Re: ear hematoma
Hi Linda! One of my FeLV guys just recently had surgery (under anesthesia) for an ear hematoma and now has cauliflower ear, but this is only because the doctor didn't set the ear properly while he was under. Marvin now has one wrinkly ear that kinda lays close to his head...but I don't mind...it just gives him a little more character! I do keep an eye on the ear canal, however, as debris seems to build up a little quicker in the wrinkle ear as opposed to the other ear...but otherwise, he's just fine! Essentially, the vet either lances or uses a laser to pierce the skin in several areas to drain it, then uses a few stitches to readhere the skin back onto the cartilidge. The main purpose of the stitches is to create scar tissue that will reconnect the skin to the cartilidge thus preventing any future hematomas...so I wonder if your vet couldn't just drain the hematoma like he did before and then just use a local anesthetic to put in a few stitches? FYI, they do make a special kind of padding with a mesh screen backing that can be stitched onto the back of the ear to give it support while it heals thus helping to avoid cauliflower ear...and in the absence of that, our vet said you can use a Dr. Scholl's insert as a stand in... :) Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. -- Chief Dan George The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long... --Blade Runner - Original Message - From: Linda Johnson [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Wednesday, December 6, 2006 10:27 am Subject: ear hematoma To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Hi - I have a feline leukemia positive, partially paralyzed cat (Boo) who suffers from pressure sores on his bum. He's been on antibiotics on off for years due to his paralysis induced pressure sores. Two weeks ago his health declined when he developed a severe liver infection and jaundice. Since then, with the addition of 2 antibiotics other meds, his health has improved and the jaundice is greatly reduced. Unfortunately Boo has also developed an ear hematoma. My vet has drained it with a syringe, but it has filled back up with fluid, as she said it would. My vet is telling me that the only way to completely fix the hematoma is with surgery. Since his health is not great I'm concerned about doing this. But his ear is not getting better, and, although my vet has told me that the hematoma won't effect his overall health, he will develop a califlower ear and have issues with cleaning the ear, if it's not corrected. Has anyone had any experience with a hematoma? Is there any way to correct the problem without putting Boo under anesthesia? Thanks, Linda ___ _ Yahoo! Music Unlimited Access over 1 million songs. http://music.yahoo.com/unlimited
Re: Sally - pain meds (was Uveitis)--ketoprofen in dogs
Hi Nina! I just wanted to caution the use of ketoprofen in dogs...it's rare, but severe ulceration of the GI tract can occur as a side effect of the drug...we actually had it happen at the clinic. A young dog died as a result of a severe allergic reaction to ketoprofen...hence we've trashed our remaining supply of the drug and will no longer be using it as a pain reliever. Like I said, it's *rare* to witness such a severe allergic reaction...but I assisted on the necropsy of this dog and couldn't believe what I saw! :( But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. -- Chief Dan George The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long... --Blade Runner - Original Message - From: Nina [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Sunday, December 3, 2006 5:28 pm Subject: Sally - pain meds (was Uveitis) To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Hi Sally, I just wanted to comment on getting the antibiotic ointment in Junior's eye... If you put a line of the ointment on your finger and gently apply it to his closed eye, (on the line where his eyelids meet), at least some will go in his eye and it should help at least keep his eye moist. I didn't see you comment on Michelle's post about steriods. Have you been to a specialist for his eye? Maybe your vet could just consult with an ophthalmologist over the phone to see what they think of the situation? Speaking of old fashioned pain meds... I have used Ketofen syrup for dogs. It doesn't taste bad, slight medicine taste, but not bitter and the the dosage, (at least for small dogs), is small enough that I'm betting it could be hidden in some baby food, or easily squirted in his mouth. I did a quick search on it to see if it can be given to cats and came up with the following site on pain control for dogs and cats: http://www.2ndchance.info/pain.htm Nina Sally wrote: I knew that I skipped a day on the aspirin.. also the vet said the anti-inflammatory properties were good for his eye. He ate more today...good sign I hope. sally
Could you add Chatty to the CLS?
We made the decision to say good-bye last night...Chemo was no longer providing the quality of life that we had all hoped for. I just couldn't put him through anything else. :( This just never gets any easier, does it? :( Chatty was arguably the best cat in the world! Just so laid back and lovable...it's just not fair. He was such a good guy...he sat in my partner's lap on the way to the emergency clinic last night and contentedly watched the scenery go by...he'd then look at me for awhile, then up at my partner almost as if he knew his time was about up and he wanted to remember us as we were then. I don't know where our little Chit-Chat came from or what he's been through...he came to us at a ripe old age and was only with us for a year...but I hope we helped him complete his journey here...his little pawprints will remain forever in my heart. I love you, Gettabuddy...be good and please don't forget us! Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. -- Chief Dan George The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long... --Blade Runner
Re: Vet Records
According to the AVMA website, Veterinarians are obligated to provide copies or summaries of medical records when requested by the client. Veterinarians should secure a written release to document that request. Perhaps you could contact your state board? But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. -- Chief Dan George The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long... --Blade Runner - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Tuesday, October 31, 2006 8:44 am Subject: Vet Records To: Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Hi all, I ask for the records on Dukee they won't release them to me. They said the only way they would release them if another Vet requested them. Then it would be by fax only. This is the first time I have ever been turned down getting any Vet records. Is this right? I can tell you I'm getting disappointed in some Vets in the area I moved to. Terrie Mohr-Forker TAZZY'S ANIMAL TRANSPORTS SIAMESE COLLIE RESCUE Donations accepted at: _https://www.paypal.com/_ (https://www.paypal.com/) _http://www.tazzys-siameses-collies.petfinder.org/_ (http://www.tazzys-siameses-collies.petfinder.org/) _http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wasiameserescue_ (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wasiameserescue) _http://hometown.aol.com/tatorbunz/myhomepage/petmemorial.html_ (http://hometown.aol.com/tatorbunz/myhomepage/petmemorial.html) _http://www.felineleukemia.org/_ (http://www.felineleukemia.org/) _http://www.hometown.aol.com/tatorbunz/index.html_ (http://www.hometown.aol.com/tatorbunz/index.html) _http://www.petloss.com/_ (http://www.petloss.com/)
Re: Please add Spencer to the CLS
Oh, Nina! I wish I had the words to express my thoughts more poetically than, I know exactly how you feel! But it's just as simple as that, I guess...You were there for me when my special guy, Fuss-fuss passed away...and Spence sounds like he was to you what Fuss was to me. You're right, they're all hard...but there are a few that are particularly hard. It's helped me to keep in mind that journeys work both ways...not everyone is placed in our own lives for our own benefit...we, too, get placed in others' lives for the other person's or animal's benefit. For some of my cats, I feel as though I'm simply on the periphery of their journey...a blip on their radar, so-to- speak! Which is fine by me as I understand we're all busy trying to figure out our own destinies...and if I can make theirs that much more enjoyable (or entertaining as the case often is), so be it! :) But then there are those cats whose journey seems to be intertwined with mine for a brief period of tim e, and I am honored that they are here to teach me...likewise, it hurts the most when it's time for them to leave as I feel we are a part of each other. :( Now, I'm not saying that one relationship is better or more important than the other as we're all brought together for one reason or another...but some of these guys seem to talk to you on a different level and you're never really the same again! Please know that you are in my thoughts and let me know if there's anything I can do!! Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. -- Chief Dan George The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long... --Blade Runner - Original Message - From: Nina [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Thursday, October 12, 2006 11:29 am Subject: Please add Spencer to the CLS To: Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Hi Belinda and All, I'm so sad and numb this morning. So completely worn out, I know you all understand how I'm feeling. Spencer had been so weak yesterday, but still so attentive and loving, what an incredible spirit this boy has. The vet was late, (I'm so glad he was), and I had been laying next to Spencer on our bed, keeping him company while we waited. He lifted his head and tried to move, but he just couldn't get his once magnificent body to work. I decided to bring him out front. He used to love going out with his dogs every morning to get the paper and I thought he might enjoy going out one more time. I was right. Unbelievably, he rallied and was actually able to stumble to his favorite spot under my Jeep parked in the driveway. He even drank from the feral's water bowl. I couldn't stand seeing him on the uncomfortable cement any longer and put him on his bed and we sat and quietly watched the neighborhood comings and goings from the front steps. I had just brought him back inside when I saw my vet approaching up the front walk. Heaven help me, but I wanted to scream, NO! NOT YET! Of course, it was time to finally say goodbye. Do you still do tributes with their pictures? I'm going to send you his picture off-list to include in case you do. Bless it, this was a hard one, (but then I guess there just aren't any easy ones, are there?). I want to express my gratitude once again to this incredible list of caring people. I went through such contortions dealing with Spencer's illness and decline. I don't know how I would have coped without your support and prayers. Much love as always, Nina
Re: dental work
Hi Kayte! I do alot of the teeth cleanings at my clinic, so I can tell you how we do them and what to ask your vet if that will help! A regular dental does involve your pet being sedated and intubated...ask your vet what type of anesthetic will be used (we use isofluorane--an inhalant anesthetic that is considered very safe as it is not metabolized by the body and allows a fast recovery). As for the dental itself, depending on the condition of the teeth (amount of tartar, etc.), the length of time it takes for a full cleaning is about 1/2 hour...We use an ultrasonic water pick similar to what human dentists use to scale the teeth, then polish (again, like human dentists do) and apply fluoride! Depending on your clinic, there may be a dental technician who does the cleaning with the vet standing by to perform any extractions, or the vet may do the cleaning herself! As for other questions you may want to ask...I'm not sure how old Crackers is, but if he is older, be sure to ask whether or not the clinic has a heating device to keep his body temp regulated while sedated. Body temps drop when sedated which can drop blood pressure and make the recovery process much longer...especially in older pets! You may also want to ask about fluid therapy while sedated and even during the recovery process (I.V. drip)...it's not a necessary thing, but can aid in a smooth recovery process! Overall, a dental is a safe procedure! Just get all the assurances on the sedation process (we typically pre-med with atropine and some type of pain management med...as a sidenote for DOG owners, beware of the use of ketoprofen as a pain med for DOGS!! It's rare, but severe ulcering of the GI tract can occur)! Hope this helps! Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. -- Chief Dan George The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long... --Blade Runner - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Tuesday, October 10, 2006 9:00 am Subject: dental work To: Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Hi guys I was just reading the sharing price archive and it made me think!! In a month or so Crackers will be going for a dental check up. His first. What exactly happens and can anyone share experiences such as how their babies felt and acted afterwards, what things are usually done? All the vet told me was that in the future we will do dental work. Nothing to worry about now. I read once where an owner got gold caps on the kitties teeth. LOL! i dont think cracker is the kinda bling bling cat!! Hope all is well much love Kayte and Crackers Ps he has had his teeth and gums checked at each visit.
Re: My precious Tsubomi has now become free --
Sleep soundly little one, for your brand new journey has just begun. Please take care of yourself, Hideyo, and let us know if you need anything at all! Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. -- Chief Dan George The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long... --Blade Runner
Re: Hideyo's Tsubomi is in trouble - prayers and advice please
Positive thougts are on their way to Hideyo and her crew!! Please keep us updated! And Oh oh ought to be able to donate as long as Tsubomi has never had a transfusion before...crazy little fact, but for some reason, a cat can be given any blood type for its first transfusion...after that, you will need to give him the proper blood type or else you run the risk of a reaction! But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. -- Chief Dan George The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long... --Blade Runner - Original Message - From: Nina [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Friday, October 6, 2006 2:21 pm Subject: Hideyo's Tsubomi is in trouble - prayers and advice please To: Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Hideyo is calling me from the ER vet right now. She asked me to write to you guys because she needs your support. Tsubomi is the young felv + that shares her room with Ginger, (also felv +). For the last few days Tsubomi has been acting more and more lethargic, she's still eating well though. She decided to bring her to the ER vet and her blood test shows a PCV at 9.4 and RBC 1.7. She brought another of her kitties with her to donate blood, but she's not sure he's the same blood type. First she asks that you all please send prayers for Oh oh, the donor cat, and for Tsubomi to feel better after the transfusion. The xray shows, what they think is a small amount of fluid in her stomach, making her breathing a little rapid. The WBC is very high at 52000. After the transfusion, she's going to try feline interferon, possibly Epogen, (not sure about this), and maybe steroid shots. She wants to ask the group if there are any other suggestions of what she might do, or if anyone suspects anything other than a diagnosis of cancer. Please pray and send healing, calming thoughts to Tsubomi, Oh oh and Hideyo. Hideyo is in an exam room right now trying to keep it together as she waits and waits for them to do the transfusion. Poor Oh Oh is very upset and little Tsubomi is listless in her arms. She will write to the group as soon as she can. Nina
OT: Diabetic dog groups and life!
Hi All! I'm so sorry I haven't been able to keep up with the list very well these past several weeks...as always, you guys aren't far from my thoughts...I consider ya'll a little piece of family and always try to check subject headers in what little time I've had to get on the computer! My thoughts are with those who have lost a little one recently and I'm pulling for those who are aren't feeling up to par! :( Recent happenings on this end: Our FIV guy, Chatty, was diagnosed with lymphoma somewhere around his sinuses...he's currently on Leukeran which has given him the ability to smell his food...but the cancer is far from remission. We'll probably give Elspar a shot here in the near future to see if that helps...the next step would be radiation treatments, but I hear they can be pretty pricey. :( Despite it all, Chatty's still a pretty upbeat little guy...I hope he'll be around for a little while!! And the last guy from the litter of kittens who were born with FeLV (Chinney, Pips, Charlie, Fuss-fuss), Sleepypants, just turned 4 years old on the 22nd!! He's doing well, demanding his Fancy Feast twice a day! :) Also, I just started my NEW job! I'm now a vet assistant at a local clinic and will be taking online classes in the fall with my old school to become a certified vet tech! I love the job! SO much to learn! And the discount is nice... ;) I was able to assist on our cat's (Marvin's, FeLV+) surgery! He had an aural hematoma (what I just referred to as a balloon ear) as the result of a bacterial infection in his ear. Marvin's not too happy about the cone he has to wear for the next 3 weeks...but his ear looks much better! Anyhoo! To the point of my email! Can anyone direct me to a good support group for dogs with diabetes? My mom-in-law just found out that her dog has diabetes! She used to be a nurse, so she's familiar with the treatment for humans...but she's a little lost when it comes to Sammie (the dog) as the hospital/doctor care just isn't on the same level as it is for people w/ diabetes! Any help would be greatly appreciated!! Oh! And as an aside, the vet clinic I work at just started implementing VetJet...it's a transdermal vaccine method that kinda shoots the vaccine under the skin as opposed to using a needle to inject it...it's very cool to use and is supposed to prevent the sarcomas associated with traditional needle vaccine sites! The only reason I mention it is because the only vaccine that you can use with VetJet is the FeLV vaccine...I'm sure many of you have heard of this method to give vaccines, you only use a fraction of the actual vaccine that you would normally give with a needle. It's really neat to watch if you have the opportunity! :) Take care! Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long... --Blade Runner
Re: Ceasar is no longer in pain (please add him to the CLS)
Oh, Nina! I'm so sorry...Please don't blame yourself, it sounds like Ceasar knew what he was doing and just who to go to for the relief he so desperately needed. He obviously trusted you...what a blessing that he knew he could come to you! Please take care of yourself...Ceasar is no longer in pain and well on his way to his next big adventure! Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. -- Chief Dan George The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long... --Blade Runner - Original Message - From: Nina [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Friday, July 7, 2006 2:31 pm Subject: Ceasar is no longer in pain (please add him to the CLS) To: Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org, Paul Hendel [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hello my beloved group, I just got the call from the vet. Ceasar had deep puncture wounds that were abscessed all over his body, the deepest around his neck and the most infected on his rear leg, no wonder my brave little man was limping. He had a high fever and the worst news of all, he was felv+. They hadn't yet investigated why his nose was bleeding, or why there was blood in his saliva. The vet, who is always reluctant to recommend euthanasia, said if she were Ceasar she wouldn't want to wake up from the kind of pain he must have been living with. I still hesitated, I still thought maybe there was a way. I asked if there could be any doubt about his status, the answer was an unequivocal no. Before we left for the vet, he allowed me to stroke him through the grate of the trap. His skin was covered with small lesions, with that gritty feel that comes from flea infestation. Poor little lamb! He was angry, but he didn't try to scratch me, or even hiss. I spoke softly to him and told him how much he was loved and that he was finally home. I had so prayed that I would be bringing him back to comfort and security this afternoon. I had to finally decide to let him go. I'm so sick about not being able to trap him when I first met him, maybe he would be healthy today. I feel like I failed him, my only consolation is that he's no longer suffering, he's no longer confined, and he's no longer producing felv kittens. He lived the hard life of a cat on the street and I helped him as best I could. Thank you all for caring about a special little feral boy and understanding how he has left an imprint on my heart. Bless you my sweet, brave, clever friend. I will love you always. Nina
Re: How is Shakiti today?--Petfooddirect.com
Not sure how long you've been ordering from petfooddirect.com...so this may be old news to ya... ;) But if you sign up for emails to be sent to you, they often contain coupons for up to 22% off your order! I usually wait to get a 20% or 22% off coupon as it usually just about covers shipping depending on how you play around with the weight! But like I said, you probably already knew that as I think the 20% come around about once a month! :) But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long... --Blade Runner - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Sunday, June 25, 2006 7:33 pm Subject: Re: How is Shakiti today? (plus MK update and questions - sorry wrote a book) To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Thank you, Wendy, for the insurance info. It sounds like it might help a good deal. Do they cover regular check-ups at all? I'll go online and see what I can find out. I thought I might also talk to my vet and see if they have any information. I ordered some EVO from PetFoodDirect. You can get 24 5.5oz cans for $25.99 or 12/13.2 oz cons for $17.49...plus they always give you at least a 5% discount. You still have to pay for shipping though but in my case, it's cheaper than driving to some town where I might be able to find it. I've kept MK inside some over the weekend trying to discourage her from tormenting the bunnies. Thank goodness she hasn't felt the need to bring gifts the past day or so. She's definitely on bug patrol though - I would hate to be one. elizabeth In a message dated 6/25/2006 6:53:45 P.M. Central Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Hey Elizabeth, I am so happy and relieved to hear that Shakiti is doing so wonderfully!!! You're such a great cat mom to take care of all your furbabies like you do. I have Veterinary Pet Insurance. It's ok. I pay about $90 a year for each kitty I have insured. When Cricket was initially diagnosed with FeLV in 2003, I submitted $208 in fees, and they reimbursed me $117. There is a $50 deductible per claim though. Then two years later, when he developed the anemia, I submitted two different claims, one for $245 and one for $102, and they paid $108 and $47 respectively. So it certainly isn't an investment, but it does help if you have a sick kitty. Every bit helps. I've paid on two other of my kitties for almost ten years now, and haven't had to make but a few claims, but what it has done in the past is give me peace of mind that if I am looking at an expensive treatment, I don't have to make a choice between life or death. Some other examples of benefits are: They pay up to $800 towards chemo treatments (174$ per treatment). They pay up to $110 towards a transfusion, which is between 3 and 4 hundred dollars on average. If a kitty develops hyperthyroidism and you want to do the radioiodine treatment on her, which is between 1 to 1.5k$, they reimburse $528. You have to pay everything up front and then submit for reimbursement. I am actually considering dropping coverage on the two I still have covered, but am not sure yet. I like having the peace of mind. Once I am financially secure in the next couple of years, I will drop it for sure because I should be able to cover whatever comes along. I don't remember if they ask about pre-existing conditions. I don't think it's like a human, where you have to get a physical first, but I've been with them so long, I don't really remember. I think you just sign them up. I know what you mean about writing off pet treatments on your taxes. That thought comes into my mind every time I get back into the car after visiting the vet!!! I feed my babies Innova Evo wet and dry. Only 3 out of 4 of my kitties like it. I think it's great. I believe we pay about 28$ for a case of it. Here's to Shakiti and Mama Kitty kicking butt and taking names (in the health department of course, not the bunny dept.) ;) :) Wendy __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
Re: Miss Kitty has gone to Rainbow Bridge
Hi Brenda! It's wonderful to hear from you despite the sad circumstances... :( I'm sure Miss Kitty is receiving a fine homecoming from her babies! That is my only consolation when Sleepypants must leave us...that he will be reunited with his mom and brothers and the family will be whole again! Please take care and let us know if you need anything at all! Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long... --Blade Runner - Original Message - From: Tim Lyons [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Saturday, June 24, 2006 7:12 pm Subject: Miss Kitty has gone to Rainbow Bridge To: Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Hi folks, I have only been lurking on the list for the past year or so. Some of you may remember me. I lost Cher, Midnight, Lisa and Suzy to the leukemia in a 6 month period in 2004. Today, we came home to find their mother, MissKitty dead. She had been having some kidney issues related to the leukemia, but was responding to the medications. Just last night, she had caught a small lizard. She was OK this morning. She ate her breakfast, she's been scratching on her scratching pad and acting only a little less than she would normally. This whole ride with her and the kittens has been tough. It's our firstexperience with FeLV and it's been HELL! I still wouldn't have put her the kittens to sleep when we rescued them in July 2003. I just couldn't do it. Our vet recommended the same fate for Miss Kitty when we took her there about a month ago when her kidney issues flaired. We gave her 3 years of life that she would not have had otherwise and I don't regret any of it. She was a sweet, precious soul who didn't deservethe fate God handed her. May she rest softly with her babies at Rainbow Bridge. Please add her to the Candlelight Service for Monday. Thanks for being there when I needed you all. Brenda Lyons
Re: Chatty update
Thanks, Michelle! That's good to know...I thought I heard the vet tech read off something about finding squamous cells in the culture they took from his nose...but I guess I have to wait until Monday to get the final results as the culture has to be sent off to a lab. Chatty just finished his second day of fluids/iv baytril and he's doing much better...he's definitely not as stuffed up as he was a few days ago and he ate a whole can of Fancy Feast without any encouragement!! I'm still keeping my fingers crossed! :) Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long... --Blade Runner - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Friday, June 23, 2006 10:31 am Subject: Re: Chatty update To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org I know that someone on the lymphoma group had a cat with nasal lymphoma who got it treated (chemo or radiation or both, not sure), and he did really well for a few years after that. Michelle
Re: FIV infected Kitten
Hello! From what I've read about FIV, it's very rare for a mother to pass on the virus directly to her kittens (unlike FeLV). I would definitely have her retested in a few months and wouldn't be surprised if she turned up negative. But FIV is not like FeLV in that cats with FIV usually live long, asymptomatic lives. I also wouldn't worry about mixing your positive and negative...the virus can only be transmitted by a deep bite wound (typically seen with un-neutered, feral males who fight each other). I don't think you'll have any problem with the little one! ;) I don't know much about the vaccine only that subsequent FIV testing on a vaccinated cat can come up positive because of the vaccine. Either way, I think your older guy will be just fine...FeLV is considered more contagious than FIV and I've mixed my FeLV guys with my non-FeLV guys and no one has ever turned up positive. Bless your heart for caring for the little one! What is her name? Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long... --Blade Runner - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Thursday, June 22, 2006 7:44 am Subject: FIV infected Kitten To: Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org I have been researching the net for information on FIV in kittens and hope to get more info here. My daughter came home two weeks ago with a little freal kitten appr. 5 weeks old. We already hav a 3 year old cat and had not planned on another cat, but ofcourse everybody in the family fell in love with this little thing. Yesterday we were told she tested positive for FIV, which realy upset everybody, but we have decided to keep her and deal with things as they come. Now I read that when a little kitten tests positive, you need to keep testing it until at least 6 month of age because it might be mothers anti-bodies, passed through mothers milk that might make the test come back positive. Is there anybody in this forum that indeed had that happen, meaning that at first the test came back positive but later negative? I know we are grasping at straws, but hope helps. We are also trying to decide whether to keep the two cats separate for ever or introduce them anyhow, I will talk to the vet to have the older one tested too now and if that comes back negative, to have him vacinated, but wonder whether that would be sufficient protection. Any advise??
Positive thoughts for Chit-Chat...
Our FIV+ guy, Chatty, is at the vet's right now having an x-ray of his sinuses done...His congestion isn't getting any better and the mucous on one side of his nostril is becoming tinged with blood. We're fearing the worst (a tumor) but still hoping for the best. Please keep this sweet teddybear in your thoughts! :( Thanks for listening, guys! Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long... --Blade Runner
Chatty update
Hi Guys! Well, the jury is still out after his initial visit with the vet! They snapped several x-rays, but couldn't see any distinct tumor. Whatever it is is only affecting one side and when the vet went to swab inside his nasal cavity, blood just poured out of that one side. She took a look with her own microscope and noted some abnormal cells...but she has to send the culture off to get a definitive (hopefully) answer! So we probably won't know until next week what we're dealing with. He's going back in tomorrow and Saturday for fluids and iv baytril...so hopefully that will give him some relief while we wait. Has anyone ever seen this with their own cats? Poor guy...he wasn't happy to be there...it was a little ironic that all of the cats around him were chatting up a storm and the one guy who is actually named Chatty was tight-lipped! Thanks for all your prayers! Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long... --Blade Runner
Re: Safety first? - On my soapbox again--Rabies
We just had an incident here in Houston where a highschooler was bitten by a rabid bat...unfortunately, his family caught the signs too late and no one could do anything for him...he died a few weeks ago. It's been a nutty year...another woman was bitten by a bat last week and the news station ran a story about how it took her 2 or 3 days to get treatment as none of the emergency hospitals around here had the necessary vaccine/antidote! Scary stuff! But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long... --Blade Runner - Original Message - From: Stephanie E Caldwell [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Wednesday, June 21, 2006 12:23 pm Subject: Re: Safety first? - On my soapbox again To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Nobody I know has ever contracted rabies. I don't know of any pets personally who have gotten rabies either. I could probably let all my cats run free and they might never contract rabies. That, however, would be irresponsible - in my view - knowing the risk is there and not taking preventative measures. Ancedotal evidence indicates that my cats probably won't get rabies. I disagree, however, that veterinarians and expert websites should change their information to include this ancedotal information. I personally know someone who just lost a horse to rabies. It was unvaccinated and sadly she, her hubby, her nephew and his wife and their three kids, 2 vets, 2 vet techs, and several friends were exposed and had to take rabies shots, and her entire herd of horses and her dogs. Rabies is freakin' scary and I vaccinate every animal I have for it. (now off MY soapbox!) Steph
Re: raw food
I've also fed raw in the past...Nature's Variety frozen raw chicken and turkey patties...just thaw and serve! I never had a problem with anyone getting sick, etc., but I probably only fed it consistently for 3 or 4 months. One of my boys really dug the stuff and would eat it whenever it was available (he was FeLV+), but the others, like with any food I give them, got bored with it and I had to switch to something else. You'd actually be surprised at the number of bacteria that's been found on regular ol' dry food! ;) But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long... --Blade Runner - Original Message - From: Nina [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Tuesday, June 20, 2006 6:55 pm Subject: Re: raw food To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Okay, I'm going to throw my 2 cents in here. I've posted it enough for everyone to know that feeding Gypsy raw food saved her life. I was also as careful as I could be in selecting meat from a source, (I bought it at Whole Foods and paid a premium price for it), that told me it was as free from hormones and additives and that it had been handled in the safest manner possible before it got to my door. Even with all my precautions, there is a chance that it could have contained parasites, or contaminants that would have made Gypsy sick. I didn't have a lot of options and when I made the decision to try it with Gypsy I did it with a prayer that it would be safe and help her recover. Well, it did. We all have to make difficult decisions and we all have to live with the consequences of those decisions. We do the best we can and support each other through it all. I wasn't aware that freezing simply inactivates microbes, bacteria, yeasts and molds, (hardly little pests!), and I'm glad that Elisabeth took the time to research it and share this info with us. It may be the medium of email communication, but the last exchange seemed to be getting a tad testy. This is the nicest list I've ever been on and I think one of the reasons it is, is because we all face the emotional turmoil that serious illness can stir up. We come here to learn, share, comfort and support each other in an atmosphere of acceptance. I for one would like to maintain the feeling of this list as a safe refuge from the pettiness of the outside world and continue to allow conflicting opinions without the fear of it leading to hurt feelings or hostility. Perhaps that's more than 2 cents worth, Nina [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: why thank you - and i'm very glad you've had good results. In a message dated 6/20/2006 4:12:24 P.M. Central Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I would hope none of us would let raw meat lay around, that is not the correct way to feed raw. You can have your thought but I have the proof at home it works. Roxane
Re: raw diets
I think a list member, Julie (has anyone heard from her?? :-( ), tried the freeze dried Nature's Variety with her crew...if I recall, they didn't think too highly of it (I wish cats were as easy to please in the food department as dogs...)...but, again, it's just up to the individual cat! That's actually one of the many pros of having resident dogs...they are always more than happy to eat whatever failed cat food experiments I dole out... ;) But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long... --Blade Runner - Original Message - From: Gary Murphy [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Tuesday, June 20, 2006 9:36 pm Subject: raw diets To: Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Hi, has anyone here tried the freeze dried cat food? It's raw all dried out, you reconstitute it with water. Doesn't sound too appetizing, but then again, neither do mice. My kittens for dummies book recommends it instead of raw, to help avoid the parasite risk. I've never tried it, but am considering it for my positive kitten. Regards, Beth [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: Testing saliva for FeLV (was 'interesting')
It's been awhile since I've researched the mechanics of FeLV...but I was under the impression (and correct me if I'm wrong) that the virus wasn't constantly being shed in the saliva? Ie. a cat that may have been able to sequester the virus would not necessarily be shedding it in the saliva...but would still be considered FeLV+? If not, that'd be wonderful if they didn't have to draw blood...but would they have to draw blood anyway to test for other viruses/diseases (FIV, etc.)? Perhaps I should actually read the articles, though, before I run off at the mouth! LOL! But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long... --Blade Runner - Original Message - From: wendy [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Tuesday, June 20, 2006 10:01 pm Subject: Testing saliva for FeLV (was 'interesting') To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Did anyone read the post that Elizabeth sent on testing saliva instead of blood for FeLV? It's below in case you deleted it. I think it's very interesting. Not only can they possibly test without taking blood, but if FeLV is hanging out in the saliva then it IS possible to pass it along via grooming (ie. heavy petting...lol). What do you guys think about this new research? :) Wendy --- [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: An abstract from March 2006. Sure would make life easier if we could test without drawing blood _J Clin Microbiol._ (javascript:AL_get(this, 'jour', 'J Clin Microbiol.');) 2006 Mar;44(3):916-22. _Related Articles,_ (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmedcmd=Displaydopt=pubmed_pubmedfrom_uid=16517876) _Links_ (javascript:PopUpMenu2_Set(Menu16517876);) (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/utils/lofref.fcgi?PrId=3051uid=16517876db=pubmedurl=http://jcm.asm.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=longpmid=16517876) Detection of feline leukemia virus RNA in saliva from naturally infected cats and correlation of PCR results with those of current diagnostic methods. _Gomes-Keller MA_ (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmedcmd=Searchitool=pubmed_Abstractterm=Gomes-Keller+MA[Author]) , _Gonczi E_ (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmedcmd=Searchitool=pubme d_Abstractterm=Gonczi+E[Author]) , _Tandon R_ (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmedcmd=Searchitool=pubmed_Abstractterm=Tandon+R;[ Author]) , _Riondato F_ (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmedcmd=Searchitool=pubmed_Abstractterm=Riondato+F[Author]) , _Hofmann-Lehmann R_ (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmedcmd=Searchitool=pubmed_Abstractterm=Hofmann-Lehmann+R[Author]) , _Meli ML_ (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmedcmd=Searchitool=pubmed_Abstrac tterm=Meli+ML[Author]) , _Lutz H_ (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmedcmd=Searchitool=pubmed_Abstractterm=Lutz+H[Author]) . Clinical Laboratory, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland. [EMAIL PROTECTED] A novel diagnostic test for feline leukemia virus (FeLV) RNA in saliva from naturally infected cats is described in this study. We evaluated different diagnostic tests and compared them with the widely used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of p27 in the diagnosis of FeLV. Blood samples from 445 cats were tested for the presence of provirus by real-time PCR and plasma and saliva specimens from those cats were tested for the presence of viral RNA by real-time reverse transcription (RT)-PCR and for the presence of p27 by ELISA. In comparison to conventional ELISA, the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the detection of salivary FeLV RNA by real-time RT-PCR were found to be 98.1 and 99.2%, respectively. Detection of viral RNA in saliva had a positive predictive value of 94.6% and a negative predictive value of 99.7%. The kappa value was 0.96, demonstrating an almost perfect agreement between both tests. Furthermore, we confirmed previous results showing that a number of cats which tested negative for the presence of p27 in plasma were in fact positive for the presence of DNA provirus in blood specimens (5.4%). However, 96.4% of these latently infected cats did not shed viral RNA in saliva; therefore, we assume that these cats are of
Re: Severe congestion?--Thanks!
Thanks, guys, for all your help! Unfortunately, the local grocery didn't have the Little Noses with Phenylephrine...so I just picked up the saline drops and have been giving those a go! Not a whole lot of improvement...he's a little less beow-y, but still sounds very much like Darth Vadar...He's also still having difficulty smelling his food, so I've resorted to syringing for the time being. I can't believe how agreeable he's been through all this...he's just so unbelievably sweet, I don't know how anyone could abandon him! So I'm going to try upping his dosage of interferon and have started adding vitamin C to his food in an effort to get him over the hump. Thanks for all your help! Also, is the albuterol mostly for chest congestion? Or will it work on upper respiratory, as well? Thanks! Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long... --Blade Runner - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Sunday, June 18, 2006 7:48 pm Subject: Re: Severe congestion? To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org What has helped my cats with congestion is nebulizing them with albuterol. I'm not sure about doing this with FELV+ cats, though. - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Sunday, June 18, 2006 7:41 pm Subject: Re: Severe congestion? To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Many lists members in the past have suggested a children's product called Little Noses. I have no personal experience or dosage info.. I'm sure someone will pipe in with that info though! Phaewryn PLEASE Adopt a cat from Little Cheetah Cat Rescue!!! http://ucat.us/adopt.html DONATE: We could really use a power saw (for construction), a digital camera (for pictures) and HOMES for CATS! -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.394 / Virus Database: 268.9.0/368 - Release Date: 6/16/2006
Re: Samantha's Prognosis
You guys will certainly be in my thoughts! I've gone through chemo with a couple of guys now and, honestly, I'm torn as to whether or not I'd do it again. The treatment gave us about 4 more months with our Ewok...I felt it was right at the time as he was very agreeable to the treatments and the drive...but I'm still feeling the impact to my wallet... :( I've recently had to make a decision whether or not I'd want to do it again with his brother (the test results were still out as to whether or not he had cancer...fortunately, he did not)...If he had cancer, though, I had made up my mind to forego the chemo in favor of Michelle's steriod combo only because I felt it would be the right decision for Sleepypants. I just didn't get the feeling from him that he'd want to go through the treatment program...I don't know, it sounds a bit crazy, but I think the decision to go through with chemo depends solely on the cat and you know Samantha best! Take care and keep us posted! You guys are in my thoughts! Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long... --Blade Runner - Original Message - From: Julia Hagstrom [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Monday, June 19, 2006 3:38 pm Subject: Samantha's Prognosis To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Hi, all :( Well, I have good news and bad news. The good news is that Samantha doesn't have FIV or FIP, just FelV. The bad news is that the tumor in her chest is definitely Mediastinal lymphoma, and it's in her lymph nodes, unfortunately. :( I can give her chemo and radiation and prolong her life for 3-4 months, or I can simply leave her be (they gave her Prednisone, short-term chemo, and something to keep her from having an allergic reaction to the chemo, today). She is better, and they drained some more fluid out of her, to test it for lymphoma cells, as my regular vet hadn't done that, yet; she wanted to see what I wanted to do, first. I now have to decide whether to spend almost $1700.00 and get her the radiation and chemo that will prolong her life for 3-4 months or just leave her be, and my inclination is to leave her be, and keep her home until she is suffering too much to do anything except let her go, with regular checkups from my regular vet, of course. I have meds to give her and they took her off the Lasix, as her body is producing more fluid than the Lasix can help her get rid of quickly, and all the other meds she was on except the antiobiotic, and they have me giving her one pill, once a day (don't remember what it is) and Children's Benadryl from the drugstore. Please pray for us, and any advice you care to offer is gratefully accepted. I need all the support and advice you care to give. Thanks for all your support. Julia Hagstrom
Re: Severe congestion?--Michelle
Thanks for that, Michelle! I'm willing to try anything at this point to give him a little relief...he hasn't eaten much today and I don't want him to go on much longer w/ a poor appetite! So there's only one orange in the children's variety? But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long... --Blade Runner - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Monday, June 19, 2006 8:07 pm Subject: Re: Severe congestion?--Thanks! To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Triaminic, the orange version, is a children's cold remedy that really helps clear congestion. A vet told me to give .2 ml (that's point 2, not 2) to Ginger when she was too stuffed up to eat, and it really seemed to make her feel better and help her start eating. Michelle In a message dated 6/19/2006 2:20:26 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I wish I could be of more help with Chatty's impersonation of Darth Vadar. Starman, (my hulking FIV guy), was congested and breathing the same way when he showed up. I wasn't thrilled about doing it, but I took my vet's advice and put him on Baytril. It did clear it up and so far, it hasn't come back, (quick, say a prayer). I don't have any experience with the albuterol, let us know. Hugs, Nina
Severe congestion?
I think this topic may have been covered recently...but was there any consensus on a good decongestant for cats? Long story short, we think the herpes virus is wreaking havoc on poor Chatty (FIV+)...he was given a steriod to help reduce the inflammation in his gums due to stomatitis, and that was probably how the virus was able to get a good foot-hold! Anyway, I'm running out of ideas to give him some relief as antibiotics (zithromax), interferon and lysine (up to 1000 mg/day) aren't cutting it! I've started calling him Darth and can't help but chuckle when he meows as it sounds more like he's saying be-ow. ;) He's fine otherwise, although he's having a hard time smelling his food, so I've had to resort to tuna and anything that gives off a strong odor. I've just put a humidifier in the room to see if that helps, but I'm quickly running out of ideas! Any suggestions? I've never seen a cat this congested! Thanks, all! Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long... --Blade Runner
Re: Mama Kitty
ADORABLE!!! :) I'm so happy to hear she's doing great! But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long... --Blade Runner - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Saturday, June 17, 2006 1:54 pm Subject: Mama Kitty To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Still fairly new to the list here -- but reading faithfully and going through it all with you guys. In review - Mama Kitty was FeVL+ symptomatic six weeks ago - had lost 14% of her body weight, was very anemic, and did not have a good prognosis before I began a five week treatment with acemannon tummy shots and supplements including colostrum. (initial treatment included ammoxi and short- acting corticosteroid shot...) Since, she has gained weight - continues to improve...plays with her toys again and raced like a mad woman across the yard and more than six feet up a big oak tree recently :0) To be honest -- I don't know exactly where we stand now -- but this morning I asked Mama Kitty how she was feeling. You can see from the picture she says, I'm feeling pretty good right now! _http://www.trentdesigns.com/elizabeth/MVC-082F.JPG_ (http://www.trentdesigns.com/elizabeth/MVC-082F.JPG) Just praying for good days and hoping to spread a little hope :0) head butts and kittie kisses to you all.
Re: Hello, new to Felvtalk
Hi Gina! What a little sweetheart!! I'd certainly retest her in a few months as there's a possibility that she may test negative next time around...in the meantime, I'd make sure everybody's immune systems are good and strong with an excellent quality food! Such a cutie...Love the name! We used to have a cat named Piglet (his tail was kinked so that it wrapped itself in a loop like a little pig's tail) but his name was later shortened to Pips, one of my all-time favorite names! Don't be shy about questions...this is a wonderful and supportive group! I don't know what I'd do without them! :) Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long... --Blade Runner - Original Message - From: Gina [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Saturday, June 17, 2006 2:05 pm Subject: Hello, new to Felvtalk To: Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Hi, I wanted to introduce myself and my kitten. Her name Pippin. She is about nine weeks old and had a faint positive result on her first FeLV test on Thursday. I've been frantically doing research about the disease and I came across the felineleukemia.org support group. I am looking for others to talk with :) Pippin and our other cats have a website if you would like to visit it: http://tiggerwiggins.com/tiggertales.html Thank you, Gina No heaven wil not ever Heaven be Unless my cats are there to welcome me.--epitaph in a pet cemetery - Yahoo! Messenger with Voice. PC-to-Phone calls for ridiculously low rates.
Re: Need prayers for my Hannibal -getting blind
Well said, Michelle! But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long... --Blade Runner - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Wednesday, June 14, 2006 6:28 pm Subject: Re: Need prayers for my Hannibal -getting blind To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Praying for Hannibal's vision to come back. I so hope it does, Hideyo, but if it does not, cats can learn to live without vision, but not without red blood cells. You have made the right decisions for him. he would not be here without the decisions you have made. Michelle
Re: Diagnosed Today
Hi Lisa! You're certainly not alone here! :) That's wonderful that he's still eating! When Feleuk guys get sick, they often go off their food and it can be a struggle just to get food into them, let alone address what's going on illness-wise! Might I suggest adding some L-lysine to his food? 500mg per day (usually divided into two meals) is the dosage...it's a great anti-viral and really brought one of our kittens back from the brink when he was younger. You can get it at the grocery store...usually in tablet form, just crush it up and add to food. There doesn't seem to be any adverse taste...It's the one thing I can give to my guys that I know they won't detect in their food! You may also want to ask your vet about Interferon...also a great anti-viral and immune system booster...it's a clear liquid that you give orally (no taste). Unfortunately, I've gotta run...but you'll get plenty of great advice from this wonderful group! Hang in there! Give Chester a big hug from me! Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long... --Blade Runner - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Tuesday, June 13, 2006 11:55 am Subject: Diagnosed Today To: Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Hi Guys- I hope I am posting this the right way. We just found out today that we are positive. Chester just turned a year old in April. We got him after we was weaned and has been inside our house ever since. I suspect that he got it from his mother (his mother was an indoor cat-or that's what we were told). He didn't show any signs until a few months ago. He came down with a cold and has been given antibotics for that twice. When he goes off of it he still is not normal. Right now he has a sore throat and fever. My major concern is his laying around which he never did as a kitten, he just seems depressed. Still eating and going to bathroom okay. Doctor gave me Baytril and Prednisone. Doctor said that he could last a few months but will get worse. I also have another cat, Timmy 6 years old. Timmy was tested as a kitten (negative) but not yet recently. Still keeping both together because if Timmy were going to get it he'd probably already be infected. I feel horrible. I just need some support as I am new to this whole thing. Any ideas, suggestions? What should I do? Of course I want to keep Chester as long as possible but I don't want him to suffer. I want to do what's best for the cat. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks, Lisa -- WOW! Homepage (http://www.wowway.com)
Re: Diagnosed Today-lysine powder
This is the brand I've been able to find at a local health food store...but the online price is pretty sweet...I pay twice that, but if you don't buy anything else from iHerb, then shipping will probably even everything out... ;) http://www.papanature.com/store/ProductDetails.aspx?c=Herbspid=NOW-00240 But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long... --Blade Runner - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Tuesday, June 13, 2006 12:13 pm Subject: Re: Diagnosed Today To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Anyone know where I can purchase lysine in powder form? I am so tired of grinding up pills. Thanks Karen
Re: Diagnosed Today-lysine powder
Nice! I may go ahead and place an order then...my last batch from the health food store cost $19! I love 'em, but I need to save all the cash I can right now! ;) But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long... --Blade Runner - Original Message - From: Belinda [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Tuesday, June 13, 2006 3:35 pm Subject: Re: Diagnosed Today-lysine powder To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Shipping is done by zip code to ship 3 day UPS to me in WA is only 4.26, not bad. -- Belinda happiness is being owned by cats ... Be-Mi-Kitties http://bemikitties.com Post Adoptable FeLV/FIV/FIP Cats/Kittens http://adopt.bemikitties.com FeLV Candlelight Service http://bemikitties.com/cls HostDesign4U.com [affordable hosting web design] http://HostDesign4U.com BMK Designs [non-profit animals websites] http://bmk.bemikitties.com
Re: Need prayers for my Hannibal -getting blind
You guys are certainly in my thoughts! But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long... --Blade Runner - Original Message - From: Hideyo Yamamoto [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Tuesday, June 13, 2006 4:16 pm Subject: Need prayers for my Hannibal -getting blind To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Hi, I would like to ask you all more prayers for Hannibal - he has beenon epogen due to his low PCV.. now it caused his BP to be high.. and he is getting blind - I noticed on Saturday and did not any better to takehim to the vet right away (I did not know what's going one).. he is on Norvasc to control BP, and if treated immediately there is 50/50 chancethat he can get his vision back.. please please please pray for my baby, that his sight will come back!!! Hideyo and Hannibal
Re: Treatment
Hi Julia! I would get her to an oncologist as soon as you can...mediastinal lymphoma (tumor in the chest cavity) is very responsive to chemo. If you can find an emergency vet that has vincristine in stock (one of the chemo drugs), see if they will administer that to her...the longer her chest fills with fluid, the harder it will be for her to breath...chemo kicks in fast. If you have to wait to see an oncologist, you can start her on prednisone (a steroid) to help shrink the tumor in the meantime...depo medrol is also another good steriod you can probably use in an emergency until you can get her to an oncologist, as well! You guys are in my thoughts! Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long... --Blade Runner - Original Message - From: Julia Hagstrom [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Saturday, June 10, 2006 11:38 pm Subject: Treatment To: Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org I have a 9-month-old kitten who has been diagnosed with Feline Leukemia. She has fluid in her lungs and a mass in her chest. What can I do for her??? Julia Hagstrom [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: Test results and an OT question
Awesome news! Though I have to say I'm not surprised she retested negative! ;) I found it a little odd that her littermate was negative as kittens are very susceptible to the virus...I suspected a false positive, like Nina, but didn't want to put the cart before the horse, so-to-speak! I'm so glad to hear that that was the case! Unfortunately, I don't know much about the genetic abnormalities that you mentioned! I did have one cat who had a murmur...but it never affected him as far as I know...I used to give him 30 mg of CoQ10 every day as it is supposed to be good for the heart muscle. But I definitely second the second opinion for your little one! :) Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long... --Blade Runner - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Saturday, June 10, 2006 2:12 pm Subject: Test results and an OT question To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Hi guys, I took 5 kittens/cats in to be tested today. The little girl who previously tested pos tested negative today. So did all her littermates and the unrelated cat. Very, very good news. I still don't understand how one who tested positive 3 days ago tested negative today, but she did. The vet at the clinic feels it is unnecessary at this point to have cats in my home who have previously tested negative re-tested. Do you agree? Also, unfortunately, one little girl I took in was diagnosed with a heart murmur, so they would not inoculate her. The vet also stated she had some genetic abnormalities - asymmetric pupils and teeth that curve in instead of going straight downI'm very worried about her now as she is the love of my life. Do any of yall know of any good web resources on heart murmurs? I'm taking her in for a second opinion next weekend. I wanted to thank everyone for being there for me the last few days. You are an awesome group of people. I learned a lot about this disease, too. Thanks so much, Kelley
Re: Light positive? Help!
Please understand that FeLV is not like the flu or even a cold...it can't be spread via the air...direct, prolonged contact is needed, and, even then, it is still very hard for a healthy adult (over 6 months old) to become infected. I've personally mixed my positive and negative cats for nearly 4 years...they sleep, eat, drink together and even groom each other and the negatives have never become positive. There's ALOT of mis-information out there...you've come to the right place to get the RIGHT information! Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long... --Blade Runner - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Friday, June 9, 2006 4:14 pm Subject: Re: Light positive? Help! To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org - Original Message - From: Nina [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Friday, June 9, 2006 3:50 pm Subject: Re: Light positive? Help! To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org I'm sorry, I know how scared you are, but your description of them all bolting for the open door brought a smile to my face. The little scamps are just so darn cute! Nina They are cute, but even with a sleeping pill I had problems sleeping last night, having nightmares of dead and dying cats and kittens, and I forgot to eat too. And I have been crying all day, and I don't even know anything yet. How am I going to handle it when I actually know something?
Re: MK Update
Awesome news, Elizabeth!! But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long... --Blade Runner - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Friday, June 9, 2006 4:34 pm Subject: MK Update To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org We're back from the vet's with another good report. Mama Kitty just had her last treatment of Acemannan and one more vitamin B12 shot. She's gained more weight -- she's just over 8lbs now...which is much better than the 7.2lbs she weighed when I first took her in for treatment. She still seems bright-eyed and perky - although occasionally her 3rd eyelid will show temporarily in her right eye. That still bothers me but I'm still working with her on nutrition and supplements and keeping her environment stress free and clean. My vet says we'll watch her to see how she does. He said he thought he might use this treatment on some other kitties who test positive also. This really made me feel good because so often they just recommend euthanasia without making any recommendations - and if he does this...then it will be a turn-around for him. It's been a learning experience for both of us! Mama is sunbathing at the moment and just got a handful of treats - - and so, of course, everybody else did too :0) Thanks for being there, Elizabeth, Mama Kitty, Phelix, Antonio, Tiffany, Alexis, Othello, Shakiti and Tori.
Re: For those who mix positive/negative
Hi Noelle! We had to make a similar decision when we found out our kittens tested positive! We just didn't have the heart to separate their adoptive dad (he was negative) who had grown very attached to the babies! So we got him the FeLV booster and continue to do so every year (although I don't know how necessary this is...he'd probably be fine with a booster every 2 or 3 years). It's been almost 4 years, now, and Boots still tests negative. We've even added another negative to the bunch without any problems! And they share everything (food, water, litter...even groom each other). Flaco is about at that age where his immune system ought to be fully developed...but irregardless, you may want to retest both babies in a few months just to be sure! I don't think Flaco and Loca could've found a more loving, wonderful home!! Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long... --Blade Runner - Original Message - From: Noelle Ehrenkaufer [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Wednesday, June 7, 2006 2:33 pm Subject: For those who mix positive/negative To: Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org As I mentioned before I have two kittens who were abandoned that I took in. Both are about 5 months now. I found Loca when she was only about 2 weeks, Flaco was probably 2.5-3 months when we found him. They have always been together and are buddies. The vet recently recommended testing for leukemia, Loca tested positive, Flaco negative. After researching the archives here and elsewhere and giving it a lot of thought, I have decided not to separate them. Logistically it would not be easy and I just can't bear to see Loca separated from the others like that. We also have an adult cat who is like a dad to them and 3 dogs that get along fine with the cats. I am wondering what others do in this situation to minimize the risk of transmission to Flaco. When they eat I always keep an eye on them to keep them out of each others' plates, but there's really nothing I can do about the water dishes. I try to discourage her from grooming him if I see it. I usually pick her up and cuddle her instead, which she loves. My vet also recommended giving the FeLV vaccine to Flaco. Does anyone else have thoughts on this? I just wanted to also share a comment from my Chilean boyfriend. We live in Chile where there is even less information available about this disease. He said that we are very lucky that I speak English and was able to find this site. I have been sharing some of what I have learned from this site and he was really impressed with the wealth of knowledge here and the willingness of members to help others.
Re: FIV resources
We've got an FIV guy here...the sweetest, most laid back little dude I've ever met! I didn't know much about FIV other than it was pretty hard to spread it and that cats can live relatively normal lives with the virus. But what really set me straight was the attitude of my vet who basically said, No big deal, I've got one at my house who mingles with all of my other cats! As much as I knew in my heart it was no big deal, it really gave me a peace of mind hearing it from an expert, so-to-speak! :) Education is probably the key, and having more vets out there to dispel the myths would certainly come in handy (and this goes for FeLV, too)! As an aside, is it true that FIV cats seem to be some of the coolest cats around, or is it just me? ;) But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long... --Blade Runner - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Friday, June 2, 2006 8:37 am Subject: Re: FIV resources To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org It's discouraging. I have never placed an FIV+ cat. I have 5 or 6, and they're wonderful. Something to work on, I guess. Gloria At 01:29 AM 6/2/2006, you wrote: I have a couple of FIV+ cats of my own and a beautiful little Siamese mix foster who is FIV+ They take longer to place. We have to try harder. We have to work at educating people. But we have to get the message out that FIV cats can live long happy lives and are not furry little lepers. Consider how language reflects mindset and affects actions. Does it really take longer to place an FIV cat than a senior or a special needs cat? Or an all black cat? Some take longer than others. [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I have one up for adoption too... they are hard to place. Phaewryn (was Jenn, changed name) http://ucat.us/http://ucat.us http://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html Adopt a cat from Little Cheetah (UCAT) Cat Rescue: http://ucat.us/adopt.htmlhttp://ucat.us/adopt.html PLEASE DONATE TO THE TANGLE FUND: Tangle is a cat in Greece that was severely injured when someone wrapped wire around his neck to strangle him, Little Cheetah Cat Rescue is raising funds to bring Tangle to Vermont to find him a good home! http://ucat.us/tangle-fund.htmlhttp://ucat.us/tangle-fund.html DONATE: We could really use a power saw (for construction), a digital camera (for pictures), and more towels! No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.394 / Virus Database: 268.8.1/354 - Release Date: 6/1/2006
Allergic-type reaction to EVO?
Hi All! As the title suggests, I'm wondering if anyone who uses Innova EVO dry has noticed any type of allergic-type reactions in their cats? I've been desperately trying to figure out what it is that is making Sleepypants so sneezy/watery-eyed/unable to breathe propery, etc.! I pretty much had chalked it up to inhalant allergies when, on a whim (and why I didn't think of this sooner, I'll never know), I switched out the cats' dry food to Solid Gold just for a change. About two weeks later, I noticed that SP's symptoms were lessening and now (after about 3-4 weeks on Solid Gold) he's completely symptom-free! I also noticed that Lola, who also suffered a bit w/ watery eyes, has become symptom-free at about the same rate! I'm not sure what to make of it as I always thought food allergies manifested themselves differently (itchy/flaky skin...although I have noticed that SP's fur has greatly improved over the slightly greasy/dandruffy coat he had while on EVO)...I'm trying to figure out whether or not something in the food can cause eye/nose/respiratory issues? I guess the only way to know for sure whether it was the food would be to try EVO again for about 6 weeks and see what happens...but SP and Lola just look so good, I don't want to stop whatever it is I'm doing right! ;) So for a start, I'd like to ask around and see if anyone else has had a problem with EVO? Thanks, guys! Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long... --Blade Runner
Re: Allergic-type reaction to EVO?
Yeah, the vet and I had chalked it up to seasonal allergies...but after seeing the improvement in SP's coat, I have to think that there's at least a food link there...litter dust could be another factor that I hadn't considered with Lola as I just switched litters, I think, just before I noticed an improvement with her symptoms. SP developed his symptoms around late January which is still a little early for seasonal, but certainly not out of the question for Houston, TX! ;) Perhaps there are two issues going on: food allergies and seasonal/litter (inhalant) allergies? I'm having a difficult time believing that the food would affect respiratory/eyes...so I'll indeed stick with the new litter I bought (also on a whim simply because I couldn't get to Sam's to get their usual litter)! Can cats suddenly develop allergies to things they've been exposed to most of their lives? But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long... --Blade Runner - Original Message - From: Ashleigh Smith [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Thursday, June 1, 2006 9:39 am Subject: Re: Allergic-type reaction to EVO? To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Bella didn't do so well on EVO either--runny, lethal poops when she ate it. I use California Naturals now, and she's thriving. The vet told me that she's one of the healthiest cats he's ever seen. I also use a little Omega 3 supplement on her food. (I am a big believer in that stuff. I take the human capsules, and I use some Omega 3 that I got from the vet for Bella's food. Her coat is absolutely fabulous, especially considering the hot weather here. Have you considered that either seasonal allergies or an allergy to cat litter dust might be the problem? ~Ashleigh [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi All! As the title suggests, I'm wondering if anyone who uses Innova EVO dry has noticed any type of allergic-type reactions in their cats? I've been desperately trying to figure out what it is that is making Sleepypants so sneezy/watery-eyed/unable to breathe propery, etc.! I pretty much had chalked it up to inhalant allergies when, on a whim (andwhy I didn't think of this sooner, I'll never know), I switched out the cats' dry food to Solid Gold just for a change. About two weeks later, I noticed that SP's symptoms were lessening and now (after about 3-4 weeks on Solid Gold) he's completely symptom-free! I also noticed that Lola, who also suffered a bit w/ watery eyes, has become symptom- free at about the same rate! I'm not sure what to make of it as I always thought food allergies manifested themselves differently (itchy/flaky skin...although I have noticed that SP's fur has greatly improved over the slightly greasy/dandruffy coat he had while on EVO)...I'm trying to figure out whether or not something in the food can cause eye/nose/respiratory issues? I guess the only way to know for sure whether it was the food would be to try EVO again for about 6 weeks and see what happens...but SP and Lola just look so good, I don't want to stop whatever it is I'm doing right! ;) So for a start, I'd like to ask around and see if anyone else has had a problem with EVO? Thanks, guys! Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and whatyou do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. -- Chief Dan George The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long... -- Blade Runner - New Yahoo! Messenger with Voice. Call regular phones from your PC and save big.
Re: Allergic-type reaction to EVO?--Nina
Hi Nina! I certainly don't want to dog EVO as, I believe, it's a step in the right direction...but I will tell you, and please forgive my highly scientific opinion... ;) but when I opened the bag of Solid Gold, the thing that really stuck in my mind was the smell...it just smelled *good!* EVO always smelled kinda heavy and greasy to me...maybe it's the way they have to preserve it, or maybe it's the higher meat content, I'm not sure. But I've certainly noticed a difference in SP's fur...it's not as greasy and there's much less dandruff than there used to be. But, like you, I'm only having an issue with a couple of the kids...the others seem to tolerate EVO just fine (although I would argue that I've seen an improvement with all of their coats since switching to Solid Gold...everybody seems to be much softer)! :) I suspect that Solid Gold might contain fewer allergens as the protein source is lamb as opposed to beef or chicken...I was also wondering about Rosemary extract as I c ould've sworn that I had read somewhere that that can be an allergen (which EVO has as a preservative), but I can't find that source anywhere...Anyhoo, can you tell I have a little too much time on my hands right now? ;) But I think I'll take your advice and just keep doing what I'm doing! Hope all is well with your gang! How is Star doing besides the itchy skin? Chatty's made himself at home, but we're battling a nasty case of stomatitis right now...fortunately, he's the perfect candidate to try out my cat toothbrushing skills on (or lack thereof) as soon as the inflamation starts subsiding! :) Take care, Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long... --Blade Runner - Original Message - From: Nina [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Thursday, June 1, 2006 11:28 am Subject: Re: Allergic-type reaction to EVO? To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Hello my dear Jen, Ya know, I mentioned briefly in my post to Lance about fleas/advantage that Star and Spence have been having extreme itchy skin problems. I have the house on EVO too and now I'm wondering if that could be a contributing factor. I'll switch them to Solid Gold and see if it helps. I don't know if food allergies can manifest as URI type symptoms. Usually I would suspect diarrhea, or skin problems if it's from food. Do humans get URI symptoms with food allergies, or is it just inhalant type reactions? If it were me and my guys were showing improvement, I wouldn't dare test it and switch them back to either the EVO or old litter! As far as suddenly developing allergic reactions to things they previously had no problems with, I know that happens with humans, so I suspect it's possible with felines too. [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Yeah, the vet and I had chalked it up to seasonal allergies...but afterseeing the improvement in SP's coat, I have to think that there's at least a food link there...litter dust could be another factor that I hadn't considered with Lola as I just switched litters, I think, just before I noticed an improvement with her symptoms. SP developed his symptoms around late January which is still a little early for seasonal,but certainly not out of the question for Houston, TX! ;) Perhaps there are two issues going on: food allergies and seasonal/litter (inhalant) allergies? I'm having a difficult time believing that the food would affect respiratory/eyes...so I'll indeedstick with the new litter I bought (also on a whim simply because I couldn't get to Sam's to get their usual litter)! Can cats suddenly develop allergies to things they've been exposed to most of their lives?
Re: New to group/ Conflicting information
Awww, what a sweetheart! :) I wonder if the spasms she's experiencing aren't just a part of the healing process? We have a girl, Maggie, who showed up at my office emaciated and with an obvious injury to her spine near her pelvis. She could walk okay but climbing was out of the question! She had to pull herself onto surfaces and her tail was limp. The vet took x-rays which gave us an idea of what may have happened...it was obviously an older injury...it looked as though she may have been crushed under a garage door or perhaps hit by a car! I thought for sure her tail would have to be amputated, but 'lo and behold, with good food, proper care and lots of love, she was able to start lifting her tail after about a week or so! She's also regained all of her jumping abilities and thensome (I can't believe what she can get herself on top of)! But the reason I mention healing process spasms is because I noticed as Maggie was healing that she was licking both sides of her spine near the injury to the point that she had two little bald spots on her back! ;) I couldn't help but wonder if the nerves were a little tingly and that was bothering her...anyway, she stopped over time and is now running/jumping circles around the others. Her tail is still limp towards the end, but she's able to fully lift the base which certainly gives her a unique look! :) So to your question! :) I think the general consensus is that you wait 3 months and retest in case she was newly infected and hasn't had a chance to show up on a test, yet. I wouldn't be surprised, either, if she turns up negative, again! I don't think FeLV is as contagious as once thought, especially among the healthy, adult cat crowd. Kittens seem to be the most susceptible as their immune systems aren't quite up to par yet! Hope this helps! Give Angel a big smooch from me! Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long... --Blade Runner
Re: Subject: OT - Flower Essences (diatomaceous earth for flea control)
You really don't want to inhale much of it, but I've used it before on carpets, etc. to kill fleas. Farmers often give the food-grade DE to cattle to kill any intestinal parasites...also works well on fire ants! ;) But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long... --Blade Runner - Original Message - From: Nina [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Friday, May 19, 2006 10:56 am Subject: Re: Subject: OT - Flower Essences (diatomaceous earth for flea control) To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Thanks Carla, I bookmarked yours and Sandi's sites. Thank you for all you and your friends are doing for the animals. Does Sandi do personal recommendations? Another good site for holistic/homeopathic care is Darla's: http://www.kitsnk9s.com/NatCAREHome.htm Sandi has diatomaceous earth for sale on her website. I think I'm going to try using it for my feral colonies, (on the ground, not in their food, I didn't even know it was ingestible). We're having a terrible time with fleas this year and I'm hoping it might help. I've heard of it before, but I'd forgotten about it. Phaewryn has posted about it before. I can't remember if there's any down side to it. Does anyone know if there are special precautions for using it? I guess I better Google it! Nina Carla Shoppe wrote: Nina Hi go to my website www.pawsnj.petfinder.com I have on the left hand side it has links click on and it will bring you to my link for Holistic pets supplies to Sandi's site. I get my Austrailian Flowers from her she is nice and her prices are fair, she will mix what ever you need I have used her for a few years and love her service. You can email her tell her I recommanded her and she can mix up FE also to suit your purposes! Carla
Re: Subject: OT - Flower Essences (diatomaceous earth for flea control)
I think that precaution only applies to when you are actually applying the stuff! It's dusty, but quickly settles...heck, I've even doused a few cats with it with no ill effect...as long as you get the agricultural grade (not swimming pool grade) DE, it's okay for the cats to ingest it! But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long... --Blade Runner
Re: Subject: OT - Flower Essences (diatomaceous earth forflea control)
Who can say? :) There hasn't been much scientific research in the area of internal parasite control...my guess is that it may work (if it does in fact work) by piercing the waxy protective surface of the parasite much as it does to external parasites (the microscopic shards of DE wouldn't seem large enough, in my opinion, to actually pierce any kind of exo-skeleton)...but if that waxy surface is compromised, my guess is that it would leave the worm/parasite susceptible to a pretty hostile environment (digestive enzymes/bacteria?)...just my guess! I would assume, however, that the biggest benefit to cattle/grazers would be the added mineral content of DE... But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long... --Blade Runner - Original Message - From: gary [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Friday, May 19, 2006 12:48 pm Subject: Re: Subject: OT - Flower Essences (diatomaceous earth forflea control) To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org I've heard that using it for intestinal worms is just BS. I couldn't say for sure but the explanation I've seen on how it supposedly works would make me think it is BS. The claim is that the sharp edges of the earth pierce the exoskeleton of the worm (worms don't have exoskeletons) and then the worms die of dehydration (while swimming in a wet environment). If the earth is sharp enough to cut the worms, why wouldn't it cut the intestines? Gary - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Friday, May 19, 2006 12:38 PM Subject: Re: Subject: OT - Flower Essences (diatomaceous earth forflea control) You really don't want to inhale much of it, but I've used it before on carpets, etc. to kill fleas. Farmers often give the food-grade DE to cattle to kill any intestinal parasites...also works well on fire ants! ;) But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and whatyou do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. -- Chief Dan George The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long... -- Blade Runner - Original Message - From: Nina [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Friday, May 19, 2006 10:56 am Subject: Re: Subject: OT - Flower Essences (diatomaceous earth for fleacontrol) To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Thanks Carla, I bookmarked yours and Sandi's sites. Thank you for all you and your friends are doing for the animals. Does Sandi do personal recommendations? Another good site for holistic/homeopathic care is Darla's: http://www.kitsnk9s.com/NatCAREHome.htm Sandi has diatomaceous earth for sale on her website. I think I'm going to try using it for my feral colonies, (on the ground, not in their food, I didn't even know it was ingestible). We're having a terrible time with fleas this year and I'm hoping it might help. I've heard of it before, but I'd forgotten about it. Phaewryn has posted about it before. I can't remember if there's any down side to it. Does anyone know if there are special precautions for using it? I guess I better Google it! Nina Carla Shoppe wrote: Nina Hi go to my website www.pawsnj.petfinder.com I have on the left hand side it has links click on and it will bring you to my link for Holistic pets supplies to Sandi's site. I get my Austrailian Flowers from her she is nice and her prices are fair, she will mix what ever you need I have used her for a few years and love her service. You can email her tell her I recommanded her and she can mix up FE also to suit your purposes! Carla __ NOD32 1.1454 (20060321) Information __ This message was checked by NOD32 Antivirus System. http://www.nod32.com
Re: o/t help--injured bird!
You may want to check for wildlife rehabilitators in your area! I found one in our area online after we found a sick young bird in our back yard... But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. -- Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: Kerry MacKenzie [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Saturday, May 13, 2006 6:56 pm Subject: o/t help--injured bird! To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Help--does anyone have any advice on helping injured sparrow I just found on my porch? Should I take it to emergency services? I leave town tomorrow morning so have no way to look after him/her after that.
Re: OT: sedative before flying (ACE)
Heh, I'd be more inclined to take the sedative myself and let the little one be! ;) In all seriousness, the little guy should be okay without it...I picked up our Marvin (FeLV+ Siamese) in New Jersey and flew him back to Houston with me in the cabin...other than the strange looks from passengers wondering where that soft (or not so soft if you've ever had a Siamese ;) ) meow was coming from, we didn't run into any issues...Even taking him out of the carrier for the metal detector, he clung to me like there was no tomorrow! I also had one of those soft-sided carriers with flaps to cover the sides in case the outside world got to be too much...but Marvie did just great! But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Thursday, May 11, 2006 3:20 pm Subject: OT: sedative before flying (ACE) To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Hey folks, I'm flying to Minneapolis on Saturday, a 2.5 hour flight from LIttle Rock, and taking a sweet, energetic young Siamese kitty to his owner. Kitty will ride in the cabin with me. I've never taken a kitty on board with me before, so a new experience. The vet gave me a sedative, ACE., and am pondering whether to use the sedative or not. Someone said that another option would be Benadryl, along with Rescue Remedy. Any experiences with taking kitties on flights? With ACE? Think the dosage was 1/2 tablet followed by 1/4 if needed. Thanks much! Gloria
Re: Mixing FeLVs and FIVs?
No, you got it right! :) I know that there is sometimes a little confusion with the two Jens on the list! :) I just have the one n whereas Jenn has two which I'm attributing to the double duty and then some that she does for Rescue! Jenn never ceases to amaze me in what she does for our furry friends who need all the help they can get! :) I just wanted to thank everyone for their replies! You've given me alot to think about...I've also joined the FIV list on Yahoo! Thanks for that tip, Becca! Jenn--that was the question I posed to my vet, but she never gave me a clear answer as to who was more susceptible...perhaps I didn't word my question very clearly to her as my mind was, of course, spinning with the diagnosis! It all happened so fast, they took the blood, then minutes later someone was in the room with me looking for a retrovirus pamphlet...I actually thought the pamphlet was for someone else! My vet didn't seem surprised at all that he tested positive for FIV and went about her regular routine as if he just had a little cold! ;) This is not to knock my vet, of course, she knows that I'll care for him none-the-less...it's a relief having a vet who doesn't assume that these viruses are an automatic death sentence! She did, however, give him the FeLV vaccine...I'm not up-to-date on the current thinking as far as FIV and vaccines...but I'm sure I'll learn alot from the FIV list! But it's like Jenn said, for me, it's quality not quantity...a life separated or outdoors is no life for Chatty. He wants to be inside next to a warm body for whatever time he has left here (the vet guesses his age at 9 years). He is such a mellow guy...I don't anticipate any problems on his end as far as biting is concerned. I think I'll go back to giving everyone interferon as I had stopped in order to have it as a back-up in case anyone got sick. But someone or something brought him to our doorstep...so I'm counting on that individual to watch over us in the meantime! ;) Thanks so much guys...I really appreciate the advice! Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: Becca DuBose [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Thursday, April 27, 2006 6:44 pm Subject: Re: Mixing FeLVs and FIVs? To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org I think I addressed my last message to the wrong person - sorry! Just wanted to add that little Angel Paassht did not contract FIV+ despite living under the same roof with Angel TorTor. I wouldn't bring Buddy in as long as we had Paassht so I suspect she pre- approved him and set everything up a couple of weeks ago. Becca [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: A FIV+ cat is several times more likely to get FELV than a negative cat, they have about the same chances as kittens in catching FELV (or any cat with a weak or undeveloped immune system). That being said, you have to go by quality of life. Even IF he does get FELV from mixing with your crew, would that be a worse fate then being left out on the streets, or where-ever he came from to begin with? There's very little risk to you FELV cats, if that was more of the question. FIV is ONLY spread through deep penetrating bite wounds. So long as you aren't getting any cat fights there, then your FELV cats wont be in any danger of getting the FIV from him. Jenn http://ucat.us http://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html Adopt a cat from Little Cheetah (UCAT) Cat Rescue: http://ucat.us/adopt.html PLEASE DONATE TO THE TANGLE FUND: Tangle is a cat in Greece that was severely injured when someone wrapped wire around his neck to strangle him, Little Cheetah Cat Rescue is raising funds to bring Tangle to Vermont to find him a good home! http://ucat.us/tangle-fund.html DONATE: We could really use a power saw (for construction), a digital camera (for pictures), and more towels!
Mixing FeLVs and FIVs?
Hi Guys! I'm so sorry I haven't been able to keep up with list as much as I would like...seems I can't get a break lately! I just have a quick question for those who care for both FeLVs and FIVs...I just found out that a stray guy that we took in a bit ago is FIV+! This actually wasn't surprising to me as he seemed to have a few health issues that just weren't clearing up! He's been hanging out in our spare room w/ all the amenities but I'd like to let him join the GP, if that is at all possible! My vet wasn't at all concerned...she actually has a FIV guy who mingles with her crew...but she says that she separates food and water dishes as a precaution. Well, I don't know how easy that would be for me...food is left out round the clock and everybody shares the water bowl! So I guess I'm just looking for a little advice from those who care for both...do you mix? It would be some time before he'll join the gang as we need to address his health issues first (bad stomatitis for which he has a dental scheduled next week--I wouldn't be surprised if a few teeth need to be pulled!)...But all-in-all, he's the sweetest guy...so mellow and only asks that you pet him 24/7... ;) Thanks so much, guys! Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George
Re: OT: New journey-laying tile!!!
Hey Wendy! Tiling isn't all that difficult, just a little time-consuming! :) We've done our kitchen and 2 bathrooms ourselves...first thing that comes to mind: invest in those knee-pad thingys they sell at Home Depot or Lowes! It's alot of hard-work on the knees! And I think I just picked up a tiling video from Home Depot for, maybe, $10...it gives you a good visual of what to do. Just be sure to mix up your mortar every once in awhile to keep it soft and easy to spread! Actually, if I can dig up that video tape, I'll send it to ya, if you like! Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: wendy [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Monday, April 3, 2006 10:02 am Subject: OT: New journey-laying tile!!! To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Hey guys, My husband and I have decided to go with the tile in replacing our carpet in the living room, hallway and one bedroom, plus we figure we might as well replace the kitchen and master bath linoleum while we're at it as it needs replacing too. We're going to move on this in the next two weeks, since I'm having foot surgery on the 25th of April and would like it completed by then. There is some beautiful tile out there. What stinks is that the labor costs twice as much as the tile. So if you have a 10x10 room, and the tile is 2$ per square foot (on average), it's going to cost you $200 for just the tile. But the labor is another $3.25 (HD) or $3.50 (Lowe's) per square foot, so what we could do for $200 will end up costing us $525-550. That's a lot! And when you're talking about 800 square feet, it gets expensive. Plus, sealing the tile is extra (we will for sure do that ourselves), and tearing up the carpet is extra (we'll do that too), and floor prep is extra (probably do that too!!!). LOL. So we might possibly lay the tile ourselves with help from a few friends who have already done it. My husband is scared to do it-he doesn't want to mess our house up. I am more the do-it-yourself type, so I'm all for it. Anyone out there ever lay tile? Any thoughts or advice? :) Wendy __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
Re: OT: New journey-laying tile!!!
Almost forgot! I would also invest in a good tile cutter! You can rent them from Home Depot for around $30-$50 a day...but since you're going to be doing alot of tiling, I think you can buy one for about $150...trust me, they're worth it! They save *alot* of time! I originally bought just a cheap tool to score the tile then you were supposed to be able to snap it...didn't work! After messing with that tool for 1/2 hour, I went to Home Depot and rented a tile cutter...so much faster! :) But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: wendy [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Monday, April 3, 2006 10:02 am Subject: OT: New journey-laying tile!!! To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Hey guys, My husband and I have decided to go with the tile in replacing our carpet in the living room, hallway and one bedroom, plus we figure we might as well replace the kitchen and master bath linoleum while we're at it as it needs replacing too. We're going to move on this in the next two weeks, since I'm having foot surgery on the 25th of April and would like it completed by then. There is some beautiful tile out there. What stinks is that the labor costs twice as much as the tile. So if you have a 10x10 room, and the tile is 2$ per square foot (on average), it's going to cost you $200 for just the tile. But the labor is another $3.25 (HD) or $3.50 (Lowe's) per square foot, so what we could do for $200 will end up costing us $525-550. That's a lot! And when you're talking about 800 square feet, it gets expensive. Plus, sealing the tile is extra (we will for sure do that ourselves), and tearing up the carpet is extra (we'll do that too), and floor prep is extra (probably do that too!!!). LOL. So we might possibly lay the tile ourselves with help from a few friends who have already done it. My husband is scared to do it-he doesn't want to mess our house up. I am more the do-it-yourself type, so I'm all for it. Anyone out there ever lay tile? Any thoughts or advice? :) Wendy __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
Re: Jen: OT: New journey-laying tile!!!
Hee, hee! I know what you mean about doing it yourself! With internet access, I have just enough do-it-yourself knowledge to make me dangerous... ;) I, too, embarked on a toilet fixer-uper...basically, the toilet was rocking so I figured, How hard can it be to fix? BTW, you can replace the fix in that last sentence with just about anything else I've tried: lay tile? install laminate flooring? replace ceiling fixtures? install electric wall sconces? put in new sinks? :) Anyway, a simple fixer-uper with the toilet turned into having to replace the entire gasket which turned into having to buy a hammer drill and cement to afix the gasket because we have cement sub-flooring! It took a whole d*mn weekend, but I fixed the rock, darn it! :) As for the sub-flooring for the tile, we didn't have to do anything to ours as it was already pretty level...I know you can buy some kind of cement to spread over low spots...and you can also buy sheets of some kind of sub-flooring if the floor is really bad, but I'm not sure how to install those! The video, I think, covers most of that! Our kitchen and bathrooms had that vinyl sheet flooring (very, very old judging by the pattern). :) The video actually recommended just tiling over any old vinyl flooring as the glue underneath could have asbestos. So we just pulled up the shiny part and tiled right over the old glue! But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: wendy [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Monday, April 3, 2006 11:01 am Subject: Jen: OT: New journey-laying tile!!! To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org P.S. I think I will go pick up that video today so that my husband can watch it. Thank you for offering to send it-that is very sweet! You should have seen my husband when I tried to convince him we could fix a leaky toilet when we first married two years ago. He had never done any handy work before, and what should have been a simple job involved having to go buy the tool to open the water hole to turn off the water to the whole house outside and then fixing several leaks. lol. He just wanted to call the plumber, but I'm cheap and if I can do it myself, I will. We ended up fixing it, but it really was a pain in the butt and not the first handy job I would have picked to warm my husband up to fixing things around the house. LOL. :) Wendy __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
Re: Jen: OT: New journey-laying tile!!!
Oh! One more tip! When you start laying tile, I'd start in a bathroom or hallway...you know, some place small and out of the way! It's not easy to screw up tile...you've got all kinds of time to fix it until the mortar sets, but best to get the feel for it somewhere where it won't be noticable! :) But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: wendy [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Monday, April 3, 2006 11:01 am Subject: Jen: OT: New journey-laying tile!!! To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org P.S. I think I will go pick up that video today so that my husband can watch it. Thank you for offering to send it-that is very sweet! You should have seen my husband when I tried to convince him we could fix a leaky toilet when we first married two years ago. He had never done any handy work before, and what should have been a simple job involved having to go buy the tool to open the water hole to turn off the water to the whole house outside and then fixing several leaks. lol. He just wanted to call the plumber, but I'm cheap and if I can do it myself, I will. We ended up fixing it, but it really was a pain in the butt and not the first handy job I would have picked to warm my husband up to fixing things around the house. LOL. :) Wendy __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
Re: Jen: OT: New journey-laying tile!!!
With the vinyl, we just pulled the top layer off and left the bottom layer with the glue attached to the floor. I was afraid the mortar wouldn't stick to the glossy surface of the vinyl. It should separate pretty easily and it's alot faster than trying to scrape all the glue off the floor! That's a good tip about the straws! I wish I had known that when I replaced both of our toilets! ;) But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: wendy [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Monday, April 3, 2006 11:44 am Subject: Re: Jen: OT: New journey-laying tile!!! To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org I'm confused...did you pull the vinyl/laminate up and then lay tile, or did you just lay tile over the vinyl? I know what you mean about the toilet thing. The guy at Home Depot just gave me a pointer. He said that when replacing wax seals on toilets, which is really easy to mess up, put two straws on top of those two bolts on either side to guide the toilet down, so you don't mess the wax seal up by trying to find them. That way, your toilet won't rock like ours does now after we fixed it! lol. Neat tip... --- [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hee, hee! I know what you mean about doing it yourself! With internet access, I have just enough do-it-yourself knowledge to make me dangerous... ;) I, too, embarked on a toilet fixer-uper...basically, the toilet was rocking so I figured, How hard can it be to fix? BTW, you can replace the fix in that last sentence with just about anything else I've tried: lay tile? install laminate flooring? replace ceiling fixtures? install electric wall sconces? put in new sinks? :) Anyway, a simple fixer-uper with the toilet turned into having to replace the entire gasket which turned into having to buy a hammer drill and cement to afix the gasket because we have cement sub-flooring! It took a whole d*mn weekend, but I fixed the rock, darn it! :) As for the sub-flooring for the tile, we didn't have to do anything to ours as it was already pretty level...I know you can buy some kind of cement to spread over low spots...and you can also buy sheets of some kind of sub-flooring if the floor is really bad, but I'm not sure how to install those! The video, I think, covers most of that! Our kitchen and bathrooms had that vinyl sheet flooring (very, very old judging by the pattern). :) The video actually recommended just tiling over any old vinyl flooring as the glue underneath could have asbestos. So we just pulled up the shiny part and tiled right over the old glue! But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: wendy [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Monday, April 3, 2006 11:01 am Subject: Jen: OT: New journey-laying tile!!! To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org P.S. I think I will go pick up that video today so that my husband can watch it. Thank you for offering to send it-that is very sweet! You should have seen my husband when I tried to convince him we could fix a leaky toilet when we first married two years ago. He had never done any handy work before, and what should have been a simple job involved having to go buy the tool to open the water hole to turn off the water to the whole house outside and then fixing several leaks. lol. He just wanted to call the plumber, but I'm cheap and if I can do it myself, I will. We ended up fixing it, but it really was a pain in the butt and not the first handy job I would have picked to warm my husband up to fixing things around the house. LOL. :) Wendy __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
Re: New arrival--Moon Pie
Karen--please, please, please let me know if you need transport for Moon Pie! I haven't heard anything and am beginning to worry! :( Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Wednesday, March 29, 2006 8:51 pm Subject: New arrival To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org With my last felv passing in 2003 I now have a new arrival. Bobby cat was pulled from a tiny kill shelter here in Texas tested positive then did the IFA and was confirmed felv positive. prayers for a long life with me from all you guys will help So I better stop lurking and start paying attention to what you guys have learned in 2003. Bobby cat is a handsome yellow and white tabby friendly as can be. Still working on moon pie coming up from Houston so he will have a playmate.I'M BACK Karen
Re: Maizee Grace
Oh, Sherry...I'm right there with ya... :( I've had several missing my baby boy cries since Ewok passed. Just when I think I'm doing okay, I'll suddenly miss him like he had just died 2 hours ago. I've never mourned like this before...like someone else said, Time heals all wounds, but I'm not so sure... Just before I left the room at the vet's office after we let him go (he was to be cremated), I tied a red ponytail holder around his paw...he loved playing with those things and would beat me into the bedroom and wait on the bed for me to toss ponytail holders in the air so that he could catch them. Anyway, just the other night, I was reading on the couch when our little Lola came running out of the garage with something in her mouth...she jumped up on the couch with me and dropped her gift near my feet...a red ponytail holder. I couldn't help but smile and ask her if it was from Burboy (Ewok) as I hadn't seen any red ponytail holders around the house for some time. The red ponytail holder is now the only one I wear...but I'd give anything to toss it to Ewok one more time... Please take care of yourself and know that I'm crying with you! Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: Sherry DeHaan [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Sunday, March 26, 2006 7:05 pm Subject: Maizee Grace To: Felvtalk felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Hi all,I just needed to tell someone that I am having a really bad missing my baby girl cry.This happens every so often but not as much as it used to.I knew EVERYONE here would understand. She has been gone almost 5 months and it still hurts so much. I have had many cats in my life come and go,but I don't ever remember hurting this much for this long.If it were not for you wonderful caring people, I don't know how I would have made it through the toughest times.sorry to unload this sadness onto you,I just knew you would understand. Thanks Sherry - New Yahoo! Messenger with Voice. Call regular phones from your PC and save big.
Re: TESTING--Jen--water garden!
Heehee! The little pond actually started out as just a fountain with a couple of fake flowers...I was getting tired of cleaning it out every week because of the algae growth (and couldn't use an algae killer because a couple of the neighborhood cats like to use the fountain as their own personal watering hole... ;) )! Anyhoo, I was at Home Depot and discovered they had live water lilies for sale! Well, that jump-started my curiosity as to what else I could put in the little pond! I found a great website: http://familyfun.go.com/parenting/learn/activities/feature/famf010302_summer/famf010302_fishpond.html It explained how to build your own little inexpensive, self-sustained water garden! I'm surprised by how obsessed I've become with it! ;) It really is a treat...fortunately, our front window sits close to the ground, so I put the pond just in front of it for all to see! So whenever I'm working on my computer (which is right next to the window) and start getting stressed, I can just look over at the little goldfish and space out for a moment! :) But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: wendy [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Wednesday, March 22, 2006 10:12 am Subject: Re: TESTING--Jen To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Hey Jen, Very cool about adopting Lucy. I bet Oscar was probably as happy about it as Lucy was! I think petfinder.com is awesome. I am checking it every day for the little kitten that I want to adopt. I guess if it's meant to be, it will be. Your water garden sounds really neat. Where did you get the idea for it? :) Wendy __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
Re: TESTING
Hey guys! I believe the list has just been slow these past few days! Hopefully, no news is good news! How is everyone doing? I just finished setting up a goldfish pond in a half whiskey barrel outside my front window...the cats love it and, so far, all fish have been accounted for each morning! ;) Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: Paolo [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Wednesday, March 22, 2006 0:41 am Subject: TESTING To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org I am not receiving any message from the list... TESTING 1 2 3... Paolo
Re: TESTING--Wendy
Congrats on the new addition!! I know what you mean about a companion! We felt so bad for our dog, Oscar, as he was getting a little older (from puppyhood) and had no one to play with! He tried playing with the cats...but large, floppy puppy feet weren't the cats' idea of a good time. So we took him to Petsmart where a local rescue group was adopting out their cats and dogs...I had seen a wonderful dog on petfinder.com that the group was caring for...she fit all my criteria: an adult, a girl, *house-trained* (I wasn't going through that again! ;) ), and, most importantly, good with cats! When Oscar met Lucy, it was love at first site and they haven't been separated for more than a few minutes since! And Lucy is just such a wonderful dog...it's so hard to believe that someone could abandon her! :( We take the dogs with us for the 1200 mile journey home to Chicago for X-mas...whenever I talk to my mom beforehand, she always mentions how excited she is to see Lucy (I have to remind her that *I'm* coming home, too! ;) ). And the water garden has quickly become my new obsession! Just a few goldfish, some snails and a few plants (I've got a beautiful flowering plant...kinda like bluebonnets, and a gorgeous water lily), a little japanese bamboo water spout and *poof* instant mini-ecosystem! :) It's a great stress-reliever! Oh! And I wouldn't be surprised if the little one-eyed cat is waiting for you when she's ready for adoption!! What a little sweetheart! My mom has a one-eyed girl...depth perception was an issue initially, but once Willie got the hang of it, she's just like all the others! :) But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: wendy [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Wednesday, March 22, 2006 8:42 am Subject: Re: TESTING To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org What a great idea Jen. I agree, no news is good news here! Everything is going well here in Dallas. We just got two days of serious rain, which was BADLY needed. My husband and I went to the animal shelter Saturday, in the rain, to adopt another Akita for the one we rescued in the fall. We felt he needed a companion since we're at work all day. They get along famously. We also brought in to the shelter a little brown Chihuahua that had followed us home two weeks ago. He was a really good dog, but deserved to be an inside dog, and plus, our Akita was really too big to play with him. We made a report at the pound, called all the local vets, and checked postings at the two pet stores, but couldn't find the owner. We think he belonged to one of the two families that just moved out of our neighborhood. The lady there assured us that he would be adopted out immediately since people were constantly looking for little dogs. He was adopted an hour after we left the shelter. While I was at the shelter, I fell in love with this kitten. She looks almost like my Cricket that I lost in November, black with a long, fluffy tail, and very playful. She was really sweet. When I took her out of the cage, she wrapped her little arms around my neck and just purred like crazy. She was SO loving. Unfortunately, she had to have her right eye removed due to what the shelter believes was one of those cat in the car engine accidents. I gave them my number, and they're going to call me as soon as her stitches are out and she's posted for adoption. If she doesn't get adopted out within a week or so, I am going to get her. I told my husband. He doesn't want another cat in the house, as we already have three, but I know when he sees her (he was playing with the dogs when we were there Saturday and didn't get to see her), he will understand. She's a love. I hope everyone is doing well here. And of course, all their furbabies. We all deserve a break from the chaos that is illness. :) Wendy __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
Re: IN Houston - Bengal cat 'Moon Pie' FELV
God, I wish I could...we've just taken in another guy and yet another may be on the way...I'd be more than happy to help out with any kind of transport, though!! Jen, wishing she had a bigger home... :( But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Wednesday, March 22, 2006 3:20 pm Subject: IN Houston - Bengal cat 'Moon Pie' FELV To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Just checking again - are there any of the Texas folks out there who can help this FELV purebred Bengal, 1 year old...? Gloria At 11:10 AM 3/21/2006, you wrote: This kitty is in Houston. If anyone is interested at all if you will email me individually (mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED][EMAIL PROTECTED]) I will send consolidated.net Subject: Fw: Bengal cat 'Moon Pie' Date: Tue, 21 Mar 2006 10:36:27 -0600 - Original Message - From: MORSE, ROY F [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Janet Cain [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, March 21, 2006 10:21 AM Subject: Bengal cat 'Moon Pie' Janet, Just got the results back from the IFA and organ tests...Bad news...the IFA was positive...good news...his organs seemed to be in good shape. The Vet said Moon Pie could stay the rest of the week at the discounted boarding fee and indefinitely at the regular price. The office staff said he was adjusting well to being handled and was less panicked with his surroundings. I have been visiting twice daily to pet and talk to him and it seems to help. Moon Pie is such a sweet cat and deserves so much more than what he started with. Some foster family would be lucky to get to know this lovable feline. Let's make this wish come true. Janet, if you would, please forward this update to all interested parties in your email list. Thanks for all your concern and help. Karen
Re: IN Houston - Bengal cat 'Moon Pie' FELV--transport
Please let me know if you work anything out as I would be thrilled to bring him to you! Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Wednesday, March 22, 2006 4:21 pm Subject: Re: IN Houston - Bengal cat 'Moon Pie' FELV To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Gloria and all, ok I only read about a quarter of all the emails sorry. So we have a Bengal in Houston tested positive on IFA? I am in the dfw area is transport available? Who is the contact please let me see what I can do. I may have an adopter who just found out yesterday her rescue kitty is positive. Does anyone have a pic? Again I am sorry I only read the posts once in a while. see our available orphans at: _http://members.petfinder.org/~TX418/index.html_ (http://members.petfinder.org/~TX418/index.html) Karen 817-453-4888
Re: Lucy is bored
I know what ya mean...Sleepypants hasn't quite been himself since his brother, Ewok, died! He's beginning to come around, but for several weeks I seriously thought he was hiding out waiting for death to take him! I distracted him by taking him outside on his harness to have a look around...he loves being outside, and I would joke with him when we came back inside, See? There are things worth living for! ;) I think, just like us, they need to work through their grief and sudden change...Sleepypants is beginning to fall back into his old routine and I can see it in his eyes that he is okay...I guess he's decided that being here with us and without his brothers isn't such a bad deal afterall... ;) You guys are such wonderful cat-parents! I'm sure Lucy will be okay...she obviously has no problem letting you guys know what she needs! :) I'm sure a little extra play-time is a much needed distraction for her...even if it is at 2 o'clock in the morning! Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Thursday, March 9, 2006 8:27 pm Subject: Lucy is bored To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Lucy has been going nuts with boredom since Ginger died, and I am not sure what to do for her. This happened when Ginger was with my mom for a month too. Although Lucy always acted like she did not like Ginger, Ginger definitely kept her occupied and entertained. When Ginger was at my mom's, Lucy figured out how to get out of the cat fence-in, after 2 years of never even trying to, and got out of the yard constantly (at our old house). Here, since Ginger died, she runs around trying to play with things (but unable to entertain herself as well as Ginger did) and meowing-- last night she meowed and meowed until I got out of bed and went and played with her, and when I tried to go back to bed she did it again. Gray finally went in the other room and slept there to be near her (our negative, Quincy, lives in our bedroom so she can't come in). We have cat trees, catnip, etc. We both work, though we are each home a couple days a week. But even when we are home she seems bored. Does anyone have any suggestions? Tonight I am here without Gray and am torn between Quincy, who was totally alone all day while I was at work, and Lucy, who is going nuts. I keep going back and forth between them, but want to go to bed. I worry about the stress of boredom on Lucy, as she is positive. Lucy does have Patches, another positive, but does not seem at all satisfied with her company. The only time they interact is when they fight. I have feliway diffusers and spray and use both. Thanks for any suggestions, Michelle
Re: Lucy is bored
OMG! Yes!! I'm so sorry, I thought I had cc-ed you in the email I wrote! I took SP to the specialist on Monday for an ultrasound...and she couldn't find a thing wrong with his chest cavity!!! His heart looked good and no suspicious masses...So we're going with feline asthma for now...I'm going to taper him off the pred and then just keep an eye on him! I seriously could've planted a big ol' kiss on the specialist when she couldn't find anything wrong with him! I told her I've never had good news when it came to the FeLV guys and she said, Well, we usually don't have much good news to give out! :) So it was a good morning all around! I'm so happy my boy is going to be around for a little while longer! I think he knows he's stuck with us, too...so he's just decided to make the best of it! :) Thanks, again, for all your help...I seriously don't know what I'd do without this wonderful group!! Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Friday, March 10, 2006 8:50 am Subject: Re: Lucy is bored To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Jen, how is Sleepypants doing? Clinically and, also, did you get test results? Do you know what's going on with him, and what did you decide to do treatment-wise? I am so glad to hear he is feeling ok. Michelle In a message dated 3/10/2006 9:44:46 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I know what ya mean...Sleepypants hasn't quite been himself since his brother, Ewok, died! He's beginning to come around, but for several weeks I seriously thought he was hiding out waiting for death to take him! I distracted him by taking him outside on his harness to have a look around...he loves being outside, and I would joke with him when we came back inside, See? There are things worth living for! ;)
Re: Lucy is bored
Oh, dear!...might have to check my email settings! Looks like several people haven't gotten messages from me...:( I wonder if something is going on with my server? Or I just neglected to push send...I have been known to do that on occasion! Let me check to see if I still have the message! I'm so sorry about that, Nina! Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: Nina [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Friday, March 10, 2006 11:10 am Subject: Re: Lucy is bored To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org I had written to you after the report to see if SP was still having periodic trouble breathing. I don't remember if hearing from you. Does this mean you haven't seen him breathing hard again? Nina [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: OMG! Yes!! I'm so sorry, I thought I had cc-ed you in the email I wrote! I took SP to the specialist on Monday for an ultrasound...and she couldn't find a thing wrong with his chest cavity!!! His heart looked good and no suspicious masses...So we're going with feline asthmafor now...I'm going to taper him off the pred and then just keep an eye on him! I seriously could've planted a big ol' kiss on the specialistwhen she couldn't find anything wrong with him! I told her I've never had good news when it came to the FeLV guys and she said, Well, we usually don't have much good news to give out! :) So it was a good morning all around! I'm so happy my boy is going to be around for a little while longer! I think he knows he's stuck with us, too...so he's just decided to make the best of it! :) Thanks, again, for all your help...I seriously don't know what I'd do without this wonderful group!! Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. -- Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Friday, March 10, 2006 8:50 am Subject: Re: Lucy is bored To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Jen, how is Sleepypants doing? Clinically and, also, did you get test results? Do you know what's going on with him, and what did you decide to do treatment-wise? I am so glad to hear he is feeling ok. Michelle In a message dated 3/10/2006 9:44:46 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I know what ya mean...Sleepypants hasn't quite been himself since his brother, Ewok, died! He's beginning to come around, but for severalweeks I seriously thought he was hiding out waiting for death to take him! I distracted him by taking him outside on his harness to have a look around...he loves being outside, and I would joke with him when we came back inside, See? There are things worth living for! ;)
Re: Angel Paassht
Oh, Becca...I'm so sorry to hear about Paassht...I know exactly what you mean about the photos...I busted out the video camera a few days before Ewok died. And while I got the moments that I had hoped for (he liked to do laps in the water bowl...swish his paw around and lap up the water off of it), I also got the moments where he was starting to fade. Every moment was precious, though...and some day I'll be able to watch them all...for now I'm just happy to know that down the road, I will be able to see him as he was, physically, whenever I want. Take care of yourself...I'm crying with you... The Last Battle If it should be that I grow frail and weak And pain should keep me from my sleep, Then will you do what must be done, For this -- the last battle -- can't be won. You will be sad I understand, But don't let grief then stay your hand, For on this day, more than the rest, Your love and friendship must stand the test. We have had so many happy years, You wouldn't want me to suffer so. When the time comes, please, let me go. Take me to where to my needs they'll tend, Only, stay with me till the end And hold me firm and speak to me Until my eyes no longer see. I know in time you will agree It is a kindness you do to me. Although my tail its last has waved, From pain and suffering I have been saved. Don't grieve that it must be you Who has to decide this thing to do; We've been so close -- we two -- these years, Don't let your heart hold any tears. -- Unknown But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: Becca DuBose [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Wednesday, March 1, 2006 2:12 pm Subject: Re: Angel Paassht To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org I bought a digital camera about two weeks ago and I'm so glad I did. I already had lots of pictures but I wanted to get more, and make sure they were good, before she had to leave us. I was also able to make a short video of her playing with Da Bird on Monday. I ordered some new Birds by mail and they came just in time...she was still able to enjoy them. I only posted some of the better pictures. I have others showing how thin she was and the vacant look she was starting to have. The camera recorded the truth I did not want to see. Becca Angel Paassht wendy wrote: Becca, I am s glad you have pictures of Paassht. She is ADORABLE. What a precious angel. :) Wendy
Re: Paassht
Becca, did they do bloodwork on Paassht (love that name, by the way!) to rule out anemia, as well? How's her breathing? Rapid or normal? Are her gums pale? If there is, in fact, cancer within her intestinal walls, she will have a difficult time absorbing nutrients and water (which would account for the dehydration) which will in turn cause lethargy (is she vomiting? diarrhea?)...but best to know that anemia isn't also an underlying culprit, too! Intestinal lymphoma is notoriously harder to treat than, say, mediastinal lymphoma (tumor in the chest cavity)...that's not to say there aren't exceptions, but if you go the chemo route and it doesn't work, another option is steriods. Large doses of steriods. They're certainly no cure, but they offer a good quality of life when all else fails. I'm certainly not trying to discourage you or bring your hopes down, I'm just trying to make you aware of some of the options out there! Please keep us posted! Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: Becca DuBose [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Monday, February 27, 2006 4:43 pm Subject: Re: Paassht To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org She is so tired...she got up to eat and drink a little. I found her resting on the floor after she used her litterbox, so I put her back in her bed and now she's resting there, not sleeping, just resting with her eyes open. I called one of the vets in the phone book and we're going to take her in for a consult. The earliest we can go is Wednesday. Becca Paassht Marylyn wrote: I'd make the drive to a specialist. It is worth the peace of mind. If it helps, I've made a 3 hour (one way) drive more times than I can count. Just having someone in the field say what he/she thinks is important. However, the ones I have gone to often argue for aggressive treatment. You need to talk to Paassht and see what she wants to do re chemo, radiation etc if this proves to be the case with her. 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: Becca DuBose [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Monday, February 27, 2006 3:27 PM Subject: Fwd: Paassht Hi, I've just been lurking and reading for a few weeks. My little one, Paassht, is 7-1/2 and tested positive for FeLV in 1999. She was very healthy with nothing more than occasional URIs until September '05, when she started losing weight. It has been a bit of a roller coaster ride since then, back and forth to the vet, on and off antibiotics etc. About 10 days ago I took her in because she seemed dehydrated and they gave her some fluid SQ. Within 36 hours or so she was almost back to her old self but we went back this morning because the fatigue returned and I suspected she was dehydrated again. She is eating very well but not regaining any weight. I have been afraid it was cancer and sure enough, she has a palpable intestinal mass. The vet doesn't believe she will recover and so has recommended comfort care only. I had them give her fluids again since that helped her feel so much better last week. The vet also sent us home with very low dose prednisone to try PRN and we are continuing her amoxicillin. I'd like to get a second opinion but our phone book lists no specialists on veterinary oncology or internal medicine, just a handful of clinics advertising cancer care (all of which are a 30-45 minute drive away). There are some others billing themselves as cat specialist but they are a similar distance away. The closest option is to take her to see another generalist. She does OK in the car, but I don't want to drag her all over town if it won't really help her. Even with the fluids this morning I had to ask myself was it for her, or for me? What would you do if Paassht were your kitty? Becca Paassht
Re: Paassht
Hee, hee! I love talkative cats! We've got a couple who talk in a kinda sing-songy voice...you can almost hear words in their voices, like, What are you doing? or I'm here! I'm here! or Hello? Where is everybody? :) Becca, I'd almost place money on intestinal lymphoma...but I'm sure that's what you're expecting, as well...I just lost a guy to intestinal lymphoma, although that's not what got him into the oncologist's office originally...He had mediastinal lymphoma which responded wonderfully to chemo...but then developed a tumor in his belly. The oncologist said he sees it all the time, you treat one tumor and another one pops up elsewhere that is even more resistant to drugs. The tumor responded briefly to Elspar and CCNU and finally, a strong steroid combo (dex/depo). We were never able to get the diarrhea under control as the cancer was quickly rendering his intestinal tract useless...Is Paassht's diarrhea really, really watery? Especially after she's given fluids? Again, I don't mean to scare you...there are definitely options that can't hurt at this point...But be sure to listen to Paassht, too! You certainly know her best...I'm hoping for good news at the specialist's office ! Be sure to keep her well hydrated until then...that kind of diarrhea will dehydrate her quicker than anything! And if given the option I would certainly try chemo...especially Elspar. Cats typically don't have the same reaction to chemo that we do...and Elspar is well-tolerated and its effects are quickly noticable. Again, if that doesn't work ask about the steroids...Michelle Lerner from this list can give you the specifics! Hope this helps...you guys will certainly be in my thoughts! Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: Becca DuBose [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Monday, February 27, 2006 5:36 pm Subject: Re: Paassht To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org So does she! I've never had another cat who loved his/her name as much as Paassht seems to. It makes a great sound. One of the things we've been missing is her running from anywhere in the house when called, chirping all the way in response. Her vocabulary is almost all chirping and she's been known to carry on some very long conversations. Paassht has had no bloodwork done since she was tested in 1999, not even to be retested. Her current vet has been checking her heart and resp rate and gum color at each visit. She isn't vomiting but she does have terrible diarrhea. I wish I'd been educated enough to get a second opinion back when she first tested positive. I've wanted to have her retested for several years, but I really trusted the vet she was seeing. I talked to a second specialist between posts and I think we've found a winner. She said what we're already doing sounds reasonable and she probably wouldn't have much to add, but at the same time didn't try to discourage me from bringing Paassht in if she starts to feel better. She mentioned single-agent prednisone therapy as an option and told me she could call a colleague at UT (we're in Nashville, so that's the closest vet school) for advice on treatment protocols. The first place didn't put the doctor on the phone with me. They could see Paassht sooner, but I doubt if one day would make a difference at this point...the right doctor will be more important. Becca Paassht [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Becca, did they do bloodwork on Paassht (love that name, by the way!) to rule out anemia, as well? How's her breathing? Rapid or normal? Are her gums pale? If there is, in fact, cancer within her intestinal walls, she will have a difficult time absorbing nutrients and water (which would account for the dehydration) which will in turn cause lethargy (is she vomiting? diarrhea?)...but best to know that anemia isn't also an underlying culprit, too! Intestinal lymphoma is notoriously harder to treat than, say, mediastinal lymphoma (tumor in the chest cavity)...that's not to say there aren't exceptions, but if you go the chemo route and it doesn't work, another option is steriods. Large doses of steriods. They're certainly no cure, but they offer a good quality of life when all elsefails. I'm certainly not trying to discourage you or bring your hopes down, I'm just trying to make you aware of some of the options out there! Please keep us posted! Jen But if
Re: Ginger is gone
Oh, Michelle...I have no words...I am so sorry to hear about Ginger! I tracked down the email that my dad sent me shortly after Ewok died...Again, I don't consider myself much of a Christian, but his words gave me alot of comfort...it's what I believe in my heart whether you're Christian, Buddhist, Taoist, Islamic, etc... I am sorry to hear about Ewok. Somewhere in the Bible it says that at the end of time all of creation (and all creatures) will be saved and renewed in God's Kingdom. It also says that a sparrow does not fall to the ground without God taking notice of it. Bottom line. Ewok will be with you again. He is with God and St. Francis now and probably gave you that dream to let you know about it. I will put his name on the prayer list at church with those who have died (those who are in the nearer presence of God). Take care of yourself...I know you will see Ginger again someday. Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Wednesday, February 22, 2006 10:15 am Subject: Ginger is gone To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
Re: Bailey Update
Oh, Belinda...my heart is breaking all over again! :( Could Baily have cancer in his bowels? I'm no vet, but Ewok's situation is fresh on my mind...I will certainly keep you two in my thoughts... Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: Belinda Sauro [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Thursday, February 2, 2006 11:51 pm Subject: Bailey Update Bailey is not doing very good, he is getting 200ccs of food a day but is still wasting away. He is still getting epo 3X a week, and 20mg of prednisolone split into 10mgs twice a day. His diarrhea is for the most part gone, although he did just tonight have a mixture of a solid and runny bowel movement. He is sooo bony and his muscle is all but gone on him, he is wasting away and I am starting to think there is cancer somewhere that we haven't found. He has that cancer look (wasting away). He potties wherever he wants and still just lays around. I'm really worried about him, he seems so depressed. We are suppose to do bloodwork in a week but I don't know that I want to wait that long. Our last option is to add leukeran to the prednisolone he is getting. He will be laying somewhere and when he gets up there is usually a little poop there, so it is still coming out of him involuntarily, he doesn't seem to have any control over it sometimes. Anyone know what may be causing this??? Prayers are really needed, my baby is slipping away from me and I don't know what to do ... -- Belinda Happiness is being owned by cats ... Be-Mi-Kitties ... http://www.bemikitties.com Post Adoptable FeLV/FIV/FIP Cats/Kittens http://adopt.bemikitties.com FeLV Candle Light Service http://www.bemikitties.com/cls HostDesign4U.com (affordable hosting web design) http://HostDesign4U.com --- BMK Designs (non-profit web sites) http://bmk.bemikitties.com
Re: Belinda--Elspar
I think Elspar is the one Michelle is thinking of! Ewok did well on that one and Ceenu or CCNU when the other chemo drugs stopped working. But I believe the oncologist started him on Elspar first thing just to get the tumor to shrink and then we started the regular protocol. You'll know pretty quickly if it works or not...and if it doesn't, I would definitely do the steroid combo that Michelle suggested...it works unbelievably fast and gave Ewok a good week in between treatments (and he was close to the end)! But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Friday, February 3, 2006 2:00 pm Subject: Re: Belinda Belinda, Dexamethasone and Depomedrol are much more powerful than prednisolone. Buddy, Josephine, and Simon were all on pred initially (Jo and Buddy at 20 mg/day for a while), but it did not make anywhere near the kind of difference as the dex/depo shots did. I believe the same was true for Jen's Ewok. I would try them. I seriously would also ask to try the first of the chemo drugs, again can not remember the name but starts with E, because it can not hurt, I do not think, and if it helps you will know it is probably lymphoma and can treat as such. No, Simon did not waste away much. He started to, but when he rebounded from the steroids and chemo he actually started gaining weight. But he had multicentric lymphoma in his bone marrow and liver, and it did not really affect his appetite accept when he was jaundiced, and did not cause much muscle wasting either. Jo and Buddy both had terrible weight loss and muscle wasting. Jo had lymphoma in her kidneys and intestines. Buddy was never definitively diagnosed-- he had no masses anywhere, and at the time I did not know how to humanely go about finding if there was cancer in any of his organs, so we just treated him with steroids. In the beginning Buddy was actually eating normally but still losing weight. Michelle In a message dated 2/3/2006 1:54:55 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Hi Michelle, No it isn't time for considering letting him go, I just don't know what else we can try, the prdnisolone is the thing that is suppose to help with this anemia and from what I can tell so far it isn't. he did just get over the diarrhea yesterday so he had that for a long, long time and I'm sure that has really drained him. It's the shape his body seems to be in that really has me worried. Every cat I have ever had get cancer looked exactly like this, bony even when getting enough food and acting fairly normal, Buddie was like this when she had cancer and she was having a very good quality of life, just bony. He has no energy although he is out in the room, instead of laying in the carrier all the time. He has been out in the open since yesterday and coincidentally also when the diarrhea was for the most part gone (he had one bowel movement that was mostly solid but had some runny at the end of it yesterday or this morning, I can't even remember). HIs bottom is still alittle red and inflamed but so much better than it was. He gets his epogen tonight which will make 4 complete weeks. Was Simon wasting away, in the photos he looked pretty good?
Re: Here's the Poem I wrote after losing Tidge for those who wanted to see it.
Thank you Michelle! What a wonderful poem...you've certainly got a gift! I tried to tell myself that I wouldn't cry before reading it...but by the time I got to the end, my lap was full of kleenex! Thank you, again...you've expressed so well what I feel in my heart! Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Sunday, January 15, 2006 1:12 pm Subject: Here's the Poem I wrote after losing Tidge for those who wanted to see it. Poem for Little Tidge We found each other wandering - I gave you shelter from the storm The misfortunes life had dealt you left you frightened and withdrawn Our lives combined, our love grew strong, and you knew that you were saved From past neglect and heartache when love was all you ever craved Now I’m left in turmoil, trying hard to comprehend The reasons why god took away my very special friend I know you had to leave me and that was meant to be And I hope that in the place you are, from pain you will stay free I look around each day for you in hope that you’ll appear It hurts so much to face the truth that you’re no longer here Your unexpected passing left me broken and destroyed When your cruel unfair departure left an overwhelming void Not a day goes by when I don’t pray to keep you safe from harm Then I pray your spirit finds me to help me calm my inner storm My late departed friend, I don’t think I’ll ever understand Why you, still young and innocent, were taken from this land I know that you would not desire me harbour such dismay So forgive my times of weakness but you are in my heart to stay My life must now continue much in the way it did before Though without you here beside me, for a while I will feel poor Despite these dismal feelings I can recall how rich I’ve been Because the day I found you wandering was when my heart began to beam Please know how much I love you, and I’m glad our paths did cross The short time that we shared will never be a loss And friend I ask please wait for me for one day I’ll return To comfort and protect thee - but for now our hearts must yearn Heaven and earth may hinder until my time is done But with togetherness our future, our souls are destined to be one Michelle Lomax (April 2005) It's amazing how creativity comes out with emotion but writing the poem whilst painful was also cathartic. I guess much of the poem applies to all of us at some point. Hope you enjoy it xx Michelle, Buddy, Minstrel Angel Bramble
Re: We said good-bye to Ewok this morning
Oh, Nina...I was holding it together fairly well until I read your email! :) Thank you so much for all of your support for the past few months...it means the world to me, I only wish you were closer so that I could give you a big hug! I rather enjoyed working from home up until now... ;) The constant reminders of his physical presence are sometimes too much to bear! He was/is so special to me...I've had others break my heart by their departure...but none quite like this! I'm driving his brother, Sleepypants, crazy right about now! :) Every time I need a little pick-me-up, I bury my face in Sleepypants' fur because he smells just like Ewok...actually he smells more like Ewok dipped in oil because Sleepypants' favorite sleeping spot is on a table in the garage... ;) I know Ewok is okay, though...I saw him in a dream last night...I was rounding a corner in my house and there he was, standing there and looking at me. I knelt and called him to me and he ran over and rubbed himself on my legs...to say that I was ecstatic is an understatement! He then went into the garage, and when he returned my sister was there (she's still among the land of the living, of course...)...she said, I don't see what the big deal is! I took that to mean that *Ewok* didn't understand what all of the fuss was about...He's still with me, he's right here, so why am I so upset?? Perhaps I didn't explain to him very well that human beings are a little quirky sometimes... :) Oh, well...I know the pain and emptiness will subside, it always does...I was able to call up the pet memorial place that is cremating his body...I ordered a wonderful little ceramic cat urn...very Egyptian and statuesque and very much in the spirit of my Fuss (it's actually been kinda strange calling him Ewok...of course, that was the name given to him shortly after birth...but it was a generic name as we had homes lined up for most of the kittens...when we found out they had leukemia, we kept them all...wow, I never thought about this...but if he hadn't had leukemia, I probably would never have gotten to know my sweet little boy! Anyway, all of their names started to morph into something more personal...Ewok became Baby Boy because he was the youngest...that name morphed into Burboy for short...he also became Fuss Fuss because of his, um, refined sensibilities...if I did something not to his liking, I heard about it!). Anyhoo, probably more than you wanted to know... ;) But I appreciate having your ear... :) I've sent a couple of emails out now to group members and have a good chronicle of his life started! Thanks, again, Nina...I feel so humbled to have such a wonderful, caring person like you in my life! Lots of Love, Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: Nina [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Friday, January 13, 2006 11:00 am Subject: Re: We said good-bye to Ewok this morning Hello Jen, I'm so sorry that you and Ewok have lost your fight. I've been away from the computer for the last week because of back problems, but you and the other kitties on the list have never left my thoughts and prayers. Bless you and your sweet little Ewok, your love gave him a taste of what Heaven is like right here on earth. I'm so sorry, I know how much it hurts and what a terrible void he's left. Please try to think of him as having left the room, just out of eyesight, but still with you. He is you know. Except now, he feels no more pain, no more discomfort. Except now, he understands the 'whys' of it all. He's free from all our earthly strife, free to enjoy his brothers and fur Momma again. He made the right choice when he chose you for a friend and guardian. What a blessing that he and his wonderful little family found you, what a blessing that you recognized him and held him to your heart. So much love and commitment, what more could any of us wish for? I know the lessons you learned together are worth the pain, I'm just so sorry that our growth has to come at such a high, high price. Blessings and love to you and your family, Nina [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: More later as the pain is a little too fresh, right now...But I just wanted to thank you all for all of your advice and warm wishes. Ewok is now with his Mom and brothers Pips, Charlie and Chinney catching up on old times! Lots of Love, Jen
Re: Feeling of family ongroup--Thank You!
I just wanted to thank each and everyone of you...Joan, Susan, Terrie, Michelle, Michelle L., Kerry, MC, Sherry, Wendy Carla, Hideyo, Kerry R., Del, Marylyn, Tonya, Gloria, Patti and Nina (oh, I hope I didn't miss anyone!!) for your thoughts and prayers...I don't know what I would've done without ya'll these past few days...you guys have been a wonderful distraction and a welcome source of strength...I hope someday to meet you all in person (and to be eating cheesecake on that day too!)...I wish I could express that gratitude I feel, so I hope a Thank You, Thank You, Thank You will do... Love, Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Friday, January 13, 2006 4:46 am Subject: Feeling of family ongroup I know that my kitties are not symptomatic at the moment so I am not very active on group but I do always read the posts and I just wanted to pick up on something Kerry wrote to Jen when she said I'm crying with you. It's true that everytime one of our fur babies is ill or crosses to the bridge it hurts us all but none more than the parent of the furbaby. The support here is magnificent each and every furbaby here puts it's footprints in your heart despite the fact we may never have met them. So when one is sick or has to cross over it's like losing one of our family and you do get the physical and emotional symptoms of shock and feeling loss. We all know the pain of our own furbabies being sick or crossing over and that is always personal and very intense but we genuinely also feel worry and loss of all the furbabies in the group and it is lovely to be a part of a group of such wonderful genuinely caring people. Michelle, Buddy, Minstrel Angel Bramble
Re: Ducky Sweet Angel Sam Ewok
Please, Michelle...I would love to read your poem!! I have a feeling I will have to bust out a new box of Kleenex...so many losses...I wish I knew why so many little angels are being called home? :( But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Friday, January 13, 2006 5:46 pm Subject: Ducky Sweet Angel Sam Ewok Oh I'm so sorry to hear of Sweet Angel Sam and Ducky crossing to Rainbow Bridge - so many losses lately yet again - this blasted disease is so heartbreaking but on the other if our kitties had been in the hands of others their short lives may have been much worse so I'm sure they would rather have the life they had full of love and care with FeLV than an alternative minus FeLV. I know given the chance I choose the former. God bless you and everyone else for giving these kitties the life they deserve. The important thing is their life was full of love and care and it certainly was. I have just been crying reading Jen's latest message - you will seek reminders for a while. When Tidge passed I found sanity in creative arts after a couple of weeks if anyone wants to see the poem I wrote then let me know and I'll post it. It helped me at the time to get it out on paper. Jen I do believe Ewok was letting you know he's ok by being in your dreams I have had sightings of bramble since he died and also when I was in Crisis with Bramble I saw Tidge in my dream ssaying don't give up yet - and Bramble had another 2 months with me after that. Michelle, Buddy, minstrel, Angel Bramble
What to do next for Ewok
Well, we had a few good hours last night just after he came home from the vet's (that's when I took that picture of him). The vet had given him cypro and I believe this may have affected him negatively as he became restless as the evening went on. This morning he is up and about, but his walk is stiff and he still seems to be a little restless, though not as much as last night. There was a glimmer of hope when he went to the dry food dish and bent over to try to eat (he hasn't eaten dry food in some time)...but he just couldn't bring himself to actually eat (he tried a couple of times). I'm going to syringe a little food into him and see how he tolerates that, would it be safe to give him the combo shot, Michelle? I guess it's just touch-and-go, right now...I'm looking for signs from him as to what he wants to do... Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George
Re: What to do next for Ewok
Thanks, Michelle...I had the same reservations about the cypro as I haven't had much luck with it in the past...I, too, thought that steroids would be enough to stimulate his appetite (and they did, he ate well before the cypro kicked in)! Okay...I'll give my vet a call and ask for the combo shot and see where that takes us! It's 1/2 cc of each, right? Thanks, again... Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Tuesday, January 10, 2006 8:50 am Subject: Re: What to do next for Ewok I absolutely think it is safe to give him the combo shot. The depo will not actually kick in for a couple of days, and I know from experience with Simon that you can give a dex shot two days in a row (I think I gave it to him three days in a row when I thought he was dying the first time). Cypro can make them restless. How much did you give him? You can try giving half the dose. The good thing about giving a lot of steroids, though, is that it stimulates appetite even better than cypro, usually, so you may not need to give that at all if you give him the combo shot. If the vet will not give him depo, I would seriously suggest upping his pred dosage. I know you can give 20 mg/day to a cat with cancer, and someone posted last night that her cat was on 40 mg/day. Sorry you are going through this, Michelle In a message dated 1/10/2006 9:45:29 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Well, we had a few good hours last night just after he came home from the vet's (that's when I took that picture of him). The vet had givenhim cypro and I believe this may have affected him negatively as he became restless as the evening went on. This morning he is up and about, but his walk is stiff and he still seems to be a little restless,though not as much as last night. There was a glimmer of hope when he went to the dry food dish and bent over to try to eat (he hasn't eatendry food in some time)...but he just couldn't bring himself to actually eat (he tried a couple of times). I'm going to syringe a little food into him and see how he tolerates that, would it be safe to give him the combo shot, Michelle? I guess it's just touch-and-go, right now...I'mlooking for signs from him as to what he wants to do... Jen
Michelle--Should I give Ewok pred?
Hi Michelle! Hopefully you're online! I forgot to ask my vet this...but should I give Ewok pred tonight (he did get the combo shot this afternoon)? I'm guessing no as I think I recall you saying that the depo replaces pred...but I just wanted to be sure! Thanks, Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Tuesday, January 10, 2006 12:59 pm Subject: Re: What to do next for Ewok As close together as they are needed. Towards the end it will be every few days. But he might not need them that close together yet, or he may need the combo shot now and a dex booster in a few days and not need depo for a week. It kind of just depends on how he is doing. Basically, I would give it to him as far apart as you can with him still eating. When he stops eating, I would give him more, either a dex shot if that helps on its own or, if it's been a few days and he seems really bad, I might try another combo shot. Michelle In a message dated 1/10/2006 10:12:24 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Agreed...we actually just talked about this being a hospice situationyesterday! I'm hoping that she will just do up the shot for me and let me go pick it up and I'll do it myself (I imagine she will). How far apart can the combo shots be given, again?
Re: Michelle--Should I give Ewok pred?
Hi Michelle! Thanks for that...so far, so good...I actually took him to the vet's office for the shot and fluids only because he still had the catheter in (fortunately, we live just around the corner from the vet...literally 2 minutes away...and he is as comfortable as he can be there. Everybody knows him, so he always gets the royal treatment... ;) ). He's eaten a fair amount since he's been home (including a fly that he caught shortly after coming home!). He seems much more at ease as opposed to last night...but that may be because he hasn't received any more cypro! He's resting comfortably and keeping his food down...that's all I can ask for right now! The vet mentioned that she felt his tummy earlier this afternoon and, to her, the tumor felt smaller...so, hopefully, we're doing something right! Fingers crossed that he's got a few good days ahead of him! Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Tuesday, January 10, 2006 8:35 pm Subject: Re: Michelle--Should I give Ewok pred? No, don't give him the pred. The dex should be enough for the next 24 hours or so, and the depo should start kicking in after that. How is he doing? If he perks up and then falls again before the depo kicks in, or if he does not perk up at all, I would probably try giving him some. But you are not supposed to. Has he responded at all to the combo shot? Were you able to give it to him at home? Michelle In a message dated 1/10/2006 8:21:12 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Hi Michelle! Hopefully you're online! I forgot to ask my vet this...but should I give Ewok pred tonight (he did get the combo shot this afternoon)? I'm guessing no as I think I recall you saying that the depo replaces pred...but I just wanted to be sure! Thanks, Jen
Re: Thoughts for Ewok
Hi Belinda! Elspar was actually what he got on Friday (it was the second time he'd gotten it)...and the tumor is no longer responding to it... :( He also did great with CCNU, but the effects were also only temporary. I'm starting to look into holistic options to keep him comfortable...do you know of any off-hand? Thanks, Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: Belinda Sauro [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Monday, January 9, 2006 3:59 pm Subject: Re: Thoughts for Ewok Jen, Has Ewok had elspar? It has pulled many kitties from the edge? It is known on the Feline Lymphoma Caregivers website as the rescue chemo!! Have you gone to the chemo protocal page and looked over the many chemo options, and variations of standards used? Just wanted to be sure you are aware of all the information out there. Chemo Protocals http://felinelymphomacaregivers.org/docs/ChemoProtocols.html Variations of Standard Chemo Portocals http://felinelymphomacaregivers.org/docs/GulfCoastChemoProtocols.html Here are some actual case studies of kitties with the same type of cancer and the protocal/s (some had to try more than one) they used. Jean Luc http://felinelymphomacaregivers.org/jeanluc.html (large cell more agressive cancer) Drew http://felinelymphomacaregivers.org/drew.html (small cell, slower growing cancer) I wanted to give you a sample of each since the treatments are different if it is large cell or small cell. I'm sorry I haven't followed Ewok's story more closely, I'm can't remember what you have or haven't tried. Prayers for you both. -- Belinda Happiness is being owned by cats ... Be-Mi-Kitties ... http://www.bemikitties.com Post Adoptable FeLV/FIV/FIP Cats/Kittens http://adopt.bemikitties.com FeLV Candle Light Service http://www.bemikitties.com/cls HostDesign4U.com (affordable hosting web design) http://HostDesign4U.com --- BMK Designs (non-profit web sites) http://bmk.bemikitties.com
Re: Thoughts for Ewok--Michelle
Agreed! He's home now and already feeling much better (even ate some deli turkey!). I'll have to check the receipt, but I think he only got dex today...so I'm tempted to give him pred tonight? I gave him some fish oil (heard that Omega 3 helps slow growth in some tumors) and will basically look into the things that I was afraid to give him while he was on chemo...but I also believe that steriods are our best bet for quality time from here on out... I can't thank you enough for all of your advice, Michelle...you and the members of the list have been a huge comfort for me when I feel absolutely lost and alone in all of this...I know how hard it is to read about the failing health of any of our fur-kids...it's been unbearable for me at times...but I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate your thoughts and prayers... I'll keep you guys updated! Right now, Ewok is scarfing down Fancy Feast... :) Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George attachment: ewok.jpg
Re: Thoughts for Ewok--pic!
Sorry, forgot to mention that there is a picture of Ewok that I just took with my webcam in that last email I addressed to Michelle if anyone wants to put a face with the name! :) Thanks to everyone who replied to my email so quickly! Your love and support means the world to me (and Ewok!)...I just can't find the words to express how grateful I am...thank you, thank you, thank you!! Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Monday, January 9, 2006 3:42 pm Subject: Thoughts for Ewok Hi All... Well, it appears we've exhausted all of our possibilities with the different chemo drugs...the tumor in his belly is winning out, so I'm guessing it's only a matter of days, now... :( We've gone to stronger steriods in the hopes that I can give him a few goods days to make up for the crappy weekend he just had...it just sucks as he's so healthy in every other way, I just can't believe we're running out of options...Please keep my little sweetie boy in your thoughts... Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and whatyou do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. -- Chief Dan George
Re: Jen-- How is Ewok?
Thanks, Michelle! Yep, Ewok is on daily pred...I actually took him to the oncologist this morning (his next appointment wasn't until next week) because he wasn't feeling well and (I believe) vomited last night... :( The tumor in his belly is crazy aggressive...the oncologist gave him a round of elspar as he responded well to that one before X-mas...but now that I think about it (as he wants to see Ewok in 2 weeks), the only reason Ewok was able to go two weeks between visits was because I gave him a dex shot when he started feeling bad about a week after the elspar shot...good thing I didn't cancel his appointment for next week! ;) So I asked the oncologist what I should expect as it would seem (to me, anyway) that the abdominal tumor will eventually win out as Ewok can barely make it a week between treatments. He surprised me by saying he isn't any more pessimistic than he was a few months ago (although I would have felt better if he had said less optimistic... ;) )...The oncologist still has a few tricks up his sleeve, so as long as Ewok is game, I'll continue to tote his skinny little butt back and forth between appointments. Ewok is just so cute, he's so used to the car by now...he sits shot-gun and watches the tree-tops go by...man, I'm going to miss this little boy!! :( Warm thoughts to Lucy and Patches!! Good luck with the raw! Several of my guys really enjoy it and I do think it's better for them...I always try to repay the favor that the chicken or turkey did for my guys by rescuing any critters (except for palmetto bugs...can't bring myself to rescue them just yet) that the cats may corner (mostly lizards and snakes)...Maggie got her paws on a lizard last week and I had to remind her that the turkey she just ate gave its life so that that little lizard could lead a long, fruitful life! :) Take care, Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Thursday, January 5, 2006 12:25 pm Subject: Re: Jen-- How is Ewok? Jen, SO glad to hear Ewok is still doing well!! Simon responded very well to the CCNU also. After that he got Adriamycin, which he did not respond well to, and I wished I had asked the oncologist to give him more CCNU instead. I think the oncologist was afraid that without switching the drugs each time he would become resistant. But I think they take longer to become resistant to CCNU. As for the steroids, is he still getting pred pills? The Depo shot is instead of the pred pills, or should be I think. The oncologist should know when the right time is to give another Depo shot if Ewok keeps looking good and does not seem to need it badly. Patches is feeling better from antibiotics and prednisone and is scheduled to have her two canines and possibly (but hopefully not) other teeth pulled next Wednesday morning. So please say a prayer or thought or whatever strikes you best for her! Lucy is tapering off the pred herself and seems to be doing ok-- fairly solid stool, though still not entirely normal. As for feeding raw meat, I am actually about to start feeding mine, or at least Lucy and maybe Patches, a raw diet. It is recommended for cats with chronic loose stools, on the feline IBD list serve. I ordered a supplement mix to put in with ground raw meat and organs. Being a vegan this is all very difficult for me (I had a nightmare last night that I had to have Lucy killed to be fed to an animal who needed to eat her to be healthy, which I think is my guild and discomfort at buying a dead turkey to help Lucy). But I think raw is ok, and maybe better, for them. The liver shake uses raw liver in it, and most people on this list feed that to cats when they are sick. All that said, I am totally nervous about starting the raw diet because I have read in some places that it is not good for immune-compromised cats. But I figure neither is inflamed intestines or struvite crystals, which raw is supposed to fix in many cats. Thanks for the update, and may he keep going strong! Michelle In a message dated 1/5/2006 1:17:50 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Hi Michelle! So far, so good...the CCNU seems to be working! His appetite is up (although he's still not eating as much as I'd like to see him eat...he's put on a little weight, but he's still probably only around 9 lbs--he weighed
Re: Jen and Michelle
Oh, dear! How did you hurt your back, Nina? These days I'm injuring myself just getting out of bed in the morning...Take care of yourself and thanks for the email! Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: Nina [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Thursday, January 5, 2006 7:58 pm Subject: Jen and Michelle Hello Ladies, I'm so pleased to hear how well Ewok, Lucy and Patches are doing! I've pulled my darn back so I'm not able to keep up with emails, just wanted you to know how thrilled I am to hear your guys are doing well. Michelle, besides your concerns about the poor turkey, I wouldn't worry too much about feeding raw. I'm sure you are going to be purchasing the best quality, freshest meats you can find and will be careful of how they are stored and served. There shouldn't be any worries about contamination under those circumstances. Nina [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Jen, SO glad to hear Ewok is still doing well!! Simon responded very well to the CCNU also. After that he got Adriamycin, which he did not respond well to, and I wished I had asked the oncologist to give him more CCNU instead. I think the oncologist was afraid that without switching the drugs each time he would become resistant. But I think they take longer to become resistant to CCNU. As for the steroids, is he still getting pred pills? The Depo shot is instead of the pred pills, or should be I think. The oncologist should know when the right time is to give another Depo shot if Ewok keeps looking good and does not seem to need it badly. Patches is feeling better from antibiotics and prednisone and is scheduled to have her two canines and possibly (but hopefully not) other teeth pulled next Wednesday morning. So please say a prayer or thought or whatever strikes you best for her! Lucy is tapering off the pred herself and seems to be doing ok-- fairly solid stool, though still not entirely normal. As for feeding raw meat, I am actually about to start feeding mine, or at least Lucy and maybe Patches, a raw diet. It is recommended for cats with chronic loose stools, on the feline IBD list serve. I ordered a supplement mix to put in with ground raw meat and organs. Being a vegan this is all very difficult for me (I had a nightmare last night that I had to have Lucy killed to be fed to an animal who needed to eat her to be healthy, which I think is my guild and discomfort at buying a dead turkey to help Lucy). But I think raw is ok, and maybe better, for them. The liver shake uses raw liver in it, and most people on this list feed that to cats when they are sick. All that said, I am totally nervous about starting the raw diet because I have read in some places that it is not good for immune-compromised cats. But I figure neither is inflamed intestines or struvite crystals, which raw is supposed to fix in many cats. Thanks for the update, and may he keep going strong! Michelle In a message dated 1/5/2006 1:17:50 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Hi Michelle! So far, so good...the CCNU seems to be working! His appetite is up (although he's still not eating as much as I'd like to see him eat...he's put on a little weight, but he's still probably only around 9 lbs--he weighed around 14 before this all started) and his energy level or old-self-self is back...he even felt good enough to wrestle a little with his buddy (Hermes--who has been waiting patiently for Ewok to feel up to playing) yesterday for the first time in about a month! I'm still watching him like a hawk as the oncologist won't be able to give him another treatment until next Friday. Ewok didn't eat much this morning (although he eagerly scarfed down some raw turkey--I know raw is probably a no-no, but I'm just thrilled to see him eat anything on his own). He's out and about, though...not hiding in the closet like he usually does when he's not feeling well. I haven't used dex or the combo shot since Christmas...but I know my regular vet is just around the corner in case I need anything...I'm hoping the steroid shots will be an option if Ewok starts feeling bad again before his oncologist's appointment! Fingers
Re: Chandra-- how is Buddha doing?
Oh, Chandra...I'm so sorry to hear about Buddha! We're battling lymphoma here, too, and the emotional roller-coaster is really starting to take its toll. I'm ecstatic beyond belief one moment when I can see his old inquisitive, mischievious self in his eyes...and bawling the next when I imagine a future without him. Please know that you are in my thoughts...may Buddha find his way home swiftly... Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: chandra simms [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Friday, January 6, 2006 11:55 am Subject: Re: Chandra-- how is Buddha doing? Michele and all the wonderful members of this group, I am sorry I have not written in a while, but it was a very hard holiday and I haven't really had the emotional strength to post until now. The last time I posted, Buddha was having his best week since being diagnosed with lymphoma at the beginning of December. He was back to his old self and acting as if he was feeling fine, however four days before Christmas he took a serious turn for the worst. The tumor behind his eye quickly began to cause the eye to bulge and protrude out of the socket and the pressure it put on his little brain began to effect his other neurological functions. He completely lost his appetite, the ability to see in either eye, and to walk. Although he was conscious, he was fairly catatonic and had pretty much completely checked-out by that point. We talked to the vet and she said that there was no getting better from that point and also that the eye would soon either pop out on its own, or we would have to have it removed, which we did not want to him to have to go through. So on the 23rd we made the excruciating decision to help him let go. My mother lives about 45 minutes away in Denton, so we buried him in the yard at her house and decided to just spend the week there. Neither Julian or I were anxious to get home and begin the process of packing away Buddha's things. Having all the visiting family in town really helped to provide a slight distraction, especially since I couldn't go much more than five minutes without crying for the first 2 days. Although I knew this time would eventually come and I was able to gather so much strength from all the advice and good wishes from this group over the past month, I was completely unprepared for the amount of grief I felt. Since he lived so long without any symptoms I think I was in denial that the day would ever actually come. I am almost ashamed of how lucky I feel to have had him in my life for 14 years, and my heart truly bleeds for those of you who lost your friends sooner and didn't have as much time together as we did. I will be forever grateful to all the members of this list and honestly don't think I could have endured the pain that the last month brought without you. I don't know how to go about it or if it is too late, but I would like for Buddha's name to be added to next Monday's candle light memorial service. If it is still possible that is. Could someone please tell me who I should contact for that. Once again, on behalf of Buddha, Julian and myself, thank you all so much! --- [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Thinking of him and hoping he is still feeling better. Please give us an update when you get a chance. Having been through the rollercoaster of lymphoma several times, I really feel for you and Jen, who has Ewok, and think about Buddha and Ewok multiple times throughout the day. I hope he is still feeling well, but know there are so many ups and downs. Please let us know how he is when you get a chance. Thinking of the two of you, Michelle Love is not necessary to life, but it is what makes life worth living. __ Yahoo! DSL ? Something to write home about. Just $16.99/mo. or less. dsl.yahoo.com
Re: Bailey is anemic
Hi Belinda! I'm trying to catch up with the list and just wanted to let you know that you and Bailey are in my thoughts!! Bailey has always been my kitty role model, too...knowing that he has beaten the odds has always given me hope when there's so little of it to go around with this virus, sometimes... :( Give Bailey a big hug and kiss from Ewok and me! Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: Belinda Sauro [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Thursday, January 5, 2006 9:26 am Subject: Re: Bailey is anemic Hi Kerry, Yes I did join the anemia group and am going to get the folic acid you mentioned. Bailey gets alot of the things you mentioned already. My vet also feels Bailey's anemia is non regenerative and if Fred Meyers ever gets my procrit or epogen (procrit is on back order) I will get him started, he is also suppose to get it 3x a week, and then we will do a count recheck. My biggest problem now is weight loss, he is losing weight and even though it is extremely stressful for him I am going to step up the syringe feeding. He is down to 8lbs 4oz, yesterday he was 8lbs 8oz. It isn't going to do either of us any good if he gets HL on top of this. I just pray the stress doesn't put him over the edge. He is extremely sensitive. If my epo or procrit doesn't come in today there is going to be news of a crazy lady in the Fred Meyers in Washington state, I'm really on the verge of losing it. It seems like everything I am trying is getting blocked or messed up and I am barely holding it together. I lost my baby Frankie to anemia back in 1995 (my then vet didn't know hardly anthing about FeLV and how to treat anything). He was at 6 (his count), still eating and looking good, he still weighted about 17lbs., the only reason I took him in was because he had changed his nightly routine and his breathing seemed labored that day. I just had a gut feeling something was wrong. My vet was amazed he was still alive. She wanted me to euthanize him right then and I told her no way. He did pass that night at home. So this is really scaring me ... -- Belinda Happiness is being owned by cats ... Be-Mi-Kitties ... http://www.bemikitties.com Post Adoptable FeLV/FIV/FIP Cats/Kittens http://adopt.bemikitties.com FeLV Candle Light Service http://www.bemikitties.com/cls HostDesign4U.com (affordable hosting web design) http://HostDesign4U.com --- BMK Designs (non-profit web sites) http://bmk.bemikitties.com
Re: Jen-- How is Ewok?
Hi Michelle! So far, so good...the CCNU seems to be working! His appetite is up (although he's still not eating as much as I'd like to see him eat...he's put on a little weight, but he's still probably only around 9 lbs--he weighed around 14 before this all started) and his energy level or old-self-self is back...he even felt good enough to wrestle a little with his buddy (Hermes--who has been waiting patiently for Ewok to feel up to playing) yesterday for the first time in about a month! I'm still watching him like a hawk as the oncologist won't be able to give him another treatment until next Friday. Ewok didn't eat much this morning (although he eagerly scarfed down some raw turkey--I know raw is probably a no-no, but I'm just thrilled to see him eat anything on his own). He's out and about, though...not hiding in the closet like he usually does when he's not feeling well. I haven't used dex or the combo shot since Christmas...but I know my regular vet is just around the corner in case I need anything...I'm hoping the steroid shots will be an option if Ewok starts feeling bad again before his oncologist's appointment! Fingers crossed that he remains happy and active for awhile! :) How are Patches and Lucy? Sorry, I'm still trying to catch up! :) Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Thursday, January 5, 2006 11:13 am Subject: Jen-- How is Ewok? Hi, Jen. I have been reading your posts to others and wondering how Ewok is doing. Has he reacted, good or bad, to the CCNU? Has he needed additional dex shots? I don't remember when you did the combo shot, but he could possibly need another depo shot as well at some point I am hoping that no news means good news! Michelle
Re: Need your help with Stretch
Hi Wendy! I'm trying to catch up on posts (I read everything I can...just haven't had much time to post!)...I just wanted to drop you a quick note and let you know that I hear ya about the financial situation!! I've already broken down and used those damn checks that credit card companies send you (they've obviously become savvy to the fact that I've cut up a few cards after paying them off! :) ) to help pay for Ewok's chemo treatments...but I agree very much with Michelle...steroids are an inexpensive way to help shrink the tumor (one dex shot that lasted about a week for Ewok was $17). Stretch, you and your nephew will certainly be in my thoughts! I know how it feels to lose two babies so close together (as many on this list do)...We had to say goodbye to two of Ewok's brothers within a week of each other (one to mediastinal lymphoma and one to anemia) a few years ago. I'm sure Stretch knows that you are doing everything you can (it's all any of us truly know what to do when it comes to this damn virus). Perhaps sit quietly with Stretch for awhile and ask him what he wishes to do...I know how frustrated you probably feel...it absolutely sucks that we have to make these kinds of decisions based on money (our Sleepypants--Ewok's brother--hasn't been feeling well these past few days...he's been throwing up his food with *alot* of hair...fortunately, he's been able to keep his food down for the past 24 hours...so I'm hoping he's just passing a hair clog...but with abdominal cancer in the back of my mind, I had to think ahead and wonder what I would do if we found out that he did have cancer...and the thought was grim...we just can't possibly afford to treat two cats with cancer...I guess I just have to keep the faith that everything will work out as it should and that I can avoid therapy, if at all possible... :) ). Anyhoo, this has turned into my own rant! :) My long way of letting you know I'm there with ya! Take care and keep us posted! Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Tuesday, January 3, 2006 10:49 pm Subject: Re: Need your help with Stretch I know. When Simon needed to go into the hospital, they would not admit him without me paying half the estimate, and there was not enough room on our credit card for it. Luckily my mom was able and willing to give me her credit card number for it. It was very scary feeling, though, until she did. I wanted to shoot the damn receptionist in the head, me standing there with my sick baby and her saying if I did not have a credit card to put it on they would not even see him. What about someone who had no relative with a working credit card they were willing to lend? If it is lymphoma, I am not sure there is anything that can make him go 6 months without chemo. But the vet who told me about the steroid combo I am always recommending (1/2 cc dexamethasone and 1/2 depomedrol, given periodically when they go downhill) said that she had some cats with lymphoma go 6 months on these shots alone, with good quality of life. If nothing else seems to help, you might want to try this. Did the dex shot help at all? If it did, you might want to try the combo shot. It is not expensive, though you will probably need to go to the vet to get it. The shots can be given sub-q, but most vets will not give clients the shots to take home. But it might not be lymphoma. Michelle In a message dated 1/3/2006 10:58:15 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Hi Michelle, Thank you for the info. I am going to give another day or two to see how things go before taking Stretch back to the doc. Frankly, we are tapped out on money. We are not wealthy by any stretch of the imagination, and after spending hundreds of dollars trying to save Cricket, and with Christmas just passed, we are a bit broke. I had to put the $85 visit to the vet yesterday on a credit card that didn't have $85 dollars on it. I will do all I can for Stretch, but if it's cancer, I am not going to draw it out. We just can't afford the treatments. I feel so frustrated right now. I don't want Stretch to go through this. I don't want my nephew to go through losing his cat; he's been through so much as it is. And my attitude isn't it's normal hopeful self after losing Cricket. I feel it's too soon after Cricket; I don't think I can go through this again. I am praying for
Re: Jen-- how is Ewok doing?
Hi Michelle! Thanks for the email! The last few days have been a whirlwind...I'm not sure when I updated last, but Ewok got a shot of Elspar last Friday and actually ate a few bites of food on his own later on that evening! The next day, I took him into our regular vet's with your email about the steriods in hand...she went ahead and gave him the shots in addition to more fluids...by the time we left about noon, she could tell he was already feeling a little better...and by that night he was eating a little on his own! The weekend went well, and by Sunday he was playing with the feather wand like his old self! So, Monday rolls around and we have a decision to make because we were supposed to leave a few days earlier to head home to Chicago for X- mas! I called the oncologist and updated him on Ewok's condition...he suggested we take him with us (we were driving) as he preferred that he be with us as opposed to our vet's office if he were to take a turn for the worse. I said, Great! and then called our regular vet to update her...we both agreed that taking another shot of dex with us wouldn't be a bad idea if something were to happen. Anyway, we made it to Chicago late last night with two dogs and Ewok in tow! He was such a good boy throughout the 24 hour drive! He's still doing great...eating on his own and acting like his old self! :) I'm just enjoying whatever time I've got left with him...I really love having him here with me...and, fortunately, he's an adventurous, social guy...so he's very curious about his new surroundings! Keep your fingers crossed that his remission lasts just a little bit longer! Michelle--thank you so much again for all of your advice! Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. -- Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Tuesday, December 20, 2005 7:52 am Subject: Jen-- how is Ewok doing? I have been thinking about him. Symptoms any better? Did the vet try the steroid shots? Any talk of using CCNU? Did the last chemo shot (the one that starts with E, can't remember the name) do anything? I am hoping for the best, but worried that things are bad since you have not written. Please let us know how he is when you get a chance. We are all pulling for him, and for you. Love, Michelle
Re: Jen-- how is Ewok doing?--Patti
Thanks, Patti! I hope so too! But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Friday, December 16, 2005 11:23 pm Subject: Re: Jen-- how is Ewok doing?--Another tumor Jen~ My thoughts and prayers are with you and Ewok. I was so saddened to hear the news regarding the tumor. I pray little Ewok will get some relief with new treatments pursued...Big hugs to both of you! Love, Patti
Re: Jen-- how is Ewok doing?--Update
Hi Michelle (and All)! Well, Ewok is at the vet's right now...Michelle, our vet is going to try the steroid protocol that you suggested. There was a small glimmer of hope last night...Ewok at a couple of tablespoons of baby food on his own (and kept it down)! Unfortunately, he didn't want anything this morning...so it's hard, for me, to tell what's going on...but my vet seems to think the elspar helped. Fingers crossed that my boy will start feeling better soon... But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Friday, December 16, 2005 5:26 pm Subject: Re: Jen-- how is Ewok doing?--Another tumor You can do it either way. I would do it in one shot just to stick him less, but other than that i do not think it matters. Michelle In a message dated 12/16/2005 6:25:17 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Are the two administered separately (separate injections)? Or are they combined and then injected in one shot?
Re: Jen-- how is Ewok doing?
Hi Michelle! Our vet is *fairly* confident it's a reaction to the chemo (I think it started with the adriamycin...then the nail-in-the-coffin, so-to- speak, was the vincristine). Fortunately, Ewok's oncologist is in town today, so my vet will be getting ahold of him to get any suggestions. Ewok is still hanging in there, but we're a little concerned that his temp this morning was just over 102! Update: The vet just called...she's concerned that his white blood cell count is rising...I'm going to go ahead and take him to the oncologist's office at 10:30. I'm just sick to my stomach, right now...Ewok has been able to keep the FeLV in check through all this so far, I feel like I'm tempting fate with the additional stress! Please keep my boy in your thoughts and prayers! Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. -- Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Friday, December 16, 2005 8:46 am Subject: Re: Jen-- how is Ewok doing? I am glad you are holding off on the chemo for now, but so sorry he is having this reaction. Does the vet think it is from the Adriamycin? Michelle In a message dated 12/16/2005 5:33:51 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Hi Michelle! Yes, Ewok was supposed to get another round of chemo this weekend (Cytoxen), but when I asked my vet about it, her eyes got really big and she shook her head vigorously, NO. :) And he still on the Reglan (it's part of his daily i.v. drip)...but as for keeping his food down, we took a step backwards tonight...I'm hoping it was just the result of another drug my vet prescribed (sucralfate?), so I'm up at this ungodly hour after the poor guy, again, with a syringe! So far, so good...about 10 ccs of watered down A/D (that seems to be the one I've had the most luck with) over the course of about a 1/2 hour and no vomit! Gosh, it amazes me sometimes the things I'm profoundly thankful for... ;) Anyhoo, we'll be back at the vet's again in about 4 hours...he's still in good spirits for the little nurishment he's gotten over the past week...At this point, I'm starting to hope for a miracle... :( Take care and positive vibes out to poor Lucy!! Jen
Re: Jen-- how is Ewok doing?
Oh, Michelle, No! Please don't feel guilty, you have no reason to!! At the very least, the chemo has given me 3 more wonderful months with my boy! If I had it to do all over again, I would make the same decision! I just wish I could understand what's going on...you have echoed the sentiments of my vet who is just at a loss as to why he's having such a severe reaction...perhaps the oncologist will be able to figure it out! Could the high white cell count indicate that the cancer is spreading? I will let you know what happens when I get back! All the best, Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. -- Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Friday, December 16, 2005 9:14 am Subject: Re: Jen-- how is Ewok doing? Jen, I'm praying for him. I don't really understand about the white blood cell count-- if anything, chemo usually makes that go down. It seems like he has an infection now? I am really sorry if you did chemo partially because I recommended it and he is having this reaction. I was glad when you said you were doing it and he seemed to be responding so well, but now I feel terrible about recommending it. I never heard of a cat reacting this way to it. Please let us know what happens at the oncologist's. Michelle In a message dated 12/16/2005 10:10:36 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Hi Michelle! Our vet is *fairly* confident it's a reaction to the chemo (I think it started with the adriamycin...then the nail-in-the-coffin, so- to- speak, was the vincristine). Fortunately, Ewok's oncologist is in town today, so my vet will be getting ahold of him to get any suggestions. Ewok is still hanging in there, but we're a little concerned that his temp this morning was just over 102! Update: The vet just called...she's concerned that his white blood cell count is rising...I'm going to go ahead and take him to the oncologist's office at 10:30. I'm just sick to my stomach, right now...Ewok has been able to keep the FeLV in check through all this so far, I feel like I'm tempting fate with the additional stress! Please keep my boy in your thoughts and prayers! Jen
Re: Jen-- how is Ewok doing?
You're right...I guess I think of non-regenetive anemia when I think about activating the virus! Anyhoo, Ewok is still at the oncologist's (I'm at home)...the oncologist thinks it could be one of two things: either a reaction to the chemo (in which case, we keep supporting him), or, at worst, a tumor has formed in his belly. Ewok is getting an ultra-sound right now, so we should know soon what we're dealing with. Personally, I'm fearing the latter...I guess it would make the most sense given what he's been going through this past week. I'm still hoping that there is, well, hope...but I'm trying to prepare myself at the same time. Please keep Ewok in your thoughts! Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Friday, December 16, 2005 9:16 am Subject: Re: Jen-- how is Ewok doing? In a message dated 12/16/2005 10:10:36 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Ewok has been able to keep the FeLV in check through all this so far, I feel like I'm tempting fate with the additional stress! I totally understand that. But the lymphoma is from his FeLV, so it actually has not been in check. When I am worried about triggering the FeLV virus in my cats, what I am most afraid of is triggering the formation of lymphoma. Maybe you should ask the vet about using Immuno-Regulin to try to control the fever and whatever is causing it? It helped with Ginger and Patches, though Ginger also had a reaction to it that cause her fever to spike to 106 for a half hour or so right after the shot, which was very scary. Michelle
Re: Jen-- how is Ewok doing?--Wendy
Thanks, Wendy...I appreciate that! I'm hoping, too, that he can make a turn-around...but I still have an awful feeling that it's a tumor that's causing the problems. I guess I'll have to wait and see what the oncologist suggests, but we didn't have much luck with Ewok's brother's (Pips') intestinal lymphoma, so it's hard to be optimistic... :( And you're absolutely right about Michelle...I don't know what I'd do without her and her little fur-angel Simon! I'll keep you updated! Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: wendy [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Friday, December 16, 2005 11:38 am Subject: Re: Jen-- how is Ewok doing? Hey Jen, I will keep Ewok in my prayers. I hope that he starts turning around soon. You are right. Michelle has no reason to feel badly for suggesting chemo for Ewok. She is a wonderful source of information, and a light to all of us and our kitties. Please keep us posted on Ewok. :) Wendy __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
Re: Jen-- how is Ewok doing?--Another tumor
Hi Michelle! Thanks, again, for all of your sage advice and encouragment! My regular vet is going to call me back, I will ask her about the stronger steroids...what are their full names and how were they administered and how often? But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Friday, December 16, 2005 2:36 pm Subject: Re: Jen-- how is Ewok doing?--Another tumor I'm sorry, Jen! That's horrible. Josephine did get tumors in her intestines secondary to tumors on her kidneys, and she lived a couple months with them just getting those shots, without even any chemo. The dex would visibly shrink the tumor within just a few hours. The day that the shot did not do that or make her start eating, I knew it was the end, and she went into respiratory distress a few hours later. You can also ask the oncologist about CCNU. It is a chemo drug that they use when cats come out of remission from the other chemo agents. It is synthetic, so cats get resistant to it more slowly. When the dex/depo shot got Simon to the point he could get more chemo, he got CCNU. That and the shots are what made him feel so great for the month. A few weeks after getting the CCNU, when his blood work showed him near remission again, he got Adriamycin for the first time, and a week later had a sudden auto-immune reaction and killed all his red blood cells and died. I do not know if it was a reaction to the cancer or to the Adriamycin. But I do know that the dex/depo shots and the CCNU worked wonders on the cancer together, and I wished afterwards that the oncologist had given him CCNU again rather than Adriamycin (though he insisted the auto-immune response was to the cancer and would have happened anyway). I read that about 50% of cats who have come out of remission go back into remission from CCNU, I think. I also do not think it is as harsh on the system as Adriamycin. I think that Belinda's Buddie, who had intestinal lymphoma I think (not sure), did well on CCNU also. But I think she had the small cell slow-growing kind of lymphoma, which is different than what Ewok has. Jen, I think there is little hope that Ewok is going to be cured of this. But I do think there is hope that might be able to feel well for another few weeks or months, and that there is some chance that with stronger steroids and something like CCNU he could go into remission, and a smaller chance that the remission could last a year or more as has happened in some cases. I would not expect this to happen, because I do not think it is the norm with positive cats, but I do not think you are expecting it. But I would certainly hope and pray for it at this point (and I am hoping and praying for it), because it could and has happened. Michelle In a message dated 12/16/2005 3:15:53 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Damn! I should have checked my email before I left...thanks for that,Michelle...I'm going to keep that one in mind! Ewok and I just got back from the oncologist's and it's as we all pretty much expected: a mass in his intestines (a lymph node I believe, but I'm so tired I can't thinkstraight right now...). So he was actually given a round of elspar to see if the tumor responds...I guess we'll know in the next 24-48 hours.Please continue to send out those healing vibes! Jen
Re: Jen-- how is Ewok doing?--Another tumor
Hi Michelle! Thanks so much...I'm going to be taking Ewok into his regular vet tomorrow morning for fluids and to pull the catheter that's been in his arm since Monday...I spoke with our vet just a few minutes ago and mentioned the combo shot...she hadn't heard of the two being used in combo, but she's willing to try anything for Ewok, so if the chemo doesn't do any good, we'll give the steroids a shot. Are the two administered separately (separate injections)? Or are they combined and then injected in one shot? But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Friday, December 16, 2005 3:22 pm Subject: Re: Jen-- how is Ewok doing?--Another tumor oh, and they can be administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly. The oncologist gave them to Simon intramuscularly, and I gave the follow-up dex shots subcutaneously. IM is faster than sub-q in terms of absorbtion rate. Michelle
Re: Jen-- how is Ewok doing?--Nina
Hi Nina! Thanks so much for your email...it truly makes a huge difference knowing there are others out there who know exactly what you're going through! Right now, I have half a mind (which half? I don't know...it's hard to tell the sane half from the not-so-sane half right now... ;) ) to march right over to the mall, elbow my way through a line of 5 year olds, plop myself down on Santa's lap and tell him that all I want for Christmas is for my baby to get well...then, I'd tell the photographer to get several good shots of the crazy cat lady for my Christmas cards... :) Can you tell I need a little sleep and/or a stiff drink? LOL! Anyway, thanks for the hug...I needed that right about now! :) Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: Nina [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Friday, December 16, 2005 4:41 pm Subject: Re: Jen-- how is Ewok doing?--Another tumor Aw Jen, I just caught up on the posts between you and Michelle about Ewok. I feel like there's a tumor in my belly :( . I'm so sorry. My thoughts, concerns and prayers are with you guys. I wish there were something else I could say or do. I hate this damn disease. I'm sending you all my love to comfort you. My arms are wrapped around you both, Nina [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Damn! I should have checked my email before I left...thanks for that,Michelle...I'm going to keep that one in mind! Ewok and I just got back from the oncologist's and it's as we all pretty much expected: a mass in his intestines (a lymph node I believe, but I'm so tired I can't thinkstraight right now...). So he was actually given a round of elspar to see if the tumor responds...I guess we'll know in the next 24-48 hours. Please continue to send out those healing vibes!
Re: Jen-- how is Ewok doing?
Hi Michelle! Unfortunately, not much improvement...he stays a the vet's office during the day for fluids and supportive therapy...his appetite is still close to nil and now he is combating severe diarrhea! The vet is trying everything she can think of and Ewok is being such a little sweet-heart about all of the poking, prodding and syringe feedings. I just made up a batch of pureed boiled chicken and brown rice...at least he's able to hold everything down...I'm going to give the slippery elm a shot, but I'm holding off on any beneficial bacteria as he is getting an antibiotic at the same time. I'm not sure what else to do but keep up the supportive therapy until his GI tract is in working order, again! I hope he bounces back soon, his blood-work is normal as of Monday, and the vet is going to check it again tomorrow...I miss my little fussy boy! :( Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. -- Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Thursday, December 15, 2005 9:36 pm Subject: Jen-- how is Ewok doing? Any improvement in chemo side effect symptoms? Michelle
Re: was intro now is health issues
Hi Sandy! Keep asking away! That's what this group is for! :) I can try to give you a little advice about #2 and #3 (and #4, if I remember!)...As for diet, try to stick with foods made with human grade ingredients with meat being listed as the first ingredient (alot of commercial foods have corn meal listed as the first ingredient because it's cheap...not only can animals be allergic to corn meal, but, generally speaking, they just can't digest corn meal properly-- plus, the carbohydrates contribute to obesity)...Most of these ultra- premium foods aren't found at the grocery store or Petsmart (although Nutro isn't a bad option)...I go to a local kennel to pick up my dry food (Innova Evo) and drive all the way down to a vet in Galveston to pick up their canned food (Wellness)...here are their websites if you want to do more research: www.naturapet.com and www.omhpet.com. Their are others out their, as well...Eagle Pack, Wysong...If you go to www.petfooddirect.com and check out their food section, they've got several, high-quality foods...you just have to check out the labels closely! Personally, I've chosen foods that contain no grains at all...just meat, veggies and fruit...and my guys are doing great! Raw food diets are also another option...you can cook them yourself (I don't have much experience with this one) or, some places carry frozed, prepared raw food diets. I've tried Nature's Variety frozen raw food patties...most of my guys like it (one in particular), but they get bored with it after awhile...so I just switch around a bit! Just do a google search with something like bad commercial pet food and you'll get several articles pertaining to what's actually in common commercial pet foods...ick! ;) And as for his mouth...sounds like stomatitis! It's another disease that with take advantage of an FeLV+ cat's weakened immune system...our Pips had it pretty bad...he was finally, successfully treated with Zithromax (and antibiotic). But depending on the severity and whether or not it responds to medications at all, sometimes, the only option is to pull teeth (our vet actually pulled several of Pips' teeth while she was cleaning them). Just keep an eye on them, stomatitis can make eating painful! And as for the panting after playing, that sounds fairly normal to me...I've got a couple of cats (both + and -) who play so hard that they just wear themselves out and start gasping for air (panting)! ;) But, of course, when you're dealing with FeLV, you'll want to keep an eye on that...it's when he's having trouble breathing while just resting when you need to worry. It just sounds like he's an aggressive player (like most kittens)! :) Hope some of this helps! You'll get plenty of more advice from others!! Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. -- Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: Dudes [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Wednesday, November 2, 2005 10:48 pm Subject: was intro now is health issues I sure hope you all don't get tired of my newbie questions. If anyone would rather email me to discuss off list, I would welcome it, at least point me in the right direction so I can read up on them to help educate myself. I feel like there is much to know, and I am a sponge. So (deep breathe) here I go My questions are about my little guy Cotton, the + orange kitten who's about 8 months old. 1. I was telling Jen off list that he has some really awful smellinglitterbox deposits, which are much like diarrhea. When we go to the NEW vet, we will check him for parasites, and anything else that might cause this, like a bacteria. Jen clued me in to a few other things that might be causing this, and what might help. I will definitely mention these things to the vet as well. Right now we are just adding yogurt to his canned food, which seems to be helping. 2. I'd love to talk to someone who has time to go into detail about a really good diet for Cotton, because I believe Cotton may have some deficiencies. But how does one determine that? He seems to eat strange things, and he steals people food. He could go trick-or-treating disguised as a Hoover vacuum cleaner, because he's that indiscriminate. And he constantly begs for food. He never seems to ever get enough. I partly suspect it's because when my stepdaughter had him, she didn't feed him enough or consistently, and I'm wondering if it could just be bad manners which could otherwise be
Re: Pregnant Rescue Work
Nothing to add, just congratulations on the pending bebe! :) I'm sure everything will work out just fine, just stay relaxed, let everyone know they're loved (I've no shame...I will resort to tuna as bribery for their love... ;) )... LOL! Most of all, enjoy every moment with your family! Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: Lora [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Wednesday, November 2, 2005 0:19 am Subject: Pregnant Rescue Work I have a question. Well, it is more of looking for some personal advice on an issue. I have been off and on the FeLVtalk list for three (3) years now, but ever since the Massive Spraying issue back in 12-14-04 I very rarely receive responses from my posts. It is almost as if me and the group have had a falling out. Before I get started and for clarification purposes, this post is NOT what you may think that it is. No flames please! For those that do not know me, I am a cat-mom who is happily loved by thirteen (13) adorable kitties, ten (10) in which are strictly indoors cats only. Currently all of my kids are FeLV negative. The kitties are not the only fur-kids that we have adopted. Our house is a multi-animal home. Me and my husband have two (2) dogs, a small ten (10) gallon freshwater tank, a horse and twenty-five (25) sugar gliders. (We do sugar glider rescue work as well as feline rescue work.) ALL of my kids have been rescues via straight off of the street, animal control or human societies. I DO NOT BREED. All of my fur-kids have been spayed and/or neutered (including the exotics) at four (4) months of age. We live on six (6) acres of country land. Okay, with all of the red-tape out of the way. The reason for this post is because this particular topic has come up often in the past and I need some honest and straightforward advice. Me and my husband are expecting with our first child. I am currently six (6) months pregnant and sacrificing any of the fur-kids for our human child is completely OUT OF THE QUESTION. We are NOT going to lose ANY member of our family due to this pregnancy. However, me and my husband are completely aware that the baby will inevitably change the balance of our home's environment and/or atmosphere. Therefore, we are in need of ideas to help the kids through a smooth and safe transition i.e. playing a tape/CD that has baby cries on it so that the fur-kids can become accustomed to the sound, allowing the kids access to the baby's room so that they become familiar with the baby's smell, etc. Spraying, inappropriate elimination, territorial aggression, jealousy, rejection and avoidance are normal responses to ANY new arrival and/or addition; therefore, me and my husband expect and accept these types of behavioral outbursts. I just did not know if anyone here on the list has ever continued their rescue work while pregnant. If so, how did the transition workout for you? Did your fur-kids eventually come around to accepting the new baby or do they just call a truce? Again, this post is not intended to instigate ANY kind of argument! Just looking for some helpful and honest advice from those of you who have experience in this department. Thanks! Lora __ Yahoo! Mail - PC Magazine Editors' Choice 2005 http://mail.yahoo.com
Re: Pregnant Rescue Work
Oh, bless your heart for remembering our Chooch (Charlie)! Sadly, he passed away, but darn it if he didn't put up a good fight! :) I still have his little diapers tucked away in a drawer! :) Two of Charlie's brothers are still going strong...so, in a sort-of physical sense, Chooch is still with us! Actually, just the other day Sleepypants gave me a look that reminded me so much of Charlie I couldn't help but smile! Thank you so much for your email...that really made my day! :) Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. -- Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: Lora [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Wednesday, November 2, 2005 5:19 pm Subject: Re: Pregnant Rescue Work Jen, It is good to hear from you again. How is Charlie? Is he still with you? There is just something endearing about a puss in diapers right? lol. Thanks for the congrats! True. Remaining calm, cool and collected through the entire transition will help the kids to relax as well. An excellent point, since cats are so sensitive to their humans' moods ans emotions! We are enjoying EVERY minute of it! Change can be good right? LOL. Well, at least for some people. The problem is, am I one of those people?! ;) Lora --- [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Nothing to add, just congratulations on the pending babe! :) I'm sure everything will work out just fine. Just stay relaxed, let everyone know they're loved (I've no shame...I will resort to tuna as bribery for their love! ;)) LOL! Most of all, enjoy every moment with your family! Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... -- ---Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George __ Yahoo! FareChase: Search multiple travel sites in one click. http://farechase.yahoo.com
