChase search your favorite travel sites to find flight and hotel bargains. http://farechase.yahoo.com/promo-generic-14795097
Re: Dilemma - Mixing (was consistent...)
Oh, also, as far as false negatives go, I have had it happen.
Of my 5 rescue kittens, one tested positive at 8 weeks and
four tested negative. When Will Feral spiked a fever at 14
weeks, he retested positive. He had had no contact with
the other positive (or our existing adult cat) since the first test.
He must have still been incubating the virus at the first test.
The others all tested negative the second time. They were
vaccinated and I now mix everyone. Unless somebody
gets sick, I don't think we will do any more testing...
Four kittens (year old next month) are lined up right now on
our half-wall, all staring intently at the tv, (greyhounds on
Animal Planet). They are so darling!
(:o{
Beth
On 3/20/07, Beth Noren [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
Hi Gloria,
I believe it was Bonnie that brought home a false negative
kitten that possibly infected 3 of 6 indoor cats. If I remember
correctly, one was able to throw the virus and 2 were not and
eventually passed. Not sure if the existing cats were healthy
adults, or when they had last been tested. Bonnie, if you are
out there and this was your experience, can you chime in with
more details? Thanks so much!
Beth
On 3/20/07, Gloria Lane [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
Just wondering who out there has mixed and had negatives turned
positive?
Thanks...
Gloria
On Mar 19, 2007, at 9:34 PM, wendy wrote:
This is assuming that the unvaccinated cats were not
already born with it or carrying it; we seem to never
be able to say for sure that that wasn't the case.
This virus is SO frustrating sometimes!!!
:)
Wendy
--- Beth Noren [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
Hi,
Just a quick point, it is probably safe to mix
VACCINATED negatives with your positive.
There is at least one list member who had 3
unvaccinated cats turn positive after unknowingly
mixing with an felv+...
Regards,
Beth
On 3/19/07, wendy [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
Donna,
A lot of us here mix our positives and negatives,
mainly because we did not know we had a positive
initially. But once most of us found out, we felt
separating the kitties would be more stressful
than
risking a positive contracting the virus. I don't
think many here, if any, have had that happen.
I've
been a member here for a year and a half. Thus,
the
general consensus here is that as adult cats, it
is
difficult to contract the virus. Kittens are much
more susceptible, and bite wounds an easier way of
contracting. I am not sure what to make of the
conflicting test results. We do know that there
are a
lot of false positives and false negatives, which
doesn't help your situation. I've never heard of
the
PCR Assay test. How many others do you have in
your
home and how old are they? Do you think they
would
get along with Elise?
:)
Wendy
--- [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
I am looking to the group for experiences on
dealing
with
a cat whose scenario is as written below. I
would
very much
like to hear from anyone who may have
experienced,
or be
currently experiencing, this same thing. Advice
and
guidance is sought. Here is the dilemma:
I have a kitty I rescued at about 12 weeks old
around
3 yrs ago. She had a bad uri at the time of
rescue
but
snap combo tested fiv/felv negative. The vet
vaccinated
her while she will sick with this uri (I wasn't
too
happy
about that myself). I always retest kittens and
upon
her
retest about a month later she came up slight
felv+.
I had an elisa done which was positive. I had
more
snap tests done - all of them all came up slight
positive. I eventually had an IFA done and a PCR
Assay
done. The PCR Assay for felv (done with blood,
not
bone marrow, of course) was negative. All of
these
tests were done over the course of 2 years (I've
had
her for 3 yrs now). The last snap combo test I
had
done - just out of curiosity - was March of last
year
and that came up slight positive again.
Unfortunately, Elise (or Lisee Angel as I call
her
because she has a big white 'angel' on her back
:),
has been relegated to the only place I could
keep
her
all this time, which is a relatively small spare
bedroom.
I had always hoped I'd be able to at least let
her
integrate at some point with the rest of the
house,
but her consistent slight felv+ snap combo test
worries me too much. Even though the PCR Assay
was
negative, she keeps testing slight positive on
the
snap combo test. I am so confused about the more
extensive test being negative, but all the lower
level
tests being positive.
I feel so awful that she is stuck in that spare
room,
and I cannot imagine her having to live her
entire
life in that one room. I just don't know what
else I
can do.
The dilemma is not really knowing if she is, or
is
not,
felv positive and should she, or should she
Re: Mama Kitty
Sending positive thoughts for Mama Kitty, hope the 4:00 appointment goes well. Hugs, Beth On 3/20/07, elizabeth trent [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I'm worried about Mama Kitty this morning. She was diagnosed almost a year ago - and rebounded very well with Acemannan. She's had a wonderful year, is at a healthy weight, and had practically reverted to kittenhood! I noticed last night though that she didn't seem to be eating. This morning she just seemed very lethargic to me - almost like a rag doll in my arms. When I let her outside - she went straight to some red clay dirt I recently dug and was eating that. Seems like I read here on the list that this is called 'Pica'. My first thought was that red clay contains a lot of iron and so perhaps she was trying to get a nutrient she needed. She ate some grass too. She really started to stress when I tried to look at her gums and so I didn't push it. I suspect she may be beginning to get anemic though...I just have a feeling. Last time she crashed (when she was first diagnosed) - that nictating membrane was showing in her eyes and she had lost a good bit of weight (down to 7lbs). Her eyes look good now - she just seems sleepy - and her weight seems good from what I can tell. It could be that she is just fighting a URI or some kind of infection. It's so much harder for them to fight off these things when they have FeVL+. I got her to eat a couple of bites of food before I left for work. I put her in her favorite chair before I left too because as lethargic as she seems, she would hardly be able to defend herself if a big dog came by and wanted to harrass her. Called the vet a bit ago and they will see her at 4pm. Maybe I am just being paranoid but with this disease I'm not taking any chances. Please send prayers and good vibes our way. elizabeth and mama kitty
Re: Dilemma - Consistent slight positive felv test results
Hi, Just a quick point, it is probably safe to mix VACCINATED negatives with your positive. There is at least one list member who had 3 unvaccinated cats turn positive after unknowingly mixing with an felv+... Regards, Beth On 3/19/07, wendy [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Donna, A lot of us here mix our positives and negatives, mainly because we did not know we had a positive initially. But once most of us found out, we felt separating the kitties would be more stressful than risking a positive contracting the virus. I don't think many here, if any, have had that happen. I've been a member here for a year and a half. Thus, the general consensus here is that as adult cats, it is difficult to contract the virus. Kittens are much more susceptible, and bite wounds an easier way of contracting. I am not sure what to make of the conflicting test results. We do know that there are a lot of false positives and false negatives, which doesn't help your situation. I've never heard of the PCR Assay test. How many others do you have in your home and how old are they? Do you think they would get along with Elise? :) Wendy --- [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I am looking to the group for experiences on dealing with a cat whose scenario is as written below. I would very much like to hear from anyone who may have experienced, or be currently experiencing, this same thing. Advice and guidance is sought. Here is the dilemma: I have a kitty I rescued at about 12 weeks old around 3 yrs ago. She had a bad uri at the time of rescue but snap combo tested fiv/felv negative. The vet vaccinated her while she will sick with this uri (I wasn't too happy about that myself). I always retest kittens and upon her retest about a month later she came up slight felv+. I had an elisa done which was positive. I had more snap tests done - all of them all came up slight positive. I eventually had an IFA done and a PCR Assay done. The PCR Assay for felv (done with blood, not bone marrow, of course) was negative. All of these tests were done over the course of 2 years (I've had her for 3 yrs now). The last snap combo test I had done - just out of curiosity - was March of last year and that came up slight positive again. Unfortunately, Elise (or Lisee Angel as I call her because she has a big white 'angel' on her back :), has been relegated to the only place I could keep her all this time, which is a relatively small spare bedroom. I had always hoped I'd be able to at least let her integrate at some point with the rest of the house, but her consistent slight felv+ snap combo test worries me too much. Even though the PCR Assay was negative, she keeps testing slight positive on the snap combo test. I am so confused about the more extensive test being negative, but all the lower level tests being positive. I feel so awful that she is stuck in that spare room, and I cannot imagine her having to live her entire life in that one room. I just don't know what else I can do. The dilemma is not really knowing if she is, or is not, felv positive and should she, or should she not, be allowed to integrate with non-positives? Thanks to all, Donna AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at AOL.com. Food fight? Enjoy some healthy debate in the Yahoo! Answers Food Drink QA. http://answers.yahoo.com/dir/?link=listsid=396545367
