Re: Vaccinating kittens of unknown status against FeLV?
Poor baby Sox. It's so painful when a little one dies. Consciousness is Causal and Physicality is its Manifestation. On Aug 2, 2007, at 11:11 AM, Malone wrote: I was told I didn’t need to test anymore by my vet that Sox was healthy, and he was vaccinated. I wish I had waited until he was a few weeks older, tested him, and then I would have known. He died at 9 months, and he had been vaccinated. His mother had FeLV, but at the time I didn’t know. She was a feral that wasn’t caught until the month after he died. All his litter mates died as well. I really still know nothing about this virus other than the fact it is heart wrenching to see a beloved pet die. I will always test. Now my baby boy, who has been vaccinated, has contracted the virus. He is healthy, and I try to learn from people here how to keep him healthy.
Re: Vaccinating kittens of unknown status against FeLV?
Do every thing you can to strengthen his immune system--really good food and supplements. Then see an alternative vet to supplement your regular vet's advise. 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: Taylor Scobie Humphrey To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Monday, August 06, 2007 4:33 PM Subject: Re: Vaccinating kittens of unknown status against FeLV? Poor baby Sox. It's so painful when a little one dies. Consciousness is Causal and Physicality is its Manifestation. On Aug 2, 2007, at 11:11 AM, Malone wrote: I was told I didn’t need to test anymore by my vet that Sox was healthy, and he was vaccinated. I wish I had waited until he was a few weeks older, tested him, and then I would have known. He died at 9 months, and he had been vaccinated. His mother had FeLV, but at the time I didn’t know. She was a feral that wasn’t caught until the month after he died. All his litter mates died as well. I really still know nothing about this virus other than the fact it is heart wrenching to see a beloved pet die. I will always test. Now my baby boy, who has been vaccinated, has contracted the virus. He is healthy, and I try to learn from people here how to keep him healthy.
Re: Vaccinating kittens of unknown status against FeLV?
In my opinion I would vaccinate. My positives were vaccinated before testing positive and it did them no harm. There is always a chance that you might pick up a stray cat and bring it home and then your cats would not be vaccinated. I do not re-vaccinate except every 3 years, but I do start out with the 2 vaccines. I think the vaccine has been proven by those on this list to do more good than harm. I do not worry at all about mixing a positive cat with my vaccinated cats. tonya Jane Lyons [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Cassandra My vet thinks that many of the health problems that both cats and dogs are facing is the result of over vaccination. I would not vaccinate such young cats, and I would research the Felk vaccine before I would ever consider it for basically indoor cats. The Felk vaccination is still controversial and vets at the University of Penn do not consider it safe. Google over vaccination of dogs and cats and check out the published research by the University of Colorado and Penn, and Dr Ronald Schultz and Dr. Jean Dodds. Jane On Jul 31, 2007, at 5:16 PM, HIDEYO YAMAMOTO wrote: Felv vaccination is NOT standard - my vet never recommend to kitties who are low risk as Felk vaccines will have a potential side effects -- and do not give all the vaccines simultaneoulsy, it's too much for a kitten, and always use killed vaccines and not modifies version. It's standard -- it's easy money generating thing for a vet clinic - If a kitty goes outside, felk vaccine is considerend, but I hope you will wait a little longer - to give it to them.. also, need to give it separately from the time you give other vaccines -- - Original Message - From: Susan Dubose To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Tuesday, July 31, 2007 2:45 PM Subject: Re: Vaccinating kittens of unknown status against FeLV? I would always test prior to vaccinating. But that is just me. Susan J. DuBose ^..^ www.PetGirlsPetsitting.com www.Tx.SiameseRescue.org www.shadowcats.net As Cleopatra lay in state, Faithful Bast at her side did wait, Purring welcomes of soft applause, Ever guarding with sharpened claws. Trajan Tennent - Original Message - From: C J To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Tuesday, July 31, 2007 2:55 PM Subject: Vaccinating kittens of unknown status against FeLV? I adopted two kittens from a farm who are 8 weeks old right now. They are scheduled to go in for their vaccinations at 10 weeks, and the clinic mentioned that the FeLV vaccination is standard now. I asked if they should be tested first to make sure they don't have FeLV, and they said it didn't matter. I am wondering what your opinions are on this. I don't know if these kittens have ever been exposed, but I do know that 10 weeks is too soon to reliably test for the virus. Is it safe to go ahead and vaccinate, not knowing if they are infected or not? I'm not even positive I want that vaccine, but it may be a good idea. The kittens will eventually be able to go outside in chain-link enclosure that we've built, so it is unlikely they will have contact with other cats, but its always possible some contact could occur through the fence. We live outside of the city now, but there are a few cats belonging to neighbours that wander through from time to time (they mostly stay out of the yard due to our dog). Cassandra
Re: Vaccinating kittens of unknown status against FeLV?
Hi guys, Yesterday I took my two sibling kittens in for their second feline leukemia vaccination. My little poly guys I got out of Arizona...They had their first vacination June 30th... Anyway, I had not had them tested before their first vaccination, because their mother tested negative and they had been kept away from other cats...I want to trust that they were before I got them. Their foster mom told me she kept them in her bathroom with their mother, while they were still nursing. Things do happen, but I also felt they were too young to subject to a test before I got them at roughly 8-weeks of age. I vaccinated them for the first time at about 11-weeks and the second at 15-weeks. There are a lot of people out there that probably think I was very wrong, but I do believe in vaccinating, especially now more than ever ,because I have one FeLV+ kitty in our family of seven kitties. I do keep her completely isolated. I NEVER let her mix. There have been times she has touched noses through a screen or crack in the door... with one of my vaccinated cats...I wash my hands a lot...the whole thing...She is only allowed outside with me while I'm working in my yard or she stays in her room. My cats have always been vaccinated and in the past, have always been boostered every year. I do realize, as a group, we know more than any vet out there, but yesterday, I told my vet some of you guys believed a FeLV vaccination might make a negative cat test positive. She said that could not happen ,because it is a killed virus... I think people are getting mixed up with the FIV vaccine ,which does make a negative cat test positive. I also have a hard time believing, if your cat is positive and you vaccinate, it could kick the disease into gear...I think I ran that past my vet ,but she just did not know ,but I'm sure she is doubtful. Yesterday I had put my little boy kitty, of the pair down to be tested, but after discussing things with the vet and vet tech, thinking is was a slim to nonexistant chance my guys could be positive, I have decided to wait. I eventually will have everyone tested... At one time or another everyone has been tested, except my 12-13 year old...He has been with me all those years and vaccinated...but he has been indoor/outdoor. I , of course feel nervous and scared or I'm sure I would have done the tests already...I have not recovered from the news on my recently addition, Gracie, testing positive...As most of us know and have experienced it is gut wrenching when that test comes back positive...Your heart falls out of your chest, to put it mildly...Because we are only human, not perfect, I think too, we all have our favorie cats...For a favorite , most adored, I can only imagine...Everyone have a good day! Glenda --- catatonya [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: In my opinion I would vaccinate. My positives were vaccinated before testing positive and it did them no harm. There is always a chance that you might pick up a stray cat and bring it home and then your cats would not be vaccinated. I do not re-vaccinate except every 3 years, but I do start out with the 2 vaccines. I think the vaccine has been proven by those on this list to do more good than harm. I do not worry at all about mixing a positive cat with my vaccinated cats. tonya Jane Lyons [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Cassandra My vet thinks that many of the health problems that both cats and dogs are facing is the result of over vaccination. I would not vaccinate such young cats, and I would research the Felk vaccine before I would ever consider it for basically indoor cats. The Felk vaccination is still controversial and vets at the University of Penn do not consider it safe. Google over vaccination of dogs and cats and check out the published research by the University of Colorado and Penn, and Dr Ronald Schultz and Dr. Jean Dodds. Jane On Jul 31, 2007, at 5:16 PM, HIDEYO YAMAMOTO wrote: Felv vaccination is NOT standard - my vet never recommend to kitties who are low risk as Felk vaccines will have a potential side effects -- and do not give all the vaccines simultaneoulsy, it's too much for a kitten, and always use killed vaccines and not modifies version. It's standard -- it's easy money generating thing for a vet clinic - If a kitty goes outside, felk vaccine is considerend, but I hope you will wait a little longer - to give it to them.. also, need to give it separately from the time you give other vaccines -- - Original Message - From: Susan Dubose To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Tuesday, July 31, 2007 2:45 PM Subject: Re: Vaccinating kittens of unknown status against FeLV? I would always test prior to vaccinating. But that is just me. Susan J. DuBose ^..^ www.PetGirlsPetsitting.com www.Tx.SiameseRescue.org www.shadowcats.net As Cleopatra lay in state
Re: Vaccinating kittens of unknown status against FeLV?
Anytime you vaccinate it stresses out the cat, for many reasons. Stress can lower the immune system even more. I never vaccinate my cats. Period. And they seem to have a better immune system for it. They have been exposed to RW and to many different virsuses from the city pound due to my pulling cats from our city pound, and have never became ill. Good diet, immune boosters, lots of hands on (petting, grooming, etc.) are key in my opinion. Susan J. DuBose ^..^ www.PetGirlsPetsitting.com www.Tx.SiameseRescue.org www.shadowcats.net As Cleopatra lay in state, Faithful Bast at her side did wait, Purring welcomes of soft applause, Ever guarding with sharpened claws. Trajan Tennent - Original Message - From: C J To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Tuesday, July 31, 2007 10:30 PM Subject: Re: Vaccinating kittens of unknown status against FeLV? Thank you all for your thoughts. I think I will tell the vet to wait on the FeLV vaccine, since its not necessary for them to have it right away. My two older cats have been retested, and still are showing negative on FeLV. I'm still unsure on the whole overvaccination issue, but i'm not yet comfortable with not giving any vaccinations at all. There are so many differing opinions on whether to give vaccinations. I'm thinking I will give them their first sets of shots, and that will be the end of the shots. The enclosure that we built is 6 feet high, but still needs to be reinforced before I let the kittens go in unsupervised. We will be putting a wire upsidedown U shape at the top, so that they will be unable to climb out. Since we fenced in a wild forrested area off our backyard, we also have to deal with some trees that are close to the fence...either cut them down or put plastic on their trunks to make them unclimable. Oh, and these are my kittens if anyone wishes to see them :) http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v43/Fyrwulf/?action=viewcurrent=SamiTiko2.jpg , Tiko is on the left and Sami is on the right. Cassandra
RE: Vaccinating kittens of unknown status against FeLV?
Cassandra, They are so so so cute!! I completely agree with everyone here! I wouldn't vaccinate. Plus, I'm not sure if anyone mentioned the risk of injection-site sarcomas which can result in leg amputation or death. I know it's a very small risk, but not one I'm willing to take for my kitties. Would anyone take that risk for their human children? Plus, I read somewhere that FeLV vaccine is only 80% effective anyway. Not sure how true the percentage is, but not worth the risk to the kitty (and stress) in my opinion. I have a kitten under a year old (or around a year), and I haven't vaccinated her for FeLV. I've had her tested twice though. I'm very happy for you and your new babies! How exciting for your family! Melissa _ From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of C J Sent: Tuesday, July 31, 2007 10:30 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: Vaccinating kittens of unknown status against FeLV? Thank you all for your thoughts. I think I will tell the vet to wait on the FeLV vaccine, since its not necessary for them to have it right away. My two older cats have been retested, and still are showing negative on FeLV. I'm still unsure on the whole overvaccination issue, but i'm not yet comfortable with not giving any vaccinations at all. There are so many differing opinions on whether to give vaccinations. I'm thinking I will give them their first sets of shots, and that will be the end of the shots. The enclosure that we built is 6 feet high, but still needs to be reinforced before I let the kittens go in unsupervised. We will be putting a wire upsidedown U shape at the top, so that they will be unable to climb out. Since we fenced in a wild forrested area off our backyard, we also have to deal with some trees that are close to the fence...either cut them down or put plastic on their trunks to make them unclimable. Oh, and these are my kittens if anyone wishes to see them :) http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v43/Fyrwulf/?action=view http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v43/Fyrwulf/?action=viewcurrent=SamiTiko 2.jpg current=SamiTiko2.jpg , Tiko is on the left and Sami is on the right. Cassandra - Original Message - From: wendy mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Tuesday, July 31, 2007 4:17 PM Subject: Re: Vaccinating kittens of unknown status against FeLV? Hi Cassandra, Congratulations on your two new additions to your family! They are so lucky to have you! As far as vaccines go, what are your reasons for vaccinating the kittens? Even if they do go outside, I don't know that much contact can be had through a chain link fence, although I could be very wrong. How tall is this fence? Is it possible they could jump it or outside cats could? Do you have that enclosure thing that goes around the top that keeps them from jumping the fence or climbing over? I would wait until they are older to do vaccinations, when you can test them for FeLV. I am of the mind that if they are indoors only, I don't vaccinate at all. I would really like to see research done on this issue. Some people have cats who were vaccinated but positive and often they live for several years versus those that die in the their kittenhood who were not vaccinated. It's just a hypothesis right now, but what if the vaccine actually does help? When I have time, I'm going to write the professor at AM and ask him about this and also about what percentage of anemia cases are attributable to hemobartonella. In the meantime, I would stick with not vaccinating a positive (or unknown positive) until we know better. :) Wendy Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world - indeed it is the only thing that ever has! ~~~ Margaret Meade ~~~ _ Take the Internet to Go: Yahoo!Go puts the Internet http://us.rd.yahoo.com/evt=48253/*http:/mobile.yahoo.com/go?refer=1GNXIC in your pocket: mail, news, photos more. _ No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.476 / Virus Database: 269.11.0/927 - Release Date: 7/30/2007 5:02 PM
Re: Vaccinating kittens of unknown status against FeLV?
VERY CUTE! They look like my Tiny (the blond one) and Junior (the orange one). Tiny died last year after being dx FELV positive. I am not sure his death was related to the virus it was a sudden respiratory arrest, he never appeared symptomatic. Junior is my other FELV kitty and is still doing well inspite of various problems. He gets immune boosters and I do belive they help. Thanks for sharing the cuties. This is the newest addition to my family. Although I am still looking for a home for her. Too many cats to keep separated. http://www.k6az.com/ki4spk/viewtopic.php?f=5t=40 I haven't named her yet. Sally -- Sally, Eric (not a cat),Junior, Speedy, Grey and White, Ittle Bitty, Little Black, Lily, Daisy, Silver, and Spike Visit my BB for some pictures post your as well. http://www.k6az.com/ki4spk/index.php?sid=c57c00cf5804ef13853ed6e77a68eed3
Re: Vaccinating kittens of unknown status against FeLV?
What a beauty! Look at those eyes! Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world - indeed it is the only thing that ever has! ~~~ Margaret Meade ~~~ - Original Message From: Sally Davis [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, August 1, 2007 8:00:42 AM Subject: Re: Vaccinating kittens of unknown status against FeLV? VERY CUTE! They look like my Tiny (the blond one) and Junior (the orange one). Tiny died last year after being dx FELV positive. I am not sure his death was related to the virus it was a sudden respiratory arrest, he never appeared symptomatic. Junior is my other FELV kitty and is still doing well inspite of various problems. He gets immune boosters and I do belive they help. Thanks for sharing the cuties. This is the newest addition to my family. Although I am still looking for a home for her. Too many cats to keep separated. http://www.k6az.com/ki4spk/viewtopic.php?f=5t=40 I haven't named her yet. Sally -- Sally, Eric (not a cat),Junior, Speedy, Grey and White, Ittle Bitty, Little Black, Lily, Daisy, Silver, and Spike Visit my BB for some pictures post your as well. http://www.k6az.com/ki4spk/index.php?sid=c57c00cf5804ef13853ed6e77a68eed3 Take the Internet to Go: Yahoo!Go puts the Internet in your pocket: mail, news, photos more. http://mobile.yahoo.com/go?refer=1GNXIC
Vaccinating kittens of unknown status against FeLV?
I adopted two kittens from a farm who are 8 weeks old right now. They are scheduled to go in for their vaccinations at 10 weeks, and the clinic mentioned that the FeLV vaccination is standard now. I asked if they should be tested first to make sure they don't have FeLV, and they said it didn't matter. I am wondering what your opinions are on this. I don't know if these kittens have ever been exposed, but I do know that 10 weeks is too soon to reliably test for the virus. Is it safe to go ahead and vaccinate, not knowing if they are infected or not? I'm not even positive I want that vaccine, but it may be a good idea. The kittens will eventually be able to go outside in chain-link enclosure that we've built, so it is unlikely they will have contact with other cats, but its always possible some contact could occur through the fence. We live outside of the city now, but there are a few cats belonging to neighbours that wander through from time to time (they mostly stay out of the yard due to our dog). Cassandra
RE: Vaccinating kittens of unknown status against FeLV?
Cassandra: I don't really have an answer to your question exactly, however, when I took my beloved Monkee (who passed on the 16th) to what would be his last vet, a holistic vet, something along these lines came up. In reviewing his records, she noted to me that the first vet I took him to in Northern Kentucky (when I first took him to a vet after ascertaining he was a stray- I went to the cheapest vet clinic in town because I didn't plan on keeping him) had gave him the FelV vaccine, even though his FelV test was positive. At the time, I knew nothing about FelV, I wasn't planning on taking this cat in (I wanted to adopt him out, but the vet said no one take him with a FelV positive test) and I was in the office by myself crying. So when she said they would give him the vaccine, even though he tested positive already, I was just like "whatever." She mentioned something about how they go ahead and give the vaccine anyway even if they test positive because he could still throw it or something...? This was back in 2003. When I saw the Holistic Vet at the end of June this year, she couldn't believe they gave Monkee the vaccine for FelV, after having a positive test. She said that I was probably "just given bad advice" but she says they don't recommend doing that in a FelV + cat because the vaccine, due to the very nature of what a vaccine is (a dead form of the virus) can actually bring up the FelV virus (cause it to become activated) in a positive cat. Thank god, this did not happen to Monkee, as he lived 4 insanely healthy years before the virus reared it's horrible, ugly head, but still, it freaked me out at how badly it could have gone just due to my lack of education. I want to see what the other members think about this? But based on the above, I would wait until they are old enough to be tested for FelV and then only vaccinate if they are negative. I don't think there is harm in waiting, especially if you keep them from being exposed to other cats that may be positive. My mom's cat Tally was FelV negative and my mom only started the vaccinations this year (Tally is probably 3 years old now) just because she's a strictly indoor cat and she wanted to wait until she could afford the vaccinations. -Caroline From: "C J" [EMAIL PROTECTED]Reply-To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgTo: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgSubject: Vaccinating kittens of unknown status against FeLV?Date: Tue, 31 Jul 2007 14:55:19 -0500 I adopted two kittens from a farm who are 8 weeks old right now. They are scheduled to go in for their vaccinations at 10 weeks, and the clinic mentioned that the FeLV vaccination is standard now. I asked if they should be tested first to make sure they don't have FeLV, and they said it didn't matter. I am wondering what your opinions are on this. I don't know if these kittens have ever been exposed, but I do know that 10 weeks is too soon to reliably test for the virus. Is it safe to go ahead and vaccinate, not knowing if they are infected or not? I'm not even positive I want that vaccine, but it may be a good idea. The kittens will eventually be able to go outside in chain-link enclosure that we've built, so it is unlikely they will have contact with other cats, but its always possible some contact could occur through the fence. Welive outside of the citynow, but there are a few cats belonging to neighboursthat wander through from time to time(they mostly stay out ofthe yard due to our dog). Cassandra More photos, more messages, more storageget 2GB with Windows Live Hotmail.
Re: Vaccinating kittens of unknown status against FeLV?
I would always test prior to vaccinating. But that is just me. Susan J. DuBose ^..^ www.PetGirlsPetsitting.com www.Tx.SiameseRescue.org www.shadowcats.net As Cleopatra lay in state, Faithful Bast at her side did wait, Purring welcomes of soft applause, Ever guarding with sharpened claws. Trajan Tennent - Original Message - From: C J To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Tuesday, July 31, 2007 2:55 PM Subject: Vaccinating kittens of unknown status against FeLV? I adopted two kittens from a farm who are 8 weeks old right now. They are scheduled to go in for their vaccinations at 10 weeks, and the clinic mentioned that the FeLV vaccination is standard now. I asked if they should be tested first to make sure they don't have FeLV, and they said it didn't matter. I am wondering what your opinions are on this. I don't know if these kittens have ever been exposed, but I do know that 10 weeks is too soon to reliably test for the virus. Is it safe to go ahead and vaccinate, not knowing if they are infected or not? I'm not even positive I want that vaccine, but it may be a good idea. The kittens will eventually be able to go outside in chain-link enclosure that we've built, so it is unlikely they will have contact with other cats, but its always possible some contact could occur through the fence. We live outside of the city now, but there are a few cats belonging to neighbours that wander through from time to time (they mostly stay out of the yard due to our dog). Cassandra
Re: Vaccinating kittens of unknown status against FeLV?
Hi Cassandra, Congratulations on your two new additions to your family! They are so lucky to have you! As far as vaccines go, what are your reasons for vaccinating the kittens? Even if they do go outside, I don't know that much contact can be had through a chain link fence, although I could be very wrong. How tall is this fence? Is it possible they could jump it or outside cats could? Do you have that enclosure thing that goes around the top that keeps them from jumping the fence or climbing over? I would wait until they are older to do vaccinations, when you can test them for FeLV. I am of the mind that if they are indoors only, I don't vaccinate at all. I would really like to see research done on this issue. Some people have cats who were vaccinated but positive and often they live for several years versus those that die in the their kittenhood who were not vaccinated. It's just a hypothesis right now, but what if the vaccine actually does help? When I have time, I'm going to write the professor at AM and ask him about this and also about what percentage of anemia cases are attributable to hemobartonella. In the meantime, I would stick with not vaccinating a positive (or unknown positive) until we know better. :) Wendy Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world - indeed it is the only thing that ever has! ~~~ Margaret Meade ~~~ Be a better Globetrotter. Get better travel answers from someone who knows. Yahoo! Answers - Check it out. http://answers.yahoo.com/dir/?link=listsid=396545469
Re: Vaccinating kittens of unknown status against FeLV?
Felv vaccination is NOT standard - my vet never recommend to kitties who are low risk as Felk vaccines will have a potential side effects -- and do not give all the vaccines simultaneoulsy, it's too much for a kitten, and always use killed vaccines and not modifies version. It's standard -- it's easy money generating thing for a vet clinic - If a kitty goes outside, felk vaccine is considerend, but I hope you will wait a little longer - to give it to them.. also, need to give it separately from the time you give other vaccines -- - Original Message - From: Susan Dubosemailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgmailto:felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Tuesday, July 31, 2007 2:45 PM Subject: Re: Vaccinating kittens of unknown status against FeLV? I would always test prior to vaccinating. But that is just me. Susan J. DuBose ^..^ www.PetGirlsPetsitting.comhttp://www.petgirlspetsitting.com/ www.Tx.SiameseRescue.orghttp://www.tx.siameserescue.org/ www.shadowcats.nethttp://www.shadowcats.net/ As Cleopatra lay in state, Faithful Bast at her side did wait, Purring welcomes of soft applause, Ever guarding with sharpened claws. Trajan Tennent - Original Message - From: C Jmailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgmailto:felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Tuesday, July 31, 2007 2:55 PM Subject: Vaccinating kittens of unknown status against FeLV? I adopted two kittens from a farm who are 8 weeks old right now. They are scheduled to go in for their vaccinations at 10 weeks, and the clinic mentioned that the FeLV vaccination is standard now. I asked if they should be tested first to make sure they don't have FeLV, and they said it didn't matter. I am wondering what your opinions are on this. I don't know if these kittens have ever been exposed, but I do know that 10 weeks is too soon to reliably test for the virus. Is it safe to go ahead and vaccinate, not knowing if they are infected or not? I'm not even positive I want that vaccine, but it may be a good idea. The kittens will eventually be able to go outside in chain-link enclosure that we've built, so it is unlikely they will have contact with other cats, but its always possible some contact could occur through the fence. We live outside of the city now, but there are a few cats belonging to neighbours that wander through from time to time (they mostly stay out of the yard due to our dog). Cassandra
Re: Vaccinating kittens of unknown status against FeLV?
Cassandra My vet thinks that many of the health problems that both cats and dogs are facing is the result of over vaccination. I would not vaccinate such young cats, and I would research the Felk vaccine before I would ever consider it for basically indoor cats. The Felk vaccination is still controversial and vets at the University of Penn do not consider it safe. Google over vaccination of dogs and cats and check out the published research by the University of Colorado and Penn, and Dr Ronald Schultz and Dr. Jean Dodds. Jane On Jul 31, 2007, at 5:16 PM, HIDEYO YAMAMOTO wrote: Felv vaccination is NOT standard - my vet never recommend to kitties who are low risk as Felk vaccines will have a potential side effects -- and do not give all the vaccines simultaneoulsy, it's too much for a kitten, and always use killed vaccines and not modifies version. It's standard -- it's easy money generating thing for a vet clinic - If a kitty goes outside, felk vaccine is considerend, but I hope you will wait a little longer - to give it to them.. also, need to give it separately from the time you give other vaccines -- - Original Message - From: Susan Dubose To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Tuesday, July 31, 2007 2:45 PM Subject: Re: Vaccinating kittens of unknown status against FeLV? I would always test prior to vaccinating. But that is just me. Susan J. DuBose ^..^ www.PetGirlsPetsitting.com www.Tx.SiameseRescue.org www.shadowcats.net As Cleopatra lay in state, Faithful Bast at her side did wait, Purring welcomes of soft applause, Ever guarding with sharpened claws. Trajan Tennent - Original Message - From: C J To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Tuesday, July 31, 2007 2:55 PM Subject: Vaccinating kittens of unknown status against FeLV? I adopted two kittens from a farm who are 8 weeks old right now. They are scheduled to go in for their vaccinations at 10 weeks, and the clinic mentioned that the FeLV vaccination is standard now. I asked if they should be tested first to make sure they don't have FeLV, and they said it didn't matter. I am wondering what your opinions are on this. I don't know if these kittens have ever been exposed, but I do know that 10 weeks is too soon to reliably test for the virus. Is it safe to go ahead and vaccinate, not knowing if they are infected or not? I'm not even positive I want that vaccine, but it may be a good idea. The kittens will eventually be able to go outside in chain-link enclosure that we've built, so it is unlikely they will have contact with other cats, but its always possible some contact could occur through the fence. We live outside of the city now, but there are a few cats belonging to neighbours that wander through from time to time (they mostly stay out of the yard due to our dog). Cassandra
Re: Vaccinating kittens of unknown status against FeLV?
I agree and I think that provides another reason to wait with indoor kittens because the other vaccines are arguably more important up front, like rabies, etc. That's pretty much why my mom waited with her negative cat-- work on paying for all the other, more important vaccines first, then go to the FeLV. I guess you could argue that vaccinating against FeLVan indoor, negative 3 year old cat is unnecessary, but we take her out on a leash and my mom is paranoid that if she ever gets loose, until we can find her again, she wants her to be protected against FeLV cats she may run into. Plus, her cat is very sensitive and allergy prone, so she's at risk for reactions to any shots/vaccines- she had one bad one to rabies- so all her vaccinations have to be spread out and she has to stay at the vet's a half day for observation. I think that's another reason to wait until they can be tested- to determine how each kitten responds to vaccines in general so if you have one that doesn't do so well, you can decide whether it's necessary to put him/her through that. -Caroline From: "HIDEYO YAMAMOTO" [EMAIL PROTECTED]Reply-To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgTo: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgSubject: Re: Vaccinating kittens of unknown status against FeLV?Date: Tue, 31 Jul 2007 15:16:49 -0600 Felv vaccination is NOT standard - my vet never recommend to kitties who are low risk as Felk vaccines will have a potential side effects -- and do not give all the vaccines simultaneoulsy, it's too much for a kitten, and always use killed vaccines and not modifies version. It's standard -- it's easy money generating thing for a vet clinic - If a kitty goes outside, felk vaccine is considerend, but I hope you will wait a little longer - to give it to them.. also, need to give it separately from the time you give other vaccines -- - Original Message - From: Susan Dubose To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Tuesday, July 31, 2007 2:45 PM Subject: Re: Vaccinating kittens of unknown status against FeLV? I would always test prior to vaccinating. But that is just me. Susan J. DuBose ^..^www.PetGirlsPetsitting.comwww.Tx.SiameseRescue.orgwww.shadowcats.net "As Cleopatra lay in state, Faithful Bast at her side did wait, Purring welcomes of soft applause, Ever guarding with sharpened claws." Trajan Tennent - Original Message - From: C J To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Tuesday, July 31, 2007 2:55 PM Subject: Vaccinating kittens of unknown status against FeLV? I adopted two kittens from a farm who are 8 weeks old right now. They are scheduled to go in for their vaccinations at 10 weeks, and the clinic mentioned that the FeLV vaccination is standard now. I asked if they should be tested first to make sure they don't have FeLV, and they said it didn't matter. I am wondering what your opinions are on this. I don't know if these kittens have ever been exposed, but I do know that 10 weeks is too soon to reliably test for the virus. Is it safe to go ahead and vaccinate, not knowing if they are infected or not? I'm not even positive I want that vaccine, but it may be a good idea. The kittens will eventually be able to go outside in chain-link enclosure that we've built, so it is unlikely they will have contact with other cats, but its always possible some contact could occur through the fence. Welive outside of the citynow, but there are a few cats belonging to neighboursthat wander through from time to time(they mostly stay out ofthe yard due to our dog). Cassandra PC Magazines 2007 editors choice for best web mailaward-winning Windows Live Hotmail.
Re: Vaccinating kittens of unknown status against FeLV?
Oh my gosh they are so adorable and so tiny! Yes, you made a wise choice, I would be so concerned to give felk vaccines to such small bodies -- don't be too concerned giving a regular shot for calici virus (again ask for killed vaccine) but do not give rabies at this time either.. just one thing at a time.. just to be safe -- e - From: C Jmailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgmailto:felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Tuesday, July 31, 2007 9:30 PM Subject: Re: Vaccinating kittens of unknown status against FeLV? Thank you all for your thoughts. I think I will tell the vet to wait on the FeLV vaccine, since its not necessary for them to have it right away. My two older cats have been retested, and still are showing negative on FeLV. I'm still unsure on the whole overvaccination issue, but i'm not yet comfortable with not giving any vaccinations at all. There are so many differing opinions on whether to give vaccinations. I'm thinking I will give them their first sets of shots, and that will be the end of the shots. The enclosure that we built is 6 feet high, but still needs to be reinforced before I let the kittens go in unsupervised. We will be putting a wire upsidedown U shape at the top, so that they will be unable to climb out. Since we fenced in a wild forrested area off our backyard, we also have to deal with some trees that are close to the fence...either cut them down or put plastic on their trunks to make them unclimable. Oh, and these are my kittens if anyone wishes to see them :) http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v43/Fyrwulf/?action=viewcurrent=SamiTiko2.jpghttp://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v43/Fyrwulf/?action=viewcurrent=SamiTiko2.jpg , Tiko is on the left and Sami is on the right. Cassandra - Original Message - From: wendymailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgmailto:felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Tuesday, July 31, 2007 4:17 PM Subject: Re: Vaccinating kittens of unknown status against FeLV? Hi Cassandra, Congratulations on your two new additions to your family! They are so lucky to have you! As far as vaccines go, what are your reasons for vaccinating the kittens? Even if they do go outside, I don't know that much contact can be had through a chain link fence, although I could be very wrong. How tall is this fence? Is it possible they could jump it or outside cats could? Do you have that enclosure thing that goes around the top that keeps them from jumping the fence or climbing over? I would wait until they are older to do vaccinations, when you can test them for FeLV. I am of the mind that if they are indoors only, I don't vaccinate at all. I would really like to see research done on this issue. Some people have cats who were vaccinated but positive and often they live for several years versus those that die in the their kittenhood who were not vaccinated. It's just a hypothesis right now, but what if the vaccine actually does help? When I have time, I'm going to write the professor at AM and ask him about this and also about what percentage of anemia cases are attributable to hemobartonella. In the meantime, I would stick with not vaccinating a positive (or unknown positive) until we know better. :) Wendy Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world - indeed it is the only thing that ever has! ~~~ Margaret Meade ~~~ Take the Internet to Go: Yahoo!Go puts the Internet in your pocket:http://us.rd.yahoo.com/evt=48253/*http://mobile.yahoo.com/go?refer=1GNXIC mail, news, photos more. No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.476 / Virus Database: 269.11.0/927 - Release Date: 7/30/2007 5:02 PM
Re: Vaccinating kittens of unknown status against FeLV?
they are S cute!!! Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world - indeed it is the only thing that ever has! ~~~ Margaret Meade ~~~ - Original Message From: C J [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Tuesday, July 31, 2007 10:30:18 PM Subject: Re: Vaccinating kittens of unknown status against FeLV? Thank you all for your thoughts. I think I will tell the vet to wait on the FeLV vaccine, since its not necessary for them to have it right away. My two older cats have been retested, and still are showing negative on FeLV. I'm still unsure on the whole overvaccination issue, but i'm not yet comfortable with not giving any vaccinations at all. There are so many differing opinions on whether to give vaccinations. I'm thinking I will give them their first sets of shots, and that will be the end of the shots. The enclosure that we built is 6 feet high, but still needs to be reinforced before I let the kittens go in unsupervised. We will be putting a wire upsidedown U shape at the top, so that they will be unable to climb out. Since we fenced in a wild forrested area off our backyard, we also have to deal with some trees that are close to the fence...either cut them down or put plastic on their trunks to make them unclimable. Oh, and these are my kittens if anyone wishes to see them :) http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v43/Fyrwulf/?action=viewcurrent=SamiTiko2.jpg , Tiko is on the left and Sami is on the right. Cassandra - Original Message - From: wendy To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Tuesday, July 31, 2007 4:17 PM Subject: Re: Vaccinating kittens of unknown status against FeLV? Hi Cassandra, Congratulations on your two new additions to your family! They are so lucky to have you! As far as vaccines go, what are your reasons for vaccinating the kittens? Even if they do go outside, I don't know that much contact can be had through a chain link fence, although I could be very wrong. How tall is this fence? Is it possible they could jump it or outside cats could? Do you have that enclosure thing that goes around the top that keeps them from jumping the fence or climbing over? I would wait until they are older to do vaccinations, when you can test them for FeLV. I am of the mind that if they are indoors only, I don't vaccinate at all. I would really like to see research done on this issue. Some people have cats who were vaccinated but positive and often they live for several years versus those that die in the their kittenhood who were not vaccinated. It's just a hypothesis right now, but what if the vaccine actually does help? When I have time, I'm going to write the professor at AM and ask him about this and also about what percentage of anemia cases are attributable to hemobartonella. In the meantime, I would stick with not vaccinating a positive (or unknown positive) until we know better. :) Wendy Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world - indeed it is the only thing that ever has! ~~~ Margaret Meade ~~~ Take the Internet to Go: Yahoo!Go puts the Internet in your pocket: mail, news, photos more. No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.476 / Virus Database: 269.11.0/927 - Release Date: 7/30/2007 5:02 PM Park yourself in front of a world of choices in alternative vehicles. Visit the Yahoo! Auto Green Center. http://autos.yahoo.com/green_center/
