Re: mixing
for what it's worth, because it's not really definite, i just read on one of the health lists that the FeLV vaccination protocol is currently being revised, as was done for the other main vaccinations. don't know how long a process this is/will be, but will share anything i learn when i do! On 4/30/06, Dudes [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi Everyone, I know it's been a long time, but I started a new job at the beginning of the year, and things were kind of stressful for all of us here at home for a while, but in the meantime, I have been reading when I can in lurk. I do have an update on my cats that relates to this thread, even if a little late. If anyone may remember, we took in Cotton, the little orange cat who did not have a stable home, but who is now a little over a year old. After his former housemate died, we discovered to our great upset, that he is FeLV+. But I guess a good diet and stable routine at home among other things have agreed with him, because he's been really well. My other three older established cats, Myca, Miss and Cricket were all tested shortly after we found out about Cotton,and Myca and Miss both tested negative. But Cricket tested positive in the office the last time she went. When I last talked to the list, Cotton had a bout of illness which landed him in the vet ER, and subsequently it was recommended that he have an ultrasound of his liver and kidneys, as they were enlarged. But I felt compelled to have him examined again, as the xray which prompted this recommendation was taken when he was quite ill and rather dehydrated. When I did take him back in, the vet said he didn't need it after all. His abdomen palpated within normal range, and his bloodwork is all normal. He said we can just treat him like a normal cat now, he just needs more frequent checkups. I had him neutered, he never missed a beat, and his behavior (spraying, fighting with Cricket) has improved somewhat. He also got a rabies vaccine, which didn't seem to bother him at all. My worries are now about my petite all-black female Cricket, who is now six. She has been in a few bad fights with Cotton despite our efforts to keep them separate, since she hates him. Both of them have had some bite wounds which drew blood. I had her tested a few weeks ago by IFA, and she is positive. She was not showing any symptoms of viremia, but she did have a heart murmur on her checkup, and although I hesitated, she got her rabies vaccine, and it did seem to be hard on her. For a couple of days she seemed tender at the injection site, and was quieter than usual. Other than that, she is well. My theory about Cricket is that she was (and still is) the most highly stressed by Cotton's arrival, and perhaps the affect on her immune system contributed to her contracting FeLV. The other two cats were boostered once, and continue to be negative. Anyone have any experience with heart murmurs? I also wonder how this relates to her FeLV+ status? She has not ever had a murmur before. The vet is going to recheck her, and if it is still present, he will order an echo, which I agree should be done promptly. She has an appointment in two weeks to be re-evaluated. Any advice would be appreciated. Sandy Carter Myca, Miss, Cricket and Cotton [EMAIL PROTECTED] -- MaryChristine AIM / YAHOO: TenHouseCats MSN: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ICQ: 289856892
Re: Some good news--and thanks to Nina Hideyo!!
i mentioned the new vaccine to a vet tech who cohosts with me at www.cathobbyist.com, and she's gonna look into it and see what she can find out--she knows that in her area they're using the nasal vaccine a lot i remember, tho, when the first FeLV vaccine came out and was considered so ineffective--i wonder how and if these have been tested for efficacy. (you all know my theory about how difficult it is to do research on a population when the main treatment for that group is automatic euthanasia.) On 4/30/06, Kerry MacKenzie [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Thanks Susan. I still can't believe it. I wanted it so much for the others but they succumbed. And now by some miracle Mickey has made it. - Original Message - From: Susan Hoffman To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Sunday, April 30, 2006 12:17 AM Subject: Re: Some good news--and thanks to Nina Hideyo!! Congrantulations. This gives me great hope as well for an FeLV+ I have in a foster home. Kerry MacKenzie [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Here's some good news. But first, the background for those who don't know it: of the feral colony of 5 kittens (Caramel, Levi, Flavia, Snoball and Mickey) and I adult cat (Momcat) I took in in December 2003, 4 of the kittens ---Caramel, Levi, Flavia Snoball--tested positive in Feb 2004 and all 5 kittens tested positive in July 2004. Momcat tested negative both times. All were quarantined in my 2nd bedroom, away from my 3 existing negative cats. The 4 kitties that tested pos twice succumbed between November 2004 and July 2005. That left 1 pos, Mickey, and 1 neg, Momcat, both of whom I continued to quarantine. They were buddies and it would have been cruel to separate them, particularly as Momcat appeared immune to FeLV. My dream has been that Mickey would revert to neg, and I could then integrate them both in my household. Hope springs eternal as they say-- I dreamed of that before, and it didn't come to pass. Nonetheless for about 10 months, I dreamedand procrastinated over re-testing them for a variety of reasons, not least fear of Mickey testing pos again. Today I trapped Mickey, had him re-tested, and..he's NEGATIVE!!! Because I'm anal, I'm going to trap Momcat next weekend and have her tested. I fully expect her to have remained negative. But, if by some horrible twist of fate she is not (because she caught it from the pos kitties before they passed away) I plan at lastto vaccinate my negs and integrate them all anyway. There is a much better vaccination available now, and my vet has the special equipment to do it. This is such wonderful news on so many levels, not least because it demonstrates -- again---that FeLV is simply not as contagious as most people believe. Mickey lived with his siblings all his life, tested pos once, but has thrown it off. And Momcat, who also lived with them all, never got it in the first place. (And neither of them has ever been FeLV vaccinated!) It's also something I'm going to highlight in the letter to Paula F in my lobbying for the new Chicago PAWS shelter to have an FeLV annex. I had intended the letter to be (finally) mailed on Friday. But I'm glad that it wasn't! I now want to thank Nina for coming to my rescue when I called her at 11pm last night (1am my time) in a panic because Mickey walked into the trap way before I expected him to. How could I reasonably expect him to stay there all night? What was I going to do about his bodily needs?? Nina reassured me a) that she has had to do that too on occasion (so I stopped feeling like a monster) and b) advised me to elevate the trap and layer the floor with paper. Sure enough, everything fell through the wire mesh on to the paper so Mickey was not in the discomfort in which he would otherwise have been and he survived the night. And I have Hideyo to thank for the success of the next stage--I was gearing up for a chase catch battle in transferring Mickey from the cage to a carrier to take to the vet (I don't have a car; so carrier is easier for standing in street hailing cab). But Hideyo has a great technique that she shared---uncover the cage the cat is in, and cover (or provide dark-colored) carrier you want to transfer the cat to. The principle being that they will always prefer the dark option. (Correct me if I'm wrong about the principle Hideyo) Sure enough--my little feral Mickey WALKED from the cage straight in to the carrier. No battle necessary!! So, today is a happy day at no 603, to say the least. Also, last but not least, I want to say, I'm sorry I continue to only post sporadically. I pray for all your sick kitties and send healing vibes. And my heart goes out to all those that have crossed the bridge. I hope that I will be in a position to post more regualarly when I get back from UK mid-June. (I go there mid May.) (I had a month's FMLA approved yesterday, to be with my dad, who has Stage 3 cancer.) I *really* miss being part of the everyday list. This group is just the best EVER.
RE: Prayers for Demetri again
Sherry, I will be praying for Demetri and sending him a healing energy! From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Becca DuBose Sent: Sunday, April 30, 2006 3:32 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: Prayers for Demetri again Sherry, I hope Demetri is well soon. Becca Sherry DeHaan [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi all my sweet Demetri is pretty sick again,he sounds so bad,it sounds like a URI but I worry so much when they have felv.He has the sweetest little face.I pray that he can fight it off.Dr. Jen was going to check on him tonight.Thanks all for you good thoughts. Sherry Yahoo! Mail goes everywhere you do. Get it on your phone.
testing....
Sorry for the clutter, folks. Just testing the list. Thanks. James G. Wilson - [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.felineleukemia.org
RE: Question about home test kits-esp Nina,lol
How much are you paying for SNAP online? From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, May 01, 2006 4:08 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: Question about home test kits-esp Nina,lol Ok, here's the story in a nutshell.. First, yes, I know about SNAP, I know they can be ordered online,I know they're considered the best.BUT, they are too pricey. The shelter I am affiliated withis a 501(c)3, and Idexx gives us a shelter discount, which is HUMONGOUS However, since we are No-Kill, and it IS kitten season (joy,joy -NOT!!), the shelter is NOT taking any more cats, not even kittens!! PLUS - They will not sanction anyone fostering strays, as they always did in the past. (Reimbursement for food, meds, vx's, S/N) Much of this is due to the fact that they helped in the Katrina rescue effort. A little overboard, IMO. They made 3 trips, each time with 6 people, and footed the entire bill, courtesy of the rescue's . And, they stayed at motels, ate out, you get my point. Also, they had 42 HW positive dogs they had to treat. You do the math. Now, don't get me wrong, I was/am very PRO Katrina rescues, but this shelter really couldn't afford to absorb the cost of 3 trips.. Now, the local homeless/strays have to suffer. Also, we have been told, that they will not order/provide ANYTHING for us that have started doing independent rescue. Nice, huh? After 25+ years, I can't even get a single tube of eye ointment! My friend and I, who religiously do the Adoption events EVERY week, are inundated with cries for help! How can I/we say no? Especially when we know what the fate of these babies will be?? We need to test all these (un)sanctioned strays, prior to adoptions. Just was hoping for a more dollar friendly option. Frustrated, Patti
Lab Test Discrepancies
Hi All, I took Pekoe for some follow-up blood work a couple of weeks ago. Both his vet and I learned something that neither of us knew before. The lab where we send the blood work to is located approx. 3 hrs. away, and the samples are sent on a daily basis by courier.The last couple of times, the vet clinic has prepared a slide to look at his Platelet Count themselves, as well as send a sample off to the lab. The vet clinic runs the count manually (meaning they count the number of platelets seen per field), whereas the lab runs the count by machine. Pekoe's last Platelet Count from the lab was 11 (N = 93 - 514), yet the vet clinic counted 4 - 5 platelets per field, and saw 8 in one field - their Normal Range is 2 - 9 per field. They called the lab because they couldn't understand why there was such a difference in the two values. Come to find out, Platelets degrade or break down after 6 hrs!! The lab told the vet clinic to go by their clinic test because it would be more accurate than the lab's. Whenever I take Pekoe for blood work, I usually take him at 9:30 am. The clinic looks at the slide before I even leave. Now, their courier leaves at 2:00 pm, so by the time the lab receives the samples it would most likely be around 5:00 pm. But, the lab doesn't run the samples until the next morning. So, even though samples are properly preserved/refrigerated, the time elapsed is going to affect especially a Platelet Count. Who knew!! Pekoe continues to do well on the Interferon Alpha regime, and the higher dose of Prednisone. We're going to be able to start reducing the dose of Prednisone now. His last blood work was as follows: WBC - 11.2 - was 8.4 (N = 4.2 - 13) RBC - 6.1 - was 5.6 (N = 6.2 - 10.6) Hb - 111 - was 107 (N = 93 - 153) PCV - 30% - was 32% (N = 28 - 49%) MCV - 50 - was 58 (N = 39 - 52) MCH - 18 - was 19 (N = 13 - 17) MCHC - 365 - was 335 (N = 300 - 344) RDW - 21.6 - was 19.7 (N = 14 - 17) T.S. Protein - 81 - was 80 (N = 60 - 80) Seg Neutrophil Count - 8.85 - was 4.54 (N = 2.1 - 8.3) Taking it one day at a time, Marlene Pekoe Angel Digby
Re: testing....
I see ya! In a message dated 5/1/2006 12:29:09 PM Pacific Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Sorry for the clutter, folks. Just testing the list. Thanks.James G. Wilson - [EMAIL PROTECTED]http://www.felineleukemia.org Terrie MohrTAZZY'S ANIMAL TRANSPORTSSIAMESE COLLIE RESCUEOwner/DriverCheck sites for available Siameses for adoption!http://www.tazzys-siameses-collies.petfinder.org/Click Here to Join WASHINGTON SIAMESE RESCUE Yahoo Group!http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wasiameserescuehttp://hometown.aol.com/tatorbunz/index.htmlhttp://hometown.aol.com/tatorbunz/myhomepage/petmemorial.htmlPetfinder.comAdopt a Homeless Pet!http://www.petfinder.com/http://www.felineleukemia.org/http://www.petloss.com/TAZZY'S ANIMAL TRANSPORTShttps://www.paypal.com/http://www.frappr.com/wasiameserescue
Advice for Conjunctivitis Remedy?
I have the sweetest little FeLV+ lion in foster right now. Peanut came to me from a hoarder situation in terrible shape with another FeLV+ guy who we lost the same day to a ruptured bladder. He has improved a lot, but still has this nasty herpes conjunctivitis that just will not clear up! He's off all antibiotics, which I only use when it's dire. I'm open to any suggestions - herbal, mineral, vitamins, etc... Anything that's worked for someone in the past, I'll try. Thanks! Rachel Operation Foster Felix
Re: Advice for Conjunctivitis Remedy?
Rachel, I used the human interferon directly in the eyes. believe it or not it works. Karen
Idexx seminar on FELV and FIV - May 6 Spokane, Washington
Anybody local to this? I wonder if there's anything new being said there? How would we get the info from this seminar? http://www.idexx.com/animalhealth/education/seminars/ford_retro.jsp Jennhttp://ucat.us http://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html Adopt a cat from Little Cheetah (UCAT) Cat Rescue:http://ucat.us/adopt.html PLEASE DONATE TO THE TANGLE FUND:Tangle is a cat in Greece that was severely injured when someone wrapped wire around his neck to strangle him,Little Cheetah Cat Rescue is raising funds to bring Tangle to Vermont to find him a good home!http://ucat.us/tangle-fund.htmlDONATE: We could really use a power saw (for construction), a digital camera (for pictures), and more towels! No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.385 / Virus Database: 268.5.1/327 - Release Date: 4/28/2006
Re: Idexx seminar on FELV and FIV - May 30 Englewood, Colorado
And here's another one... different subject, still FELV and FIV, but more on new standards in care. There has to be a way for us to get the info from these things! http://www.idexx.com/animalhealth/education/seminars/little_retro.jsp Jennhttp://ucat.us http://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html Adopt a cat from Little Cheetah (UCAT) Cat Rescue:http://ucat.us/adopt.html PLEASE DONATE TO THE TANGLE FUND:Tangle is a cat in Greece that was severely injured when someone wrapped wire around his neck to strangle him,Little Cheetah Cat Rescue is raising funds to bring Tangle to Vermont to find him a good home!http://ucat.us/tangle-fund.htmlDONATE: We could really use a power saw (for construction), a digital camera (for pictures), and more towels! No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.385 / Virus Database: 268.5.1/327 - Release Date: 4/28/2006
Re: Advice for Conjunctivitis Remedy?
lysine is great for herpes you can get the more-expensive vet-supplied stuff, or just get it in bulk from health-food stores. On 5/1/06, Marylyn [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: My vet recommends Viralys (L-Lysine) for eye/virus problems. I don't know if it will help in your case or not but it has helped clear up eye problems (undiagnosed because the cats where untouchable ferals with one exception). 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: Rachel Martineau To: Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Monday, May 01, 2006 7:50 PM Subject: Advice for Conjunctivitis Remedy? I have the sweetest little FeLV+ lion in foster right now. Peanut came to me from a hoarder situation in terrible shape with another FeLV+ guy who we lost the same day to a ruptured bladder. He has improved a lot, but still has this nasty herpes conjunctivitis that just will not clear up! He's off all antibiotics, which I only use when it's dire. I'm open to any suggestions - herbal, mineral, vitamins, etc... Anything that's worked for someone in the past, I'll try. Thanks! Rachel Operation Foster Felix -- MaryChristine AIM / YAHOO: TenHouseCats MSN: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ICQ: 289856892
Re: Advice for Conjunctivitis Remedy?
I've been giving him L-Lysine 500 mg for 3 weeks. I'll try bumping that up to 1000 mg and see how he does. I've never tried the Felivite 2, so I'll give that a try too. Thanks forall the suggestions and details Jenn! On 5/1/06, [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: My Greek sponsor cat ( http://ucat.us/Tremy/) is having GREAT results using the below treatment course for his Herpes Virus infection: One treatment is Interferon and L-Lysine(which is an immune system booster to help his own body fight it off). Interferon is available from a vet, but L-Lysine is over the counter (you can find it at a health food store). A treatment for the active infection would be Acyclovir (Zovirax) which is an oral anti-viral and an antibiotic (either Doxycycline, Azithromycin or Rifampin). Those used in conjunction with Vit A supplementation and Viroptic eye drops (or Idoxuride/Betadine eye drops or Chloramphenical eye drops since Viroptic is expensive) really work great to clear up the active infection. Once cleared, the patient should remain on the Vit A, Interferon and L-Lysine to prevent future recurrences. They should also be kept stress-free. Of course, you should always get the permission form the vet before doing any of this. Similar diseases (that cause similar symptoms) are Bartonella, Chlamydia, and Mycoplasma (all of which can occur along with Herpes). L-Lysine 500mg twice a dayInterferon 10 units orally once a day for 7 days, stop for 7 days, then give 10 units orally once daily for 7 days (and so one)Doxycycline 5 mg per pound twice daily for 6 weeksAzithromycin 5 mg per pound once daily for 21 days Rifampin 5 mg per pound once a day for 21 days For Vit A supplement you can use Felivite 2 with Taurine (it contains Vit A as well as a few others to help with immune boosting)Eye Drops are usually dosed three times a day (use caution to use NOTHING containing a steroid as steroids will actually aggravate the eye and make it worse) All of these dosages came from The Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association Jan/Feb 2004, pg 6-12 Jennhttp://ucat.us http://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html Adopt a cat from Little Cheetah (UCAT) Cat Rescue:http://ucat.us/adopt.html PLEASE DONATE TO THE TANGLE FUND:Tangle is a cat in Greece that was severely injured when someone wrapped wire around his neck to strangle him,Little Cheetah Cat Rescue is raising funds to bring Tangle to Vermont to find him a good home! http://ucat.us/tangle-fund.htmlDONATE: We could really use a power saw (for construction), a digital camera (for pictures), and more towels! No virus found in this outgoing message.Checked by AVG Free Edition.Version: 7.1.385 / Virus Database: 268.5.1/327 - Release Date: 4/28/2006-- We give dogs time we can spare, space we can spare and love we can spare. And in return, dogs give us their all. It's the best deal man has ever made.~ M. Facklam
Re: Advice for Conjunctivitis Remedy?
Really? I didn't realize you could give it directly in the eye. Hmmm, definitely something I'm going to suggest to the vet if upping the Lysine and adding Felivite don't show some improvement soon. Thanks Karen! On 5/1/06, [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Rachel, I used the human interferon directly in the eyes. believe it or not it works. Karen
Re: Advice for Conjunctivitis Remedy?
I hadn't heard that either. Geeze Karen, who was gutsy enough to try that one?? Nina Rachel Martineau wrote: Really? I didn't realize you could give it directly in the eye. Hmmm, definitely something I'm going to suggest to the vet if upping the Lysine and adding Felivite don't show some improvement soon. Thanks Karen! On 5/1/06, [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Rachel, I used the human interferon directly in the eyes. believe it or not it works. Karen
Re: Advice for Conjunctivitis Remedy?
We've had success using Lysine, andwith ordinary sterile saline solution 3-4X day. Also, believe it or not, Antirobe. Patti
Re: Question about home test kits-esp Nina,lol
Hideyo~ I REFUSE to pay the outrageous online prices for the kits online... Good god, they want almost $400!!! Highway robbery! The shelter gets the "Shelter Discount", less than $200... So, this is why I am in such a dilemma. I can draw the blood myself, saving vet fees, and if I had my own (affordable) tests, I'd be in heaven.. But, just got news, a Dr. who is a sponsor for the shelter might spring for the $$'s(And, the shelter WILL get the tests for him, no questions asked. Just proves the theory "Money walks". Let's keep praying. Patti
Re: Question about home test kits-esp Nina,lol
In a message dated 5/1/06 6:36:39 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: hmmm. now that i don't know--but wouldn't the shelter let you AT LEAST order the kits through them? if you handed them a check with the order (oh, i know, it may not) MC~ NOPE!!! Already inquired about that. Fact is, they have MANDATED NO MORE Pretty shi**y, huh? Also, they make the rules, and one must follow.Or, basically, you're O-U-T!! They want total control. What a shame, since so many animals may perish. Heck, you'd think they would be ecstatic that people were willing to take some of the load off Starting to get very peeved. Don't understand their logiic. Patti
Re: mixing
Hi Nina: The vet didn't say what grade murmur, but when I take her back to him, I will ask. Cricket was tested as a kitten and was negative. She received boosters every 3 years, since I am not a big advocate of just vaccinating for the heck of it for everything once a year, since my cats are 100% indoors. So she had her initial kitten shots, then a booster at age 3. All 3 cats were exposed to Cotton at the beginning, since we didn't know Cotton was sick. We got Cotton at the end of August last year, his housemate who also was living with us then died in late September, and we had all the cats tested by ELISA by October or so. Cotton's was positive and confirmed by IFA. Cricket's was weakly positive, but we thought it might be from exposure. Miss and Myca were negative and they were boostered. Cotton got sick shortly after that, in I think November, and since I was saving for his possible ultrasound, we couldn't afford another test until January. Because Cricket tested positive, we got her checked first, and went with the IFA, which came back positive, much to my disappointment. Cotton has been well, but I strongly suspect that he is still actively shedding the virus, since he has passed it to two cats. Cricket unfortunately started many fights with him, stole his food before we knew he was FeLV+, but she didn't really put many wounds on him. Cotton bites and scratches and fights for real, while most of Cricket's attacks are bluff and posturing and noise: Cricket does lots of screaming, lots of paws flying, but very little biting on her part. Poor Cricket has bald spots on her back, neck and ears where Cotton beat her up. When he got to her, fur would fly. A lot of her fur. Once he ambushed her in the litterbox within 10 seconds of escaping someone's arms, he made a beeline for her and tore her up. I had to bathe her to get all the litter and urine and blood out of her wounds. He's a real little devil. He even bites us with no warning or reason and then runs off. We thought Cricket lost weight, but the vet said she didn't. But we've noticed she has become more and more depressed and panicked if she cannot be in our bedroom to hide, but now that Cotton is neutered, he seems less interested in her. She is still very upset by him. All she has to do is smell him on someone and her tail bushes up. We haven't had a bad fight in about 2 months. Cricket is due to go back in for her heart murmur check in 2 weeks.Her appetite is good, but she has days where she won't come out and days when she seems happy and less anxious. I have tried everything, even a cat door to my bedroom, which Cotton figured out in about 15 seconds how to open. He is very wiley and strong for such a small cat, and can open even heavy french doors, he knocks over glasses and has broken more stuff than I care to share. He has to stay with us much of the time so we can watch him. Sometimes he is just too wild and we have to shut him in the bedroom for a timeout. I don't think he ever sleeps during the day unless he's alone. When we confine him, he yowls loudly. He's always up in someone's business. He's like a hyperactive child. Cotton finally had to be neutered despite the risk to his health, which has helped. But now we don't take any chances, as he did so much injury to Cricket, we keep them apart as much as possible. Sandy - Original Message - From: Nina [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Monday, May 01, 2006 9:03 PM Subject: Re: mixing Hi Sandy, My Grace developed a heart murmur and it didn't seem to give her any trouble, she was pos and succumbed to anemia. I had her on Coq10, I don't know if it helped or not, but I've heard good things about it from others. I did hear that it shouldn't be stopped once started, I'm sorry I don't have any info to back that up. You might want to ask your vet about it, although many vets are not up on sups and their benefits. I've not heard that felv cats are more susceptible to heart murmurs. As Jenn suggested, you should find out what grade heart murmur it is before you stress out about it too much. Could you please clarify for us exactly what the situation was with Cricket testing pos? I know that Cricket is 6 yrs old and you had her before you got Cotton. I know that the two of them have been fussing since day one and that Cricket has been depressed and stressed out by his presence. What I don't know is if Cricket had ever been tested before Cotton's arrival, or if Cricket had been vaccinated for felv before Cotton came to live with you. Could you tell us again how long you've had Cotton and how long you waited to test Cricket the second time with the IFA. I'm a big advocate for mixing and I'd really be interested to know what the specifics are. Of course I too hope that all your babies stay healthy and strong. While we're hoping, let's put in a plea
RE: Question about home test kits-esp Nina,lol
You know, shelters can receive reimbursement for all those expenses.. including HW treatment. Chris [EMAIL PROTECTED] -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, May 01, 2006 6:08 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: Question about home test kits-esp Nina,lol Ok, here's the story in a nutshell.. First, yes, I know about SNAP, I know they can be ordered online,I know they're considered the best.BUT, they are too pricey. The shelter I am affiliated withis a 501(c)3, and Idexx gives us a shelter discount, which is HUMONGOUS However, since we are No-Kill, and it IS kitten season (joy,joy -NOT!!), the shelter is NOT taking any more cats, not even kittens!! PLUS - They will not sanction anyone fostering strays, as they always did in the past. (Reimbursement for food, meds, vx's, S/N) Much of this is due to the fact that they helped in the Katrina rescue effort. A little overboard, IMO. They made 3 trips, each time with 6 people, and footed the entire bill, courtesy of the rescue's . And, they stayed at motels, ate out, you get my point. Also, they had 42 HW positive dogs they had to treat. You do the math. Now, don't get me wrong, I was/am very PRO Katrina rescues, but this shelter really couldn't afford to absorb the cost of 3 trips.. Now, the local homeless/strays have to suffer. Also, we have been told, that they will not order/provide ANYTHING for us that have started doing independent rescue. Nice, huh? After 25+ years, I can't even get a single tube of eye ointment! My friend and I, who religiously do the Adoption events EVERY week, are inundated with cries for help! How can I/we say no? Especially when we know what the fate of these babies will be?? We need to test all these (un)sanctioned strays, prior to adoptions. Just was hoping for a more dollar friendly option. Frustrated, Patti
Re: Heart Murmurs
I think it was Callie Cat that had a murmur when she was 1st brought in in Tenn.. When she got here 3 weeks later my vet couldn't hear a murmur with her but did hear one in Winky who was also very anemic and died in his sleep a few weeks later... When Callie crashed in just a few hours time I got her to the vet early in the morning and the 1st thing he said was she has a bad heart murmur When he drew blood he had a hard time because her supply of blood was very low.. Blood test showed no kidney function... I am wondering if the murmur can be related to the condition of the blood... Did the vet do a blood test???.. Can it be an early warning of failure ??? Is the 3rd eye lid showing more than usual... I read somewhere that that is an indicator of low blood count and I think all of mine that have passed that has been an early indicator I wonder if a blood transfusion at an early stage would buy more quality life if done before a crash that must do damage to other internal organs... Tad [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Sandy, did your vet tell you what grade the heart murmur is? The Sphynx rescue list I am also on gets on the topic of heart murmurs periodically (I suppose it's a risk of the breed), most of the cats on that list with murmurs are doing really good though. You hear more about bad heart problems in Maine Coon cats, but you said your cat is a little black kitty (I assume short haired), so it's probably not due to heredity (though there is a slight hereditary risk in American and British Shorthairs). There are medications they can prescribe for it if it is a severe enough murmur. I don't think there's anything different about a murmur in a FELV+ cat than in a negative cat. Here are a few good websites on heart murmurs in cats (and things to watch out for, and some resources for finding a specialist or cardiac veterinary program): http://dsl.org/hcm/ http://www.holisticat.com/hcm.html http://www.portlandvetspecialists.com/library/heartdisease4.html http://www.sphynxbc.org/cardo.htm http://old.bsava.com/vcs/testing/menu.htm http://www.vmth.ucdavis.edu/cardio/ Jenn http://ucat.us http://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html Adopt a cat from Little Cheetah (UCAT) Cat Rescue: http://ucat.us/adopt.html PLEASE DONATE TO THE TANGLE FUND: Tangle is a cat in Greece that was severely injured when someone wrapped wire around his neck to strangle him, Little Cheetah Cat Rescue is raising funds to bring Tangle to Vermont to find him a good home! http://ucat.us/tangle-fund.html DONATE: We could really use a power saw (for construction), a digital camera (for pictures), and more towels!
sweet small FELV+ one eyed female cat needs home
Mia is the first cat on this page: http://ucat.us/FELVadopt.html She's living in Toronto, but transport may be able to be arranged. See the webpage for contact info and more about Mia. Jennhttp://ucat.us http://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html Adopt a cat from Little Cheetah (UCAT) Cat Rescue:http://ucat.us/adopt.html PLEASE DONATE TO THE TANGLE FUND:Tangle is a cat in Greece that was severely injured when someone wrapped wire around his neck to strangle him,Little Cheetah Cat Rescue is raising funds to bring Tangle to Vermont to find him a good home!http://ucat.us/tangle-fund.htmlDONATE: We could really use a power saw (for construction), a digital camera (for pictures), and more towels! BEGIN:VCARD VERSION:2.1 N:O'Guin;Jennifer;D.;Ms. FN:Jennifer D. O'Guin NICKNAME:Jenn ORG:UCAT rescue;operations/field work TITLE:Cat Rescuer NOTE:I rescue cats. I run a small personal rescue operation, all on my own, and out of pocket. Donations appreciated at any time! Paypal donations can be sent to [EMAIL PROTECTED] or send donations via check or money order to Jennifer O'Guin, PO Box 1008, Hardwick VT. 05843 TEL;WORK;VOICE:802-472-8628 TEL;HOME;VOICE:802 472-8628 ADR;WORK:;home office;;Hardwick;VT.;05843;USA LABEL;WORK;ENCODING=QUOTED-PRINTABLE:home office=0D=0AHardwick, VT. 05843=0D=0AUSA ADR;HOME:;;P.O. Box 1008;Hardwick;Vermont;05843;USA LABEL;HOME;ENCODING=QUOTED-PRINTABLE:P.O. Box 1008=0D=0AHardwick, Vermont 05843=0D=0AUSA X-WAB-GENDER:1 URL;HOME:http://ucat.us URL;WORK:http://ucat.us/adopt.html BDAY:19750928 EMAIL;PREF;INTERNET:[EMAIL PROTECTED] EMAIL;INTERNET:[EMAIL PROTECTED] EMAIL;INTERNET:[EMAIL PROTECTED] REV:20060502T040413Z END:VCARD No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.385 / Virus Database: 268.5.1/327 - Release Date: 4/28/2006
Re: mixing
Sandy, From what I understood about vaccines, if Cricket was vaccinated even just once with a booster, than she should have been protected. Sorry to be a pest, but are you absolutely sure that her kitten vaccines included felv? Most of the vets I've used don't vaccinate for felv unless expressly asked to. Your news about Cricket kind of shoots my theory to hell, if she was indeed vaccinated, (esp more than once), for felv and she had tested neg as a kitten, and she was an adult when she was exposed to felv... She could be the exception to the rule, but it isn't good news for mixing in general, or of course, for poor Cricket. Eww! I wanted to squirt that bad boy Cotton when I read about how he terrorized little Cricket. I'm ashamed to say he may have gotten flying lessons if he had been in my presence during that litterbox ambush! Is there any way you could set up a schedule that Cotton is isolated at the same time every day, while Cricket has free roam? You could give Cotton something special, like a small bowl of tuna when he's locked up. When he sees that he gets let out again, you know, after it becomes routine, he may stop the howling. When Cricket figures out that Cotton is locked up when she's free, maybe she'll start to feel more secure again. That way Cricket will have time to enjoy the house and not feel like she has to be looking over her shoulder, or feel like she's being punished in seclusion because that little bully has come to live with you. My Kimba Cat had the same terrified reaction to one of our new arrivals, Spencer. Spence never attacked Kimba, but Kimba hid out for days after I let Spence out of isolation for a test run at acclimation to gp. When Kimba ventured out I noticed he had bright red blood on the fur under his tail. It seemed to be mixed with urine so I panicked and we spent 5 hours at the ER clinic. I felt so bad about my assumptions about why he was hiding and that I hadn't checked for health reasons for it. The problem turned out to be a nasty bite at the base of his tail that was just starting to access. I don't know if it was all the quality alone time we had at the vet, (they had us in an exam room most of the time waiting our turn, and even though Kimba was scared, he was purring on my lap and really enjoying the attention), or the fact that I promised him he wouldn't have to contend with Spencer until he was ready, but he's back to feeling more confident and not hiding anymore. When I give Spencer trial runs now, I lock Kimba in the garage. God I hate discord! I still don't know who inflicted the wound on Kimba Cat. I suspect it was one of our Husky/Chow fosters, Maggie. Twice I caught Maggie chasing cats out of the bedroom in the middle of the night, (the second and last time, so far, she got such a scolding that I certainly hope she won't do it again). The bite wounds on Kimba's tail are on either side and seem too big for a cat, they seem more likely to have been caused by snapping dog teeth. I'm hoping it wasn't inflicted on purpose. Nina Dudes wrote: Hi Nina: The vet didn't say what grade murmur, but when I take her back to him, I will ask. Cricket was tested as a kitten and was negative. She received boosters every 3 years, since I am not a big advocate of just vaccinating for the heck of it for everything once a year, since my cats are 100% indoors. So she had her initial kitten shots, then a booster at age 3. All 3 cats were exposed to Cotton at the beginning, since we didn't know Cotton was sick. We got Cotton at the end of August last year, his housemate who also was living with us then died in late September, and we had all the cats tested by ELISA by October or so. Cotton's was positive and confirmed by IFA. Cricket's was weakly positive, but we thought it might be from exposure. Miss and Myca were negative and they were boostered. Cotton got sick shortly after that, in I think November, and since I was saving for his possible ultrasound, we couldn't afford another test until January. Because Cricket tested positive, we got her checked first, and went with the IFA, which came back positive, much to my disappointment. Cotton has been well, but I strongly suspect that he is still actively shedding the virus, since he has passed it to two cats. Cricket unfortunately started many fights with him, stole his food before we knew he was FeLV+, but she didn't really put many wounds on him. Cotton bites and scratches and fights for real, while most of Cricket's attacks are bluff and posturing and noise: Cricket does lots of screaming, lots of paws flying, but very little biting on her part. Poor Cricket has bald spots on her back, neck and ears where Cotton beat her up. When he got to her, fur would fly. A lot of her fur. Once he ambushed her in the litterbox within 10 seconds of escaping someone's arms, he made a beeline for her and tore her up.
