Re: TO TONYA re: timing on FeLV+ test

[catatonya]

That''s great news!!Kathi Clark [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:  Thanks for your interest and concern. I'm very happy to say that the IFA's on Oreo AND Ellie were negative!!! Ellie's first IFA in June was positive. The vet is flabbergasted that it came back negative. I don't know how much stock I should put into the Mega C Plus that I ordered online but I gave it to both Ellie and Oreo and here they are negative. Here's the link to an article on Mega C Plus. Within the article, you can click on the "blue" Mega C Plus to order.http://www.belfield.com/article2.htmlEllie is back with the others now and I have a very happy household. Blessings to all of you out there and I pray that only good news comes your way!From: catatonya <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>Reply-To:
 felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgTo: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgSubject: Re: TO TONYA re: timing on FeLV+ testDate: Tue, 24 Oct 2006 20:00:07 -0700 (PDT)I'm way behind on my mail, but let me know how the tests turn out. It sounds like Oreo was exposed, tested positive, and then fought off the virus. If that is the case, then, NO, he won't get it again. Good luck! t

Re: TO TONYA re: timing on FeLV+ test

[Kathi Clark]

Thanks for your interest and concern.  I'm very happy to say that the IFA's 
on Oreo AND Ellie were negative!!!  Ellie's first IFA in June was 
positive.  The vet is flabbergasted that it came back negative.  I don't 
know how much stock I should put into the Mega C Plus that I ordered online 
but I gave it to both Ellie and Oreo and here they are negative.  Here's the 
link to an article on Mega C Plus.  Within the article, you can click on the 
blue Mega C Plus to order.


http://www.belfield.com/article2.html

Ellie is back with the others now and I have a very happy household.  
Blessings to all of you out there and I pray that only good news comes your 
way!




From: catatonya [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Reply-To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
Subject: Re: TO TONYA re: timing on FeLV+ test
Date: Tue, 24 Oct 2006 20:00:07 -0700 (PDT)

I'm way behind on my mail, but let me know how the tests turn out.  It 
sounds like Oreo was exposed, tested positive, and then fought off the 
virus.  If that is the case, then, NO, he won't get it again.  Good luck!


  t

Kathi Clark [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
  Hi Tonya. I'll try to make this whole thing clearer for you.

I had a roommate who brought Ellie with her when she moved in. Kim, my
roommate, said she'd been tested for disease but she hadn't been. When she
finally had her tested, Ellie tested postive. By that time, all of my cats
had been exposed to Ellie and Oreo had a lot of direct contact with Ellie.
So I took all 5 of my cats in to be tested on 6/1/06 and only Oreo tested
positive, a light positive. On 6/23/06, Oreo had an IFA that was negative,
just 22 days later. I had Ellie and Oreo retested this past Friday,
10/13/06. Am anxious to get the results back on Wednesday or Thursday. My
vet said this test will be definitive and I can trust these results. I only
hope they're negative.

Kathi


From: catatonya
Reply-To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
Subject: Re: timing on FeLV+ test
Date: Mon, 9 Oct 2006 17:33:50 -0700 (PDT)

I'm sorry. I just don't understand. Are you saying Ellie was always
positive. She gave it to Oreo and he tested positive, but now he's
negative? I don't know if your vet knows what he's doing. If he tested
positive on Elissa and then tested negative a month later I take that as 
a

negative. Others on the list know more about this. How and when was Ellie
tested, and how do you know that Oreo was negative and caught it from 
her?

I guess I missed your first post. It just doesn't really happen that a
negative catches felv from a positive and tests positive and then tests
negative and would then 'catch' it again. I guess it could happen, but I
have never heard of anything like this.

 t

Kathi Clark wrote:
 Sorry I'm getting back with you just now.

Oreo did get it from Ellie. Oreo was given an IFA test just a month after
testing positive on the ELISSA. I understand this vet gave the IFA way 
too

soon, that perhaps the virus didn't have time to even get into the bone
marrow. I've been told by another vet that he could still have it because
he was re-tested way too soon with the IFA.

K


 From: catatonya
 Reply-To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
 To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
 Subject: Re: timing on FeLV+ test
 Date: Tue, 3 Oct 2006 16:20:09 -0700 (PDT)
 
 Are you saying Oreo got it from Ellie, but now he doesn't have it any
 more??
 
  t
 
 Kathi Clark wrote:
  Thanks, Tonya. This has given me something to think about. I haven't 
had
 the other ones tested again and I don't think I will. My vet said if 
she

 was in my situation she would retest only if I brought them in for an
 illness on down the road. If Ellie tests negative on the IFA on October
13,
 I'll mix her with the others. If she doesn't, I may still integrate 
her.
 Is that taking a big risk with the 1-year-olds, though? As I said, 
Oreo,

 who's 1, became infected by Ellie and I know if I mix the two again,
 they'll
 have a great deal of one-on-one contact. Oreo and Connie have a lot of
 contact now and if Oreo contracts it again, does that put Connie at 
risk?
 Sorry so many questions. I'm just a nervous mother and FeLV is so new 
to

 me.
 
 I would miss Ellie so if I found her another home and would always be
 worried if she was happy or not and taken care of. I just am concerned
that
 if she has health issues in the future, I can't financially handle the
big
 vet bills. Perhaps someone else who's better off financially could give
her
 a happy home, too. But the odds of finding someone who is better off
 financially are small, I know. So, it's just wait and see, like
everything
 else in life. I try not to panic anymore.
 
 This is the best site. I've learned more from all of you than I have 
from

 my vet. I wonder if she knows she shouldn't have tested Ellie with the
IFA
 so soon after the ELISSA. I don't see that vet any longer.
 
 Kathi
 
 
  From: catatonya
  Reply-To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
  To: felvtalk

Re: TO TONYA re: timing on FeLV+ test

[catatonya]

I'm way behind on my mail, but let me know how the tests turn out. It sounds like Oreo was exposed, tested positive, and then fought off the virus. If that is the case, then, NO, he won't get it again. Good luck!tKathi Clark [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:  Hi Tonya. I'll try to make this whole thing clearer for you.I had a roommate who brought Ellie with her when she moved in. Kim, my roommate, said she'd been tested for disease but she hadn't been. When she finally had her tested, Ellie tested postive. By that time, all of my cats had been exposed to Ellie and Oreo had a lot of direct contact with Ellie. So I took all 5 of my cats in to be tested on 6/1/06 and only Oreo tested positive, a light positive. On 6/23/06, Oreo had an IFA that was negative,
 just 22 days later. I had Ellie and Oreo retested this past Friday, 10/13/06. Am anxious to get the results back on Wednesday or Thursday. My vet said this test will be definitive and I can trust these results. I only hope they're negative.KathiFrom: catatonya <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>Reply-To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgTo: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgSubject: Re: timing on FeLV+ testDate: Mon, 9 Oct 2006 17:33:50 -0700 (PDT)I'm sorry. I just don't understand. Are you saying Ellie was always positive. She gave it to Oreo and he tested positive, but now he's negative? I don't know if your vet knows what he's doing. If he tested positive on Elissa and then tested negative a month later I take that as a negative. Others on the list know more about this. How and when was Ellie tested, and how do you know that Oreo was negative and caught it from her?
 I guess I missed your first post. It just doesn't really happen that a negative catches felv from a positive and tests positive and then tests negative and would then 'catch' it again. I guess it could happen, but I have never heard of anything like this. tKathi Clark <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>wrote: Sorry I'm getting back with you just now.Oreo did get it from Ellie. Oreo was given an IFA test just a month aftertesting positive on the ELISSA. I understand this vet gave the IFA way toosoon, that perhaps the virus didn't have time to even get into the bonemarrow. I've been told by another vet that he could still have it becausehe was re-tested way too soon with the IFA.K From: catatonya Reply-To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: timing on
 FeLV+ test Date: Tue, 3 Oct 2006 16:20:09 -0700 (PDT)  Are you saying Oreo got it from Ellie, but now he doesn't have it any more??   t  Kathi Clark wrote:  Thanks, Tonya. This has given me something to think about. I haven't had the other ones tested again and I don't think I will. My vet said if she was in my situation she would retest only if I brought them in for an illness on down the road. If Ellie tests negative on the IFA on October 13, I'll mix her with the others. If she doesn't, I may still integrate her. Is that taking a big risk with the 1-year-olds, though? As I said, Oreo, who's 1, became infected by Ellie and I know if I mix the two again, they'll have a great deal of one-on-one contact. Oreo and Connie have a lot of contact now and if
 Oreo contracts it again, does that put Connie at risk? Sorry so many questions. I'm just a nervous mother and FeLV is so new to me.  I would miss Ellie so if I found her another home and would always be worried if she was happy or not and taken care of. I just am concerned that if she has health issues in the future, I can't financially handle the big vet bills. Perhaps someone else who's better off financially could give her a happy home, too. But the odds of finding someone who is better off financially are small, I know. So, it's just wait and see, like everything else in life. I try not to panic anymore.  This is the best site. I've learned more from all of you than I have from my vet. I wonder if she knows she shouldn't have tested Ellie with the IFA so soon after
 the ELISSA. I don't see that vet any longer.  KathiFrom: catatonya  Reply-To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org  To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org  Subject: Re: timing on FeLV+ test  Date: Sat, 30 Sep 2006 05:49:35 -0700 (PDT)If I were in your situation I would mix. BUT I would not be second  guessing myself if one of the others happens to turn up positive down the  line. Unless you've had your other cats recently tested they couled be  positive right now. Cats can harbor the virus for years. So in my opinion  I would mix if all my other cats' leukemia shots were up to date. After 10 years of no one catching felv from my positives I've stopped  vaccinating for it every year.
 tonyaKathi Clark wrote:   Althea, 13  Tabitha, 11  Bear, 5  Oreo, 1  Connie, 1   From: catatonya   Reply-To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org   To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org   Subject: Re: timing on FeLV+ test   Date: Mon, 25 Sep 2006 19:31:42 -0700 (PDT)  How old are the other 5?  Kathi Clark wrote: Are you all saying that if my   5 

Re: TO TONYA re: timing on FeLV+ test

[Kathi Clark]

Hi Tonya.  I'll try to make this whole thing clearer for you.

I had a roommate who brought Ellie with her when she moved in.  Kim, my 
roommate, said she'd been tested for disease but she hadn't been.  When she 
finally had her tested, Ellie tested postive.  By that time, all of my cats 
had been exposed to Ellie and Oreo had a lot of direct contact with Ellie.  
So I took all 5 of my cats in to be tested on 6/1/06 and only Oreo tested 
positive, a light positive.  On 6/23/06, Oreo had an IFA that was negative, 
just 22 days later.  I had Ellie and Oreo retested this past Friday, 
10/13/06.  Am anxious to get the results back on Wednesday or Thursday.  My 
vet said this test will be definitive and I can trust these results.  I only 
hope they're negative.


Kathi



From: catatonya [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Reply-To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
Subject: Re: timing on FeLV+ test
Date: Mon, 9 Oct 2006 17:33:50 -0700 (PDT)

I'm sorry.  I just don't understand.  Are you saying Ellie was always 
positive.  She gave it to Oreo and he tested positive, but now he's 
negative?  I don't know if your vet knows what he's doing.  If he tested 
positive on Elissa and then tested negative a month later I take that as a 
negative.  Others on the list know more about this.  How and when was Ellie 
tested, and how do you know that Oreo was negative and caught it from her?  
I guess I missed your first post.  It just doesn't really happen that a 
negative catches felv from a positive and tests positive and then tests 
negative and would then 'catch' it again.  I guess it could happen, but I 
have never heard of anything like this.


  t

Kathi Clark [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
  Sorry I'm getting back with you just now.

Oreo did get it from Ellie. Oreo was given an IFA test just a month after
testing positive on the ELISSA. I understand this vet gave the IFA way too
soon, that perhaps the virus didn't have time to even get into the bone
marrow. I've been told by another vet that he could still have it because
he was re-tested way too soon with the IFA.

K


From: catatonya
Reply-To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
Subject: Re: timing on FeLV+ test
Date: Tue, 3 Oct 2006 16:20:09 -0700 (PDT)

Are you saying Oreo got it from Ellie, but now he doesn't have it any
more??

 t

Kathi Clark wrote:
 Thanks, Tonya. This has given me something to think about. I haven't had
the other ones tested again and I don't think I will. My vet said if she
was in my situation she would retest only if I brought them in for an
illness on down the road. If Ellie tests negative on the IFA on October 
13,

I'll mix her with the others. If she doesn't, I may still integrate her.
Is that taking a big risk with the 1-year-olds, though? As I said, Oreo,
who's 1, became infected by Ellie and I know if I mix the two again,
they'll
have a great deal of one-on-one contact. Oreo and Connie have a lot of
contact now and if Oreo contracts it again, does that put Connie at risk?
Sorry so many questions. I'm just a nervous mother and FeLV is so new to
me.

I would miss Ellie so if I found her another home and would always be
worried if she was happy or not and taken care of. I just am concerned 
that
if she has health issues in the future, I can't financially handle the 
big
vet bills. Perhaps someone else who's better off financially could give 
her

a happy home, too. But the odds of finding someone who is better off
financially are small, I know. So, it's just wait and see, like 
everything

else in life. I try not to panic anymore.

This is the best site. I've learned more from all of you than I have from
my vet. I wonder if she knows she shouldn't have tested Ellie with the 
IFA

so soon after the ELISSA. I don't see that vet any longer.

Kathi


 From: catatonya
 Reply-To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
 To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
 Subject: Re: timing on FeLV+ test
 Date: Sat, 30 Sep 2006 05:49:35 -0700 (PDT)
 
 If I were in your situation I would mix. BUT I would not be second
 guessing myself if one of the others happens to turn up positive down 
the

 line. Unless you've had your other cats recently tested they couled be
 positive right now. Cats can harbor the virus for years. So in my 
opinion

 I would mix if all my other cats' leukemia shots were up to date.
 
  After 10 years of no one catching felv from my positives I've stopped
 vaccinating for it every year.
 
  tonya
 
 Kathi Clark wrote:
  Althea, 13
 Tabitha, 11
 Bear, 5
 Oreo, 1
 Connie, 1
 
 
  From: catatonya
  Reply-To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
  To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
  Subject: Re: timing on FeLV+ test
  Date: Mon, 25 Sep 2006 19:31:42 -0700 (PDT)
  
  How old are the other 5?
  
  Kathi Clark wrote: Are you all saying that if my
  5 kitties have been vaccinated and boostered
  for FeLV (July 2006) that Ellie, my FeLV+ kitty, can join them 
now

I
  have her separated and planned to keep her separated from the others

Re: timing on FeLV+ test

[catatonya]

I'm sorry. I just don't understand. Are you saying Ellie was always positive. She gave it to Oreo and he tested positive, but now he's negative? I don't know if your vet knows what he's doing. If he tested positive on Elissa and then tested negative a month later I take that as a negative. Others on the list know more about this. How and when was Ellie tested, and how do you know that Oreo was negative and caught it from her? I guess I missed your first post. It just doesn't really happen that a negative catches felv from a positive and tests positive and then tests negative and would then 'catch' it again. I guess it could happen, but I have never heard of anything like this.tKathi Clark [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:  Sorry I'm getting back
 with you just now.Oreo did get it from Ellie. Oreo was given an IFA test just a month after testing positive on the ELISSA. I understand this vet gave the IFA way too soon, that perhaps the virus didn't have time to even get into the bone marrow. I've been told by another vet that he could still have it because he was re-tested way too soon with the IFA.KFrom: catatonya <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>Reply-To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgTo: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgSubject: Re: timing on FeLV+ testDate: Tue, 3 Oct 2006 16:20:09 -0700 (PDT)Are you saying Oreo got it from Ellie, but now he doesn't have it any more?? tKathi Clark <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>wrote: Thanks, Tonya. This has given me something to think about. I haven't hadthe other ones tested again and I don't think I will. My vet said if shewas in my situation she
 would retest only if I brought them in for anillness on down the road. If Ellie tests negative on the IFA on October 13,I'll mix her with the others. If she doesn't, I may still integrate her.Is that taking a big risk with the 1-year-olds, though? As I said, Oreo,who's 1, became infected by Ellie and I know if I mix the two again, they'llhave a great deal of one-on-one contact. Oreo and Connie have a lot ofcontact now and if Oreo contracts it again, does that put Connie at risk?Sorry so many questions. I'm just a nervous mother and FeLV is so new tome.I would miss Ellie so if I found her another home and would always beworried if she was happy or not and taken care of. I just am concerned thatif she has health issues in the future, I can't financially handle the bigvet bills. Perhaps someone else who's better off financially could give hera happy home,
 too. But the odds of finding someone who is better offfinancially are small, I know. So, it's just wait and see, like everythingelse in life. I try not to panic anymore.This is the best site. I've learned more from all of you than I have frommy vet. I wonder if she knows she shouldn't have tested Ellie with the IFAso soon after the ELISSA. I don't see that vet any longer.Kathi From: catatonya Reply-To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: timing on FeLV+ test Date: Sat, 30 Sep 2006 05:49:35 -0700 (PDT)  If I were in your situation I would mix. BUT I would not be second guessing myself if one of the others happens to turn up positive down the line. Unless you've had your other cats recently tested they couled be positive right now. Cats can
 harbor the virus for years. So in my opinion I would mix if all my other cats' leukemia shots were up to date.   After 10 years of no one catching felv from my positives I've stopped vaccinating for it every year.   tonya  Kathi Clark wrote:  Althea, 13 Tabitha, 11 Bear, 5 Oreo, 1 Connie, 1From: catatonya  Reply-To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org  To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org  Subject: Re: timing on FeLV+ test  Date: Mon, 25 Sep 2006 19:31:42 -0700 (PDT)How old are the other 5?Kathi Clark wrote: Are you all saying that if my  5 kitties have been vaccinated and boostered  for FeLV (July 2006) that Ellie, my FeLV+
 kitty, can join them now I  have her separated and planned to keep her separated from the others until  I  get the results of her IFA on October 13. October 13 will be 120 days from  the first positive IFA; she tested positive on the ELISSA a month before  that. Even if she's still positive after the second IFA, is it okay to  integrate her with the others? I have one kitty who would wrestle and hiss  and spit playfully with her because he already has. Oreo tested positive on  the ELISSA after contact with Ellie but tested negative on his IFA a month  later. I now know that the vet retested him too soon but I'm too scared to  have him retested with another IFA. I couldn't bear to know that my boy,
 my  favorite, is still infected. I'd rather not know. Right after the negative  IFA, I added Oreo to the bunch. Ellie, on the other hand, is a different  story. I need to know what to do before I integrate her. She's SO very  lonely in a bedroom all by herself. I just would feel like a horrible  mother if any of my others came down with FeLV and it was because of Ellie.  Please tell me what to do. I w

Re: timing on FeLV+ test

[Kathi Clark]

Sorry I'm getting back with you just now.

Oreo did get it from Ellie.  Oreo was given an IFA test just a month after 
testing positive on the ELISSA.  I understand this vet gave the IFA way too 
soon, that perhaps the virus didn't have time to even get into the bone 
marrow.  I've been told by another vet that he could still have it because 
he was re-tested way too soon with the IFA.


K



From: catatonya [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Reply-To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
Subject: Re: timing on FeLV+ test
Date: Tue, 3 Oct 2006 16:20:09 -0700 (PDT)

Are you saying Oreo got it from Ellie, but now he doesn't have it any 
more??


  t

Kathi Clark [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
  Thanks, Tonya. This has given me something to think about. I haven't had
the other ones tested again and I don't think I will. My vet said if she
was in my situation she would retest only if I brought them in for an
illness on down the road. If Ellie tests negative on the IFA on October 13,
I'll mix her with the others. If she doesn't, I may still integrate her.
Is that taking a big risk with the 1-year-olds, though? As I said, Oreo,
who's 1, became infected by Ellie and I know if I mix the two again, 
they'll

have a great deal of one-on-one contact. Oreo and Connie have a lot of
contact now and if Oreo contracts it again, does that put Connie at risk?
Sorry so many questions. I'm just a nervous mother and FeLV is so new to
me.

I would miss Ellie so if I found her another home and would always be
worried if she was happy or not and taken care of. I just am concerned that
if she has health issues in the future, I can't financially handle the big
vet bills. Perhaps someone else who's better off financially could give her
a happy home, too. But the odds of finding someone who is better off
financially are small, I know. So, it's just wait and see, like everything
else in life. I try not to panic anymore.

This is the best site. I've learned more from all of you than I have from
my vet. I wonder if she knows she shouldn't have tested Ellie with the IFA
so soon after the ELISSA. I don't see that vet any longer.

Kathi


From: catatonya
Reply-To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
Subject: Re: timing on FeLV+ test
Date: Sat, 30 Sep 2006 05:49:35 -0700 (PDT)

If I were in your situation I would mix. BUT I would not be second
guessing myself if one of the others happens to turn up positive down the
line. Unless you've had your other cats recently tested they couled be
positive right now. Cats can harbor the virus for years. So in my opinion
I would mix if all my other cats' leukemia shots were up to date.

 After 10 years of no one catching felv from my positives I've stopped
vaccinating for it every year.

 tonya

Kathi Clark wrote:
 Althea, 13
Tabitha, 11
Bear, 5
Oreo, 1
Connie, 1


 From: catatonya
 Reply-To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
 To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
 Subject: Re: timing on FeLV+ test
 Date: Mon, 25 Sep 2006 19:31:42 -0700 (PDT)
 
 How old are the other 5?
 
 Kathi Clark wrote: Are you all saying that if my
 5 kitties have been vaccinated and boostered
 for FeLV (July 2006) that Ellie, my FeLV+ kitty, can join them now 
I

 have her separated and planned to keep her separated from the others
until
 I
 get the results of her IFA on October 13. October 13 will be 120 days
from
 the first positive IFA; she tested positive on the ELISSA a month 
before

 that. Even if she's still positive after the second IFA, is it okay to
 integrate her with the others? I have one kitty who would wrestle and
hiss
 and spit playfully with her because he already has. Oreo tested 
positive

on
 the ELISSA after contact with Ellie but tested negative on his IFA a
month
 later. I now know that the vet retested him too soon but I'm too scared
to
 have him retested with another IFA. I couldn't bear to know that my 
boy,

my
 favorite, is still infected. I'd rather not know. Right after the
negative
 IFA, I added Oreo to the bunch. Ellie, on the other hand, is a 
different

 story. I need to know what to do before I integrate her. She's SO very
 lonely in a bedroom all by herself. I just would feel like a horrible
 mother if any of my others came down with FeLV and it was because of
Ellie.
 Please tell me what to do. I want the best for everyone -- me, my negs
and
 my one positive!
 
 Kathi
 
 

Re: Kathi and the hard decisions (was timing on felv + test)

[Gary Murphy]

Money really does seem to be inversely related to compassion a lot of the time. I work in many well-to-do homes, get so sick of seeingBIG dogs confined almost 24/7 to laundry rooms because the owner doesn't want them messing up the nice new house. New moms also irk the heck out of me. I know they are over-tired and hormonal, but a new baby is not an excuse to boot your loyal companion animal of many years out the door. I have seen this too many times with dogs, and once even with 2 sweet little cockatiels. G! Ok, I'm off my soapbox, no sense preaching to the choir aseveryone here already understands the issue too well...

Beth 

Re: Kathi and the hard decisions (was timing on felv + test)

[Samiluke]

Laundry rooms?? OMG...that is so awful! My hubby was so sure 
that I would lose interest in our animals when our son was born (7years 
ago) I told him"On a cold day in he**!" They are every 
bit as important to me now as they ever were...I will never understand those 
people, either.

Yvonne

In a message dated 10/6/2006 9:51:49 A.M. Central Daylight Time, 
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:

  Money really does seem to be inversely related to compassion a lot of the 
  time. I work in many well-to-do homes, get so sick of 
  seeingBIG dogs confined almost 24/7 to laundry rooms because the owner 
  doesn't want them messing up the nice new house. New moms also irk the 
  heck out of me. I know they are over-tired and hormonal, but a new 
  baby is not an excuse to boot your loyal companion animal of many years out 
  the door. I have seen this too many times with dogs, and once even with 
  2 sweet little cockatiels. G! Ok, I'm off my 
  soapbox, no sense preaching to the choir aseveryone here already 
  understands the issue too well...
  
  Beth 
  

Re: Kathi and the hard decisions (was timing on felv + test)

[Watsdadillyo]

I agree with the big dogs in cages all day. When I was a teenager I did 
house cleaning and there was this big beautiful dog in a tiny cage. Well the 
poor thing when us 4 girls would come inside it would be so nervous it would 
poop in the cage. Well the one day the owner came in and was screaming at this 
sweet pooch. Cursing saying how could you be such a bleep bleep slob! Poor pooch 
was trying to get away from the mess in the 2 inch space he had in that cage. 
Needless to say! LOL that was my last day because I let that lady know what a 
thoughtless bleep she was. I got fired when we got back to the office...that was 
when I was 18 and 10 yrs later I still see that big Pooches face. I was friends 
with the one girl and 2 weeks later the lady gave her the dog! As for new 
moms..I know some are paronoid of their Babies getting hurt. When I had AJ 
almost 5 yrs ago Crackers would lay at AJs feet in the crib. I let my moms dog 
sniff him and lick him! Now my son is an animal lover! And my moms dog wont let 
NO ONE near my little boy..When he stays over at Mommoms Daisy (moms dog) sleeps 
at his feet. So many people told me to not let Crackers near AJ ..Crackers would 
suffocate him..Crackers just gave him soo much love!
kayte and Crackers
P.s. my sons first words kee kee [kitty kat] :)

Re: Kathi and the hard decisions (was timing on felv + test)

[Watsdadillyo]

Yvone,
I bet your little boy loves animals as much as you do too!!:) LOL my 4 yr 
old AJ says Crackers is his brother!! ha ha:)
Kayte and Crackers

Kathi and the hard decisions (was timing on felv + test)

[Nina]

Ugh Kathi, you have some hard decisions to make!  I think most of us 
have been there and done that, I know I have.  You have to follow your 
heart and do what's best for your entire household.  As far as adopting 
anyone out to a household with better finances...  I used to think in 
those terms too.  I won't go into the whole story, but I had a pup that 
I placed in what I thought was a loving home with plenty of money for 
vet bills.  When I checked on him two weeks later, he had to be rushed 
to the ER.  His new family refused to pay for treatment and Bruce and I 
stepped up and welcomed him back home. 

I didn't learn of my felv kittens status until after they had been mixed 
with my other cats for months.  The option of separating them never 
existed for me and I'm so glad.  None of my negs ever became pos and my 
felv babies had a wonderful, if not short, life.  For me, it's all about 
quality, it's all about the feeling in my gut that tells me what's right 
or wrong for us.  I was told to keep them sequestered.  I was told to 
never allow them to play in the yard.  I was told many things that would 
have lessened the quality of their life and maybe it would have extended 
the time they had here, but I don't think the trade off is worth it.  
There are never any guarantees in this life.  We do our best to 
safeguard all those we care about, but ultimately we don't have that 
kind of control.  My advice is to look into those innocent eyes, make 
your decisions from a place of love, be at peace with those decisions 
once they're made and you will find your way. 
Nina



Kathi Clark wrote:

Thanks, Tonya.  This has given me something to think about.  I haven't 
had the other ones tested again and I don't think I will.  My vet said 
if she was in my situation she would retest only if I brought them in 
for an illness on down the road.  If Ellie tests negative on the IFA 
on October 13, I'll mix her with the others.  If she doesn't, I may 
still integrate her.  Is that taking a big risk with the 1-year-olds, 
though?  As I said, Oreo, who's 1, became infected by Ellie and I know 
if I mix the two again, they'll have a great deal of one-on-one 
contact.  Oreo and Connie have a lot of contact now and if Oreo 
contracts it again, does that put Connie at risk?  Sorry so many 
questions.  I'm just a nervous mother and FeLV is so new to me.


I would miss Ellie so if I found her another home and would always be 
worried if she was happy or not and taken care of.  I just am 
concerned that if she has health issues in the future, I can't 
financially handle the big vet bills.  Perhaps someone else who's 
better off financially could give her a happy home, too.  But the odds 
of finding someone who is better off financially are small, I know. 
So, it's just wait and see, like everything else in life.  I try not 
to panic anymore.


This is the best site.  I've learned more from all of you than I have 
from my vet.  I wonder if she knows she shouldn't have tested Ellie 
with the IFA so soon after the ELISSA.  I don't see that vet any longer.


Kathi

Re: Kathi and the hard decisions (was timing on felv + test)

[Leslie Lawther]

Unfortunately money is no judge of compassion... that is one BIG lesson I've learned in rescue. There have been people who I *know* could afford care... but just won't provide it. Also, just because people have money doesn't mean they will love the cat like you will... so there is so much more to weigh than justfinancial. I'm sure if a cat had to choose between 22 years in a home where it was mistreated or not cared for completely... and another home with only maybe 12-15 years but would have 200% unconditional love... I know which one I would choose. Quality over quantitiy Guess what I'm tying to say, don't beat yourselves up gals... do what your heart says is right.

Leslie =^..^=
On 10/4/06, Nina [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
 
Ugh Kathi, you have some hard decisions to make!I think most of ushave been there and done that, I know I have.You have to follow your 
heart and do what's best for your entire household.As far as adoptinganyone out to a household with better finances...I used to think inthose terms too.I won't go into the whole story, but I had a pup that 
I placed in what I thought was a loving home with plenty of money forvet bills.When I checked on him two weeks later, he had to be rushedto the ER.His new family refused to pay for treatment and Bruce and I 
stepped up and welcomed him back home.I didn't learn of my felv kittens status until after they had been mixedwith my other cats for months.The option of separating them neverexisted for me and I'm so glad.None of my negs ever became pos and my 
felv babies had a wonderful, if not short, life.For me, it's all aboutquality, it's all about the feeling in my gut that tells me what's rightor wrong for us.I was told to keep them sequestered.I was told to 
never allow them to play in the yard.I was told many things that wouldhave lessened the quality of their life and maybe it would have extendedthe time they had here, but I don't think the trade off is worth it. 
There are never any guarantees in this life.We do our best tosafeguard all those we care about, but ultimately we don't have thatkind of control.My advice is to look into those innocent eyes, makeyour decisions from a place of love, be at peace with those decisions 
once they're made and you will find your way.NinaKathi Clark wrote: Thanks, Tonya.This has given me something to think about.I haven't had the other ones tested again and I don't think I will.My vet said 
 if she was in my situation she would retest only if I brought them in for an illness on down the road.If Ellie tests negative on the IFA on October 13, I'll mix her with the others.If she doesn't, I may 
 still integrate her.Is that taking a big risk with the 1-year-olds, though?As I said, Oreo, who's 1, became infected by Ellie and I know if I mix the two again, they'll have a great deal of one-on-one 
 contact.Oreo and Connie have a lot of contact now and if Oreo contracts it again, does that put Connie at risk?Sorry so many questions.I'm just a nervous mother and FeLV is so new to me.
 I would miss Ellie so if I found her another home and would always be worried if she was happy or not and taken care of.I just am concerned that if she has health issues in the future, I can't 
 financially handle the big vet bills.Perhaps someone else who's better off financially could give her a happy home, too.But the odds of finding someone who is better off financially are small, I know. 
 So, it's just wait and see, like everything else in life.I try not to panic anymore. This is the best site.I've learned more from all of you than I have from my vet.I wonder if she knows she shouldn't have tested Ellie 
 with the IFA so soon after the ELISSA.I don't see that vet any longer. Kathi-- Leslie =^..^=To leave the world a better place - whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or an improved social condition - that is to have succeeded.That only one life breathed easier because you lived - that is success. 
---Ralph Waldo Emerson 

Re: Kathi and the hard decisions (was timing on felv + test)

[Gina WN]

Nina, your words give me inspiration and comfort. That is exactly the way that I feel. I don't know how much time I have left with my 14 year olds Tigger and Taylor, or even my 8 year old Bob or baby Pippin. I want a good quality of life for them in a loving environment. For me, that means mixing and allowing Pippin to be part of the family in the fullest sense of the word. I see her playing so joyfully throughout the house and my heart swells with love. I am cherishing the moments I have with her, as I do my other cats, regardless of how long they will be with me. I am holding nothing back out of fear of getting too close and losing Pippin, or the others.Gina  Nina [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:  Ugh Kathi, you have some hard decisions to make! I think
 most of us have been there and done that, I know I have. You have to follow your heart and do what's best for your entire household. As far as adopting anyone out to a household with better finances... I used to think in those terms too. I won't go into the whole story, but I had a pup that I placed in what I thought was a loving home with plenty of money for vet bills. When I checked on him two weeks later, he had to be rushed to the ER. His new family refused to pay for treatment and Bruce and I stepped up and welcomed him back home. I didn't learn of my felv kittens status until after they had been mixed with my other cats for months. The option of separating them never existed for me and I'm so glad. None of my negs ever became pos and my felv babies had a wonderful, if not short, life. For me, it's all about quality, it's all about the feeling in my gut that tells me what's right or wrong for us. I was told
 to keep them sequestered. I was told to never allow them to play in the yard. I was told many things that would have lessened the quality of their life and maybe it would have extended the time they had here, but I don't think the trade off is worth it. There are never any guarantees in this life. We do our best to safeguard all those we care about, but ultimately we don't have that kind of control. My advice is to look into those innocent eyes, make your decisions from a place of love, be at peace with those decisions once they're made and you will find your way. NinaKathi Clark wrote: Thanks, Tonya. This has given me something to think about. I haven't  had the other ones tested again and I don't think I will. My vet said  if she was in my situation she would retest only if I brought them in  for an illness on down the road. If Ellie tests negative on the IFA  on October 13, I'll
 mix her with the others. If she doesn't, I may  still integrate her. Is that taking a big risk with the 1-year-olds,  though? As I said, Oreo, who's 1, became infected by Ellie and I know  if I mix the two again, they'll have a great deal of one-on-one  contact. Oreo and Connie have a lot of contact now and if Oreo  contracts it again, does that put Connie at risk? Sorry so many  questions. I'm just a nervous mother and FeLV is so new to me. I would miss Ellie so if I found her another home and would always be  worried if she was happy or not and taken care of. I just am  concerned that if she has health issues in the future, I can't  financially handle the big vet bills. Perhaps someone else who's  better off financially could give her a happy home, too. But the odds  of finding someone who is better off financially are small, I know.  So, it's just wait and
 see, like everything else in life. I try not  to panic anymore. This is the best site. I've learned more from all of you than I have  from my vet. I wonder if she knows she shouldn't have tested Ellie  with the IFA so soon after the ELISSA. I don't see that vet any longer. KathiVisit my Tigger Tales site! 
		Do you Yahoo!? 
Get on board. You're invited to try the new Yahoo! Mail.

Re: timing on FeLV+ test

[catatonya]

Are you saying Oreo got it from Ellie, but now he doesn't have it any more??tKathi Clark [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:  Thanks, Tonya. This has given me something to think about. I haven't had the other ones tested again and I don't think I will. My vet said if she was in my situation she would retest only if I brought them in for an illness on down the road. If Ellie tests negative on the IFA on October 13, I'll mix her with the others. If she doesn't, I may still integrate her. Is that taking a big risk with the 1-year-olds, though? As I said, Oreo, who's 1, became infected by Ellie and I know if I mix the two again, they'll have a great deal of one-on-one contact. Oreo and Connie have a lot of contact now and if Oreo contracts it again, does that put Connie at risk?
 Sorry so many questions. I'm just a nervous mother and FeLV is so new to me.I would miss Ellie so if I found her another home and would always be worried if she was happy or not and taken care of. I just am concerned that if she has health issues in the future, I can't financially handle the big vet bills. Perhaps someone else who's better off financially could give her a happy home, too. But the odds of finding someone who is better off financially are small, I know. So, it's just wait and see, like everything else in life. I try not to panic anymore.This is the best site. I've learned more from all of you than I have from my vet. I wonder if she knows she shouldn't have tested Ellie with the IFA so soon after the ELISSA. I don't see that vet any longer.KathiFrom: catatonya <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>Reply-To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgTo: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgSubject:
 Re: timing on FeLV+ testDate: Sat, 30 Sep 2006 05:49:35 -0700 (PDT)If I were in your situation I would mix. BUT I would not be second guessing myself if one of the others happens to turn up positive down the line. Unless you've had your other cats recently tested they couled be positive right now. Cats can harbor the virus for years. So in my opinion I would mix if all my other cats' leukemia shots were up to date. After 10 years of no one catching felv from my positives I've stopped vaccinating for it every year. tonyaKathi Clark <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>wrote: Althea, 13Tabitha, 11Bear, 5Oreo, 1Connie, 1 From: catatonya Reply-To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: timing on FeLV+ test Date: Mon, 25 Sep 2006
 19:31:42 -0700 (PDT)  How old are the other 5?  Kathi Clark wrote: Are you all saying that if my 5 kitties have been vaccinated and boostered for FeLV (July 2006) that Ellie, my FeLV+ kitty, can join them now I have her separated and planned to keep her separated from the others until I get the results of her IFA on October 13. October 13 will be 120 days from the first positive IFA; she tested positive on the ELISSA a month before that. Even if she's still positive after the second IFA, is it okay to integrate her with the others? I have one kitty who would wrestle and hiss and spit playfully with her because he already has. Oreo tested positive on the ELISSA after contact with Ellie but tested negative on his IFA a month later. I now know that the vet
 retested him too soon but I'm too scared to have him retested with another IFA. I couldn't bear to know that my boy, my favorite, is still infected. I'd rather not know. Right after the negative IFA, I added Oreo to the bunch. Ellie, on the other hand, is a different story. I need to know what to do before I integrate her. She's SO very lonely in a bedroom all by herself. I just would feel like a horrible mother if any of my others came down with FeLV and it was because of Ellie. Please tell me what to do. I want the best for everyone -- me, my negs and my one positive!  Kathi  

Re: timing on FeLV+ test

[Kathi Clark]

Thanks, Tonya.  This has given me something to think about.  I haven't had 
the other ones tested again and I don't think I will.  My vet said if she 
was in my situation she would retest only if I brought them in for an 
illness on down the road.  If Ellie tests negative on the IFA on October 13, 
I'll mix her with the others.  If she doesn't, I may still integrate her.  
Is that taking a big risk with the 1-year-olds, though?  As I said, Oreo, 
who's 1, became infected by Ellie and I know if I mix the two again, they'll 
have a great deal of one-on-one contact.  Oreo and Connie have a lot of 
contact now and if Oreo contracts it again, does that put Connie at risk?  
Sorry so many questions.  I'm just a nervous mother and FeLV is so new to 
me.


I would miss Ellie so if I found her another home and would always be 
worried if she was happy or not and taken care of.  I just am concerned that 
if she has health issues in the future, I can't financially handle the big 
vet bills.  Perhaps someone else who's better off financially could give her 
a happy home, too.  But the odds of finding someone who is better off 
financially are small, I know. So, it's just wait and see, like everything 
else in life.  I try not to panic anymore.


This is the best site.  I've learned more from all of you than I have from 
my vet.  I wonder if she knows she shouldn't have tested Ellie with the IFA 
so soon after the ELISSA.  I don't see that vet any longer.


Kathi



From: catatonya [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Reply-To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
Subject: Re: timing on FeLV+ test
Date: Sat, 30 Sep 2006 05:49:35 -0700 (PDT)

If I were in your situation I would mix.  BUT I would not be second 
guessing myself if one of the others happens to turn up positive down the 
line.  Unless you've had your other cats recently tested they couled be 
positive right now.  Cats can harbor the virus for years.  So in my opinion 
I would mix if all my other cats' leukemia shots were up to date.


  After 10 years of no one catching felv from my positives I've stopped 
vaccinating for it every year.


  tonya

Kathi Clark [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
  Althea, 13
Tabitha, 11
Bear, 5
Oreo, 1
Connie, 1


From: catatonya
Reply-To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
Subject: Re: timing on FeLV+ test
Date: Mon, 25 Sep 2006 19:31:42 -0700 (PDT)

How old are the other 5?

Kathi Clark wrote: Are you all saying that if my
5 kitties have been vaccinated and boostered
for FeLV (July 2006) that Ellie, my FeLV+ kitty, can join them now I
have her separated and planned to keep her separated from the others 
until

I
get the results of her IFA on October 13. October 13 will be 120 days 
from

the first positive IFA; she tested positive on the ELISSA a month before
that. Even if she's still positive after the second IFA, is it okay to
integrate her with the others? I have one kitty who would wrestle and 
hiss
and spit playfully with her because he already has. Oreo tested positive 
on
the ELISSA after contact with Ellie but tested negative on his IFA a 
month
later. I now know that the vet retested him too soon but I'm too scared 
to
have him retested with another IFA. I couldn't bear to know that my boy, 
my
favorite, is still infected. I'd rather not know. Right after the 
negative

IFA, I added Oreo to the bunch. Ellie, on the other hand, is a different
story. I need to know what to do before I integrate her. She's SO very
lonely in a bedroom all by herself. I just would feel like a horrible
mother if any of my others came down with FeLV and it was because of 
Ellie.
Please tell me what to do. I want the best for everyone -- me, my negs 
and

my one positive!

Kathi


 From: Susan Franklin
 Reply-To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
 To: ,
 Subject: Re: timing on FeLV+ test
 Date: Mon, 18 Sep 2006 08:05:43 -0500
 
 Thank you thank you thank you.
 
 My girls go for their second booster on September 26. Gunnar is having
 his first IFA test on December 1.
 
 So you think TWO WEEKS after the last booster and Gunnar can join the
 family?? That is so wonderful to hear! He's a sweetie and I can't
 wait for him to be a part of us - learning the routines, teaching us
 stuff he knows and just being a family together.
 
  From the bottom of my heart, thank you all for your encouraging 
words,

 your knowledge and your love.
 
 P.S. Can anyone tell me how I can change my email address for this
 chat site??
 
 
 
   [EMAIL PROTECTED] 9/16/06 8:02:25 PM 
 Once your negative cats are vaccinated, boostered and then wait maybe 2
 weeks... I would mix without worrying about dishes and litters
 at all.
  t
 
 Susan Franklin wrote:
  You guys, as I've said before, are FANTASTIC. Whenever I get down
 about
 stuff I read on other Internet sites regarding mixing or throwing off
 the virus, I can always count on coming to you and getting an
 optimistic, truthful and knowledgeable answer.
 
 Thank you, thank you, thank

Re: timing on FeLV+ test

[catatonya]

If I were in your situation I would mix. BUT I would not be second guessing myself if one of the others happens to turn up positive down the line. Unless you've had your other cats recently tested they couled be positive right now. Cats can harbor the virus for years. So in my opinion I would mix if all my other cats' leukemia shots were up to date.After 10 years of no one catching felv from my positives I've stopped vaccinating for it every year.tonyaKathi Clark [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:  Althea, 13Tabitha, 11Bear, 5Oreo, 1Connie, 1From: catatonya <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>Reply-To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgTo: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgSubject: Re: timing on FeLV+ testDate: Mon,
 25 Sep 2006 19:31:42 -0700 (PDT)How old are the other 5?Kathi Clark <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>wrote: Are you all saying that if my 5 kitties have been vaccinated and boosteredfor FeLV (July 2006) that Ellie, my FeLV+ kitty, can join them now Ihave her separated and planned to keep her separated from the others until Iget the results of her IFA on October 13. October 13 will be 120 days fromthe first positive IFA; she tested positive on the ELISSA a month beforethat. Even if she's still positive after the second IFA, is it okay tointegrate her with the others? I have one kitty who would wrestle and hissand spit playfully with her because he already has. Oreo tested positive onthe ELISSA after contact with Ellie but tested negative on his IFA a monthlater. I now know that the vet retested him too soon but I'm too scared tohave him retested with
 another IFA. I couldn't bear to know that my boy, myfavorite, is still infected. I'd rather not know. Right after the negativeIFA, I added Oreo to the bunch. Ellie, on the other hand, is a differentstory. I need to know what to do before I integrate her. She's SO verylonely in a bedroom all by herself. I just would feel like a horriblemother if any of my others came down with FeLV and it was because of Ellie.Please tell me what to do. I want the best for everyone -- me, my negs andmy one positive!Kathi From: "Susan Franklin" Reply-To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org To: , Subject: Re: timing on FeLV+ test Date: Mon, 18 Sep 2006 08:05:43 -0500  Thank you thank you thank you.  My girls go for their second booster on September 26. Gunnar is having his first IFA test on
 December 1.  So you think TWO WEEKS after the last booster and Gunnar can join the family?? That is so wonderful to hear! He's a sweetie and I can't wait for him to be a part of us - learning the routines, teaching us stuff he knows and just being a family together.   From the bottom of my heart, thank you all for your encouraging words, your knowledge and your love.  P.S. Can anyone tell me how I can change my email address for this chat site??  [EMAIL PROTECTED] 9/16/06 8:02:25 PM  Once your negative cats are vaccinated, boostered and then wait maybe 2 weeks... I would mix without worrying about dishes and litters at all.  t  Susan Franklin wrote:  You guys, as I've
 said before, are FANTASTIC. Whenever I get down about stuff I read on other Internet sites regarding mixing or throwing off the virus, I can always count on coming to you and getting an optimistic, truthful and knowledgeable answer.  Thank you, thank you, thank you I will reschedule Gunnar's appointment for 120 days from August 3. Instead of re-testing with the ELISA, I will have the IFA test done. That is correct??  And if, God forbid, the IFA is positive after 120 days, how many more days would you recommend I wait before I retest again??  And are you guys okay with mixing?? My girls are 16 and almost 8. Gunnar is 1-1/2 or 2. The girls are in the process of being vaccinated. I'm sure they won't be grooming each other, so all I need to do is keep the
 litter box clean and worry about the food/water bowls. I can pick up breakfast/lunch/dinner dishes immediately after meals, but what's the best route to take regarding the water bowl? And I guess I would clean the litter box in the morning and when I get home each night from work.  Does this sound like a safe plan? Any other suggestions would be appreciated.  Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your advice and words of wisdom. You've made a nervous "sister" to three cats a more calmer person. Like I told our vet, who said "don't count on it" when I told her we were literally praying to throw the virus, I trust and believe more in what I read on this site than I would the vet's office.  You guys have "been there, done that." And you've got love, which is the strongest
 feeling of all.  God bless all of you and your kitties!!  Keep the faith.  Susan F. Chicago, Illinois sister to Kelly (16 - just had her Sweet 16 on Saturday), Meagan (7-1/2) and Gunnar (1-1/2-2).   [EMAIL PROTECTED] 9/11/06 3:07:48 PM  retest using the IFA at a minimum of 90 days--i go for 120 days since most times it takes between three and four months t

Re: timing on FeLV+ test

[Kathi Clark]

Althea, 13
Tabitha, 11
Bear, 5
Oreo, 1
Connie, 1



From: catatonya [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Reply-To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
Subject: Re: timing on FeLV+ test
Date: Mon, 25 Sep 2006 19:31:42 -0700 (PDT)

How old are the other 5?

Kathi Clark [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:  Are you all saying that if my 
5 kitties have been vaccinated and boostered

for FeLV (July 2006) that Ellie, my FeLV+ kitty, can join them now I
have her separated and planned to keep her separated from the others until 
I

get the results of her IFA on October 13. October 13 will be 120 days from
the first positive IFA; she tested positive on the ELISSA a month before
that. Even if she's still positive after the second IFA, is it okay to
integrate her with the others? I have one kitty who would wrestle and hiss
and spit playfully with her because he already has. Oreo tested positive on
the ELISSA after contact with Ellie but tested negative on his IFA a month
later. I now know that the vet retested him too soon but I'm too scared to
have him retested with another IFA. I couldn't bear to know that my boy, my
favorite, is still infected. I'd rather not know. Right after the negative
IFA, I added Oreo to the bunch. Ellie, on the other hand, is a different
story. I need to know what to do before I integrate her. She's SO very
lonely in a bedroom all by herself. I just would feel like a horrible
mother if any of my others came down with FeLV and it was because of Ellie.
Please tell me what to do. I want the best for everyone -- me, my negs and
my one positive!

Kathi


From: Susan Franklin
Reply-To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
To: ,
Subject: Re: timing on FeLV+ test
Date: Mon, 18 Sep 2006 08:05:43 -0500

Thank you thank you thank you.

My girls go for their second booster on September 26. Gunnar is having
his first IFA test on December 1.

So you think TWO WEEKS after the last booster and Gunnar can join the
family?? That is so wonderful to hear! He's a sweetie and I can't
wait for him to be a part of us - learning the routines, teaching us
stuff he knows and just being a family together.

 From the bottom of my heart, thank you all for your encouraging words,
your knowledge and your love.

P.S. Can anyone tell me how I can change my email address for this
chat site??



  [EMAIL PROTECTED] 9/16/06 8:02:25 PM 
Once your negative cats are vaccinated, boostered and then wait maybe 2
weeks... I would mix without worrying about dishes and litters
at all.
 t

Susan Franklin wrote:
 You guys, as I've said before, are FANTASTIC. Whenever I get down
about
stuff I read on other Internet sites regarding mixing or throwing off
the virus, I can always count on coming to you and getting an
optimistic, truthful and knowledgeable answer.

Thank you, thank you, thank you I will reschedule Gunnar's
appointment for 120 days from August 3. Instead of re-testing with the
ELISA, I will have the IFA test done. That is correct??

And if, God forbid, the IFA is positive after 120 days, how many more
days would you recommend I wait before I retest again??

And are you guys okay with mixing?? My girls are 16 and almost 8.
Gunnar is 1-1/2 or 2. The girls are in the process of being
vaccinated.
I'm sure they won't be grooming each other, so all I need to do is
keep
the litter box clean and worry about the food/water bowls. I can pick
up breakfast/lunch/dinner dishes immediately after meals, but what's
the
best route to take regarding the water bowl? And I guess I would clean
the litter box in the morning and when I get home each night from work.

Does this sound like a safe plan? Any other suggestions would be
appreciated.

Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your advice and
words of wisdom. You've made a nervous sister to three cats a more
calmer person. Like I told our vet, who said don't count on it when
I told her we were literally praying to throw the virus, I trust and
believe more in what I read on this site than I would the vet's office.

You guys have been there, done that. And you've got love, which is
the strongest feeling of all.

God bless all of you and your kitties!!

Keep the faith.

Susan F.
Chicago, Illinois
sister to Kelly (16 - just had her Sweet 16 on Saturday), Meagan
(7-1/2) and Gunnar (1-1/2-2).




  [EMAIL PROTECTED] 9/11/06 3:07:48 PM 
retest using the IFA at a minimum of 90 days--i go for 120 days since
most
times it takes between three and four months to clear the virus--so
unless
you are absolutely sure that he couldn't have been in contact with an
infected cat that entire amount, better to wait.

statistically, 70% of those originally tested positive on the ELISA
will
test negative on the IFA--if you do not test too soon. as belinda
says,
even
if an IFA is positive after 90-120 days, it's still not a
definite--the
virus can still clear itself.


On 9/11/06, Nina wrote:
 
  I'm confused about who is asking what here. Who's the person that
is
  using caps to talk with? Anyway

Re: timing on FeLV+ test

[catatonya]

How old are the other 5?Kathi Clark [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:  Are you all saying that if my 5 kitties have been vaccinated and boostered for FeLV (July 2006) that Ellie, my FeLV+ kitty, can join them now I have her separated and planned to keep her separated from the others until I get the results of her IFA on October 13. October 13 will be 120 days from the first positive IFA; she tested positive on the ELISSA a month before that. Even if she's still positive after the second IFA, is it okay to integrate her with the others? I have one kitty who would wrestle and hiss and spit playfully with her because he already has. Oreo tested positive on the ELISSA after contact with Ellie but tested negative on his IFA a month later. I now know that the vet retested him too soon but I'm too scared to have
 him retested with another IFA. I couldn't bear to know that my boy, my favorite, is still infected. I'd rather not know. Right after the negative IFA, I added Oreo to the bunch. Ellie, on the other hand, is a different story. I need to know what to do before I integrate her. She's SO very lonely in a bedroom all by herself. I just would feel like a horrible mother if any of my others came down with FeLV and it was because of Ellie. Please tell me what to do. I want the best for everyone -- me, my negs and my one positive!KathiFrom: "Susan Franklin" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>Reply-To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgTo: ,<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>Subject: Re: timing on FeLV+ testDate: Mon, 18 Sep 2006 08:05:43 -0500Thank you thank you thank you.My girls go for their second booster on September 26. Gunnar is havinghis first IFA test on
 December 1.So you think TWO WEEKS after the last booster and Gunnar can join thefamily?? That is so wonderful to hear! He's a sweetie and I can'twait for him to be a part of us - learning the routines, teaching usstuff he knows and just being a family together. From the bottom of my heart, thank you all for your encouraging words,your knowledge and your love.P.S. Can anyone tell me how I can change my email address for thischat site??  [EMAIL PROTECTED] 9/16/06 8:02:25 PM Once your negative cats are vaccinated, boostered and then wait maybe 2weeks... I would mix without worrying about dishes and littersat all. tSusan Franklin <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>wrote: You guys, as I've said before, are FANTASTIC. Whenever I get downaboutstuff I read on
 other Internet sites regarding mixing or throwing offthe virus, I can always count on coming to you and getting anoptimistic, truthful and knowledgeable answer.Thank you, thank you, thank you I will reschedule Gunnar'sappointment for 120 days from August 3. Instead of re-testing with theELISA, I will have the IFA test done. That is correct??And if, God forbid, the IFA is positive after 120 days, how many moredays would you recommend I wait before I retest again??And are you guys okay with mixing?? My girls are 16 and almost 8.Gunnar is 1-1/2 or 2. The girls are in the process of beingvaccinated.I'm sure they won't be grooming each other, so all I need to do iskeepthe litter box clean and worry about the food/water bowls. I can pickup breakfast/lunch/dinner dishes immediately after meals, but what'sthebest route to take
 regarding the water bowl? And I guess I would cleanthe litter box in the morning and when I get home each night from work.Does this sound like a safe plan? Any other suggestions would beappreciated.Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your advice andwords of wisdom. You've made a nervous "sister" to three cats a morecalmer person. Like I told our vet, who said "don't count on it" whenI told her we were literally praying to throw the virus, I trust andbelieve more in what I read on this site than I would the vet's office.You guys have "been there, done that." And you've got love, which isthe strongest feeling of all.God bless all of you and your kitties!!Keep the faith.Susan F.Chicago, Illinoissister to Kelly (16 - just had her Sweet 16 on Saturday), Meagan(7-1/2) and Gunnar
 (1-1/2-2).  [EMAIL PROTECTED] 9/11/06 3:07:48 PM retest using the IFA at a minimum of 90 days--i go for 120 days sincemosttimes it takes between three and four months to clear the virus--sounlessyou are absolutely sure that he couldn't have been in contact with aninfected cat that entire amount, better to wait.statistically, 70% of those originally tested positive on the ELISAwilltest negative on the IFA--if you do not test too soon. as belindasays,evenif an IFA is positive after 90-120 days, it's still not adefinite--thevirus can still clear itself.On 9/11/06, Nina wrote:   I'm confused about who is asking what here. Who's the person thatis  using caps to talk with? Anyway, this was just posted on my ferallist
 in  answer to questions about ELISA vs IFA. I don't know this person,(and I  hope he wouldn't mind my copying his post for our list), but hisresponse  seemed knowledgeable and even in my foggy state of mind, 

Re: timing on FeLV+ test

[Kathi Clark]

Are you all saying that if my 5 kitties have been vaccinated and boostered 
for FeLV (July 2006) that Ellie, my FeLV+ kitty, can join them now  I 
have her separated and planned to keep her separated from the others until I 
get the results of her IFA on October 13.  October 13 will be 120 days from 
the first positive IFA; she tested positive on the ELISSA a month before 
that.  Even if she's still positive after the second IFA, is it okay to 
integrate her with the others?  I have one kitty who would wrestle and hiss 
and spit playfully with her because he already has.  Oreo tested positive on 
the ELISSA after contact with Ellie but tested negative on his IFA a month 
later.  I now know that the vet retested him too soon but I'm too scared to 
have him retested with another IFA.  I couldn't bear to know that my boy, my 
favorite, is still infected.  I'd rather not know.  Right after the negative 
IFA, I added Oreo to the bunch.  Ellie, on the other hand, is a different 
story.  I need to know what to do before I integrate her.  She's SO very 
lonely in a bedroom all by herself.  I just would feel like a horrible 
mother if any of my others came down with FeLV and it was because of Ellie.  
Please tell me what to do.  I want the best for everyone -- me, my negs and 
my one positive!


Kathi



From: Susan Franklin [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Reply-To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org,[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Re: timing on FeLV+ test
Date: Mon, 18 Sep 2006 08:05:43 -0500

Thank you thank you thank you.

My girls go for their second booster on September 26.  Gunnar is having
his first IFA test on December 1.

So you think TWO WEEKS after the last booster and Gunnar can join the
family??  That is so wonderful to hear!  He's a sweetie and I can't
wait for him to be a part of us - learning the routines, teaching us
stuff he knows and just being a family together.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you all for your encouraging words,
your knowledge and your love.

P.S.  Can anyone tell me how I can change my email address for this
chat site??



 [EMAIL PROTECTED] 9/16/06 8:02:25 PM 
Once your negative cats are vaccinated, boostered and then wait maybe 2
weeks... I would mix without worrying about dishes and litters
at all.
  t

Susan Franklin [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
  You guys, as I've said before, are FANTASTIC. Whenever I get down
about
stuff I read on other Internet sites regarding mixing or throwing off
the virus, I can always count on coming to you and getting an
optimistic, truthful and knowledgeable answer.

Thank you, thank you, thank you I will reschedule Gunnar's
appointment for 120 days from August 3. Instead of re-testing with the
ELISA, I will have the IFA test done. That is correct??

And if, God forbid, the IFA is positive after 120 days, how many more
days would you recommend I wait before I retest again??

And are you guys okay with mixing?? My girls are 16 and almost 8.
Gunnar is 1-1/2 or 2. The girls are in the process of being
vaccinated.
I'm sure they won't be grooming each other, so all I need to do is
keep
the litter box clean and worry about the food/water bowls. I can pick
up breakfast/lunch/dinner dishes immediately after meals, but what's
the
best route to take regarding the water bowl? And I guess I would clean
the litter box in the morning and when I get home each night from work.

Does this sound like a safe plan? Any other suggestions would be
appreciated.

Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your advice and
words of wisdom. You've made a nervous sister to three cats a more
calmer person. Like I told our vet, who said don't count on it when
I told her we were literally praying to throw the virus, I trust and
believe more in what I read on this site than I would the vet's office.

You guys have been there, done that. And you've got love, which is
the strongest feeling of all.

God bless all of you and your kitties!!

Keep the faith.

Susan F.
Chicago, Illinois
sister to Kelly (16 - just had her Sweet 16 on Saturday), Meagan
(7-1/2) and Gunnar (1-1/2-2).




 [EMAIL PROTECTED] 9/11/06 3:07:48 PM 
retest using the IFA at a minimum of 90 days--i go for 120 days since
most
times it takes between three and four months to clear the virus--so
unless
you are absolutely sure that he couldn't have been in contact with an
infected cat that entire amount, better to wait.

statistically, 70% of those originally tested positive on the ELISA
will
test negative on the IFA--if you do not test too soon. as belinda
says,
even
if an IFA is positive after 90-120 days, it's still not a
definite--the
virus can still clear itself.


On 9/11/06, Nina wrote:

 I'm confused about who is asking what here. Who's the person that
is
 using caps to talk with? Anyway, this was just posted on my feral
list in
 answer to questions about ELISA vs IFA. I don't know this person,
(and I
 hope he wouldn't mind my copying his post for our list), but his
response

Re: timing on FeLV+ test

[Susan Franklin]

Thank you thank you thank you.

My girls go for their second booster on September 26.  Gunnar is having
his first IFA test on December 1.

So you think TWO WEEKS after the last booster and Gunnar can join the
family??  That is so wonderful to hear!  He's a sweetie and I can't
wait for him to be a part of us - learning the routines, teaching us
stuff he knows and just being a family together.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you all for your encouraging words,
your knowledge and your love.  

P.S.  Can anyone tell me how I can change my email address for this
chat site??



 [EMAIL PROTECTED] 9/16/06 8:02:25 PM 
Once your negative cats are vaccinated, boostered and then wait maybe 2
weeks... I would mix without worrying about dishes and litters
at all.
  t

Susan Franklin [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
  You guys, as I've said before, are FANTASTIC. Whenever I get down
about
stuff I read on other Internet sites regarding mixing or throwing off
the virus, I can always count on coming to you and getting an
optimistic, truthful and knowledgeable answer.

Thank you, thank you, thank you I will reschedule Gunnar's
appointment for 120 days from August 3. Instead of re-testing with the
ELISA, I will have the IFA test done. That is correct??

And if, God forbid, the IFA is positive after 120 days, how many more
days would you recommend I wait before I retest again??

And are you guys okay with mixing?? My girls are 16 and almost 8. 
Gunnar is 1-1/2 or 2. The girls are in the process of being
vaccinated.
I'm sure they won't be grooming each other, so all I need to do is
keep
the litter box clean and worry about the food/water bowls. I can pick
up breakfast/lunch/dinner dishes immediately after meals, but what's
the
best route to take regarding the water bowl? And I guess I would clean
the litter box in the morning and when I get home each night from work.

Does this sound like a safe plan? Any other suggestions would be
appreciated.

Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your advice and
words of wisdom. You've made a nervous sister to three cats a more
calmer person. Like I told our vet, who said don't count on it when
I told her we were literally praying to throw the virus, I trust and
believe more in what I read on this site than I would the vet's office.

You guys have been there, done that. And you've got love, which is
the strongest feeling of all.

God bless all of you and your kitties!!

Keep the faith.

Susan F.
Chicago, Illinois
sister to Kelly (16 - just had her Sweet 16 on Saturday), Meagan
(7-1/2) and Gunnar (1-1/2-2).




 [EMAIL PROTECTED] 9/11/06 3:07:48 PM 
retest using the IFA at a minimum of 90 days--i go for 120 days since
most
times it takes between three and four months to clear the virus--so
unless
you are absolutely sure that he couldn't have been in contact with an
infected cat that entire amount, better to wait.

statistically, 70% of those originally tested positive on the ELISA
will
test negative on the IFA--if you do not test too soon. as belinda
says,
even
if an IFA is positive after 90-120 days, it's still not a
definite--the
virus can still clear itself.


On 9/11/06, Nina wrote:

 I'm confused about who is asking what here. Who's the person that
is
 using caps to talk with? Anyway, this was just posted on my feral
list in
 answer to questions about ELISA vs IFA. I don't know this person,
(and I
 hope he wouldn't mind my copying his post for our list), but his
response
 seemed knowledgeable and even in my foggy state of mind, a
reasonable
 explanation. I had thought that it wasn't possible to detect felv
antigens
 in the bone marrow, (sequestered), even with an IFA. I thought I'd
throw
 his comments out there for others to comment on.
 Nina

  the ELISA is about 100 times more sensitive than the IFA- but
 not as specific- which accounts for the high % of false positives. 
The
 ELISA detects soluble (circulating) P27 antigen while the IFA
detects
P27
 antigen in nucleated cells, neutrophils and platelets, or in bone
marrow
 cells.

 IFAs depend upon advanced stages of infection to detect the presence
of
 antigen and thus will not usually pick up early infections or
sequestered
 infections. The increased sensitivity of the ELISA allows the
detection of
 early infections, transient infections, and sequestered infections
that may
 not be picked up by the IFA.

 Neither the ELISA nor IFA will not detect viral latency, because
during
 viral latency P27 antigen is not being produced. 



 Susan Franklin wrote:

 [EMAIL PROTECTED] 9/11/06 8:37:18 AM 


 Susan,
 I would wait *at least* 90 days and then get the IFA test. WOULD
I
 NOT WANT TO GET THE ELISSA TEST AGAIN??? ISN'T THE IFA TEST THE
FINAL
 SAY??? IF THE IFA CAME BACK POSITIVE, WOULD I CONTINUE TO RETEST
WITH
 THE IFA? AND HOW OFTEN?

 Keep
 giving the Mega C and good food and hopefully he will clear the
virus.

 But if not and it could take longer than 90 days, he'll still be
 healthier with the supplements 

Re: timing on FeLV+ test

[Gina WN]

So, is he saying that cats don't throw the virus, they just harbor FeLV in another compartment of the body? I am confused.Gina  Nina [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:  I wrote to this person off list and asked them to clarify. Here's his response: Let me rephrase that: IFAs depend upon advanced stages of infection to  detect the presence of antigen and thus won't usually pick up early  infections or sequestered infections *that don't involve the bone marrow*.  If cat tests ELISA+ and IFA- she's probably harboring an FeLV infection in  some nonmyeloid compartment of the body. Nina wrote:  I'm confused about who is asking what here. Who's the person that is using caps to talk with? Anyway, this was just posted on my feral list in answer to questions about ELISA vs IFA. I don't know this person, (and I hope he wouldn't mind my copying his post for our list), but his response seemed knowledgeable and even in my foggy state of mind, a reasonable explanation. I had thought that it wasn't possible to detect felv antigens in the bone marrow, (sequestered), even with an IFA. I thought I'd throw his comments out there for others to comment on. Nina the ELISA is about 100 times more sensitive than the IFA- but  not as specific- which accounts for the high % of false positives.  The  ELISA detects soluble (circulating) P27 antigen while the IFA detects P27  antigen in nucleated cells, neutrophils and platelets, or in bone marrow  cells.   
 IFAs depend upon advanced stages of infection to detect the presence of  antigen and thus will not usually pick up early infections or sequestered  infections. The  increased sensitivity of the ELISA allows the detection of  early infections, transient infections, and sequestered infections that may  not be picked up by the IFA.Neither the ELISA nor IFA will not detect viral latency, because during  viral latency P27 antigen is not being produced.   Susan Franklin wrote:   [EMAIL PROTECTED] 9/11/06 8:37:18 AM   Susan,I would wait *at least* 90 days and then get the IFA test.  WOULD I  NOT WANT TO GET
 THE ELISSA TEST AGAIN???  ISN'T THE IFA TEST "THE FINAL  SAY"???  IF THE IFA CAME BACK POSITIVE, WOULD I CONTINUE TO RETEST WITH  THE IFA?  AND HOW OFTEN?Keep   giving the Mega C and good food and hopefully he will clear the virus. But if not and it could take longer than 90 days, he'll still be   healthier with the supplements and better food, which gives him a  better   chance of fighting off any opportunistic diseases or viruses.  WILL DO.   THANK YOU.I had Bailey tested once a year for about the first 5 years by then itwas obvious he wasn't going to throw it off, this is after the initialretest in 90 days.  I had him PCR tested when he was about 8 years oldand it was in his DNA.  But he was healthy up until he got sick at   almost 11 years of age, and he tested positive at 5 months of age, so  he   lived a very good life for about 11 years being positive.  AND THANK  THE GOOD LORD BAILEY HAD YOU!!  I'M GOING TO DO ALL I CAN FOR MY 
 GUNNAR.  AND HOPEFULLY YOU DON'T SEE ANY HUGE PROBLEMS WITH HIS MIXING WITH  KELLY AND MEAGAN (NEGS)??  I'VE GOT TO SAYTHIS SITE HAS GIVEN ME SO  MUCH HOPE FOR OUR FUTURE.  REGARDING MIXING, ETC.  THANK GOD YOU GUYS  WERE THERE TO TELL ME ABOUT THE WELLNESS FOOD AND THE MEGA C.  MY VET  WASN'T EXACTLY ENCOURAGING ABOUT HIM THROWING OFF THE VIRUS - AND OTHER  SITES ARE JUST SO "DOWN" ON MIXING.God bless you all - you are generous with your time and advice and it's  just so obvious how much you love your furry friends!!  Please visitmy Tigger Tales site!  On the fundraising page aremy merchant affiliate banners. If anyone uses my links to make a purchase, I will receive
 a percentage of all final sales.I am going to donate100% ofthe proceeds to animal welfare organizations.This is a great way to shop your favorite online pet stores and give something to a worthy cause. Thank you in advance! 
		 All-new Yahoo! Mail - Fire up a more powerful email and get things done faster.

Re: timing on FeLV+ test

[catatonya]

Once your negative cats are vaccinated, boostered and then wait maybe 2 weeks... I would mix without worrying about dishes and litters at all.  tSusan Franklin [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:  You guys, as I've said before, are FANTASTIC. Whenever I get down aboutstuff I read on other Internet sites regarding mixing or throwing offthe virus, I can always count on coming to you and getting anoptimistic, truthful and knowledgeable answer.Thank you, thank you, thank you I will reschedule Gunnar'sappointment for 120 days from August 3. Instead of re-testing with theELISA, I will have the IFA test done. That is correct??And if, God forbid, the IFA is positive after 120 days, how many moredays would you recommend I wait before I retest again??And are you guys okay with
 mixing?? My girls are 16 and almost 8. Gunnar is 1-1/2 or 2. The girls are in the process of being vaccinated.I'm sure they won't be grooming each other, so all I need to do is keepthe litter box clean and worry about the food/water bowls. I can pickup breakfast/lunch/dinner dishes immediately after meals, but what's thebest route to take regarding the water bowl? And I guess I would cleanthe litter box in the morning and when I get home each night from work. Does this sound like a safe plan? Any other suggestions would beappreciated.Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your advice andwords of wisdom. You've made a nervous "sister" to three cats a morecalmer person. Like I told our vet, who said "don't count on it" whenI told her we were literally praying to throw the virus, I trust andbelieve more in what I read on this site than I would the vet's office. You guys have "been there, done that." And
 you've got love, which isthe strongest feeling of all.God bless all of you and your kitties!!Keep the faith.Susan F.Chicago, Illinoissister to Kelly (16 - just had her Sweet 16 on Saturday), Meagan(7-1/2) and Gunnar (1-1/2-2). [EMAIL PROTECTED] 9/11/06 3:07:48 PM retest using the IFA at a minimum of 90 days--i go for 120 days sincemosttimes it takes between three and four months to clear the virus--sounlessyou are absolutely sure that he couldn't have been in contact with aninfected cat that entire amount, better to wait.statistically, 70% of those originally tested positive on the ELISAwilltest negative on the IFA--if you do not test too soon. as belinda says,evenif an IFA is positive after 90-120 days, it's still not adefinite--thevirus can still clear itself.On 9/11/06, Nina
 <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>wrote: I'm confused about who is asking what here. Who's the person thatis using caps to talk with? Anyway, this was just posted on my ferallist in answer to questions about ELISA vs IFA. I don't know this person,(and I hope he wouldn't mind my copying his post for our list), but hisresponse seemed knowledgeable and even in my foggy state of mind, areasonable explanation. I had thought that it wasn't possible to detect felvantigens in the bone marrow, (sequestered), even with an IFA. I thought I'dthrow his comments out there for others to comment on. Nina  the ELISA is about 100 times more sensitive than the IFA- but not as specific- which accounts for the high % of false positives. The ELISA detects soluble (circulating) P27 antigen while the IFA detectsP27 antigen in nucleated cells,
 neutrophils and platelets, or in bonemarrow cells. IFAs depend upon advanced stages of infection to detect the presenceof antigen and thus will not usually pick up early infections orsequestered infections. The increased sensitivity of the ELISA allows thedetection of early infections, transient infections, and sequestered infectionsthat may not be picked up by the IFA. Neither the ELISA nor IFA will not detect viral latency, becauseduring viral latency P27 antigen is not being produced.  Susan Franklin wrote: [EMAIL PROTECTED] 9/11/06 8:37:18 AM  Susan, I would wait *at least* 90 days and then get the IFA test. WOULDI NOT WANT TO GET THE ELISSA TEST AGAIN??? ISN'T THE IFA TEST "THEFINAL SAY"??? IF THE IFA CAME BACK POSITIVE, WOULD I CONTINUE TO
 RETESTWITH THE IFA? AND HOW OFTEN? Keep giving the Mega C and good food and hopefully he will clear thevirus. But if not and it could take longer than 90 days, he'll still be healthier with the supplements and better food, which gives him a better chance of fighting off any opportunistic diseases or viruses. WILLDO. THANK YOU. I had Bailey tested once a year for about the first 5 years by thenit was obvious he wasn't going to throw it off, this is after theinitial retest in 90 days. I had him PCR tested when he was about 8 yearsold and it was in his DNA. But he was healthy up until he got sick at almost 11 years of age, and he tested positive at 5 months of age,so he lived a very good life for about 11 years being positive. AND THANK THE GOOD LORD BAILEY HAD YOU!!
 I'M GOING TO DO ALL I CAN FORMY GUNNAR. AND HOPEFULLY YOU DON'T SEE ANY HUGE PROBLEMS WITH HIS MIXING WITH KELLY AND MEAGAN (NEGS)?? I'VE GOT 

Re: timing on FeLV+ test

[Susan Franklin]

That is very true.  Thank you.


 [EMAIL PROTECTED] 9/11/06 5:07:01 PM 
One thing I always consider with testing -- the tests, the trip to a
vet and drawing of blood, is really stressful for the cat.  So if you
have even a single positive ELISA test, go with the IFA next time.  The
less the cat needs to be tested, the better.

TenHouseCats [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:  i'd definitely go for
the IFA instead of the elissa--the false positive rate is just too high
on the latter. i don't know how much actual research there is on how
long it can take to clear on the IFA--i'd seen a cite of up to 8 months
from exposure, tho that one no longer appears where i saw it. belinda
says it was a year. part of the issue is that, if after all that time,
the cats is still positive, does it really matter? for keeping on eye on
things, yes, but if the kitty's been in your family that long, it's not
likely that his status will really make much difference in whether he
stays, is it? 
   
  others will have more info re: mixing positives with negatives,
and/or mixing unvaccinated negatives with positives. personally, i would
vaccinate my negatives and mix with no problem, but there's an ongoing
debate about the safety of vaccinations that each individual needs to
weigh. 
   
  MC

 

On 9/11/06, Susan Franklin [EMAIL PROTECTED]  wrote:   You
guys, as I've said before, are FANTASTIC.  Whenever I get down about
stuff I read on other Internet sites regarding mixing or throwing off 
the virus, I can always count on coming to you and getting an
optimistic, truthful and knowledgeable answer.

Thank you, thank you, thank you  I will reschedule Gunnar's
appointment for 120 days from August 3.  Instead of re-testing with the

ELISA, I will have the IFA test done.  That is correct??

And if, God forbid, the IFA is positive after 120 days, how many more
days would you recommend I wait before I retest again??

And are you guys okay with mixing??  My girls are 16 and almost 8. 
Gunnar is 1-1/2 or 2.  The girls are in the process of being
vaccinated.
I'm sure they won't be grooming each other, so all I need to do is
keep
the litter box clean and worry about the food/water bowls.  I can pick

up breakfast/lunch/dinner dishes immediately after meals, but what's
the
best route to take regarding the water bowl?  And I guess I would
clean
the litter box in the morning and when I get home each night from work.

Does this sound like a safe plan?  Any other suggestions would be
appreciated.

Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your advice and
words of wisdom.  You've made a nervous sister to three cats a more 
calmer person.   Like I told our vet, who said don't count on it
when
I told her we were literally praying to throw the virus, I trust and
believe more in what I read on this site than I would the vet's office.

You guys have been there, done that.  And you've got love, which is
the strongest feeling of all.

God bless all of you and your kitties!!

Keep the faith.

Susan F.
Chicago, Illinois 
sister to Kelly (16 - just had her Sweet 16 on Saturday), Meagan
(7-1/2) and Gunnar (1-1/2-2).




 [EMAIL PROTECTED] 9/11/06 3:07:48 PM  
retest using the IFA at a minimum of 90 days--i go for 120 days since
most
times it takes between three and four months to clear the virus--so
unless 
you are absolutely sure that he couldn't have been in contact with an 
infected cat that entire amount, better to wait.

statistically, 70% of those originally tested positive on the ELISA
will
test negative on the IFA--if you do not test too soon. as belinda says,

even
if an IFA is positive after 90-120 days, it's still not a
definite--the
virus can still clear itself.


On 9/11/06, Nina  [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
 
  I'm confused about who is asking what here.  Who's the person that
is
 using caps to talk with?  Anyway, this was just posted on my feral
list in
 answer to questions about ELISA vs IFA.  I don't know this person, 
(and I
 hope he wouldn't mind my copying his post for our list), but his
response
 seemed knowledgeable and even in my foggy state of mind, a
reasonable
 explanation.  I had thought that it wasn't possible to detect felv 
antigens
 in the bone marrow, (sequestered), even with an IFA.  I thought I'd
throw
 his comments out there for others to comment on.
 Nina

  the ELISA is about 100 times more sensitive than the IFA- but 
 not as specific- which accounts for the high % of false positives.
The
 ELISA detects soluble (circulating) P27 antigen while the IFA
detects
P27
 antigen in nucleated cells, neutrophils and platelets, or in bone 
marrow
 cells.

 IFAs depend upon advanced stages of infection to detect the presence
of
 antigen and thus will not usually pick up early infections or
sequestered
 infections. The  increased sensitivity of the ELISA allows the 
detection of
 early infections, transient infections, and sequestered infections
that may
 not be picked up by the IFA.

 Neither the ELISA nor IFA will not 

timing on FeLV+ test

[Susan Franklin]

Gunnar was first tested positive using the Elissa test on August 3.

He just started eating Wellness wet/dry, and I started the Mega C on
Saturday.

When do you recommend I take him back for his retest?  Is September 23
too soon?  And should I do the Elissa again?  And keep doing the Elissa
until we (hopefully) get two negative results?  When should the IFA test
being taken?

Please help me with the timing on this - I want my little man to throw
the virus and be negative

Keep the faith, keep your fingers crossed and take care.

Susan F.
Chicago
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Re: timing on FeLV+ test

[Susan Hoffman]

I'd give it at least 2 months. How old is he?Susan Franklin [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:  Gunnar was first tested positive using the Elissa test on August 3.He just started eating Wellness wet/dry, and I started the Mega C onSaturday.When do you recommend I take him back for his retest? Is September 23too soon? And should I do the Elissa again? And keep doing the Elissauntil we (hopefully) get two negative results? When should the IFA testbeing taken?Please help me with the timing on this - I want my little man to throwthe virus and be negativeKeep the faith, keep your fingers crossed and take care.Susan F.Chicago_CONFIDENTIALITY NOTE:This e-mail is intended only for the use of the
 individual or entity towhich it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If the reader of this e-mail message is not the intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivery of the message to the intendedrecipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify us immediately by telephone at (312) 554-3300 and also indicate the sender's name. Thank you.

Re: timing on FeLV+ test

[Susan Hoffman]

I'd give it at least 2 months. How old is he?Susan Franklin [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:  Gunnar was first tested positive using the Elissa test on August 3.He just started eating Wellness wet/dry, and I started the Mega C onSaturday.When do you recommend I take him back for his retest? Is September 23too soon? And should I do the Elissa again? And keep doing the Elissauntil we (hopefully) get two negative results? When should the IFA testbeing taken?Please help me with the timing on this - I want my little man to throwthe virus and be negativeKeep the faith, keep your fingers crossed and take care.Susan F.Chicago_CONFIDENTIALITY NOTE:This e-mail is intended only for the use of the
 individual or entity towhich it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If the reader of this e-mail message is not the intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivery of the message to the intendedrecipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify us immediately by telephone at (312) 554-3300 and also indicate the sender's name. Thank you.

Re: timing on FeLV+ test

[Belinda]

 Susan,
 I would wait at least 90 days and then get the IFA test.
Keep giving the Mega C and good food and hopefully he will clear the
virus. But if not and it could take longer than 90 days, he'll still
be healthier with the supplements and better food, which gives him a
better chance of fighting off any opportunistic diseases or viruses.

I had Bailey tested once a year for about the first 5 years by then it
was obvious he wasn't going to throw it off, this is after the initial
retest in 90 days. I had him PCR tested when he was about 8 years old
and it was in his DNA. But he was healthy up until he got sick at
almost 11 years of age, and he tested positive at 5 months of age, so
he lived a very good life for about 11 years being positive.
-- 

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

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Re: timing on FeLV+ test

[Susan Franklin]

He's at least 1-1/2 years old, possibly 2 years.  He's in excellent
health - good appetite, shiny coat, clear eyes.  He's amazing.  I have
two negatives, who are in the process of being vaccinated, and they will
mix.  However, I want the very best for Gunnar and want to time our
tests for optimum results, if possible.

He came to us with a cut on his tail - in the process of healing. 
While his tail could have gotten caught in something, if it was a bite,
that might be his exposure, right?  

Thanks for your help!!  I LOVE THIS SITE!!



 [EMAIL PROTECTED] 9/11/06 8:30:05 AM 
I'd give it at least 2 months.  How old is he?

Susan Franklin [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:  Gunnar was first tested
positive using the Elissa test on August 3.

He just started eating Wellness wet/dry, and I started the Mega C on
Saturday.

When do you recommend I take him back for his retest? Is September 23
too soon? And should I do the Elissa again? And keep doing the Elissa
until we (hopefully) get two negative results? When should the IFA
test
being taken?

Please help me with the timing on this - I want my little man to throw
the virus and be negative

Keep the faith, keep your fingers crossed and take care.

Susan F.
Chicago
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to
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intended
recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution

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Re: timing on FeLV+ test

[Susan Franklin]

 [EMAIL PROTECTED] 9/11/06 8:37:18 AM 
Susan,
  I would wait *at least* 90 days and then get the IFA test.  WOULD I
NOT WANT TO GET THE ELISSA TEST AGAIN???  ISN'T THE IFA TEST THE FINAL
SAY???  IF THE IFA CAME BACK POSITIVE, WOULD I CONTINUE TO RETEST WITH
THE IFA?  AND HOW OFTEN?

Keep 
giving the Mega C and good food and hopefully he will clear the virus. 

But if not and it could take longer than 90 days, he'll still be 
healthier with the supplements and better food, which gives him a
better 
chance of fighting off any opportunistic diseases or viruses.  WILL DO.
 THANK YOU.

I had Bailey tested once a year for about the first 5 years by then it

was obvious he wasn't going to throw it off, this is after the initial

retest in 90 days.  I had him PCR tested when he was about 8 years old

and it was in his DNA.  But he was healthy up until he got sick at 
almost 11 years of age, and he tested positive at 5 months of age, so
he 
lived a very good life for about 11 years being positive.  AND THANK
THE GOOD LORD BAILEY HAD YOU!!  I'M GOING TO DO ALL I CAN FOR MY
GUNNAR.  

AND HOPEFULLY YOU DON'T SEE ANY HUGE PROBLEMS WITH HIS MIXING WITH
KELLY AND MEAGAN (NEGS)??  I'VE GOT TO SAYTHIS SITE HAS GIVEN ME SO
MUCH HOPE FOR OUR FUTURE.  REGARDING MIXING, ETC.  THANK GOD YOU GUYS
WERE THERE TO TELL ME ABOUT THE WELLNESS FOOD AND THE MEGA C.  MY VET
WASN'T EXACTLY ENCOURAGING ABOUT HIM THROWING OFF THE VIRUS - AND OTHER
SITES ARE JUST SO DOWN ON MIXING.

God bless you all - you are generous with your time and advice and it's
just so obvious how much you love your furry friends!!



-- 

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 

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http://HostDesign4U.com 



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http://bmk.bemikitties.com 

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Re: timing on FeLV+ test

[Belinda]

   Yes you could still give it a try later down the road, I have heard 
of a cat that tested negative after a year, so that's why I always say a 
minimum of 90 days.  I tested Bailey for the first 3 years and he always 
tested positive, I figured after 3 years, he was positive.


I also had both he and Joey PCR tested, it tests the DNA, the problem is 
the test is delicate and must be done correctly so choose a lab you 
really trust to do it right.  Bailey was probably 8 or 9 years old at 
the time.  Joey and Bailey were best buds so I figured if there was a 
possibility of anyone getting it it would be Joey. Bailey was positive, 
Joey was negative.


--

Belinda
happiness is being owned by cats ...

Be-Mi-Kitties
http://bemikitties.com

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http://adopt.bemikitties.com

FeLV Candlelight Service
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Re: timing on FeLV+ test

[Belinda]

 Sorry typing faster than brain is working I meant 5 years not 3

I tested Bailey for the first 3 years and he always tested positive, I 
figured after 3 years, he was positive.

--

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]
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Re: timing on FeLV+ test

[Susan Franklin]

 [EMAIL PROTECTED] 9/11/06 9:51:42 AM 
Yes you could still give it a try later down the road, I have heard

of a cat that tested negative after a year, so that's why I always say
a 
minimum of 90 days.  I tested Bailey for the first 3 years and he
always 
tested positive, I figured after 3 years, he was positive.   BUT
OVERALL, IS HE HEALTHY?

I also had both he and Joey PCR tested, it tests the DNA, the problem
is 
the test is delicate and must be done correctly so choose a lab you 
really trust to do it right.  Bailey was probably 8 or 9 years old at 
the time.  Joey and Bailey were best buds so I figured if there was a 
possibility of anyone getting it it would be Joey. Bailey was positive,

Joey was negative.  WELL, IF JOEY STAYS NEGATIVE, THAT'S FANTASTIC. 
AND IF BAILEY IS HEALTHY, THAT'S ALL THAT MATTERS.  WHAT WAS THE MOMENT
YOU DECIDED TO HAVE THE PCR TEST?  
-- 

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 


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employee or agent responsible for delivery of the message to the intended
recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution 
or copying of this communication is prohibited.  If you have received 
this e-mail in error, please notify us immediately by telephone at 
(312) 554-3300 and also indicate the sender's name.  Thank you.

Re: timing on FeLV+ test

[Belinda]

 I actually lost my little Bailey on May 6th, 2006 at age 11 years 
to what turned out to be pancreatic cancer.  He started out being anemic 
and we resolved that but couldn't find the cancer, we knew he had cancer 
but none of the tests we did confirmed it.  When I finally decided to 
allow my vet to do the exploratory surgery Bailey was too weak for it 
and crashed.  My vet and I both knew he had had enough and was leaving 
us on his own, I brought him home and he died an hour later in hubby's 
arms.   A necropsy showed he had an adenoma carcinoma tumor on his pancreas.


I just wanted to know for sure that Joey was positive and figured I'd 
get Bailey tested too, I was sure his test would come back positive but 
figured what the heck.


--

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
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Re: timing on FeLV+ test

[Nina]

I'm confused about who is asking what here. Who's the person that is
using caps to talk with? Anyway, this was just posted on my feral list
in answer to questions about ELISA vs IFA. I don't know this person,
(and I hope he wouldn't mind my copying his post for our list), but his
response seemed knowledgeable and even in my foggy state of mind, a
reasonable explanation. I had thought that it wasn't possible to
detect felv antigens in the bone marrow, (sequestered), even with an
IFA. I thought I'd throw his comments out there for others to comment
on. 
Nina
 the ELISA is about 100 times more sensitive than the IFA- but
not as specific- which accounts for the high % of false positives.  The
ELISA detects soluble (circulating) P27 antigen while the IFA detects P27
antigen in nucleated cells, neutrophils and platelets, or in bone marrow
cells.

IFAs depend upon advanced stages of infection to detect the presence of
antigen and thus will not usually pick up early infections or sequestered
infections. The  increased sensitivity of the ELISA allows the detection of
early infections, transient infections, and sequestered infections that may
not be picked up by the IFA.

Neither the ELISA nor IFA will not detect viral latency, because during
viral latency P27 antigen is not being produced. 




Susan Franklin wrote:

  
  
  

  
[EMAIL PROTECTED] 9/11/06 8:37:18 AM 

  

  
  Susan,
  I would wait *at least* 90 days and then get the IFA test.  WOULD I
NOT WANT TO GET THE ELISSA TEST AGAIN???  ISN'T THE IFA TEST "THE FINAL
SAY"???  IF THE IFA CAME BACK POSITIVE, WOULD I CONTINUE TO RETEST WITH
THE IFA?  AND HOW OFTEN?

Keep 
giving the Mega C and good food and hopefully he will clear the virus. 

But if not and it could take longer than 90 days, he'll still be 
healthier with the supplements and better food, which gives him a
better 
chance of fighting off any opportunistic diseases or viruses.  WILL DO.
 THANK YOU.

I had Bailey tested once a year for about the first 5 years by then it

was obvious he wasn't going to throw it off, this is after the initial

retest in 90 days.  I had him PCR tested when he was about 8 years old

and it was in his DNA.  But he was healthy up until he got sick at 
almost 11 years of age, and he tested positive at 5 months of age, so
he 
lived a very good life for about 11 years being positive.  AND THANK
THE GOOD LORD BAILEY HAD YOU!!  I'M GOING TO DO ALL I CAN FOR MY
GUNNAR.  

AND HOPEFULLY YOU DON'T SEE ANY HUGE PROBLEMS WITH HIS MIXING WITH
KELLY AND MEAGAN (NEGS)??  I'VE GOT TO SAYTHIS SITE HAS GIVEN ME SO
MUCH HOPE FOR OUR FUTURE.  REGARDING MIXING, ETC.  THANK GOD YOU GUYS
WERE THERE TO TELL ME ABOUT THE WELLNESS FOOD AND THE MEGA C.  MY VET
WASN'T EXACTLY ENCOURAGING ABOUT HIM THROWING OFF THE VIRUS - AND OTHER
SITES ARE JUST SO "DOWN" ON MIXING.

God bless you all - you are generous with your time and advice and it's
just so obvious how much you love your furry friends!!



  

Re: timing on FeLV+ test

[TenHouseCats]

retest using the IFA at a minimum of 90 days--i go for 120 days since most times it takes between three and four months to clear the virus--so unless you are absolutely sure that he couldn't have been in contact with an infected cat that entire amount, better to wait.


statistically, 70% of those originally tested positive on the ELISA will test negative on the IFA--if you do not test too soon. as belinda says, even if anIFA is positive after 90-120 days, it's still not a definite--the virus can still clear itself. 

On 9/11/06, Nina [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:


I'm confused about who is asking what here. Who's the person that is using caps to talk with? Anyway, this was just posted on my feral list in answer to questions about ELISA vs IFA. I don't know this person, (and I hope he wouldn't mind my copying his post for our list), but his response seemed knowledgeable and even in my foggy state of mind, a reasonable explanation. I had thought that it wasn't possible to detect felv antigens in the bone marrow, (sequestered), even with an IFA. I thought I'd throw his comments out there for others to comment on. 
Nina the ELISA is about 100 times more sensitive than the IFA- but
not as specific- which accounts for the high % of false positives.  The
ELISA detects soluble (circulating) P27 antigen while the IFA detects P27
antigen in nucleated cells, neutrophils and platelets, or in bone marrow
cells.

IFAs depend upon advanced stages of infection to detect the presence of
antigen and thus will not usually pick up early infections or sequestered
infections. The  increased sensitivity of the ELISA allows the detection of
early infections, transient infections, and sequestered infections that may
not be picked up by the IFA.

Neither the ELISA nor IFA will not detect viral latency, because during
viral latency P27 antigen is not being produced. 


Susan Franklin wrote: 
  


[EMAIL PROTECTED] 9/11/06 8:37:18 AM 
Susan,
  I would wait *at least* 90 days and then get the IFA test.  WOULD I
NOT WANT TO GET THE ELISSA TEST AGAIN???  ISN'T THE IFA TEST THE FINAL
SAY???  IF THE IFA CAME BACK POSITIVE, WOULD I CONTINUE TO RETEST WITH
THE IFA?  AND HOW OFTEN?

Keep 
giving the Mega C and good food and hopefully he will clear the virus. 

But if not and it could take longer than 90 days, he'll still be 
healthier with the supplements and better food, which gives him a
better 
chance of fighting off any opportunistic diseases or viruses.  WILL DO.
 THANK YOU.

I had Bailey tested once a year for about the first 5 years by then it

was obvious he wasn't going to throw it off, this is after the initial

retest in 90 days.  I had him PCR tested when he was about 8 years old

and it was in his DNA.  But he was healthy up until he got sick at 
almost 11 years of age, and he tested positive at 5 months of age, so
he 
lived a very good life for about 11 years being positive.  AND THANK
THE GOOD LORD BAILEY HAD YOU!!  I'M GOING TO DO ALL I CAN FOR MY
GUNNAR.  

AND HOPEFULLY YOU DON'T SEE ANY HUGE PROBLEMS WITH HIS MIXING WITH
KELLY AND MEAGAN (NEGS)??  I'VE GOT TO SAYTHIS SITE HAS GIVEN ME SO
MUCH HOPE FOR OUR FUTURE.  REGARDING MIXING, ETC.  THANK GOD YOU GUYS
WERE THERE TO TELL ME ABOUT THE WELLNESS FOOD AND THE MEGA C.  MY VET
WASN'T EXACTLY ENCOURAGING ABOUT HIM THROWING OFF THE VIRUS - AND OTHER
SITES ARE JUST SO DOWN ON MIXING.

God bless you all - you are generous with your time and advice and it's
just so obvious how much you love your furry friends!!



  
-- Spay  Neuter Your Neighbors!Maybe That'll Make The DifferenceMaryChristineAIM / YAHOO: TenHouseCatsMSN: 
[EMAIL PROTECTED]ICQ: 289856892 

Re: timing on FeLV+ test

[Susan Franklin]

You guys, as I've said before, are FANTASTIC.  Whenever I get down about
stuff I read on other Internet sites regarding mixing or throwing off
the virus, I can always count on coming to you and getting an
optimistic, truthful and knowledgeable answer.

Thank you, thank you, thank you  I will reschedule Gunnar's
appointment for 120 days from August 3.  Instead of re-testing with the
ELISA, I will have the IFA test done.  That is correct??

And if, God forbid, the IFA is positive after 120 days, how many more
days would you recommend I wait before I retest again??

And are you guys okay with mixing??  My girls are 16 and almost 8. 
Gunnar is 1-1/2 or 2.  The girls are in the process of being vaccinated.
 I'm sure they won't be grooming each other, so all I need to do is keep
the litter box clean and worry about the food/water bowls.  I can pick
up breakfast/lunch/dinner dishes immediately after meals, but what's the
best route to take regarding the water bowl?  And I guess I would clean
the litter box in the morning and when I get home each night from work. 
Does this sound like a safe plan?  Any other suggestions would be
appreciated.

Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your advice and
words of wisdom.  You've made a nervous sister to three cats a more
calmer person.   Like I told our vet, who said don't count on it when
I told her we were literally praying to throw the virus, I trust and
believe more in what I read on this site than I would the vet's office. 
 You guys have been there, done that.  And you've got love, which is
the strongest feeling of all.

God bless all of you and your kitties!!

Keep the faith.

Susan F.
Chicago, Illinois
sister to Kelly (16 - just had her Sweet 16 on Saturday), Meagan
(7-1/2) and Gunnar (1-1/2-2).




 [EMAIL PROTECTED] 9/11/06 3:07:48 PM 
retest using the IFA at a minimum of 90 days--i go for 120 days since
most
times it takes between three and four months to clear the virus--so
unless
you are absolutely sure that he couldn't have been in contact with an
infected cat that entire amount, better to wait.

statistically, 70% of those originally tested positive on the ELISA
will
test negative on the IFA--if you do not test too soon. as belinda says,
even
if an IFA is positive after 90-120 days, it's still not a
definite--the
virus can still clear itself.


On 9/11/06, Nina [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:

  I'm confused about who is asking what here.  Who's the person that
is
 using caps to talk with?  Anyway, this was just posted on my feral
list in
 answer to questions about ELISA vs IFA.  I don't know this person,
(and I
 hope he wouldn't mind my copying his post for our list), but his
response
 seemed knowledgeable and even in my foggy state of mind, a
reasonable
 explanation.  I had thought that it wasn't possible to detect felv
antigens
 in the bone marrow, (sequestered), even with an IFA.  I thought I'd
throw
 his comments out there for others to comment on.
 Nina

  the ELISA is about 100 times more sensitive than the IFA- but
 not as specific- which accounts for the high % of false positives. 
The
 ELISA detects soluble (circulating) P27 antigen while the IFA detects
P27
 antigen in nucleated cells, neutrophils and platelets, or in bone
marrow
 cells.

 IFAs depend upon advanced stages of infection to detect the presence
of
 antigen and thus will not usually pick up early infections or
sequestered
 infections. The  increased sensitivity of the ELISA allows the
detection of
 early infections, transient infections, and sequestered infections
that may
 not be picked up by the IFA.

 Neither the ELISA nor IFA will not detect viral latency, because
during
 viral latency P27 antigen is not being produced. 



 Susan Franklin wrote:

[EMAIL PROTECTED] 9/11/06 8:37:18 AM 


 Susan,
   I would wait *at least* 90 days and then get the IFA test.  WOULD
I
 NOT WANT TO GET THE ELISSA TEST AGAIN???  ISN'T THE IFA TEST THE
FINAL
 SAY???  IF THE IFA CAME BACK POSITIVE, WOULD I CONTINUE TO RETEST
WITH
 THE IFA?  AND HOW OFTEN?

 Keep
 giving the Mega C and good food and hopefully he will clear the
virus.

 But if not and it could take longer than 90 days, he'll still be
 healthier with the supplements and better food, which gives him a
 better
 chance of fighting off any opportunistic diseases or viruses.  WILL
DO.
  THANK YOU.

 I had Bailey tested once a year for about the first 5 years by then
it

 was obvious he wasn't going to throw it off, this is after the
initial

 retest in 90 days.  I had him PCR tested when he was about 8 years
old

 and it was in his DNA.  But he was healthy up until he got sick at
 almost 11 years of age, and he tested positive at 5 months of age,
so
 he
 lived a very good life for about 11 years being positive.  AND THANK
 THE GOOD LORD BAILEY HAD YOU!!  I'M GOING TO DO ALL I CAN FOR
MY
 GUNNAR.

 AND HOPEFULLY YOU DON'T SEE ANY HUGE PROBLEMS WITH HIS MIXING WITH
 KELLY AND MEAGAN (NEGS)??  I'VE GOT TO SAYTHIS SITE 

timing on FeLV+ test

[TenHouseCats]

i'd definitely go for the IFA instead of the elissa--the false positive rate is just too high on the latter. i don't know how much actual research there is on how long it can take to clear on the IFA--i'd seen a cite of up to 8 months from exposure, tho that one no longer appears where i saw it. belinda says it was a year. part of the issue is that, if after all that time, the cats is still positive, does it really matter? for keeping on eye on things, yes, but if the kitty's been in your family that long, it's not likely that his status will really make much difference in whether he stays, is it? 


others will have more info re: mixing positives with negatives, and/or mixing unvaccinated negatives with positives. personally, i would vaccinate my negatives and mix with no problem, but there's an ongoing debate about the safety of vaccinations that each individual needs to weigh. 


MC

On 9/11/06, Susan Franklin [EMAIL PROTECTED]
 wrote: 
You guys, as I've said before, are FANTASTIC.Whenever I get down aboutstuff I read on other Internet sites regarding mixing or throwing off 
the virus, I can always count on coming to you and getting anoptimistic, truthful and knowledgeable answer.Thank you, thank you, thank youI will reschedule Gunnar'sappointment for 120 days from August 3.Instead of re-testing with the 
ELISA, I will have the IFA test done.That is correct??And if, God forbid, the IFA is positive after 120 days, how many moredays would you recommend I wait before I retest again??And are you guys okay with mixing??My girls are 16 and almost 8. 
Gunnar is 1-1/2 or 2.The girls are in the process of being vaccinated.I'm sure they won't be grooming each other, so all I need to do is keepthe litter box clean and worry about the food/water bowls.I can pick 
up breakfast/lunch/dinner dishes immediately after meals, but what's thebest route to take regarding the water bowl?And I guess I would cleanthe litter box in the morning and when I get home each night from work. 
Does this sound like a safe plan?Any other suggestions would beappreciated.Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your advice andwords of wisdom.You've made a nervous sister to three cats a more 
calmer person. Like I told our vet, who said don't count on it whenI told her we were literally praying to throw the virus, I trust andbelieve more in what I read on this site than I would the vet's office. 
You guys have been there, done that.And you've got love, which isthe strongest feeling of all.God bless all of you and your kitties!!Keep the faith.Susan F.Chicago, Illinois 
sister to Kelly (16 - just had her Sweet 16 on Saturday), Meagan(7-1/2) and Gunnar (1-1/2-2). 
[EMAIL PROTECTED] 9/11/06 3:07:48 PM  retest using the IFA at a minimum of 90 days--i go for 120 days sincemosttimes it takes between three and four months to clear the virus--sounless
you are absolutely sure that he couldn't have been in contact with an infected cat that entire amount, better to wait.statistically, 70% of those originally tested positive on the ELISAwilltest negative on the IFA--if you do not test too soon. as belinda says,
evenif an IFA is positive after 90-120 days, it's still not adefinite--thevirus can still clear itself.On 9/11/06, Nina 
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I'm confused about who is asking what here.Who's the person thatis using caps to talk with?Anyway, this was just posted on my ferallist in answer to questions about ELISA vs IFA.I don't know this person, 
(and I hope he wouldn't mind my copying his post for our list), but hisresponse seemed knowledgeable and even in my foggy state of mind, areasonable explanation.I had thought that it wasn't possible to detect felv 
antigens in the bone marrow, (sequestered), even with an IFA.I thought I'dthrow his comments out there for others to comment on. Nina  the ELISA is about 100 times more sensitive than the IFA- but 
 not as specific- which accounts for the high % of false positives.The ELISA detects soluble (circulating) P27 antigen while the IFA detectsP27 antigen in nucleated cells, neutrophils and platelets, or in bone 
marrow cells. IFAs depend upon advanced stages of infection to detect the presenceof antigen and thus will not usually pick up early infections orsequestered infections. Theincreased sensitivity of the ELISA allows the 
detection of early infections, transient infections, and sequestered infectionsthat may not be picked up by the IFA. Neither the ELISA nor IFA will not detect viral latency, because 
during viral latency P27 antigen is not being produced.  Susan Franklin wrote:
[EMAIL PROTECTED] 9/11/06 8:37:18 AM   Susan, I would wait *at least* 90 days and then get the IFA test.WOULDI NOT WANT TO GET THE ELISSA TEST AGAIN???ISN'T THE IFA TEST THE
FINAL SAY???IF THE IFA CAME BACK POSITIVE, WOULD I CONTINUE TO RETEST WITH THE IFA?AND HOW OFTEN? Keep giving the Mega C and good food and hopefully he will clear the
virus. But if not and it could take longer than 90 days, he'll 

Re: *** Detected as Spam *** timing on FeLV+ test

[Susan Franklin]

You are sooo correct; after all that time, it really won't matter.  BUT
WOULDN'T IT BE WONDERFUL FOR THE DAY TO ACTUALLY COME TO
CELEBRATE???!

I've already told Gunnar - no matter what the test results say - HE
WILL NOT SPEND THE REST OF HIS LIFE WEARING A LABEL.  UNLESS, OF
COURSE, IT'S A DESIGNER LABEL!  ;D   He's not going to be negative or
(especially) positive - he's just going to be our newest addition,
Gunnar.



 [EMAIL PROTECTED] 9/11/06 3:42:46 PM 
 i'd definitely go for the IFA instead of the elissa--the false
positive
rate is just too high on the latter. i don't know how much actual
research
there is on how long it can take to clear on the IFA--i'd seen a cite
of up
to 8 months from exposure, tho that one no longer appears where i saw
it.
belinda says it was a year. part of the issue is that, if after all
that
time, the cats is still positive, does it really matter? for keeping on
eye
on things, yes, but if the kitty's been in your family that long, it's
not
likely that his status will really make much difference in whether he
stays,
is it?  

others will have more info re: mixing positives with negatives, and/or
mixing unvaccinated negatives with positives. personally, i would
vaccinate
my negatives and mix with no problem, but there's an ongoing debate
about
the safety of vaccinations that each individual needs to weigh.

MC


 On 9/11/06, Susan Franklin [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:

 You guys, as I've said before, are FANTASTIC.  Whenever I get down
about
 stuff I read on other Internet sites regarding mixing or throwing
off
 the virus, I can always count on coming to you and getting an
 optimistic, truthful and knowledgeable answer.

 Thank you, thank you, thank you  I will reschedule Gunnar's
 appointment for 120 days from August 3.  Instead of re-testing with
the
 ELISA, I will have the IFA test done.  That is correct??

 And if, God forbid, the IFA is positive after 120 days, how many
more
 days would you recommend I wait before I retest again??

 And are you guys okay with mixing??  My girls are 16 and almost 8.
 Gunnar is 1-1/2 or 2.  The girls are in the process of being
vaccinated.
 I'm sure they won't be grooming each other, so all I need to do is
keep
 the litter box clean and worry about the food/water bowls.  I can
pick
 up breakfast/lunch/dinner dishes immediately after meals, but what's
the
 best route to take regarding the water bowl?  And I guess I would
clean
 the litter box in the morning and when I get home each night from
work.
 Does this sound like a safe plan?  Any other suggestions would be
 appreciated.

 Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your advice and
 words of wisdom.  You've made a nervous sister to three cats a
more
 calmer person.   Like I told our vet, who said don't count on it
when
 I told her we were literally praying to throw the virus, I trust and
 believe more in what I read on this site than I would the vet's
office.
 You guys have been there, done that.  And you've got love, which
is
 the strongest feeling of all.

 God bless all of you and your kitties!!

 Keep the faith.

 Susan F.
 Chicago, Illinois
 sister to Kelly (16 - just had her Sweet 16 on Saturday), Meagan
 (7-1/2) and Gunnar (1-1/2-2).




  [EMAIL PROTECTED] 9/11/06 3:07:48 PM 
 retest using the IFA at a minimum of 90 days--i go for 120 days
since
 most
 times it takes between three and four months to clear the virus--so
 unless
 you are absolutely sure that he couldn't have been in contact with
an
 infected cat that entire amount, better to wait.

 statistically, 70% of those originally tested positive on the ELISA
 will
 test negative on the IFA--if you do not test too soon. as belinda
says,
 even
 if an IFA is positive after 90-120 days, it's still not a
 definite--the
 virus can still clear itself.


 On 9/11/06, Nina [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
 
   I'm confused about who is asking what here.  Who's the person
that
 is
  using caps to talk with?  Anyway, this was just posted on my feral
 list in
  answer to questions about ELISA vs IFA.  I don't know this person,
 (and I
  hope he wouldn't mind my copying his post for our list), but his
 response
  seemed knowledgeable and even in my foggy state of mind, a
 reasonable
  explanation.  I had thought that it wasn't possible to detect felv
 antigens
  in the bone marrow, (sequestered), even with an IFA.  I thought
I'd
 throw
  his comments out there for others to comment on.
  Nina
 
   the ELISA is about 100 times more sensitive than the IFA- but
  not as specific- which accounts for the high % of false positives.
 The
  ELISA detects soluble (circulating) P27 antigen while the IFA
detects
 P27
  antigen in nucleated cells, neutrophils and platelets, or in bone
 marrow
  cells.
 
  IFAs depend upon advanced stages of infection to detect the
presence
 of
  antigen and thus will not usually pick up early infections or
 sequestered
  infections. The  increased sensitivity of the ELISA allows the
 detection of
  early 

Re: timing on FeLV+ test

[Susan Hoffman]

One thing I always consider with testing -- the tests, the trip to a vet and drawing of blood, is really stressful for the cat. So if you have even a single positive ELISA test, go with the IFA next time. The less the cat needs to be tested, the better.TenHouseCats [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:  i'd definitely go for the IFA instead of the elissa--the false positive rate is just too high on the latter. i don't know how much actual research there is on how long it can take to clear on the IFA--i'd seen a cite of up to 8 months from exposure, tho that one no longer appears where i saw it. belinda says it was a year. part of the issue is that, if after all that time, the cats is still positive, does it really matter? for keeping on eye on things, yes, but if the kitty's been in your family that long, it's not likely that
 his status will really make much difference in whether he stays, is it? others will have more info re: mixing positives with negatives, and/or mixing unvaccinated negatives with positives. personally, i would vaccinate my negatives and mix with no problem, but there's an ongoing debate about the safety of vaccinations that each individual needs to weigh. MCOn 9/11/06, Susan Franklin [EMAIL PROTECTED]  wrote:   You guys, as I've said before, are FANTASTIC.Whenever I get down aboutstuff I read on other Internet sites regarding
 mixing or throwing off the virus, I can always count on coming to you and getting anoptimistic, truthful and knowledgeable answer.Thank you, thank you, thank youI will reschedule Gunnar'sappointment for 120 days from August 3.Instead of re-testing with the ELISA, I will have the IFA test done.That is correct??And if, God forbid, the IFA is positive after 120 days, how many moredays would you recommend I wait before I retest again??And are you guys okay with mixing??My girls are 16 and almost 8. Gunnar is 1-1/2 or 2.The girls are in the process of being vaccinated.I'm sure they won't be grooming each other, so all I need to do is keepthe litter box clean and worry about the food/water bowls.I can pick up breakfast/lunch/dinner dishes immediately after meals, but what's thebest route to take regarding the water bowl?And I
 guess I would cleanthe litter box in the morning and when I get home each night from work. Does this sound like a safe plan?Any other suggestions would beappreciated.Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your advice andwords of wisdom.You've made a nervous "sister" to three cats a more calmer person. Like I told our vet, who said "don't count on it" whenI told her we were literally praying to throw the virus, I trust andbelieve more in what I read on this site than I would the vet's office. You guys have "been there, done that."And you've got love, which isthe strongest feeling of all.God bless all of you and your kitties!!Keep the faith.Susan F.Chicago, Illinois sister to Kelly (16 - just had her Sweet 16 on Saturday), Meagan(7-1/2) and Gunnar (1-1/2-2). [EMAIL PROTECTED] 9/11/06 3:07:48 PM  retest using the IFA at a minimum of 90 days--i go for 120 days sincemosttimes it takes between three and four months to clear the virus--sounless you are absolutely sure that he couldn't have been in contact with an infected cat that entire amount, better to wait.statistically, 70% of those originally tested positive on the ELISAwilltest negative on the IFA--if you do not test too soon. as belinda says, evenif an IFA is positive after 90-120 days, it's still not adefinite--thevirus can still clear itself.On 9/11/06, Nina  [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I'm confused about who is asking what here.Who's the
 person thatis using caps to talk with?Anyway, this was just posted on my ferallist in answer to questions about ELISA vs IFA.I don't know this person, (and I hope he wouldn't mind my copying his post for our list), but hisresponse seemed knowledgeable and even in my foggy state of mind, areasonable explanation.I had thought that it wasn't possible to detect felv antigens in the bone marrow, (sequestered), even with an IFA.I thought I'dthrow his comments out there for others to comment on. Nina  the ELISA is about 100 times more sensitive than the IFA- but  not as specific- which accounts for the high % of false positives.The ELISA detects soluble (circulating) P27 antigen while the IFA detectsP27 antigen in nucleated cells, neutrophils and platelets, or in bone marrow
 cells. IFAs depend upon advanced stages of infection to detect the presenceof antigen and thus will not usually pick up early infections orsequestered infections. Theincreased sensitivity of the ELISA allows the detection of early infections, transient infections, and sequestered infectionsthat may not be picked up by the IFA. Neither the ELISA nor IFA will not detect viral latency, because during viral latency P27 antigen is not being produced.  Susan Franklin wrote: [EMAIL PROTECTED] 9/11/06 8:37:18 AM   Susan, I would wait *at least* 90 days and then get the IFA 

Re: timing on FeLV+ test

[Nina]

I wrote to this person off list and asked them to clarify. Here's his
response:

 Let me rephrase that: IFAs depend upon advanced stages of infection to
detect the presence of antigen and thus won't usually pick up early
infections or sequestered infections *that don't involve the bone marrow*.
If cat tests ELISA+ and IFA- she's probably harboring an FeLV infection in
some nonmyeloid compartment of the body. 



Nina wrote:

  
  
I'm confused about who is asking what here. Who's the person that is
using caps to talk with? Anyway, this was just posted on my feral list
in answer to questions about ELISA vs IFA. I don't know this person,
(and I hope he wouldn't mind my copying his post for our list), but his
response seemed knowledgeable and even in my foggy state of mind, a
reasonable explanation. I had thought that it wasn't possible to
detect felv antigens in the bone marrow, (sequestered), even with an
IFA. I thought I'd throw his comments out there for others to comment
on. 
Nina
   the ELISA is about 100 times more sensitive than the IFA- but
not as specific- which accounts for the high % of false positives.  The
ELISA detects soluble (circulating) P27 antigen while the IFA detects P27
antigen in nucleated cells, neutrophils and platelets, or in bone marrow
cells.

IFAs depend upon advanced stages of infection to detect the presence of
antigen and thus will not usually pick up early infections or sequestered
infections. The  increased sensitivity of the ELISA allows the detection of
early infections, transient infections, and sequestered infections that may
not be picked up by the IFA.

Neither the ELISA nor IFA will not detect viral latency, because during
viral latency P27 antigen is not being produced. 

  
  
  
Susan Franklin wrote:
  
  

  

  [EMAIL PROTECTED] 9/11/06 8:37:18 AM 


  

Susan,
  I would wait *at least* 90 days and then get the IFA test.  WOULD I
NOT WANT TO GET THE ELISSA TEST AGAIN???  ISN'T THE IFA TEST "THE FINAL
SAY"???  IF THE IFA CAME BACK POSITIVE, WOULD I CONTINUE TO RETEST WITH
THE IFA?  AND HOW OFTEN?

Keep 
giving the Mega C and good food and hopefully he will clear the virus. 

But if not and it could take longer than 90 days, he'll still be 
healthier with the supplements and better food, which gives him a
better 
chance of fighting off any opportunistic diseases or viruses.  WILL DO.
 THANK YOU.

I had Bailey tested once a year for about the first 5 years by then it

was obvious he wasn't going to throw it off, this is after the initial

retest in 90 days.  I had him PCR tested when he was about 8 years old

and it was in his DNA.  But he was healthy up until he got sick at 
almost 11 years of age, and he tested positive at 5 months of age, so
he 
lived a very good life for about 11 years being positive.  AND THANK
THE GOOD LORD BAILEY HAD YOU!!  I'M GOING TO DO ALL I CAN FOR MY
GUNNAR.  

AND HOPEFULLY YOU DON'T SEE ANY HUGE PROBLEMS WITH HIS MIXING WITH
KELLY AND MEAGAN (NEGS)??  I'VE GOT TO SAYTHIS SITE HAS GIVEN ME SO
MUCH HOPE FOR OUR FUTURE.  REGARDING MIXING, ETC.  THANK GOD YOU GUYS
WERE THERE TO TELL ME ABOUT THE WELLNESS FOOD AND THE MEGA C.  MY VET
WASN'T EXACTLY ENCOURAGING ABOUT HIM THROWING OFF THE VIRUS - AND OTHER
SITES ARE JUST SO "DOWN" ON MIXING.

God bless you all - you are generous with your time and advice and it's
just so obvious how much you love your furry friends!!



  
  

Re: timing on FeLV+ test

[TenHouseCats]

not only that, but in some places, IFAs don't cost any more than an ELISA!
On 9/11/06, Susan Hoffman [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:

One thing I always consider with testing -- the tests, the trip to a vet and drawing of blood, is really stressful for the cat. So if you have even a single positive ELISA test, go with the IFA next time. The less the cat needs to be tested, the better.

TenHouseCats [EMAIL PROTECTED]
 wrote: 


i'd definitely go for the IFA instead of the elissa--the false positive rate is just too high on the latter. i don't know how much actual research there is on how long it can take to clear on the IFA--i'd seen a cite of up to 8 months from exposure, tho that one no longer appears where i saw it. belinda says it was a year. part of the issue is that, if after all that time, the cats is still positive, does it really matter? for keeping on eye on things, yes, but if the kitty's been in your family that long, it's not likely that his status will really make much difference in whether he stays, is it? 


others will have more info re: mixing positives with negatives, and/or mixing unvaccinated negatives with positives. personally, i would vaccinate my negatives and mix with no problem, but there's an ongoing debate about the safety of vaccinations that each individual needs to weigh. 


MC

On 9/11/06, Susan Franklin [EMAIL PROTECTED] 
 wrote: 
You guys, as I've said before, are FANTASTIC.Whenever I get down aboutstuff I read on other Internet sites regarding mixing or throwing off 
the virus, I can always count on coming to you and getting anoptimistic, truthful and knowledgeable answer.Thank you, thank you, thank youI will reschedule Gunnar'sappointment for 120 days from August 3.Instead of re-testing with the 
ELISA, I will have the IFA test done.That is correct??And if, God forbid, the IFA is positive after 120 days, how many moredays would you recommend I wait before I retest again??And are you guys okay with mixing??My girls are 16 and almost 8. 
Gunnar is 1-1/2 or 2.The girls are in the process of being vaccinated.I'm sure they won't be grooming each other, so all I need to do is keepthe litter box clean and worry about the food/water bowls.I can pick 
up breakfast/lunch/dinner dishes immediately after meals, but what's thebest route to take regarding the water bowl?And I guess I would cleanthe litter box in the morning and when I get home each night from work. 
Does this sound like a safe plan?Any other suggestions would beappreciated.Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your advice andwords of wisdom.You've made a nervous sister to three cats a more 
calmer person. Like I told our vet, who said don't count on it whenI told her we were literally praying to throw the virus, I trust andbelieve more in what I read on this site than I would the vet's office. 
You guys have been there, done that.And you've got love, which isthe strongest feeling of all.God bless all of you and your kitties!!Keep the faith.Susan F.Chicago, Illinois 
sister to Kelly (16 - just had her Sweet 16 on Saturday), Meagan(7-1/2) and Gunnar (1-1/2-2). 
[EMAIL PROTECTED] 9/11/06 3:07:48 PM  retest using the IFA at a minimum of 90 days--i go for 120 days sincemosttimes it takes between three and four months to clear the virus--sounless 
you are absolutely sure that he couldn't have been in contact with an infected cat that entire amount, better to wait.statistically, 70% of those originally tested positive on the ELISAwilltest negative on the IFA--if you do not test too soon. as belinda says, 
evenif an IFA is positive after 90-120 days, it's still not adefinite--thevirus can still clear itself.On 9/11/06, Nina 
 [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I'm confused about who is asking what here.Who's the person thatis using caps to talk with?Anyway, this was just posted on my ferallist in answer to questions about ELISA vs IFA.I don't know this person, 
(and I hope he wouldn't mind my copying his post for our list), but hisresponse seemed knowledgeable and even in my foggy state of mind, areasonable explanation.I had thought that it wasn't possible to detect felv 
antigens in the bone marrow, (sequestered), even with an IFA.I thought I'dthrow his comments out there for others to comment on. Nina  the ELISA is about 100 times more sensitive than the IFA- but 
 not as specific- which accounts for the high % of false positives.The ELISA detects soluble (circulating) P27 antigen while the IFA detectsP27 antigen in nucleated cells, neutrophils and platelets, or in bone 
marrow cells. IFAs depend upon advanced stages of infection to detect the presenceof antigen and thus will not usually pick up early infections orsequestered infections. Theincreased sensitivity of the ELISA allows the 
detection of early infections, transient infections, and sequestered infectionsthat may not be picked up by the IFA. Neither the ELISA nor IFA will not detect viral latency, because 
during viral latency P27 antigen is not being produced.