Re: [Felvtalk] LTCI treatment experience?
Hi Daniella, I'm sorry to hear that your FurKid is declining. What is she currently getting, treatment wise? I have mine on interferon and DMG. For when they start to show symptoms again, I have ImmunoRegulin at my Vets, It's been there almost a year. http://www.felineleukemia.org/hope.html I have been in contact with Dr. Thomas (she's on another list I frequent) and she feels it can be effective. I can't recall why I didn't choose to try LTCI, but I know there was a reason. Probably that I couldn't find any real evidence that it helped. Although the link on the website says it's only available thru a Vet, that's not true. http://www.revivalanimal.com/ImmunoRegulin-EqStim.html And it's about half the price. But, I keep it at the Vet's, because it has to be given IV, and that's tough to do by yourself. You might want to check into a second opinion, maybe find a Vet that is willing to be more proactive. Most Vet's don't seem to know much about FeLV, and often advise euthanasia. It may be that they've found caregivers unwilling to treat.I've found that having a Vet who is at least willing to try things is a game-changer. Mine has allowed me to keepcertain antibiotics and anantiviralon hand to deal with possible problems quickly, before they can get a hold. Wishing you both the best, Margo .Original Message- From: Daniella Leifer <dh_lei...@yahoo.com>Sent: Feb 7, 2014 6:56 PM To: "felvtalk@felineleukemia.org" <FELVTALK@FELINELEUKEMIA.ORG>Subject: [Felvtalk] LTCI treatment experience? Hello,I'm considering doing this somewhat new lymphocyte t-cell immune modulator, LTCI, treatment for my FeLV kitty who's recently taken a turn for the worse - she's lethargic, decreased appetite, etc. I'm assuming that if I do nothing, she'll die in a few days or weeks (I'm sad because she seemed fine like a week ago, and I only noticed this change in her behavior about 2 days ago). I brought her to a vet today who basically said to give her palliative care until she dies, but then I did some google searching when I got home and found info about LTCI (I didn't even know it existed until literally this afternoon). I'd love to hear about people's experiences with it, and whether you've had success? My kitty was a stray and I'm 99% sure she got it when she was a kitten, or was maybe even born with it. I am not going to do intensive treatments like feeding tubes and stuff like that, that seems too traumatic and I'd rather she have a peaceful exit. But if she can be helped by one little shot per month, that seems do-able. thank you,Daniella ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] LTCI treatment experience?
I have also used immunoregulin successfully, but for bad upper respiratory infections, for which it worked amazingly. It does not, to my knowledge, stimulate white or red blood cell production, just stimulates general immune response (I think B cells? or T cells?) So I think I would choose which one to use based on what the problem actually is, from blood work etc. Michelle -Original Message- From: Margo toomanykitti...@earthlink.net To: felvtalk felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Sat, Feb 8, 2014 7:21 am Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] LTCI treatment experience? Hi Daniella, I'm sorry to hear that your FurKid is declining. What is she currently getting, treatment wise? I have mine on interferon and DMG. For when they start to show symptoms again, I have ImmunoRegulin at my Vets, It's been there almost a year. http://www.felineleukemia.org/hope.html I have been in contact with Dr. Thomas (she's on another list I frequent) and she feels it can be effective. I can't recall why I didn't choose to try LTCI, but I know there was a reason. Probably that I couldn't find any real evidence that it helped. Although the link on the website says it's only available thru a Vet, that's not true. http://www.revivalanimal.com/ImmunoRegulin-EqStim.html And it's about half the price. But, I keep it at the Vet's, because it has to be given IV, and that's tough to do by yourself. You might want to check into a second opinion, maybe find a Vet that is willing to be more proactive. Most Vet's don't seem to know much about FeLV, and often advise euthanasia. It may be that they've found caregivers unwilling to treat. I've found that having a Vet who is at least willing to try things is a game-changer. Mine has allowed me to keep certain antibiotics and an antiviral on hand to deal with possible problems quickly, before they can get a hold. Wishing you both the best, Margo .Original Message- From: Daniella Leifer Sent: Feb 7, 2014 6:56 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: [Felvtalk] LTCI treatment experience? Hello, I'm considering doing this somewhat new lymphocyte t-cell immune modulator, LTCI, treatment for my FeLV kitty who's recently taken a turn for the worse - she's lethargic, decreased appetite, etc. I'm assuming that if I do nothing, she'll die in a few days or weeks (I'm sad because she seemed fine like a week ago, and I only noticed this change in her behavior about 2 days ago). I brought her to a vet today who basically said to give her palliative care until she dies, but then I did some google searching when I got home and found info about LTCI (I didn't even know it existed until literally this afternoon). I'd love to hear about people's experiences with it, and whether you've had success? My kitty was a stray and I'm 99% sure she got it when she was a kitten, or was maybe even born with it. I am not going to do intensive treatments like feeding tubes and stuff like that, that seems too traumatic and I'd rather she have a peaceful exit. But if she can be helped by one little shot per month, that seems do-able. thank you, Daniella ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] LTCI treatment experience?
HiMichelle, I certainly agree that a diagnosis is needed, and without that you're shooting in the dark. Didn't sound like her current Vet was on board for that. And yes,IR isjust touted as a general Immune system booster, not targeted at red or white cells. I was simply giving my experience, or rather, lack there-of. I'm choosing the IR as my "rescue" protocol, at least for now. Margo -Original Message- From: lernermiche...@aol.com Sent: Feb 8, 2014 8:24 AM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] LTCI treatment experience? I have also used immunoregulin successfully, but for bad upper respiratory infections, for which it worked amazingly. It does not, to my knowledge, stimulate white or red blood cell production, just stimulates general immune response (I think B cells? or T cells?) So I think I would choose which one to use based on what the problem actually is, from blood work etc.Michelle-Original Message-From: Margo <toomanykitti...@earthlink.net>To: felvtalk <FELVTALK@FELINELEUKEMIA.ORG>Sent: Sat, Feb 8, 2014 7:21 amSubject: Re: [Felvtalk] LTCI treatment experience?Hi Daniella,I'm sorry to hear that your FurKid is declining. What is she currently getting, treatment wise? I have mine on interferon and DMG. For when they start to show symptoms again, I have ImmunoRegulin at my Vets, It's been there almost a year.http://www.felineleukemia.org/hope.htmlI have been in contact with Dr. Thomas (she's on another list I frequent) and she feels it can be effective. I can't recall why I didn't choose to try LTCI, but I know there was a reason. Probably that I couldn't find any real evidence that it helped.Although the link on the website says it's only available thru a Vet, that's not true.http://www.revivalanimal.com/ImmunoRegulin-EqStim.htmlAnd it's about half the price. But, I keep it at the Vet's, because it has to be given IV, and that's tough to do by yourself. You might want to check into a second opinion, maybe find a Vet that is willing to be more proactive. Most Vet's don't seem to know much about FeLV, and often advise euthanasia. It may be that they've found caregivers unwilling to treat. I've found that having a Vet who is at least willing to try things is a game-changer. Mine has allowed me to keep certain antibiotics and an antiviral on hand to deal with possible problems quickly, before they can get a hold.Wishing you both the best,Margo.Original Message- From: Daniella Leifer Sent: Feb 7, 2014 6:56 PM To: "felvtalk@felineleukemia.org" Subject: [Felvtalk] LTCI treatment experience? Hello,I'm considering doing this somewhat new lymphocyte t-cell immune modulator, LTCI, treatment for my FeLV kitty who's recently taken a turn for the worse - she's lethargic, decreased appetite, etc. I'm assuming that if I do nothing, she'll die in a few days or weeks (I'm sad because she seemed fine like a week ago, and I only noticed this change in her behavior about 2 days ago). I brought her to a vet today who basically said to give her palliative care until she dies, but then I did some google searching when I got home and found info about LTCI (I didn't even know it existed until literally this afternoon). I'd love to hear about people's experiences with it, and whether you've had success? My kitty was a stray and I'm 99% sure she got it when she was a kitten, or was maybe even born with it. I am not going to do intensive treatments like feeding tubes and stuff like that, that seems too traumatic and I'd rather she have a peaceful exit. But if she can be helped by one little shot per month, that seems do-able. thank you,Daniella___Felvtalk mailing listFelvtalk@felineleukemia.orghttp://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] LTCI treatment experience?
I agree, was just trying to clarify the differences for her, as they are not for the same things. Sorry if it sounded different. Michelle -Original Message- From: Margo toomanykitti...@earthlink.net To: felvtalk felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Sat, Feb 8, 2014 9:16 am Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] LTCI treatment experience? Hi Michelle, I certainly agree that a diagnosis is needed, and without that you're shooting in the dark. Didn't sound like her current Vet was on board for that. And yes, IR is just touted as a general Immune system booster, not targeted at red or white cells. I was simply giving my experience, or rather, lack there-of. I'm choosing the IR as my rescue protocol, at least for now. Margo -Original Message- From: lernermiche...@aol.com Sent: Feb 8, 2014 8:24 AM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] LTCI treatment experience? I have also used immunoregulin successfully, but for bad upper respiratory infections, for which it worked amazingly. It does not, to my knowledge, stimulate white or red blood cell production, just stimulates general immune response (I think B cells? or T cells?) So I think I would choose which one to use based on what the problem actually is, from blood work etc. Michelle -Original Message- From: Margo To: felvtalk Sent: Sat, Feb 8, 2014 7:21 am Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] LTCI treatment experience? Hi Daniella, I'm sorry to hear that your FurKid is declining. What is she currently getting, treatment wise? I have mine on interferon and DMG. For when they start to show symptoms again, I have ImmunoRegulin at my Vets, It's been there almost a year. http://www.felineleukemia.org/hope.html I have been in contact with Dr. Thomas (she's on another list I frequent) and she feels it can be effective. I can't recall why I didn't choose to try LTCI, but I know there was a reason. Probably that I couldn't find any real evidence that it helped. Although the link on the website says it's only available thru a Vet, that's not true. http://www.revivalanimal.com/ImmunoRegulin-EqStim.html And it's about half the price. But, I keep it at the Vet's, because it has to be given IV, and that's tough to do by yourself. You might want to check into a second opinion, maybe find a Vet that is willing to be more proactive. Most Vet's don't seem to know much about FeLV, and often advise euthanasia. It may be that they've found caregivers unwilling to treat. I've found that having a Vet who is at least willing to try things is a game-changer. Mine has allowed me to keep certain antibiotics and an antiviral on hand to deal with possible problems quickly, before they can get a hold. Wishing you both the best, Margo .Original Message- From: Daniella Leifer Sent: Feb 7, 2014 6:56 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: [Felvtalk] LTCI treatment experience? Hello, I'm considering doing this somewhat new lymphocyte t-cell immune modulator, LTCI, treatment for my FeLV kitty who's recently taken a turn for the worse - she's lethargic, decreased appetite, etc. I'm assuming that if I do nothing, she'll die in a few days or weeks (I'm sad because she seemed fine like a week ago, and I only noticed this change in her behavior about 2 days ago). I brought her to a vet today who basically said to give her palliative care until she dies, but then I did some google searching when I got home and found info about LTCI (I didn't even know it existed until literally this afternoon). I'd love to hear about people's experiences with it, and whether you've had success? My kitty was a stray and I'm 99% sure she got it when she was a kitten, or was maybe even born with it. I am not going to do intensive treatments like feeding tubes and stuff like that, that seems too traumatic and I'd rather she have a peaceful exit. But if she can be helped by one little shot per month, that seems do-able. thank you, Daniella ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
[Felvtalk] LTCI treatment experience?
Hello, I'm considering doing this somewhat new lymphocyte t-cell immune modulator, LTCI, treatment for my FeLV kitty who's recently taken a turn for the worse - she's lethargic, decreased appetite, etc. I'm assuming that if I do nothing, she'll die in a few days or weeks (I'm sad because she seemed fine like a week ago, and I only noticed this change in her behavior about 2 days ago). I brought her to a vet today who basically said to give her palliative care until she dies, but then I did some google searching when I got home and found info about LTCI (I didn't even know it existed until literally this afternoon). I'd love to hear about people's experiences with it, and whether you've had success? My kitty was a stray and I'm 99% sure she got it when she was a kitten, or was maybe even born with it. I am not going to do intensive treatments like feeding tubes and stuff like that, that seems too traumatic and I'd rather she have a peaceful exit. But if she can be helped by one little shot per month, that seems do-able. thank you, Daniella___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] LTCI treatment experience?
Daniella, I have used LTCI, but it's hard to answer your question because you do not say what your cat has been diagnosed with, and honestly it sounds like she has not been diagnosed with anything but FeLV, which is not what usually actually makes them sick. FeLV is just a very suppressed immune system. It can lead to many different diseases, from lymphoma to infections to primary anemia. There are treatments available for all of these things (though when effective usually only for a limited time, unless it's a basic infection that can be cured with antibiotics). But it really depends on getting an actual diagnosis, which means blood work and possibly x-rays or ultrasound depending on the blood work. If your vet is just saying it's the FeLV, I would take her to a different vet, preferably an internist, and find out what is actually wrong. I used LTCI successfully for my FIV+ cat when he had very low white blood cell counts. I gave it once/week for a month and then less frequently and it raised his white blood cell count quite a bit. It apparently can also help primary anemia (red blood cell count low) when it is severe. But it is not going to help cancer (steroids and/or chemo might for a few months though). It might help fight an infection, by raising the white blood cell production, but antibiotics would also be necessary. It is understandable if you do not want to do anything very invasive or expensive if it will not give her more time. But treating an infection is worthwhile if that is what she has. If she has lymphoma, just putting her on high dose of prednisone or dexamethasone, which are steroids, is cheap and does not make them feel bad, it makes them feel good, and can give them weeks or months of feeling relatively ok. If it's dry FIP, there are new medications that have cured some cats (though I don't know if FeLV+), and high doses of steroids can help with quality of life for a while. But you don't want to give steroids if it's an infection. So if the problem is low white blood cell counts and an infection, I would recommend LTCI. Also I would try it if red blood cell anemia is severe and appears to come from the bone marrow shutting down from the virus rather than from cancer or an auto-immune reaction to something. But I would find out what the problem actually is first, and go from there. At least do blood work. Michelle -Original Message- From: Daniella Leifer dh_lei...@yahoo.com To: felvtalk felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Fri, Feb 7, 2014 6:57 pm Subject: [Felvtalk] LTCI treatment experience? Hello, I'm considering doing this somewhat new lymphocyte t-cell immune modulator, LTCI, treatment for my FeLV kitty who's recently taken a turn for the worse - she's lethargic, decreased appetite, etc. I'm assuming that if I do nothing, she'll die in a few days or weeks (I'm sad because she seemed fine like a week ago, and I only noticed this change in her behavior about 2 days ago). I brought her to a vet today who basically said to give her palliative care until she dies, but then I did some google searching when I got home and found info about LTCI (I didn't even know it existed until literally this afternoon). I'd love to hear about people's experiences with it, and whether you've had success? My kitty was a stray and I'm 99% sure she got it when she was a kitten, or was maybe even born with it. I am not going to do intensive treatments like feeding tubes and stuff like that, that seems too traumatic and I'd rather she have a peaceful exit. But if she can be helped by one little shot per month, that seems do-able. thank you, Daniella ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] LTCI treatment experience?
Just to drive my point home, my double positive (FeLV+ and FIV+) cat Patches got very lethargic and sick and my local vet, who had just seen one of my other positive cats die of FIP, told me it was probably FIP. But he did blood work and she turned out to be diabetic and was ketotic from it not being treated. I took her to an internist at a hospital and she was hospitalized for 3 days on fluids and insulin, and they got her regulated and back to normal. We tested her urine and gave her a low dose of insulin twice/day for a long time, a couple years I think. She then got hyperthyroidism and needed medication for that too. But she was really fat and happy and energetic. She then eventually got lymphoma, but even then we caught it early and she responded really well to chemo for a while and was really happy still. But then she stopped responding to the chemo and it was the lymphoma that killed her. But she was 9 years old at that point and would have died a lot earlier if we had assumed it was her FeLV every time she got sick and not looked for the actual problem and treated it. Of my other 5 positives, 3 got lymphoma and the other 2 got FIP. That is what killed them. Not the FeLV, though the FeLV is probably why they got lymphoma and FIP. Michelle -Original Message- From: lernermichelle lernermiche...@aol.com To: felvtalk felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Fri, Feb 7, 2014 9:26 pm Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] LTCI treatment experience? Daniella, I have used LTCI, but it's hard to answer your question because you do not say what your cat has been diagnosed with, and honestly it sounds like she has not been diagnosed with anything but FeLV, which is not what usually actually makes them sick. FeLV is just a very suppressed immune system. It can lead to many different diseases, from lymphoma to infections to primary anemia. There are treatments available for all of these things (though when effective usually only for a limited time, unless it's a basic infection that can be cured with antibiotics). But it really depends on getting an actual diagnosis, which means blood work and possibly x-rays or ultrasound depending on the blood work. If your vet is just saying it's the FeLV, I would take her to a different vet, preferably an internist, and find out what is actually wrong. I used LTCI successfully for my FIV+ cat when he had very low white blood cell counts. I gave it once/week for a month and then less frequently and it raised his white blood cell count quite a bit. It apparently can also help primary anemia (red blood cell count low) when it is severe. But it is not going to help cancer (steroids and/or chemo might for a few months though). It might help fight an infection, by raising the white blood cell production, but antibiotics would also be necessary. It is understandable if you do not want to do anything very invasive or expensive if it will not give her more time. But treating an infection is worthwhile if that is what she has. If she has lymphoma, just putting her on high dose of prednisone or dexamethasone, which are steroids, is cheap and does not make them feel bad, it makes them feel good, and can give them weeks or months of feeling relatively ok. If it's dry FIP, there are new medications that have cured some cats (though I don't know if FeLV+), and high doses of steroids can help with quality of life for a while. But you don't want to give steroids if it's an infection. So if the problem is low white blood cell counts and an infection, I would recommend LTCI. Also I would try it if red blood cell anemia is severe and appears to come from the bone marrow shutting down from the virus rather than from cancer or an auto-immune reaction to something. But I would find out what the problem actually is first, and go from there. At least do blood work. Michelle -Original Message- From: Daniella Leifer dh_lei...@yahoo.com To: felvtalk felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Fri, Feb 7, 2014 6:57 pm Subject: [Felvtalk] LTCI treatment experience? Hello, I'm considering doing this somewhat new lymphocyte t-cell immune modulator, LTCI, treatment for my FeLV kitty who's recently taken a turn for the worse - she's lethargic, decreased appetite, etc. I'm assuming that if I do nothing, she'll die in a few days or weeks (I'm sad because she seemed fine like a week ago, and I only noticed this change in her behavior about 2 days ago). I brought her to a vet today who basically said to give her palliative care until she dies, but then I did some google searching when I got home and found info about LTCI (I didn't even know it existed until literally this afternoon). I'd love to hear about people's experiences with it, and whether you've had success? My kitty was a stray and I'm 99% sure she got it when she was a kitten, or was maybe even born with it. I am not going to do intensive treatments like feeding tubes and stuff