Re: Megan, be careful...
Crackers deserves to be spoiled and you said it right. Listen to your heart. Our little friends will tell us what they need. If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow man. St. Francis - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Thursday, August 30, 2007 11:44 PM Subject: Re: Megan, be careful... My cat crackers had contracted the FELV POS from a stray beautiful girl Pokemon. Long story short Pokemon was a gorgeous black and white long hair beauty who walked into our lifes at park. I was dense and didn't know anything about FELV or FIV in cats. My son and niece fell in love and I brought her home and brought her right in the house. She was so lovable , beautiful, had extra toes on all her paws. Well 10 months later she was sick and I rush her to the Emergency Animal Hospital in Philly. I knew NOTHING at all about anything. They wanted $1,300 to admit her and said her stay in ICU would be between $6,000-$7,000. I was in shock. They wouldn't tell me what was wrong and even if they would I was so naive. Finally after struggling with Demons inside, they told me she had lyphomia and would prob not make it. And that she probally had FELV or FIV, and I should test my other cat, Crackers. I wish I had been aware of these diseases because I would have said do the 5 minute test and see. That was such a rotten time in my life. I ended up putting Pokemon down. My last memory was of her breathing sweetly and sleeping in an oxygen incubator. I pet her and told her I loved her. The next week I took Crackers and he was Positive and his vet told meput him down , he prob wont make it another month. That I WAS NOT going to hear. I with the help of this wonderful group got a new Vet. That was 1 yr ago. He will go for his 6 month check up in 2 weeks. He has been so healthy, happy and loved this last year. This is your personal battle I think we all would do something a little different. Me I look at quality of life, but would spend every penny I had to make Crackers well, free of pain. Then again he is stretched out on my diner room table next to me. SPOLIED LOL! LOL. He is 6 years old and considered my son. I would sell my blood to help him. But I also would not make him suffer for my satisfaction! Good luck and my your heart guilde you and your sweet baby Megan. Kayte P.s. Sorry so long. -- Get a sneak peek of the all-new AOL.com.
new kitty, fingers crossed
Oh dear me! I could write a book entitled 5 vodkas, an ex-marine, and a kitty. I went to have a birthday drink with my career Marine buddy who was 78 yesterday. That drink turned into 5. Then I went to check on the stray that I'm looking after who is incidentally named Sarge after this buddy of mine-both are blind in the right eye. As I'm calling for Sarge, out comes a little gray tiger. She was so hungry but also scared. I scooped her up, probably not very gracefully after the vodkas-I've noticed quite a few nice scratches this morning from last night. She stayed in my home office room last night and left two nicely sized poops near the litter box on the carpet :-). She's not a friendly kitty that likes to cuddle-lots of hissing. Poor thing has had a rough life so far. Her ribs are practically poking through. I took her to the vet this morning, but I haven't figured out what her name is yet. I'm awaiting the FeLV test. So keep your fingers crossed-for the test and for my marriage! Haven't told my husband yet! I might board the kitty over the weekend in hopes that I find homes for my two foster cats. That would assuage my husband. I need to make room (we have 3 of our own permanent cats) before I take in more. We have a 5-cat rule. But does a kitten (about 12 weeks old) count as a full cat? :-) Hoping for the best. Melissa Lind
Update on Olive: Dilemma...
Dilemma, dilemma... Last night, I was pretty much resigned to letting Olive pass. Not happily resigned, now, for I cried for hours and then couldn't sleep. I had actually typed up a huge email about my reasoning a few minutes ago, but I just got off the phone with my vet, and now I'm once again lost as to what to do. First off, I want to mention that my vet does actually seem to want to help, he just doesn't think much will come of it and doesn't want to give me false hope. Apparently, he wrote down my number wrong last night, which is why I never got a return call. I asked about the reticulocyte count. She had some last week, but it was so low that they considered it nonregenerative anemia. Apparently, she had also received two shots of steroids along with the transfusion. This worries me, because the transfusion started wearing off only after 5 days, when it usually lasts around 10 days. The shots seemed to help within the first couple of days, but then wore off. I also asked if haemobartonella was still a possibility, and he thought it might be. He is going to find out the price of getting a combo of doxy with something else that can be given in a form other than pills. He said he'd be willing to try epogen, but warned me that it usually only works a couple times because an immunity develops. I called the vet school about the price, but had to leave a message. I asked my vet about it, and he reassured me that their given price was indeed $2000-3000. He isn't sure what it entails, though I'm assuming it's everything under the sun, and that kind of scares me. I don't want to subject Olive to a million tests... So, I'm facing this huge problem now. While I would of course love to save Olive, I don't know if it's really going to do any good. And yeah, trying to do something may be better than doing nothing at all. But I'm not sure. I don't want to put her through this stage of slowly dying again, for the third time. I don't know if she'll even be helped unless she can get another blood transfusion, and if I do that at my vet, I'll have to use Juniper as a donor. That scares me. I don't really have time to look elsewhere, though. I wish someone could just give me the answer, but I know that ultimately it is up to me. I wish I was stronger, and not the most indecisive fool on the planet. One of my biggest concerns is that if I do manage to keep Olive alive, my other two babies will continue to be susceptible to this godforsaken virus. = Original Message From Belinda [EMAIL PROTECTED] = I do not all animals or people suffer when they are dying and I can tell you for a fact unless any of my furkids are in a great deal of pain and I clearly get from them they want help passing I will let all of them pass on their own, I personally believe most prefer it. It may not be pretty for me but I don't think they suffer as we think they do, once the process gets to a certain point the body goes into shock and I don't think you feel much of anything. Of course I have never died, that is just my sense of the process and I could be as right as anyone who insists helping an animal pass is the best and kindest thing you can do for them, I don't think that is always the case. I personally would never want to be euthanized if that was an option humans had. You will regret seeing it and much worse, allowing it to get that far for her sake. You will see her suffer. -- Belinda happiness is being owned by cats ... Be-Mi-Kitties http://bemikitties.com Post Adoptable FeLV/FIV/FIP Cats/Kittens http://adopt.bemikitties.com FeLV Candlelight Service http://bemikitties.com/cls HostDesign4U.com [affordable hosting web design] http://HostDesign4U.com BMK Designs [non-profit animals websites] http://bmk.bemikitties.com
RE: Update on Olive: Dilemma...
Megan, I feel for you right now, and I'm sending positive thoughts, prayers, vibes, your way. I hope that you are able to find the right solution for you and Olive. I'm not really sure what to advise you. As for the bill, I'm not sure what your financial situation is, but you could check out the IMOM website where you can apply for funding in you qualify. Here's the site: www.imom.org Keep us posted, breathe, and know that whatever happens, you've been such a wonderful influence in Olive's life. Bless you for all that you do. This can't be an easy time right now. Melissa -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Megan Heikkinen Sent: Friday, August 31, 2007 9:26 AM To: felvtalk Subject: Update on Olive: Dilemma... Dilemma, dilemma... Last night, I was pretty much resigned to letting Olive pass. Not happily resigned, now, for I cried for hours and then couldn't sleep. I had actually typed up a huge email about my reasoning a few minutes ago, but I just got off the phone with my vet, and now I'm once again lost as to what to do. First off, I want to mention that my vet does actually seem to want to help, he just doesn't think much will come of it and doesn't want to give me false hope. Apparently, he wrote down my number wrong last night, which is why I never got a return call. I asked about the reticulocyte count. She had some last week, but it was so low that they considered it nonregenerative anemia. Apparently, she had also received two shots of steroids along with the transfusion. This worries me, because the transfusion started wearing off only after 5 days, when it usually lasts around 10 days. The shots seemed to help within the first couple of days, but then wore off. I also asked if haemobartonella was still a possibility, and he thought it might be. He is going to find out the price of getting a combo of doxy with something else that can be given in a form other than pills. He said he'd be willing to try epogen, but warned me that it usually only works a couple times because an immunity develops. I called the vet school about the price, but had to leave a message. I asked my vet about it, and he reassured me that their given price was indeed $2000-3000. He isn't sure what it entails, though I'm assuming it's everything under the sun, and that kind of scares me. I don't want to subject Olive to a million tests... So, I'm facing this huge problem now. While I would of course love to save Olive, I don't know if it's really going to do any good. And yeah, trying to do something may be better than doing nothing at all. But I'm not sure. I don't want to put her through this stage of slowly dying again, for the third time. I don't know if she'll even be helped unless she can get another blood transfusion, and if I do that at my vet, I'll have to use Juniper as a donor. That scares me. I don't really have time to look elsewhere, though. I wish someone could just give me the answer, but I know that ultimately it is up to me. I wish I was stronger, and not the most indecisive fool on the planet. One of my biggest concerns is that if I do manage to keep Olive alive, my other two babies will continue to be susceptible to this godforsaken virus. = Original Message From Belinda [EMAIL PROTECTED] = I do not all animals or people suffer when they are dying and I can tell you for a fact unless any of my furkids are in a great deal of pain and I clearly get from them they want help passing I will let all of them pass on their own, I personally believe most prefer it. It may not be pretty for me but I don't think they suffer as we think they do, once the process gets to a certain point the body goes into shock and I don't think you feel much of anything. Of course I have never died, that is just my sense of the process and I could be as right as anyone who insists helping an animal pass is the best and kindest thing you can do for them, I don't think that is always the case. I personally would never want to be euthanized if that was an option humans had. You will regret seeing it and much worse, allowing it to get that far for her sake. You will see her suffer. -- Belinda happiness is being owned by cats ... Be-Mi-Kitties http://bemikitties.com Post Adoptable FeLV/FIV/FIP Cats/Kittens http://adopt.bemikitties.com FeLV Candlelight Service http://bemikitties.com/cls HostDesign4U.com [affordable hosting web design] http://HostDesign4U.com BMK Designs [non-profit animals websites] http://bmk.bemikitties.com
RE: Megan, be careful...
Right, I don't understand the $2000 either? The ONLY time I was ever quoted only a possibility of spending $2000 or so on Monkee's care was for chemotherapy- by Dr. Dailey at Metro Vet Specialists. And that makes sense-- I mean, it's chemo. And we were supposed to be going once a week at$200-300 a pop every time depending on the protocol. The$2000 quote was rough and was Dr. Dailey's estimation of the potential chemo total. We of course, never made it that far, as his treatments were always interrupted by low white blood cell counts, so he couldn't always get chemo. Then Dr. Dailey wanted the tumor taken off, so he had surgery and that was the end of chemo. Two weeks after the surgery, he "crashed" with anemia and we never did another chemo treatment. The only transfusion we did at Metro Vet Spec. cost $500. Monkee didn't have to be sedated for it. I know that Marylyn said Metro runs a little high on prices and there were other places in Louisville were I could get a transfusion done cheaper. Hiedeyo (I miss him!) also said transfusions don't have to cost that much; other vets can and will do it cheaper. So, I just don't understand what the vet school is saying would cost $2000? If you aren't talking chemo, I don't see what other kind of treatment could run that high? Just my two cents... -Caroline From:glenda Goodman [EMAIL PROTECTED]Reply-To:felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgTo:felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgSubject:Megan, be careful...Date:Thu, 30 Aug 2007 17:25:51 -0700 (PDT)Megan, I just got home and saw the update on Olive'ssituation and your other two kitties. It is wonderfulyour two have tested negative...I feel very sad tohear of how your little Olive is doing.I just read Wendy's letter to you and it was perfect,right on, as is usual for Wendy! Yeah! Wendy!Like Wendy I cannot believe they would have the gutsto tell you the fee for helping Olive would be$2,000.00. They do not even know if they will be ableto help her...This is a learning thing for thoseguys...They should be grateful you have evenconsideredbringing Olive to them...It seems someone is prayingon your heartache and desperation here.You have picked up and retained so much informationin these last few days from the experienced and verykind people here.If I were you I would gather my senses and go throughthe basic steps to make Olive comfortable and build upher system with the supplements that might help herthat you can afford. I cannot imagine what the vetschool would be thinking to put Olive through for$2,000.00. I would imagine it would be horriblystessfull for her and there would be a lot ofstrangers around and that would be very scary forher... There is nothing out there that is going tosave her if she is at a certain point with thisdisease and for these guys to be putting a 2,000.00price tag on what the treatment is, they are trying tosell you on, is just not very nice at all.I'm sure Wendy and some others here would love tohear their ideas for treatment...They would be a lotmore in touch than I might be or some of the newerpeople here. I wish you could ask those vet schoolpeople what they are thinking on selling you and thenlet these guys decide if their price tag is in linewith their treatment options...Meanwhile, I am wondering how Michael is doing withhis vet school situation???I'm really sorry for you and Olive, but your otherguys need you too... and you need to keep strong! Becareful with your money and study hard in school...Themother in me is coming out here...Glenda Luggage? GPS? Comic books?Check out fitting gifts for grads at Yahoo! Searchhttp://search.yahoo.com/search?fr=oni_on_mailp=graduation+giftscs=bz More photos, more messages, more storageget 2GB with Windows Live Hotmail.
Re: new kitty, fingers crossed
Hey --- Melissa Lind [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Oh dear me! I could write a book entitled 5 vodkas, an ex-marine, and a kitty. I went to have a birthday drink with my career Marine buddy who was 78 yesterday. That drink turned into 5. Then I went to check on the stray that I'm looking after who is incidentally named Sarge after this buddy of mine-both are blind in the right eye. As I'm calling for Sarge, out comes a little gray tiger. She was so hungry but also scared. I scooped her up, probably not very gracefully after the vodkas-I've noticed quite a few nice scratches this morning from last night. She stayed in my home office room last night and left two nicely sized poops near the litter box on the carpet :-). She's not a friendly kitty that likes to cuddle-lots of hissing. Poor thing has had a rough life so far. Her ribs are practically poking through. I took her to the vet this morning, but I haven't figured out what her name is yet. I'm awaiting the FeLV test. So keep your fingers crossed-for the test and for my marriage! Haven't told my husband yet! I might board the kitty over the weekend in hopes that I find homes for my two foster cats. That would assuage my husband. I need to make room (we have 3 of our own permanent cats) before I take in more. We have a 5-cat rule. But does a kitten (about 12 weeks old) count as a full cat? :-) Hoping for the best. Melissa Lind Building a website is a piece of cake. Yahoo! Small Business gives you all the tools to get online. http://smallbusiness.yahoo.com/webhosting
Re: Megan, be careful...
In a message dated 8/31/2007 8:22:47 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Hiedeyo (I miss him!) also said transfusions don't have to cost that much; other vets can and will do it cheaper. Hideyo is a she! She can be contacted by these email addys if needed. [EMAIL PROTECTED] (mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]) [EMAIL PROTECTED] (mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]) Terrie Mohr-Forker TAZZY'S ANIMAL TRANSPORTS SIAMESE COLLIE RESCUE Donations accepted at: _http://www.paypal.com_ (https://www.paypal.com/) _http://www.tazzys-siameses-collies.petfinder.org/_ (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wasiameserescue) http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wasiameserescue _http://www.felineleukemia.org/_ (http://www.felineleukemia.org/) _http://www.petloss.com/_ (http://www.petloss.com/) ** Get a sneak peek of the all-new AOL at http://discover.aol.com/memed/aolcom30tour
Re: new kitty, fingers crossed
Melissa, My fingers are crossed! My goodness, better stay away from that vodka before going to rescue shelters...just a thought...I'm happy the little tiger guy found you! Take care, Glenda --- Melissa Lind [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Oh dear me! I could write a book entitled 5 vodkas, an ex-marine, and a kitty. I went to have a birthday drink with my career Marine buddy who was 78 yesterday. That drink turned into 5. Then I went to check on the stray that I'm looking after who is incidentally named Sarge after this buddy of mine-both are blind in the right eye. As I'm calling for Sarge, out comes a little gray tiger. She was so hungry but also scared. I scooped her up, probably not very gracefully after the vodkas-I've noticed quite a few nice scratches this morning from last night. She stayed in my home office room last night and left two nicely sized poops near the litter box on the carpet :-). She's not a friendly kitty that likes to cuddle-lots of hissing. Poor thing has had a rough life so far. Her ribs are practically poking through. I took her to the vet this morning, but I haven't figured out what her name is yet. I'm awaiting the FeLV test. So keep your fingers crossed-for the test and for my marriage! Haven't told my husband yet! I might board the kitty over the weekend in hopes that I find homes for my two foster cats. That would assuage my husband. I need to make room (we have 3 of our own permanent cats) before I take in more. We have a 5-cat rule. But does a kitten (about 12 weeks old) count as a full cat? :-) Hoping for the best. Melissa Lind Be a better Heartthrob. Get better relationship answers from someone who knows. Yahoo! Answers - Check it out. http://answers.yahoo.com/dir/?link=listsid=396545433
OT: RE: new kitty, fingers crossed
Well, the new little girl tested negative! Yea! But, now my post is off topic! I've decided to board the poor baby over the weekend. She has an under-bite and ear mites; otherwise, except for her being very underweight, she's okay. I haven't figured out her name yet. My new vet is awesome and will check on the new baby twice a day this weekend. She'll even let me know when she'll be there in case I want to visit. I hate leaving the little one there, but I'm hoping that I'll think of something this weekend to do with our two fosters. I have a friend who's traveling to CA soon. I'm not sure where to in CA. I think San Diego. Any of you from San Diego and have room in your hearts and homes for a non-FeLV cat or two? Here's their pics if anyone is interested (Please forward if you have any possible homes!): Nonie (1.5 years): http://picasaweb.google.com/mzurovsk/Nonie?authkey=58Zh5l6swyU Ashley (1 year): http://picasaweb.google.com/mzurovsk/Ashley?authkey=imb76PXJObI Ashley is much healthier now-she's not as skinny and she doesn't look so scrawny as in the picture. She's becoming quite the boss of the house and is getting more snuggly every day! She a great masseuse! Nonie had a weepy eye at the time of the pictures, so she's not as pretty looking as usual. But her eye is fine now. She loves to hop in the shower with us! Her bobtail is so so so cute! Melissa _ From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Melissa Lind Sent: Friday, August 31, 2007 8:53 AM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: new kitty, fingers crossed Oh dear me! I could write a book entitled 5 vodkas, an ex-marine, and a kitty. I went to have a birthday drink with my career Marine buddy who was 78 yesterday. That drink turned into 5. Then I went to check on the stray that I'm looking after who is incidentally named Sarge after this buddy of mine-both are blind in the right eye. As I'm calling for Sarge, out comes a little gray tiger. She was so hungry but also scared. I scooped her up, probably not very gracefully after the vodkas-I've noticed quite a few nice scratches this morning from last night. She stayed in my home office room last night and left two nicely sized poops near the litter box on the carpet :-). She's not a friendly kitty that likes to cuddle-lots of hissing. Poor thing has had a rough life so far. Her ribs are practically poking through. I took her to the vet this morning, but I haven't figured out what her name is yet. I'm awaiting the FeLV test. So keep your fingers crossed-for the test and for my marriage! Haven't told my husband yet! I might board the kitty over the weekend in hopes that I find homes for my two foster cats. That would assuage my husband. I need to make room (we have 3 of our own permanent cats) before I take in more. We have a 5-cat rule. But does a kitten (about 12 weeks old) count as a full cat? :-) Hoping for the best. Melissa Lind
Re: Update on Olive: Dilemma...
Hey Megan, Make sure you do research on the doxy shot. The protocol for hemobaronella is 3 weeks of consecutive treatment with pills (not sure of the dosage). How long will a doxy shot last? I would pill her instead, especially if your vet doesn't know much about hemobart. I've never heard of just doing a doxy shot and nothing else. If he is doing the doxy shot in conjuntion with pills, and the treatment will last AT LEAST three weeks, that might be ok. Immunity doesn't always develop with Epogen. If it's hemobart, and the doxy works which it should, is Epogen necessary? Anyone have any ideas on this? I would do research on this as well. The stats for immunity to Epogen I think are 1 in 3 cats, but not sure on this. Still, if Olive needs it and is going to die without RBC's, I think a 33% chance of reaction is not a bad statistic. Why is it up to you to find a blood donor for your kitty? We don't go looking for a donor when we need blood. Can't your vet call around and see if he can find some blood at another vet's? Or can you call around and see if any vet's have a donor cat that they keep around? Many do. I can't say I'm 100% positive on this, but the chance that your other two are still at risk is small because one, they all came from the same litter, and I'm betting Olive got it from momma, and two, even if not, chances are they've already been exposed and I'm pretty sure they can't be exposed twice to the same strain. Not enough is known on strains yet. :) Wendy Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world - indeed it is the only thing that ever has! ~~~ Margaret Meade ~~~ Need a vacation? Get great deals to amazing places on Yahoo! Travel. http://travel.yahoo.com/
Re: new kitty, fingers crossed
That is 1/4 of a cat. Trust me. :))) Get some Feliway Spray (not the plug in) and use it to help calm the little one. Grab some Rescue Remedy and put some in her water and take some yourself. This will help calm both of you. Provide her with a safe, small place to hide. Use unscented litter-she sounds feral or close to it and the ones I've had the pleasure of knowing hate perfumed anything. Watch the scratches/bites for signs of infection...honest. Blessings to you and the little one. If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow man. St. Francis - Original Message - From: Melissa Lind To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Friday, August 31, 2007 8:52 AM Subject: new kitty, fingers crossed Oh dear me! I could write a book entitled 5 vodkas, an ex-marine, and a kitty. I went to have a birthday drink with my career Marine buddy who was 78 yesterday. That drink turned into 5. Then I went to check on the stray that I'm looking after who is incidentally named Sarge after this buddy of mine-both are blind in the right eye. As I'm calling for Sarge, out comes a little gray tiger. She was so hungry but also scared. I scooped her up, probably not very gracefully after the vodkas-I've noticed quite a few nice scratches this morning from last night. She stayed in my home office room last night and left two nicely sized poops near the litter box on the carpet J. She's not a friendly kitty that likes to cuddle-lots of hissing. Poor thing has had a rough life so far. Her ribs are practically poking through. I took her to the vet this morning, but I haven't figured out what her name is yet. I'm awaiting the FeLV test. So keep your fingers crossed-for the test and for my marriage! Haven't told my husband yet! I might board the kitty over the weekend in hopes that I find homes for my two foster cats. That would assuage my husband. I need to make room (we have 3 of our own permanent cats) before I take in more. We have a 5-cat rule. But does a kitten (about 12 weeks old) count as a full cat? J Hoping for the best. Melissa Lind
Re: Update on Olive: Dilemma...
Megan Let me complicate things a bit more but perhaps it will help too... Anemia isn't just the cat feeling sleepy... It is all the organs dyeing because the blood can't feed them without the red blood cells... If you are going to try and save Olive you have to stick a stake in the ground and go with it now I think the odds are that Olive won't make a full recovery no matter how much you spend and if you only keep her alive to live in a hospital cage away from you... is that what you want ??? Now this is my personal decision... There are so many really wonderful kittens that test positive every day and are still healthy and enjoying life as much as any cat does and they get put to sleep on the spot just because of the test I know you have formed a bond with Olive but I bet she would forgive you for letting her go if she knew that you were saving the life of another kitty that still has time left to enjoy life... In five years I have had 31 FeLV+ cats and have buried 21 of them... And I have cried 21 times but there have been 31 times that I have felt a great joy in knowing I have saved a life very often the same day that I picked the cat up I have spent a lot on vet bills in that time but I think the $3000 estimate would cover my 5 years time with my FeLV kitties Just something to think about Tad Megan Heikkinen wrote: Dilemma, dilemma... Last night, I was pretty much resigned to letting Olive pass. Not happily resigned, now, for I cried for hours and then couldn't sleep. I had actually typed up a huge email about my reasoning a few minutes ago, but I just got off the phone with my vet, and now I'm once again lost as to what to do. First off, I want to mention that my vet does actually seem to want to help, he just doesn't think much will come of it and doesn't want to give me false hope. Apparently, he wrote down my number wrong last night, which is why I never got a return call. I asked about the reticulocyte count. She had some last week, but it was so low that they considered it nonregenerative anemia. Apparently, she had also received two shots of steroids along with the transfusion. This worries me, because the transfusion started wearing off only after 5 days, when it usually lasts around 10 days. The shots seemed to help within the first couple of days, but then wore off. I also asked if haemobartonella was still a possibility, and he thought it might be. He is going to find out the price of getting a combo of doxy with something else that can be given in a form other than pills. He said he'd be willing to try epogen, but warned me that it usually only works a couple times because an immunity develops. I called the vet school about the price, but had to leave a message. I asked my vet about it, and he reassured me that their given price was indeed $2000-3000. He isn't sure what it entails, though I'm assuming it's everything under the sun, and that kind of scares me. I don't want to subject Olive to a million tests... So, I'm facing this huge problem now. While I would of course love to save Olive, I don't know if it's really going to do any good. And yeah, trying to do something may be better than doing nothing at all. But I'm not sure. I don't want to put her through this stage of slowly dying again, for the third time. I don't know if she'll even be helped unless she can get another blood transfusion, and if I do that at my vet, I'll have to use Juniper as a donor. That scares me. I don't really have time to look elsewhere, though. I wish someone could just give me the answer, but I know that ultimately it is up to me. I wish I was stronger, and not the most indecisive fool on the planet. One of my biggest concerns is that if I do manage to keep Olive alive, my other two babies will continue to be susceptible to this godforsaken virus. = Original Message From Belinda [EMAIL PROTECTED] = I do not all animals or people suffer when they are dying and I can tell you for a fact unless any of my furkids are in a great deal of pain and I clearly get from them they want help passing I will let all of them pass on their own, I personally believe most prefer it. It may not be pretty for me but I don't think they suffer as we think they do, once the process gets to a certain point the body goes into shock and I don't think you feel much of anything. Of course I have never died, that is just my sense of the process and I could be as right as anyone who insists helping an animal pass is the best and kindest thing you can do for them, I don't think that is always the case. I personally would never want to be euthanized if that was an option humans had. You will regret seeing it and much worse, allowing it to get that far for her sake. You will see her suffer. -- Belinda happiness is being owned by cats ... Be-Mi-Kitties http://bemikitties.com Post Adoptable FeLV/FIV/FIP Cats/Kittens
Re: Update on Olive: Dilemma...
Hi Megan, Everyday I get on the computer. I first look to see how Olive is doing. I so want her to have some good quality time with you. There are others on this group that may be more experienced with this disease than I, but I wound up on a very fast learning curve with one cat initially dying from unknown anemia and probably hemapatic lipodosis On 8/31/07, Megan Heikkinen [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Dilemma, dilemma... Last night, I was pretty much resigned to letting Olive pass. Not happily resigned, now, for I cried for hours and then couldn't sleep. I had actually typed up a huge email about my reasoning a few minutes ago, but I just got off the phone with my vet, and now I'm once again lost as to what to do. First off, I want to mention that my vet does actually seem to want to help, he just doesn't think much will come of it and doesn't want to give me false hope. Apparently, he wrote down my number wrong last night, which is why I never got a return call. I asked about the reticulocyte count. She had some last week, but it was so low that they considered it nonregenerative anemia. Apparently, she had also received two shots of steroids along with the transfusion. This worries me, because the transfusion started wearing off only after 5 days, when it usually lasts around 10 days. The shots seemed to help within the first couple of days, but then wore off. I also asked if haemobartonella was still a possibility, and he thought it might be. He is going to find out the price of getting a combo of doxy with something else that can be given in a form other than pills. He said he'd be willing to try epogen, but warned me that it usually only works a couple times because an immunity develops. I called the vet school about the price, but had to leave a message. I asked my vet about it, and he reassured me that their given price was indeed $2000-3000. He isn't sure what it entails, though I'm assuming it's everything under the sun, and that kind of scares me. I don't want to subject Olive to a million tests... So, I'm facing this huge problem now. While I would of course love to save Olive, I don't know if it's really going to do any good. And yeah, trying to do something may be better than doing nothing at all. But I'm not sure. I don't want to put her through this stage of slowly dying again, for the third time. I don't know if she'll even be helped unless she can get another blood transfusion, and if I do that at my vet, I'll have to use Juniper as a donor. That scares me. I don't really have time to look elsewhere, though. I wish someone could just give me the answer, but I know that ultimately it is up to me. I wish I was stronger, and not the most indecisive fool on the planet. One of my biggest concerns is that if I do manage to keep Olive alive, my other two babies will continue to be susceptible to this godforsaken virus. = Original Message From Belinda [EMAIL PROTECTED] = I do not all animals or people suffer when they are dying and I can tell you for a fact unless any of my furkids are in a great deal of pain and I clearly get from them they want help passing I will let all of them pass on their own, I personally believe most prefer it. It may not be pretty for me but I don't think they suffer as we think they do, once the process gets to a certain point the body goes into shock and I don't think you feel much of anything. Of course I have never died, that is just my sense of the process and I could be as right as anyone who insists helping an animal pass is the best and kindest thing you can do for them, I don't think that is always the case. I personally would never want to be euthanized if that was an option humans had. You will regret seeing it and much worse, allowing it to get that far for her sake. You will see her suffer. -- 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 -- Sally, Eric (not a cat),Junior, Speedy, Grey and White, Ittle Bitty, Little Black, Lily, Daisy, Silver, and Spike Visit my BB for some pictures post your as well. http://www.k6az.com/ki4spk/index.php?sid=c57c00cf5804ef13853ed6e77a68eed3
Re: Update on Olive: Dilemma...
Oops guys I was trying to look up spelling of hepatic and hit send. I will complete the email here. That cat was Pumpkin, Junior had already been treated for anemia and lethargy. Pumkinwas hiding symptoms so I was not aware how sick he was. Pumpkin crashed at the vets office and I could not bear to put him though more. Meanwhile I had Junior who although appeared better I was very concerned about Pumpkin dying from anemia. I took Junior back to the vet he had a fever of 106.5. They did fluids an asked to do e felv test. I ok'd he was negative 5 months Oralie. This time positive. I am in panic mode bc I have 10 cats still and like yourself little money to spend. I decided not to euthanize Junior, but to see what I could do and I found this group. Juniors anaemia did get better he was treated with Baytril a strong antibiotic. I cannot remember how long but maybe 10 days to 2 weeks. I had all the cats tested after a lot of work. I had two other positives and both are now dead one euthanized and the other died suddenly at home. He never had any of the usual symptoms. I am not saying this to scare you. I think you can treat for hemobartonella and do the immunoregulin fairly inexpensively. Treat any infections that come along aggressively and get him on immune boosters. This is basically what I did with Junior and it is now almost 1 year form DX. I am not a rich person but this is doable. Good luck, my prayers are with you. Sally On 8/31/07, Sally Davis [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi Megan, Everyday I get on the computer. I first look to see how Olive is doing. I so want her to have some good quality time with you. There are others on this group that may be more experienced with this disease than I, but I wound up on a very fast learning curve with one cat initially dying from unknown anemia and probably hemapatic lipodosis On 8/31/07, Megan Heikkinen [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Dilemma, dilemma...
RE: Update on Olive: Dilemma...
I am endlessly conflicted. I think I'll have resigned myself to something, then I'll change my mind, then I decide to do something else, and then I get on here and feel horrible for not doing anything, so I feel like I really need to now. I have to admit, the list has been helpful, but it's also been causing me a lot of stress. If I had never known about this group, then I could've just accepted the vet's word and been better able to cope with Olive's death. Now I feel like I'm little better than a murderer. It's no fault of you all. I just sort of wish I hadn't joined the list sometimes... It's making it so much harder to not do anything. I don't know why you brought up the doxy shot. That was never offered to me as an option... The problem with putting her on any meds is that she is going to have to have another transfusion, and it will probably have to be today. I don't know if my vet called around for blood--I think he might've called a few places--but a lot of the vets around here don't seem to have donors. I called about five other ones, and only one actually had a donor cat, and they didn't even know its type. The vet school has blood, but they won't send it to other vets. And I cannot afford going there. It's getting to the point where I'm going to be too late to help Olive. I want to help her, I really really do, but this is something that I obviously can't handle. I don't have tons of money, and I don't have tons of time because of classes. I'm also inexperienced in matters like this. Nobody is helping me, really, and it's making me have a nervous breakdown. = Original Message From wendy [EMAIL PROTECTED] = Hey Megan, Make sure you do research on the doxy shot. The protocol for hemobaronella is 3 weeks of consecutive treatment with pills (not sure of the dosage). How long will a doxy shot last? I would pill her instead, especially if your vet doesn't know much about hemobart. I've never heard of just doing a doxy shot and nothing else. If he is doing the doxy shot in conjuntion with pills, and the treatment will last AT LEAST three weeks, that might be ok. Immunity doesn't always develop with Epogen. If it's hemobart, and the doxy works which it should, is Epogen necessary? Anyone have any ideas on this? I would do research on this as well. The stats for immunity to Epogen I think are 1 in 3 cats, but not sure on this. Still, if Olive needs it and is going to die without RBC's, I think a 33% chance of reaction is not a bad statistic. Why is it up to you to find a blood donor for your kitty? We don't go looking for a donor when we need blood. Can't your vet call around and see if he can find some blood at another vet's? Or can you call around and see if any vet's have a donor cat that they keep around? Many do. I can't say I'm 100% positive on this, but the chance that your other two are still at risk is small because one, they all came from the same litter, and I'm betting Olive got it from momma, and two, even if not, chances are they've already been exposed and I'm pretty sure they can't be exposed twice to the same strain. Not enough is known on strains yet. :) Wendy Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world - indeed it is the only thing that ever has! ~~~ Margaret Meade ~~~ __ __ Need a vacation? Get great deals to amazing places on Yahoo! Travel. http://travel.yahoo.com/
Re: new kitty, fingers crossed
Yes, unfortunately kittens @ 12 weeks count as cats. My boyfriend has the rule Every set of pointy ears is this house is considered a cat, regardless if it lives under the bed.. Yes,folks, I even asked But what if we never SEE the cat, it lives under the bed, couch, etc No luck. However, when he used to work out of town a lot, I would ALWYS bring home a cat or 2. SometimesI wouldn'tget to talk to him for 2 weeks or so, since he would be out in the field (on a dig) in Mexico or in the west Texas dessert, no cell phone reception. I always hoped that he wouldn't recognize the new cat(s). W/kittens I always tried to foster litters that all lookedalike, so that he MIGHT not be able to count them. THAT got blown outta the water when he was sitting on the couch one night and 3 little orage tabbies ran over him, one right after the other, chasing each others' tails. It was like that scene outta the Simpson's episode where the dog has puppies..Do..! Good luck w/your new kitty, Melissa, we all feel your pain.. Susan J. DuBose ^..^ www.PetGirlsPetsitting.com www.Tx.SiameseRescue.org www.shadowcats.net As Cleopatra lay in state, Faithful Bast at her side did wait, Purring welcomes of soft applause, Ever guarding with sharpened claws. Trajan Tennent - Original Message - From: Melissa Lind To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Friday, August 31, 2007 8:52 AM Subject: new kitty, fingers crossed Oh dear me! I could write a book entitled 5 vodkas, an ex-marine, and a kitty. I went to have a birthday drink with my career Marine buddy who was 78 yesterday. That drink turned into 5. Then I went to check on the stray that I'm looking after who is incidentally named Sarge after this buddy of mine-both are blind in the right eye. As I'm calling for Sarge, out comes a little gray tiger. She was so hungry but also scared. I scooped her up, probably not very gracefully after the vodkas-I've noticed quite a few nice scratches this morning from last night. She stayed in my home office room last night and left two nicely sized poops near the litter box on the carpet J. She's not a friendly kitty that likes to cuddle-lots of hissing. Poor thing has had a rough life so far. Her ribs are practically poking through. I took her to the vet this morning, but I haven't figured out what her name is yet. I'm awaiting the FeLV test. So keep your fingers crossed-for the test and for my marriage! Haven't told my husband yet! I might board the kitty over the weekend in hopes that I find homes for my two foster cats. That would assuage my husband. I need to make room (we have 3 of our own permanent cats) before I take in more. We have a 5-cat rule. But does a kitten (about 12 weeks old) count as a full cat? J Hoping for the best. Melissa Lind
Re: Update on Olive: Dilemma...
When I worked @ the Austin Humane Society, we had blood donors w/our dogs cats all the time. Susan J. DuBose ^..^ www.PetGirlsPetsitting.com www.Tx.SiameseRescue.org www.shadowcats.net As Cleopatra lay in state, Faithful Bast at her side did wait, Purring welcomes of soft applause, Ever guarding with sharpened claws. Trajan Tennent - Original Message - From: wendy [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Friday, August 31, 2007 11:50 AM Subject: Re: Update on Olive: Dilemma... Hey Megan, Make sure you do research on the doxy shot. The protocol for hemobaronella is 3 weeks of consecutive treatment with pills (not sure of the dosage). How long will a doxy shot last? I would pill her instead, especially if your vet doesn't know much about hemobart. I've never heard of just doing a doxy shot and nothing else. If he is doing the doxy shot in conjuntion with pills, and the treatment will last AT LEAST three weeks, that might be ok. Immunity doesn't always develop with Epogen. If it's hemobart, and the doxy works which it should, is Epogen necessary? Anyone have any ideas on this? I would do research on this as well. The stats for immunity to Epogen I think are 1 in 3 cats, but not sure on this. Still, if Olive needs it and is going to die without RBC's, I think a 33% chance of reaction is not a bad statistic. Why is it up to you to find a blood donor for your kitty? We don't go looking for a donor when we need blood. Can't your vet call around and see if he can find some blood at another vet's? Or can you call around and see if any vet's have a donor cat that they keep around? Many do. I can't say I'm 100% positive on this, but the chance that your other two are still at risk is small because one, they all came from the same litter, and I'm betting Olive got it from momma, and two, even if not, chances are they've already been exposed and I'm pretty sure they can't be exposed twice to the same strain. Not enough is known on strains yet. :) Wendy Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world - indeed it is the only thing that ever has! ~~~ Margaret Meade ~~~ Need a vacation? Get great deals to amazing places on Yahoo! Travel. http://travel.yahoo.com/
papillon, part 2
I talked to Dr.Smith today about my Pappy, he wants me to bring him for a thorough exam ASAP. He says that the thing w/felv+cats, you have to watch them very carefully,more so than other cats, of course, because cats are so good about hiding their medical problems. And when their behavior changes, that's always cause for alarm. I have back to back petsitting next week ( w/lots of special needs pets) due to a holiday and I will be lucky if I even get to eat in a timely fashion. Probably will just eat in my car as usual. Talk about pressure. My vet is a 70+mile round trip, also. The good thing is that I can always take him there, drop him off,and he will be in good hands, I know. Then just pick him up when I can. On another note, Dr. Mrs.Smith are getting a total of 8 felv+ cats from the FLOCK fiasco,due to arrive next week. Best Friends, in return , is taking about 7 or 8 highly adoptable kittens, all about 8 weeks old. They are so cute! They were dumped @ the shelter in 2 filthy carriers, all very sick w/URI,parasites diarhea. I saw them today, what little pistols! They are rip, roaring ready to gooo! I miss having kittens. :( My kitten foster space has been made into the felv+ suite.. All of the Smiths' felv+cats are on the T-Cyte drug, and it's seems to be working and it's available for sale. Sheila said in the past they have given them all interferon, but it just didn't seem to do much. Susan J. DuBose ^..^ www.PetGirlsPetsitting.com www.Tx.SiameseRescue.org www.shadowcats.net As Cleopatra lay in state, Faithful Bast at her side did wait, Purring welcomes of soft applause, Ever guarding with sharpened claws. Trajan Tennent
Re: Megan, be careful...(Hideyo)?
What happened to Hideyo? She was great!!! Is Phaywreyn still post? Gina from California she had TiggerTales Web Site and Pippion was her Pos turned Neg little kitten? Thanks Kayte and Crackers ** Get a sneak peek of the all-new AOL at http://discover.aol.com/memed/aolcom30tour
RE: new kitty, fingers crossed
Very funny! :-) I hope my husband sees it as funny as well! We always have a chuckle over the growing number of kitties but not after a lot of grief in the meantime! I know he's going to be frustrated-as am I since our house is too small for more cats, but a kitten is so tiny, it surely won't take up much space! I hate keeping things from him, but this little girl might be a secret this weekend-unless I have too many vodkas again! Then who knows what will happen! Melissa _ From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Susan Dubose Sent: Friday, August 31, 2007 1:39 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: new kitty, fingers crossed Yes, unfortunately kittens @ 12 weeks count as cats. My boyfriend has the rule Every set of pointy ears is this house is considered a cat, regardless if it lives under the bed.. Yes,folks, I even asked But what if we never SEE the cat, it lives under the bed, couch, etc No luck. However, when he used to work out of town a lot, I would ALWYS bring home a cat or 2. SometimesI wouldn'tget to talk to him for 2 weeks or so, since he would be out in the field (on a dig) in Mexico or in the west Texas dessert, no cell phone reception. I always hoped that he wouldn't recognize the new cat(s). W/kittens I always tried to foster litters that all lookedalike, so that he MIGHT not be able to count them. THAT got blown outta the water when he was sitting on the couch one night and 3 little orage tabbies ran over him, one right after the other, chasing each others' tails. It was like that scene outta the Simpson's episode where the dog has puppies..Do..! Good luck w/your new kitty, Melissa, we all feel your pain.. Susan J. DuBose ^..^ www.PetGirlsPetsitting.com www.Tx.SiameseRescue.org www.shadowcats.net As Cleopatra lay in state, Faithful Bast at her side did wait, Purring welcomes of soft applause, Ever guarding with sharpened claws. Trajan Tennent - Original Message - From: Melissa Lind mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Friday, August 31, 2007 8:52 AM Subject: new kitty, fingers crossed Oh dear me! I could write a book entitled 5 vodkas, an ex-marine, and a kitty. I went to have a birthday drink with my career Marine buddy who was 78 yesterday. That drink turned into 5. Then I went to check on the stray that I'm looking after who is incidentally named Sarge after this buddy of mine-both are blind in the right eye. As I'm calling for Sarge, out comes a little gray tiger. She was so hungry but also scared. I scooped her up, probably not very gracefully after the vodkas-I've noticed quite a few nice scratches this morning from last night. She stayed in my home office room last night and left two nicely sized poops near the litter box on the carpet :-). She's not a friendly kitty that likes to cuddle-lots of hissing. Poor thing has had a rough life so far. Her ribs are practically poking through. I took her to the vet this morning, but I haven't figured out what her name is yet. I'm awaiting the FeLV test. So keep your fingers crossed-for the test and for my marriage! Haven't told my husband yet! I might board the kitty over the weekend in hopes that I find homes for my two foster cats. That would assuage my husband. I need to make room (we have 3 of our own permanent cats) before I take in more. We have a 5-cat rule. But does a kitten (about 12 weeks old) count as a full cat? :-) Hoping for the best. Melissa Lind
Re: To Pat and Mandy
Hi, Wendy - Mandy and I visited Keith (my vet and best guy friend) today. He said that Mandy's right eye is just the same--no improvement but no worse either. The left eye shows some improvement, albeit VERY small--so we're keeping up the drops in that eye for another 4 weeks. Mandy is otherwise the most energetic, healthy cat one could imagine. Just absolutely LOVES to eathave her on Pet Guard with lysine and Missing Link added. Pat - Original Message - From: wendy To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Tuesday, August 14, 2007 9:21 PM Subject: Re: To Pat and Mandy Hey Pat, I'm glad that you've got a plan for Mandy. I hope those drops work and I'm saving this info. for new people that join the list who have eye issues with their FeLV kitties. Please keep me posted on how these drops do for little Mandy. :) Wendy Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world - indeed it is the only thing that ever has! ~~~ Margaret Meade ~~~ - Original Message From: Pat Kachur [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Tuesday, August 14, 2007 5:16:35 PM Subject: Re: To Pat and Mandy Hi Wendy - just wanted to update you on Mandy. She is doing very well--my own vet examined her and contacted a animal ophthamologist in regard to her eyes. Dr. King (the ophthamologist) said she had not come across the exact eye problem Mandy has but uses Prednisolone Acetate Ophthalmic Suspension for all her leukemia-positive patients who exhibit eye problems. So, I am to put drops in Mandy's eyes three times per day for two weeks. Mandy is a very happy little cat (has gained some weight on the PetGuard food) and has no symptoms other than the eye problems. - Original Message - From: wendy [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Sunday, July 29, 2007 2:38 PM Subject: To Pat and Mandy Pat, It's possible Mandy's vision will return to normal when you figure out what's causing the vision loss. Don't give up hope for that. I have not seen any vision loss directly related to FeLV here in the past year and a half, nor have I read anything about that. I have seen FeLV linked to Uveitis. It's very important that it be diagnosed so that it can be treated, if this is the case. Here is a good link to it: http://www.animaleyecare.net/diseases/uveitis.htm We think Uveitis is what caused Smookie to lose her eye before we adopted her. Either that or conjuncitivis: http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=1cat=1344articleid=250 I'm really concerned that the vet just chalked up the vision issue to FeLV. FeLV is a virus that surpresses the immune system. It allows other diseases and conditions to develop. Those must be treated. Cat's don't die from FeLV. They die from the diseases that develop from a weakened immune system caused by FeLV. That's why I said bloodwork might be good. Whatever you do, pursue this eye issue and get it cleared up or at least get it diagnosed. It is not directly caused by the FeLV. So many of us here have trusted our vet's opinion/diagnosis only to our cat's detriment. Yes, we think vet's are great, but doing your own research will go a long way in making sure your furbaby stays healthy. I have personally experienced my own vet being wrong at least three times in the past few years. At least one of those times would have cost my kitty his life had I not persisted and kept asking questions. There are others here who can tell you those same stories. It's great that you have such a good relationship with your vet. It's hard to find a good vet, or at least one that will listen to the opinions of their customers. We have found that so many vets are not up-to-date on FeLV, and many still recommend pts at first diagnosis. It's good your vet did not do that. Let me know what your vet says when you go see him again. I am curious to see what he says about the vision issue. :) Wendy Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world - indeed it is the only thing that ever has! ~~~ Margaret Meade ~~~ - Original Message From: Pat Kachur [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Sunday, July 29, 2007 1:14:59 PM Subject: Re: Valtrex toxic for cats or effective FeLV treatment We think Mandy has only had the virus for about 5 months--but only because the vision problem began at that time so it is really just a guess. The vet said that the virus may attack most any part of the cat and he has seen other cases where it did attack the vision. Thanks for the advice re dosage of lysine. I am starting her on it today. Also purchased some PetPromise food at Whole Foods this morning. I see there is advice in one of these threads from a
RE: Update on Olive: Dilemma...
Megan, I'm sorry that I can't help you! I understand your pain and frustration. It's a horrible place to be in when you don't know which way to go. Yes, ignorance is bliss, but you will benefit from this down the road even though it seems more appealing to be in the dark. You'll be a stronger, better, more compassionate and aware person of your world and your surroundings. I hate going through these situations. I think, This can't be happening. I just want it all to go away. But, it won't, and although this list has caused you more stress, take peace in knowing that whatever you decide, you based your choices on education--and that is a wonderful thing. Education and learning is power. Can you tell I've been a teacher? If you're thoughts and ideas and ways of thinking are never challenged, then you'll never form your own beliefs for your own reasons. If you make this decision on your own, with your own knowledge that you've gained, you form your own beliefs in the process and reaffirm your morals and life views. This is what makes you who you are and builds your character (to use a cliché). I know none of this helps you right now. Im sorry. I wish I could take your pain away. Hugs and prayers to you and Olive. Melissa -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Megan Heikkinen Sent: Friday, August 31, 2007 1:08 PM To: felvtalk; wendy Subject: RE: Update on Olive: Dilemma... I am endlessly conflicted. I think I'll have resigned myself to something, then I'll change my mind, then I decide to do something else, and then I get on here and feel horrible for not doing anything, so I feel like I really need to now. I have to admit, the list has been helpful, but it's also been causing me a lot of stress. If I had never known about this group, then I could've just accepted the vet's word and been better able to cope with Olive's death. Now I feel like I'm little better than a murderer. It's no fault of you all. I just sort of wish I hadn't joined the list sometimes... It's making it so much harder to not do anything. I don't know why you brought up the doxy shot. That was never offered to me as an option... The problem with putting her on any meds is that she is going to have to have another transfusion, and it will probably have to be today. I don't know if my vet called around for blood--I think he might've called a few places--but a lot of the vets around here don't seem to have donors. I called about five other ones, and only one actually had a donor cat, and they didn't even know its type. The vet school has blood, but they won't send it to other vets. And I cannot afford going there. It's getting to the point where I'm going to be too late to help Olive. I want to help her, I really really do, but this is something that I obviously can't handle. I don't have tons of money, and I don't have tons of time because of classes. I'm also inexperienced in matters like this. Nobody is helping me, really, and it's making me have a nervous breakdown. = Original Message From wendy [EMAIL PROTECTED] = Hey Megan, Make sure you do research on the doxy shot. The protocol for hemobaronella is 3 weeks of consecutive treatment with pills (not sure of the dosage). How long will a doxy shot last? I would pill her instead, especially if your vet doesn't know much about hemobart. I've never heard of just doing a doxy shot and nothing else. If he is doing the doxy shot in conjuntion with pills, and the treatment will last AT LEAST three weeks, that might be ok. Immunity doesn't always develop with Epogen. If it's hemobart, and the doxy works which it should, is Epogen necessary? Anyone have any ideas on this? I would do research on this as well. The stats for immunity to Epogen I think are 1 in 3 cats, but not sure on this. Still, if Olive needs it and is going to die without RBC's, I think a 33% chance of reaction is not a bad statistic. Why is it up to you to find a blood donor for your kitty? We don't go looking for a donor when we need blood. Can't your vet call around and see if he can find some blood at another vet's? Or can you call around and see if any vet's have a donor cat that they keep around? Many do. I can't say I'm 100% positive on this, but the chance that your other two are still at risk is small because one, they all came from the same litter, and I'm betting Olive got it from momma, and two, even if not, chances are they've already been exposed and I'm pretty sure they can't be exposed twice to the same strain. Not enough is known on strains yet. :) Wendy Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world - indeed it is the only thing that ever has! ~~~ Margaret Meade ~~~ __ __ Need
Ripley and Sherman
Susan, You helped me thru a hard time with Midnight aka Boy about a week and a half ago when he was diagnosed with Feline Leukemia and PTS. I have a question Boy's Leukemia showed it's ugly face because of our move to the new house (stress on him). Although I have had Sherman and Ripley tested for this nasty disease, (thanks to God they were negative!), I am concerned that if they get stressed out, this will become an issue again. I am scared to pieces to let them feel any anxiety or stress. My point is that we have family that will be staying with us next week, about 16 people. To say the least, this will be a huge change for the kitties since they are use to just two of us being in the house. Is there anything I can give the cats to calm them durring this time? (Family will be here for four days) I'm paranoid that the slightest stress will make them ill (Feline Leukemia will show it's ugly face again). I know they were tested, negative, but so was Boy when he was a kitten! We had no idea that he even had Leukemia until we moved. Please advise if you have any suggestions. Thanks! Ang - Moody friends. Drama queens. Your life? Nope! - their life, your story. Play Sims Stories at Yahoo! Games.
RE: Ripley and Sherman
Angela, I'm not Susan, but I agree that you should help the kitties stay stress-free (and yourself!). I know that a few of mine would be terrified and severely stressed out with that many people in the house. I've tried Feliway-they make a plug in. That may work for you. I've had no measurable results but others have. You can purchase these at places like Petco. Rescue Remedy-a spray or a drop-is sold in the human headache section of places like Walgreen's. This has also worked for others on the list, but alas, not for me. Last, you could get a prescription for fluoxetine which my Bandit takes (he's now off of it though) for anxiety. It is a miracle drug in my opinion. When I had my FeLV foster cat staying in the home office by himself, he was very sad. I gave him Bandit's fluoxetine (Prozac), and the kitty was no longer anxious although he was not dopey or drugged appearing in any way. I'd also make sure that access to hiding places was available, and I'd move their food to a quiet place where they can eat in peace, if possible. Good luck! Melissa _ From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Angela Lewis Sent: Friday, August 31, 2007 4:12 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Ripley and Sherman Susan, You helped me thru a hard time with Midnight aka Boy about a week and a half ago when he was diagnosed with Feline Leukemia and PTS. I have a question Boy's Leukemia showed it's ugly face because of our move to the new house (stress on him). Although I have had Sherman and Ripley tested for this nasty disease, (thanks to God they were negative!), I am concerned that if they get stressed out, this will become an issue again. I am scared to pieces to let them feel any anxiety or stress. My point is that we have family that will be staying with us next week, about 16 people. To say the least, this will be a huge change for the kitties since they are use to just two of us being in the house. Is there anything I can give the cats to calm them durring this time? (Family will be here for four days) I'm paranoid that the slightest stress will make them ill (Feline Leukemia will show it's ugly face again). I know they were tested, negative, but so was Boy when he was a kitten! We had no idea that he even had Leukemia until we moved. Please advise if you have any suggestions. Thanks! Ang _ Moody friends. Drama queens. Your life? Nope! - their life, your story. Play Sims http://us.rd.yahoo.com/evt=48224/*http:/sims.yahoo.com/ Stories at Yahoo! Games.
Re: papillon, part 2
Ok Susan Spill what you know about the T-cyte. What little I was able to come up with made it sound like a good thing to use on FeLV kitties. Although Junior is doing well on his current regime. It would always be good to have something to fall back on. I forget to mention I give Junior a monthly injection of IR like Best Friends does with their cats. Thanks Sally All of the Smiths' felv+cats are on the T-Cyte drug, and it's seems to be working and it's available for sale. Sheila said in the past they have given them all interferon, but it just didn't seem to do much. Susan J. DuBose ^..^ www.PetGirlsPetsitting.com http://www.petgirlspetsitting.com/ www.Tx.SiameseRescue.org http://www.tx.siameserescue.org/ www.shadowcats.net As Cleopatra lay in state, Faithful Bast at her side did wait, Purring welcomes of soft applause, Ever guarding with sharpened claws. Trajan Tennent -- Sally, Eric (not a cat),Junior, Speedy, Grey and White, Ittle Bitty, Little Black, Lily, Daisy, Silver, and Spike Visit my BB for some pictures post your as well. http://www.k6az.com/ki4spk/index.php?sid=c57c00cf5804ef13853ed6e77a68eed3
Megan, you are not superwoman...
Megan, I just checked how everyone is doing with their cat situations...I read your last post where you are feeling so torn, in so many directions and a lot of it is due to listening to people here. Well, Melissa said some wonderful and true things . I have the teacher in me too, so I totally agree with what she said. This group of people is here to share the many things they have learned, while loving and caring for their cats. It can be very helpful and educational here. I personally am very fond of some of these guys ,because I can feel how really beautiful they are in their hearts. You do get a certain type of people here. To me they care about things most people out there in the world might not even notice...These people can smell the roses and do take the time to appreciate things (cats) and understand them... However, sometimes someone will read a couple emails that someone else has posted and just assume they have it all figured out . Sometimes they might miss a lot of information and also not understand really what that other person is dealing with. I do not know how desperately ill Olive is. I have never looked into her eyes. I do understand that you have two other kitties that need you. Right now they have tested negative. I understand you are having one of your kitties donate blood, Juniper,right? Anyway, I do worry about the kitties you have. I worry about you. I know you cannot afford these crazy bills...It is just insane that anyone would suggest 2,000.00-3,000.00 for treatment for Olive. When the disease is already in her bone morrow. It is bad...This disease is going to eventually be fatal for her, maybe? Maybe somehow you could buy her a little time, but your heart will eventually break, because the odds just do not look good. I think to subject her to some of these extreme measures will be very stressful for her and you and your other kitties will be living in a cardboard box somewhere??? Nobody here should be making you feel guilty...Nobody here is youor is in your shoes. Only you really know what is right for this situation. It is your situation. I personally, stand by going to reasonable measures to help our FeLV+ kitties. This includes a good diet, vitamin and iron supplements. A lot of love and a stress free environment. If my kitty is suffering, a sedative and then pts.I have my vet come to me... I did this with my dog in May of this year. The dog I had before that, I kept until the end. He went out naturally, but his last day with me was horrible for him. He was 15-yr old, a German Shorthair.The last couple days I carried him outside to use the bathroom. On his last day, he made it over to my front door to let me know he had to go outside...He had an accident on the floor. A flood of blood came out the back of him. He looked at me like he had done something wrong. I will never again NOT recognize when the kindest thing to do, is to just help them to go. My last dog was very uncomfortable towards the end. When the light was completely gone from his eyes and he just started looking so sad I made the appt. Nobody here can decide anything for you. This list is simply for your education. Melissa's letter said it all. I know everyone here has to really admire you. You have been amazing and caring and obviously you are a very intelligent young lady. If only everyone in the world could only be as nice of a person as you are. Your character is building and for a young person you already have plenty ... Bless you and Olive and your other two little guys...You all have been doing all possible for Olive...Just remember yourselves...That is all...Love from us here, Glenda Park yourself in front of a world of choices in alternative vehicles. Visit the Yahoo! Auto Green Center. http://autos.yahoo.com/green_center/
Re: Ripley and Sherman
Even though keeping the pets in a smaller room normally is not what you'd want to do, you might consider keeping them locked in one room, preferably your bedroom, complete with food, water, and litter boxes, for those four days. Had I known that Cricket would get so stressed when we had 10 family members staying with us, I would have done the same. Hindsight is 20/20. :) Wendy Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world - indeed it is the only thing that ever has! ~~~ Margaret Meade ~~~ - Original Message From: Angela Lewis [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Friday, August 31, 2007 4:12:22 PM Subject: Ripley and Sherman Susan, You helped me thru a hard time with Midnight aka Boy about a week and a half ago when he was diagnosed with Feline Leukemia and PTS. I have a question Boy's Leukemia showed it's ugly face because of our move to the new house (stress on him). Although I have had Sherman and Ripley tested for this nasty disease, (thanks to God they were negative!), I am concerned that if they get stressed out, this will become an issue again. I am scared to pieces to let them feel any anxiety or stress. My point is that we have family that will be staying with us next week, about 16 people. To say the least, this will be a huge change for the kitties since they are use to just two of us being in the house. Is there anything I can give the cats to calm them durring this time? (Family will be here for four days) I'm paranoid that the slightest stress will make them ill (Feline Leukemia will show it's ugly face again). I know they were tested, negative, but so was Boy when he was a kitten! We had no idea that he even had Leukemia until we moved. Please advise if you have any suggestions. Thanks! Ang Moody friends. Drama queens. Your life? Nope! - their life, your story. Play Sims Stories at Yahoo! Games. Luggage? GPS? Comic books? Check out fitting gifts for grads at Yahoo! Search http://search.yahoo.com/search?fr=oni_on_mailp=graduation+giftscs=bz
Re: new kitty, fingers crossed
Melissa, I would comment on having too much Vodka but I would probably leave the PG rating. :) Have a good weekend! Susan J. DuBose ^..^ www.PetGirlsPetsitting.com www.Tx.SiameseRescue.org www.shadowcats.net As Cleopatra lay in state, Faithful Bast at her side did wait, Purring welcomes of soft applause, Ever guarding with sharpened claws. Trajan Tennent - Original Message - From: Melissa Lind To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Friday, August 31, 2007 3:30 PM Subject: RE: new kitty, fingers crossed Very funny! J I hope my husband sees it as funny as well! We always have a chuckle over the growing number of kitties but not after a lot of grief in the meantime! I know he's going to be frustrated-as am I since our house is too small for more cats, but a kitten is so tiny, it surely won't take up much space! I hate keeping things from him, but this little girl might be a secret this weekend-unless I have too many vodkas again! Then who knows what will happen! Melissa -- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Susan Dubose Sent: Friday, August 31, 2007 1:39 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: new kitty, fingers crossed Yes, unfortunately kittens @ 12 weeks count as cats. My boyfriend has the rule Every set of pointy ears is this house is considered a cat, regardless if it lives under the bed.. Yes,folks, I even asked But what if we never SEE the cat, it lives under the bed, couch, etc No luck. However, when he used to work out of town a lot, I would ALWYS bring home a cat or 2. SometimesI wouldn'tget to talk to him for 2 weeks or so, since he would be out in the field (on a dig) in Mexico or in the west Texas dessert, no cell phone reception. I always hoped that he wouldn't recognize the new cat(s). W/kittens I always tried to foster litters that all lookedalike, so that he MIGHT not be able to count them. THAT got blown outta the water when he was sitting on the couch one night and 3 little orage tabbies ran over him, one right after the other, chasing each others' tails. It was like that scene outta the Simpson's episode where the dog has puppies..Do..! Good luck w/your new kitty, Melissa, we all feel your pain.. Susan J. DuBose ^..^ www.PetGirlsPetsitting.com www.Tx.SiameseRescue.org www.shadowcats.net As Cleopatra lay in state, Faithful Bast at her side did wait, Purring welcomes of soft applause, Ever guarding with sharpened claws. Trajan Tennent - Original Message - From: Melissa Lind To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Friday, August 31, 2007 8:52 AM Subject: new kitty, fingers crossed Oh dear me! I could write a book entitled 5 vodkas, an ex-marine, and a kitty. I went to have a birthday drink with my career Marine buddy who was 78 yesterday. That drink turned into 5. Then I went to check on the stray that I'm looking after who is incidentally named Sarge after this buddy of mine-both are blind in the right eye. As I'm calling for Sarge, out comes a little gray tiger. She was so hungry but also scared. I scooped her up, probably not very gracefully after the vodkas-I've noticed quite a few nice scratches this morning from last night. She stayed in my home office room last night and left two nicely sized poops near the litter box on the carpet J. She's not a friendly kitty that likes to cuddle-lots of hissing. Poor thing has had a rough life so far. Her ribs are practically poking through. I took her to the vet this morning, but I haven't figured out what her name is yet. I'm awaiting the FeLV test. So keep your fingers crossed-for the test and for my marriage! Haven't told my husband yet! I might board the kitty over the weekend in hopes that I find homes for my two foster cats. That would assuage my husband. I need to make room (we have 3 of our own permanent cats) before I take in more. We have a 5-cat rule. But does a kitten (about 12 weeks old) count as a full cat? J Hoping for the best. Melissa Lind
Re: papillon, part 2
I don't know anything yet about T-Cyte, just that Sheila seemed to think it was doing her cats some good. I didn't get to talk to Dr. Smith very much this morning, just about Pappy heartworms. He was really busy and I was pressed for time. I had to pick up my meds, meds for a client's cat and unload 500lbs.of food for the SCR feral program. I will make sure I keep folks up to date as I learn more. Susan J. DuBose ^..^ www.PetGirlsPetsitting.com www.Tx.SiameseRescue.org www.shadowcats.net As Cleopatra lay in state, Faithful Bast at her side did wait, Purring welcomes of soft applause, Ever guarding with sharpened claws. Trajan Tennent - Original Message - From: Sally Davis To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Friday, August 31, 2007 5:12 PM Subject: Re: papillon, part 2 Ok Susan Spill what you know about the T-cyte. What little I was able to come up with made it sound like a good thing to use on FeLV kitties. Although Junior is doing well on his current regime. It would always be good to have something to fall back on. I forget to mention I give Junior a monthly injection of IR like Best Friends does with their cats. Thanks Sally All of the Smiths' felv+cats are on the T-Cyte drug, and it's seems to be working and it's available for sale. Sheila said in the past they have given them all interferon, but it just didn't seem to do much. Susan J. DuBose ^..^ www.PetGirlsPetsitting.com www.Tx.SiameseRescue.org www.shadowcats.net As Cleopatra lay in state, Faithful Bast at her side did wait, Purring welcomes of soft applause, Ever guarding with sharpened claws. Trajan Tennent -- Sally, Eric (not a cat),Junior, Speedy, Grey and White, Ittle Bitty, Little Black, Lily, Daisy, Silver, and Spike Visit my BB for some pictures post your as well. http://www.k6az.com/ki4spk/index.php?sid=c57c00cf5804ef13853ed6e77a68eed3
Re: Ripley and Sherman
Hi Angela, Wendy is correct, just make sure kitties have somewhere to hide (maybe your bedroom?) and that you visit w/them a lot to pet them, reassure them tell them that you love them. Susan J. DuBose ^..^ www.PetGirlsPetsitting.com www.Tx.SiameseRescue.org www.shadowcats.net As Cleopatra lay in state, Faithful Bast at her side did wait, Purring welcomes of soft applause, Ever guarding with sharpened claws. Trajan Tennent - Original Message - From: Melissa Lind To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Friday, August 31, 2007 4:28 PM Subject: RE: Ripley and Sherman Angela, I'm not Susan, but I agree that you should help the kitties stay stress-free (and yourself!). I know that a few of mine would be terrified and severely stressed out with that many people in the house. I've tried Feliway-they make a plug in. That may work for you. I've had no measurable results but others have. You can purchase these at places like Petco. Rescue Remedy-a spray or a drop-is sold in the human headache section of places like Walgreen's. This has also worked for others on the list, but alas, not for me. Last, you could get a prescription for fluoxetine which my Bandit takes (he's now off of it though) for anxiety. It is a miracle drug in my opinion. When I had my FeLV foster cat staying in the home office by himself, he was very sad. I gave him Bandit's fluoxetine (Prozac), and the kitty was no longer anxious although he was not dopey or drugged appearing in any way. I'd also make sure that access to hiding places was available, and I'd move their food to a quiet place where they can eat in peace, if possible. Good luck! Melissa -- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Angela Lewis Sent: Friday, August 31, 2007 4:12 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Ripley and Sherman Susan, You helped me thru a hard time with Midnight aka Boy about a week and a half ago when he was diagnosed with Feline Leukemia and PTS. I have a question Boy's Leukemia showed it's ugly face because of our move to the new house (stress on him). Although I have had Sherman and Ripley tested for this nasty disease, (thanks to God they were negative!), I am concerned that if they get stressed out, this will become an issue again. I am scared to pieces to let them feel any anxiety or stress. My point is that we have family that will be staying with us next week, about 16 people. To say the least, this will be a huge change for the kitties since they are use to just two of us being in the house. Is there anything I can give the cats to calm them durring this time? (Family will be here for four days) I'm paranoid that the slightest stress will make them ill (Feline Leukemia will show it's ugly face again). I know they were tested, negative, but so was Boy when he was a kitten! We had no idea that he even had Leukemia until we moved. Please advise if you have any suggestions. Thanks! Ang -- Moody friends. Drama queens. Your life? Nope! - their life, your story. Play Sims Stories at Yahoo! Games.
Re: Ripley and Sherman
Oh, sorry, I meant Melissa, not Wendy.. :) So used to Wendy's great advice.. Susan J. DuBose ^..^ www.PetGirlsPetsitting.com www.Tx.SiameseRescue.org www.shadowcats.net As Cleopatra lay in state, Faithful Bast at her side did wait, Purring welcomes of soft applause, Ever guarding with sharpened claws. Trajan Tennent - Original Message - From: Melissa Lind To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Friday, August 31, 2007 4:28 PM Subject: RE: Ripley and Sherman Angela, I'm not Susan, but I agree that you should help the kitties stay stress-free (and yourself!). I know that a few of mine would be terrified and severely stressed out with that many people in the house. I've tried Feliway-they make a plug in. That may work for you. I've had no measurable results but others have. You can purchase these at places like Petco. Rescue Remedy-a spray or a drop-is sold in the human headache section of places like Walgreen's. This has also worked for others on the list, but alas, not for me. Last, you could get a prescription for fluoxetine which my Bandit takes (he's now off of it though) for anxiety. It is a miracle drug in my opinion. When I had my FeLV foster cat staying in the home office by himself, he was very sad. I gave him Bandit's fluoxetine (Prozac), and the kitty was no longer anxious although he was not dopey or drugged appearing in any way. I'd also make sure that access to hiding places was available, and I'd move their food to a quiet place where they can eat in peace, if possible. Good luck! Melissa -- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Angela Lewis Sent: Friday, August 31, 2007 4:12 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Ripley and Sherman Susan, You helped me thru a hard time with Midnight aka Boy about a week and a half ago when he was diagnosed with Feline Leukemia and PTS. I have a question Boy's Leukemia showed it's ugly face because of our move to the new house (stress on him). Although I have had Sherman and Ripley tested for this nasty disease, (thanks to God they were negative!), I am concerned that if they get stressed out, this will become an issue again. I am scared to pieces to let them feel any anxiety or stress. My point is that we have family that will be staying with us next week, about 16 people. To say the least, this will be a huge change for the kitties since they are use to just two of us being in the house. Is there anything I can give the cats to calm them durring this time? (Family will be here for four days) I'm paranoid that the slightest stress will make them ill (Feline Leukemia will show it's ugly face again). I know they were tested, negative, but so was Boy when he was a kitten! We had no idea that he even had Leukemia until we moved. Please advise if you have any suggestions. Thanks! Ang -- Moody friends. Drama queens. Your life? Nope! - their life, your story. Play Sims Stories at Yahoo! Games.
Re: Ripley and Sherman
Now I can say, Wendy is right. She took the words right outta my mouth.. :) Susan J. DuBose ^..^ www.PetGirlsPetsitting.com www.Tx.SiameseRescue.org www.shadowcats.net As Cleopatra lay in state, Faithful Bast at her side did wait, Purring welcomes of soft applause, Ever guarding with sharpened claws. Trajan Tennent - Original Message - From: wendy To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Friday, August 31, 2007 6:43 PM Subject: Re: Ripley and Sherman Even though keeping the pets in a smaller room normally is not what you'd want to do, you might consider keeping them locked in one room, preferably your bedroom, complete with food, water, and litter boxes, for those four days. Had I known that Cricket would get so stressed when we had 10 family members staying with us, I would have done the same. Hindsight is 20/20. :) Wendy Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world - indeed it is the only thing that ever has! ~~~ Margaret Meade ~~~ - Original Message From: Angela Lewis [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Friday, August 31, 2007 4:12:22 PM Subject: Ripley and Sherman Susan, You helped me thru a hard time with Midnight aka Boy about a week and a half ago when he was diagnosed with Feline Leukemia and PTS. I have a question Boy's Leukemia showed it's ugly face because of our move to the new house (stress on him). Although I have had Sherman and Ripley tested for this nasty disease, (thanks to God they were negative!), I am concerned that if they get stressed out, this will become an issue again. I am scared to pieces to let them feel any anxiety or stress. My point is that we have family that will be staying with us next week, about 16 people. To say the least, this will be a huge change for the kitties since they are use to just two of us being in the house. Is there anything I can give the cats to calm them durring this time? (Family will be here for four days) I'm paranoid that the slightest stress will make them ill (Feline Leukemia will show it's ugly face again). I know they were tested, negative, but so was Boy when he was a kitten! We had no idea that he even had Leukemia until we moved. Please advise if you have any suggestions. Thanks! Ang -- Moody friends. Drama queens. Your life? Nope! - their life, your story. Play Sims Stories at Yahoo! Games. -- Looking for a deal? Find great prices on flights and hotels with Yahoo! FareChase.
Re: new kitty, fingers crossed
maybe name the cat Vodka or the name of a vodka mixture--martini If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow man. St. Francis - Original Message - From: Susan Dubose To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Friday, August 31, 2007 7:52 PM Subject: Re: new kitty, fingers crossed Melissa, I would comment on having too much Vodka but I would probably leave the PG rating. :) Have a good weekend! Susan J. DuBose ^..^ www.PetGirlsPetsitting.com www.Tx.SiameseRescue.org www.shadowcats.net As Cleopatra lay in state, Faithful Bast at her side did wait, Purring welcomes of soft applause, Ever guarding with sharpened claws. Trajan Tennent - Original Message - From: Melissa Lind To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Friday, August 31, 2007 3:30 PM Subject: RE: new kitty, fingers crossed Very funny! J I hope my husband sees it as funny as well! We always have a chuckle over the growing number of kitties but not after a lot of grief in the meantime! I know he's going to be frustrated-as am I since our house is too small for more cats, but a kitten is so tiny, it surely won't take up much space! I hate keeping things from him, but this little girl might be a secret this weekend-unless I have too many vodkas again! Then who knows what will happen! Melissa From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Susan Dubose Sent: Friday, August 31, 2007 1:39 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: new kitty, fingers crossed Yes, unfortunately kittens @ 12 weeks count as cats. My boyfriend has the rule Every set of pointy ears is this house is considered a cat, regardless if it lives under the bed.. Yes,folks, I even asked But what if we never SEE the cat, it lives under the bed, couch, etc No luck. However, when he used to work out of town a lot, I would ALWYS bring home a cat or 2. SometimesI wouldn'tget to talk to him for 2 weeks or so, since he would be out in the field (on a dig) in Mexico or in the west Texas dessert, no cell phone reception. I always hoped that he wouldn't recognize the new cat(s). W/kittens I always tried to foster litters that all lookedalike, so that he MIGHT not be able to count them. THAT got blown outta the water when he was sitting on the couch one night and 3 little orage tabbies ran over him, one right after the other, chasing each others' tails. It was like that scene outta the Simpson's episode where the dog has puppies..Do..! Good luck w/your new kitty, Melissa, we all feel your pain.. Susan J. DuBose ^..^ www.PetGirlsPetsitting.com www.Tx.SiameseRescue.org www.shadowcats.net As Cleopatra lay in state, Faithful Bast at her side did wait, Purring welcomes of soft applause, Ever guarding with sharpened claws. Trajan Tennent - Original Message - From: Melissa Lind To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Friday, August 31, 2007 8:52 AM Subject: new kitty, fingers crossed Oh dear me! I could write a book entitled 5 vodkas, an ex-marine, and a kitty. I went to have a birthday drink with my career Marine buddy who was 78 yesterday. That drink turned into 5. Then I went to check on the stray that I'm looking after who is incidentally named Sarge after this buddy of mine-both are blind in the right eye. As I'm calling for Sarge, out comes a little gray tiger. She was so hungry but also scared. I scooped her up, probably not very gracefully after the vodkas-I've noticed quite a few nice scratches this morning from last night. She stayed in my home office room last night and left two nicely sized poops near the litter box on the carpet J. She's not a friendly kitty that likes to cuddle-lots of hissing. Poor thing has had a rough life so far. Her ribs are practically poking through. I took her to the vet this morning,
Re: Ripley and Sherman
lol...Susan you crack me up. you guys are too nice sometimes. :) Wendy Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world - indeed it is the only thing that ever has! ~~~ Margaret Meade ~~~ - Original Message From: Susan Dubose [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Friday, August 31, 2007 8:09:45 PM Subject: Re: Ripley and Sherman Now I can say, Wendy is right. She took the words right outta my mouth.. :) Susan J. DuBose ^..^ www.PetGirlsPetsitting.com www.Tx.SiameseRescue.org www.shadowcats.net As Cleopatra lay in state, Faithful Bast at her side did wait, Purring welcomes of soft applause, Ever guarding with sharpened claws. Trajan Tennent - Original Message - From: wendy To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Friday, August 31, 2007 6:43 PM Subject: Re: Ripley and Sherman Even though keeping the pets in a smaller room normally is not what you'd want to do, you might consider keeping them locked in one room, preferably your bedroom, complete with food, water, and litter boxes, for those four days. Had I known that Cricket would get so stressed when we had 10 family members staying with us, I would have done the same. Hindsight is 20/20. :) Wendy Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world - indeed it is the only thing that ever has! ~~~ Margaret Meade ~~~ - Original Message From: Angela Lewis [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Friday, August 31, 2007 4:12:22 PM Subject: Ripley and Sherman Susan, You helped me thru a hard time with Midnight aka Boy about a week and a half ago when he was diagnosed with Feline Leukemia and PTS. I have a question Boy's Leukemia showed it's ugly face because of our move to the new house (stress on him). Although I have had Sherman and Ripley tested for this nasty disease, (thanks to God they were negative!), I am concerned that if they get stressed out, this will become an issue again. I am scared to pieces to let them feel any anxiety or stress. My point is that we have family that will be staying with us next week, about 16 people. To say the least, this will be a huge change for the kitties since they are use to just two of us being in the house. Is there anything I can give the cats to calm them durring this time? (Family will be here for four days) I'm paranoid that the slightest stress will make them ill (Feline Leukemia will show it's ugly face again). I know they were tested, negative, but so was Boy when he was a kitten! We had no idea that he even had Leukemia until we moved. Please advise if you have any suggestions. Thanks! Ang Moody friends. Drama queens. Your life? Nope! - their life, your story. Play Sims Stories at Yahoo! Games. Looking for a deal? Find great prices on flights and hotels with Yahoo! FareChase. Be a better Heartthrob. Get better relationship answers from someone who knows. Yahoo! Answers - Check it out. http://answers.yahoo.com/dir/?link=listsid=396545433
Re: Update on Olive: Dilemma...
Oh, Megan, it is so hard to know what to do! I'm praying (and so are my kitties) for you, the doctors and little Olive, too, to be able to make the right decision for her. Sleeping on it really does work and may somehow clear your head for the decisions you all have to make. Please have a peaceful night and know that we are all dreaming about the best care for little Olive along with you. Love, Tee 'n' the Wildlife Consciousness is Causal and Physicality is its Manifestation. On Aug 31, 2007, at 9:26 AM, Megan Heikkinen wrote: Dilemma, dilemma... Last night, I was pretty much resigned to letting Olive pass. Not happily resigned, now, for I cried for hours and then couldn't sleep. I had actually typed up a huge email about my reasoning a few minutes ago, but I just got off the phone with my vet, and now I'm once again lost as to what to do. First off, I want to mention that my vet does actually seem to want to help, he just doesn't think much will come of it and doesn't want to give me false hope. Apparently, he wrote down my number wrong last night, which is why I never got a return call. I asked about the reticulocyte count. She had some last week, but it was so low that they considered it nonregenerative anemia. Apparently, she had also received two shots of steroids along with the transfusion. This worries me, because the transfusion started wearing off only after 5 days, when it usually lasts around 10 days. The shots seemed to help within the first couple of days, but then wore off. I also asked if haemobartonella was still a possibility, and he thought it might be. He is going to find out the price of getting a combo of doxy with something else that can be given in a form other than pills. He said he'd be willing to try epogen, but warned me that it usually only works a couple times because an immunity develops. I called the vet school about the price, but had to leave a message. I asked my vet about it, and he reassured me that their given price was indeed $2000-3000. He isn't sure what it entails, though I'm assuming it's everything under the sun, and that kind of scares me. I don't want to subject Olive to a million tests... So, I'm facing this huge problem now. While I would of course love to save Olive, I don't know if it's really going to do any good. And yeah, trying to do something may be better than doing nothing at all. But I'm not sure. I don't want to put her through this stage of slowly dying again, for the third time. I don't know if she'll even be helped unless she can get another blood transfusion, and if I do that at my vet, I'll have to use Juniper as a donor. That scares me. I don't really have time to look elsewhere, though. I wish someone could just give me the answer, but I know that ultimately it is up to me. I wish I was stronger, and not the most indecisive fool on the planet. One of my biggest concerns is that if I do manage to keep Olive alive, my other two babies will continue to be susceptible to this godforsaken virus. = Original Message From Belinda [EMAIL PROTECTED] = I do not all animals or people suffer when they are dying and I can tell you for a fact unless any of my furkids are in a great deal of pain and I clearly get from them they want help passing I will let all of them pass on their own, I personally believe most prefer it. It may not be pretty for me but I don't think they suffer as we think they do, once the process gets to a certain point the body goes into shock and I don't think you feel much of anything. Of course I have never died, that is just my sense of the process and I could be as right as anyone who insists helping an animal pass is the best and kindest thing you can do for them, I don't think that is always the case. I personally would never want to be euthanized if that was an option humans had. You will regret seeing it and much worse, allowing it to get that far for her sake. You will see her suffer. -- 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
Goodbye, Olive...
Unfortunately, I had to resort to PTS. It was probably the toughest decision of my life--or at least, the second toughest, the first being to decide to let Olive go in the first place. I spent most of the day yesterday and today with her, and it was miserable watching her fade away. My roommate and I sat by her for hours today. I kept thinking she was about to go, that she'd take one last looking like she'd already passed. At one point she looked like she was really gone, aside from the very slight rising of her chest, and then she rolled over and stretched out, almost as if she were alright... it was heartbreaking. This morning I had thought about trying to save her, but in my heart I feel that it would have done more harm than good. Perhaps there was a slight chance I truly could have saved her and reversed the anemia--but I have a feeling it wouldn't have worked out that way, and I didn't want to put Olive through more suffering. She was too young to succumb to this, but if I had tried to keep her alive, I feel that it would've been out of my own selfish reasons. I will miss her so much, but I am glad that she went out easy. I am sorry that I could not give her a longer life, but at least the one she had was a great one. She was one of the best kitties ever. The vet called me this afternoon asking for an update, and I told him of my decision, but that I still didn't know which way to go about it. He told me he'd be at the clinic for about 20 more minutes, so I told him I might call back. After discussing it with my roommate and boyfriend, I called back. It was terrible. But at least Olive got to enjoy a last meal of tuna before parting this world. She'd not eaten in a while, and I was happy to see her gobble up quite a bit of it. Here are some photos of Olive, if you're interested: http://web.utk.edu/~mheikkin/olive.JPG http://web.utk.edu/~mheikkin/olive2.JPG http://web.utk.edu/~mheikkin/babyolive.JPG http://web.utk.edu/~mheikkin/kittens.JPG (Juniper on left, Kudzu on right) She was not very photogenic, so I don't have many good photos of her... Thank you guys for all of your help. I did not mean to come off as ungrateful in one of my previous emails. I was in so much pain, and so confused. I'm feeling better now, because I know I did the right thing, as awful as it was. I wish you and all your kitties good luck. I may eventually leave this list, as I should hopefully no longer have use of it for some time being... But I'll stay on for a bit. Thank you, everyone, so much. -Megan
RE: Goodbye, Olive...
I am so sorry..I was watching these threads to see how things went with Olive bec. I am dealing something similar right now. But the fact that you struggled and finally arrived at PTS simply says that you cared enough to make the best decision and sometimes PTS is the best choice. Olive most likely would not have recovered although I know that some folks here have had success dealing with anemia, I never have. Olive at least had the opportunity to be loved and cared for, even for a short time, so many cats and especially, FeLV+ never have that chance. Don't be sad too long. tracy
RE: Goodbye, Olive...
Olive was a beautiful little cat! The baby picture is great. Remember her like that.
Re: Goodbye, Olive...
Megan, I'm so sorry. She's beautiful and your love for her has come through all of your message loud and clear. GLOW to light her path and ease your heart. Barb+Smoky the House Puma+El Bandito Malito My cat the clown: paying no mind to whom he should impress. Merely living his life, doing what pleases him, and making me smile. - Anonymous - Original Message From: Megan Heikkinen [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Friday, August 31, 2007 10:56:23 PM Subject: Goodbye, Olive... Unfortunately, I had to resort to PTS. It was probably the toughest decision of my life--or at least, the second toughest, the first being to decide to let Olive go in the first place. I spent most of the day yesterday and today with her, and it was miserable watching her fade away. My roommate and I sat by her for hours today. I kept thinking she was about to go, that she'd take one last looking like she'd already passed. At one point she looked like she was really gone, aside from the very slight rising of her chest, and then she rolled over and stretched out, almost as if she were alright... it was heartbreaking. This morning I had thought about trying to save her, but in my heart I feel that it would have done more harm than good. Perhaps there was a slight chance I truly could have saved her and reversed the anemia--but I have a feeling it wouldn't have worked out that way, and I didn't want to put Olive through more suffering. She was too young to succumb to this, but if I had tried to keep her alive, I feel that it would've been out of my own selfish reasons. I will miss her so much, but I am glad that she went out easy. I am sorry that I could not give her a longer life, but at least the one she had was a great one. She was one of the best kitties ever. The vet called me this afternoon asking for an update, and I told him of my decision, but that I still didn't know which way to go about it. He told me he'd be at the clinic for about 20 more minutes, so I told him I might call back. After discussing it with my roommate and boyfriend, I called back. It was terrible. But at least Olive got to enjoy a last meal of tuna before parting this world. She'd not eaten in a while, and I was happy to see her gobble up quite a bit of it. Here are some photos of Olive, if you're interested: http://web.utk.edu/~mheikkin/olive.JPG http://web.utk.edu/~mheikkin/olive2.JPG http://web.utk.edu/~mheikkin/babyolive.JPG http://web.utk.edu/~mheikkin/kittens.JPG (Juniper on left, Kudzu on right) She was not very photogenic, so I don't have many good photos of her... Thank you guys for all of your help. I did not mean to come off as ungrateful in one of my previous emails. I was in so much pain, and so confused. I'm feeling better now, because I know I did the right thing, as awful as it was. I wish you and all your kitties good luck. I may eventually leave this list, as I should hopefully no longer have use of it for some time being... But I'll stay on for a bit. Thank you, everyone, so much. -Megan Ready for the edge of your seat? Check out tonight's top picks on Yahoo! TV. http://tv.yahoo.com/
Olive
Megan It is always so heartbreaking isn't it...even when in our hearts we know we are doing the right thing...You have been so kind to put her needs ahead of your own,, Time ...and all of us that understand will be your friend Kelly
