Re: Diagnosed Today
I've been away for a week, but I'm sure you've had lots of suggestions. You might consider seeing a holistic vet. My cat got very sick with a URI when first diagnosed. We used immunoregulin, interferon, and lots of vitamins and things prescribed by the holistic vet. She got better and lived about 6 more years.tonya[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: 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
Oh yes, nothing wrong with steroids for treating anemia - that's what Spaz had, too, but I think the prednisolone injection is more effective than just the tablets, which is what I thought was being used in this case. I also feel like using pred before anemia has even been diagnosed while a cat is definitely trying to fight other illnesses is not necessarily the best course of action. Kris http://www.spazstory.zoomshare.com - Original Message - From: Belinda [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Tuesday, June 13, 2006 8:59 PM Subject: Re: Diagnosed Today Hi, It depends on what is causing the anemia, Bailey was getting high doses of pred along with epogen to fight his anemia. this is not good as pred is an immune suppressant, not to mention I don't think it is necessarily the best way of handling anemia -- 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: Diagnosed Today
Yes, if the anemia is caused by lymphoma, leukemia the cancer, or an auto-immune response, steroids are one of the best things to use and are actually necessary. Michelle In a message dated 6/13/2006 9:00:10 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Hi, It depends on what is causing the anemia, Bailey was getting high doses of pred along with epogen to fight his anemia. this is not good as pred is an immune suppressant, not to mention I don't think it is necessarily the best way of handling anemia
Diagnosed Today
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
Talk to your vet about low dose oral interferon. Also, I don't unnderstand the prednisone. This can hinder immune system functioning and make it harder for him to kick a cold. Baytril can be harsh on a cat's system too. I think I'd probably wean him off the pred and look at Zithromax instead of baytril. Also, I would be adding Transfer Factor to his food to help immune system functioning.Also, please realize that your vet could be very wrong. I had someone adopt a special needs kitten from me last year after her FeLV+ cat passed away. Her vet had suggested euthanizing that cat and she chose to ignoree him. The cat was 12 or 13 when it finally passed away.It wouldn't hurt to have Timmy tested again. If he is still negative, get him vaccinated. (Though I think I'd be looking for a different vet first.)[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: 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
Talk to your vet about low dose oral interferon. Also, I don't unnderstand the prednisone. This can hinder immune system functioning and make it harder for him to kick a cold. Baytril can be harsh on a cat's system too. I think I'd probably wean him off the pred and look at Zithromax instead of baytril. Also, I would be adding Transfer Factor to his food to help immune system functioning.Also, please realize that your vet could be very wrong. I had someone adopt a special needs kitten from me last year after her FeLV+ cat passed away. Her vet had suggested euthanizing that cat and she chose to ignoree him. The cat was 12 or 13 when it finally passed away.It wouldn't hurt to have Timmy tested again. If he is still negative, get him vaccinated. (Though I think I'd be looking for a different vet first.)[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: 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
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
Anyone know where I can purchase lysine in powder form? I am so tired of grinding up pills. Thanks Karen
Re: Diagnosed Today
Lisa, You may need to change vets, as many of us have had to do. There are positive cats on this list who have lived as long as 14. Though that is not the norm, many of us have had positives live to 5, 6, or longer. I am always afraid of jinxing mine, but I have a 5 year old and a 6 year old right now, and lost Ginger in February, who was close to 7. One of my others lived to 5. You need a vet who realizes that positives can live a lot longer than they used to teach in vet school, with the proper care, and who is willing to investigate medical options for you. As far as Chester's health right now, I have two suggestions. As far as his fever and cold go, I highly, highly recommend that you give him Immuno-Regulin shots for a while. There is an article about it on the www.felineleukemia.org website (though the dosage it recommends, 1 ml at a time, is double what many people use). I have had great success with it getting rid of upper respiratory infections in a few doses, as have others on this list. The other thing that could be going on, given your report of his lethargy, is anemia. Many positives get bad anemia, which makes them weak. It is caused by various things, from cancer in the bone marrow to auto-immune reactions to kidney problems to an infectious parasite called hemobartonella. You should get his blood count taken and, if he is anemic, get a vet to investigate why. If he has lymphoma, a cancer to which positives are probe, steroids and chemotherapy can help a whole lot (it is not as harsh on them as the chemo humans get, and tends to make them feel better). If it is hemobartonella, he needs an antibiotic. For most other causes of anemia, he needs steroids and potentially a drug called Epogen that helps them build up their red blood cells. Several people on this list have brought cats back from very severe anemia with combinations of Epogen, steroids, and also Immuno-Regulin, which helps with anemia as well, and antibiotics (doxicycline). The best thing is to go to a board-certified veterinary internist if you can. They are usually at big clinics, vet hospitals, and veterinary referral centers. Please keep us updated. Michelle In a message dated 6/13/2006 12:54:42 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: 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
Re: Diagnosed Today
Look in a health food store or online for Lysine in capsules. It comes that way, and you can open the capsules and use the powder. Michelle In a message dated 6/13/2006 1:14:14 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Anyone know where I can purchase lysine in powder form? I am so tired of grinding up pills. Thanks Karen
Re: Diagnosed Today
Hi Lisa, Take a look at the responses to Maggie's posts, Off antibiotics, it seems like they will apply to you guys as well. I completely agree that separating Timmy and Chester at this point doesn't make any sense. I would have Timmy tested, just so you know. Did you have him tested/vaccinated for felv in the past? If you did, there is a very good chance that he's still negative. I'd find myself a new vet right away. So many regular GP type vets have no idea, or the inclination, to keep a felv kitty healthy. You need to find an Internist, someone that is more familiar with the secondary illness that felv kitties have such a hard time with because of their weakened immune systems. Felv doesn't actually make them sick, but because of it, you can't take a wait and see approach when they don't feel well. Kittens are more susceptible to the disease because they haven't developed a strong enough immune system to fight it off when exposed. From what you say about his living conditions, it would appear that Chester got felv from his mother. There is a chance that Timmy is actually the carrier, another good reason to have him tested. It's good news that he's still eating and his digestive system is okay. Did the vet tell you anything about what he suspects is making him feel ill, (besides the fact that he's tested pos). You need to pinpoint the secondary illness that's making him sick in order to treat it. Are his gums pink, or do they look pale? Is he licking strange things like cement? We just discussed signs of anemia on the list, you might want to look through the archives for ideas about what's going on with Chester. I'm so sorry Chester isn't feeling well, but I'm so glad you found us. I can hear in your words how much you love him, Using the word we about testing positive says it all. There is every reason to hope that you've caught his symptoms early enough to help him pull through whatever's going on. I certainly will be praying that is the case. Get him to someone that understands that a positive test result is no reason to give up on him. Please let us know what you find out. We all understand what you're going through, and we're here to help support you, Chester and Timmy in any way we can. Keep your chin up, Nina [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: 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
Has Chester had blood work to see if there is something else going on? Also sometimes positives need to stay on the anitibiotics longer than a cat with a healthy immune system. I really think blood work should be done specifically checking for anemia. Check his gums and see if they look pale, they should be nice and pink. -- 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: Diagnosed Today
Hi Karen, I get my lysine here, I get the capsules and just open them and sprinkle on food but they also sell the powder form. http://www.papanature.com/store/ProductsList.aspx?c=Herbscid=l_lysine Here is the powder specifically, 1 pound for $9.56 http://www.papanature.com/store/ProductDetails.aspx?c=Herbspid=NOW-00240 -- 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: Diagnosed Today
PS. That size would last forever since you would just use a pinch twice a day. -- 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: 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
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: Diagnosed Today
Karen I had bought mine from my vet when Maizee needed it[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Anyone know where I can purchase lysine in powder form? I am so tired of grinding up pills. Thanks Karen __Do You Yahoo!?Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
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: Diagnosed Today
Wow I pais almost 30 dollars for a small container,but it lasted a whileBelinda [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi Karen,I get my lysine here, I get the capsules and just open them and sprinkle on food but they also sell the powder form.http://www.papanature.com/store/ProductsList.aspx?c=Herbscid=l_lysineHere is the powder specifically, 1 pound for $9.56http://www.papanature.com/store/ProductDetails.aspx?c=Herbspid=NOW-00240-- Belindahappiness is being owned by cats ...Be-Mi-Kittieshttp://bemikitties.comPost Adoptable FeLV/FIV/FIP Cats/Kittenshttp://adopt.bemikitties.comFeLV Candlelight Servicehttp://bemikitties.com/clsHostDesign4U.com [affordable hosting web design]http://HostDesign4U.comBMK Designs [non-profit animals websites]http://bmk.bemikitties.com __Do You Yahoo!?Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
Re: Diagnosed Today
The lethargy could be a sign of anemia - check his gums, or tongue, if that's easier - but it could also be that he just doesn't feel well with the fever. Usually if they get too anemic, they won't eat but will eat or lick unusual things like litter. Baytril is a good antibiotic, and I think your vet is giving pred in relation to thoughts of anemia, but with his current illness, this is not good as pred is an immune suppressant, not to mention I don't think it is necessarily the best way of handling anemia. I would switch vets to someone who has a more positive outlook on felv cats, get some blood drawn to check RBC/PCV for anemia and other vital stats, and go from there. I have seen internists suggested a lot on this site as well. Make sure he is getting the proper dosage and is on the antibiotic long enough. + cats may need to be on meds for extended times. My cat Spaz wasn't diagnosed 'til age 8, and she's almost 14 now. She had two severe rounds with anemia and one bad URI (hospitalized for 9 days), but she's been doing great for over 2 years now. So hopefully that gives you some positivity :) I can assure you everyone on this list will be pulling for you! Kris http://www.spazstory.zoomshare.com - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Tuesday, June 13, 2006 2:11 PM Subject: Diagnosed Today 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
Hi, It depends on what is causing the anemia, Bailey was getting high doses of pred along with epogen to fight his anemia. this is not good as pred is an immune suppressant, not to mention I don't think it is necessarily the best way of handling anemia -- 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
