Hi, everyone: OK - I guess this is where I should come in and explain about what happened to me, based on the note below:
If anyone can remember, about 3 1/2 yrs ago, Eliot Spitty, was diagnosed by the ELISA test to be FeLV positive. I couldn't find him a home, so I found another positive cat for him after 2 years of him being all alone (they became close buddies almost overnight). After I joined the group, I learned about the IFA test, had them both tested in June, they were negative. I introduced them to the rest of the cats (I operate a cat rescue group from our home). Eliot died of renal failure in September (euthanized), and Mr. Tux being such a snuggle bunny, was adopted three weeks ago to a home where another cat was adopted from me over 10 years ago. A week ago, Mr. Tux started losing appetite, and developed 105 temperature. The woman's sister is a veterinarian, knowing his history, she immediately tested him ELISA & IFA - both were positive, and his virus is already in his bone marrow. They are heartbroken because their 7-yr old daughter and Mr. Tux fell in love at first sight - he slept under her arm, the other cat, Riley, at her side. The cats were friendly, but not close (but as we know, FeLV is a very sneaky virus). They will have to test Riley in about 5 weeks, Mr. Tux went to live with the vet who has a real animal-loving 3-yr old and a dog (Mr. Tux likes dogs). Bottom line is: All my cats have been exposed to Eliot and Mr. Tux since mid-June. Since the youngest and oldest or not-so-healthy cats are at most risk, I started with our 6-month old Hammie who was only 5 weeks old when he came to us. We also tested a cat that had to have another blood tests for his ongoing renal problem - both were NEGATIVE! However, little Hammie has a 1045.2 temperature, yet was exposed to Mr. Tux long enough to have shown reliable results. Hammie had an episode of unknown origin in September, of 104.4 temperature. I will test the youngest ones first, then the oldest and weakest. The "middle class" will come last. I don't know what the results will be, I hope that they're all OK - but if it isn't, I am already doing research into natural things, changing their diets (even if it means I have to cook for them). I am re-reading Anitra Frazier's The New Natural Cat and Dr. Pitcairn's Natural Health for Dogs and Cats - have had the books for years. Will also check out my Nicholas Dodd The Cat that Cried for Help, maybe there's some advice ion there. The more I read about the tests, the more it becomes obvious that even if the IFA comes back negative after a positive ELISA, it only means that the virus just isn't in the bone marrow yet. If the cat tests positive on ELISA and negative on a follow-up ELISA, then the cat is negative. Unless, of course, the ELISA was a false positive, and again a false positive, which I assume can also happen - there are so many variables, and it's a shame that so many false positives occur, and so many vets tell people to euthanize their cats just because they have tested positive. I have privately sent some info I found to the other two who have reported cats diagnosed with FeLV, too large to send to this group. I will send it to Lee as well. I am keeping my hopes up that my household won't become a FeLV clinic.. Natalie =^..^=
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