[Felvtalk] new member

[danbin...@netzero.com]

Boy, am I glad to find this website and group.

I think my kitty, Buster (15 yo, neutered male), has FeLV.

He stopped eating about 2 1/2 years ago.  I took him to the vet who was unable 
to diagnose what was wrong with Buster, even after several visits.  I was 
unable to get an ultrasound, which she said was the next step.  She decided, 
with the information that she had, that Buster had cholangiohepatitis.

Vet put him on 5 mg prednisolone and Cyroheptadine (appetite stimulant)

After trying to wean him off, unsuccessfully, he had been on these drugs for 2 
years.

Yesterday, I was speaking to a (different) vet on the phone, and when I 
described Buster she said she thought FeLV.  She said if he had a liver 
disease, I would see jaundice.  Buster does have a number of clinical signs:  
little appetite, slow but extreme weight loss, minor stomatitis, poor coat, 
occasional eye problems.  No fever, no wounds, no diarrhea.

In 2009, Buster's last blood test (which was fine), he had the ELISA test which 
was negative.

I forgot to mention that Buster did not get sick until I brought an 11 year old 
rescue into the home.  All of my cats (3) are indoor only

I guess my question, after this very long explanation (sorry), is are there any 
cats being treated only with prednisolone?  I am not able to take Buster to the 
vet due to a number of reasons.  After almost 3 years, he has taken a big turn 
for the worse.  Usually, rebounds (with syringe feeding), but I don't think so, 
this time

Thank you so much

debbie  & buster 


57 Year Old Mom Looks 27
Mom Reveals $3 Wrinkle Trick Angering Doctors...
http://thirdpartyoffers.netzero.net/TGL3231/4ec3dc1abe4f10ffeest01duc

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Re: [Felvtalk] new member

[Beth]

Debbie -

There is no way to tell is he has FeLV without a blood test.Was the 11 year old 
cat tested for FeLV? Just wondering how he would have gotten it if his previous 
test were negative, though it can take 3 months for the bloodwork to show a 
positive test.
Prednisone depresses the immune system & should only be used in conjunction 
with a specific medical diagnosis.
Are his gums pink? He may be suffering from anemia. Is the stomatitis so bad he 
cannot eat? Was the Pred given to him for the Stomatitis?

Beth

 Don't Litter, Fix Your Critter! www.Furkids.org
 



From: "danbin...@netzero.com" 
To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
Sent: Wednesday, November 16, 2011 10:50 AM
Subject: [Felvtalk] new member

Boy, am I glad to find this website and group.

I think my kitty, Buster (15 yo, neutered male), has FeLV.

He stopped eating about 2 1/2 years ago.  I took him to the vet who was unable 
to diagnose what was wrong with Buster, even after several visits.  I was 
unable to get an ultrasound, which she said was the next step.  She decided, 
with the information that she had, that Buster had cholangiohepatitis.

Vet put him on 5 mg prednisolone and Cyroheptadine (appetite stimulant)

After trying to wean him off, unsuccessfully, he had been on these drugs for 2 
years.

Yesterday, I was speaking to a (different) vet on the phone, and when I 
described Buster she said she thought FeLV.  She said if he had a liver 
disease, I would see jaundice.  Buster does have a number of clinical signs:  
little appetite, slow but extreme weight loss, minor stomatitis, poor coat, 
occasional eye problems.  No fever, no wounds, no diarrhea.

In 2009, Buster's last blood test (which was fine), he had the ELISA test which 
was negative.

I forgot to mention that Buster did not get sick until I brought an 11 year old 
rescue into the home.  All of my cats (3) are indoor only

I guess my question, after this very long explanation (sorry), is are there any 
cats being treated only with prednisolone?  I am not able to take Buster to the 
vet due to a number of reasons.  After almost 3 years, he has taken a big turn 
for the worse.  Usually, rebounds (with syringe feeding), but I don't think so, 
this time

Thank you so much

debbie  & buster 


57 Year Old Mom Looks 27
Mom Reveals $3 Wrinkle Trick Angering Doctors...
http://thirdpartyoffers.netzero.net/TGL3231/4ec3dc1abe4f10ffeest01duc

___
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Re: [Felvtalk] new member

[Marta Gasper]

Debbie
Welcome to the group_albeit circumstances but thats how most of us got here_I 
agree with Beth.
The symptoms you describe could be a number of diseases. No way to tell for 
sure if he has FeLV until he's been tested with a definitive test like an IFA, 
though in his case and given his age I'd say his former negative result is what 
it is.
I wonder why the vet thought it could be FeLV, specially since he has no 
diarrea/soft stools, blood disorders(wich show as blodd in stool). I wouldn't 
give him pred unless it is just supportve care, it suppreses the inmune system, 
the last thing any cat needs.
However if he has stomatitis I would.
I've had and have FeLV+s cats.
The one I've now is close to last stages, he's playful and animated but has a 
chronic URI, soft stools and bloody diahrrea, thrifty coat, sometimes he 
staggers, keeps getting sores, sneezes blood sometimes, that is because can't 
coagulate well, eats like a horse and hasn't gained an ounce. Well he has 
lately but my other cats would be basketballs if they ate like he does.
Besides he tested twice + on the ELISA and comes from a household where most 
cats were FeLV+. A hoarding situation, very sad but at least he has a better 
life now tho very limited.
Anyways I'd run a test first, to me I wouldn't jump to conclusions, stomatitis 
or other disorder sure could be. Don't put him on pred(steroids or 
glucocorticoids.
M

http://homelessnomore.webs.com/

--- On Wed, 11/16/11, Beth  wrote:


From: Beth 
Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] new member
To: "felvtalk@felineleukemia.org" 
Date: Wednesday, November 16, 2011, 5:06 PM





Debbie -


There is no way to tell is he has FeLV without a blood test.Was the 11 year old 
cat tested for FeLV? Just wondering how he would have gotten it if his previous 
test were negative, though it can take 3 months for the bloodwork to show a 
positive test.
Prednisone depresses the immune system & should only be used in conjunction 
with a specific medical diagnosis.
Are his gums pink? He may be suffering from anemia. Is the stomatitis so bad he 
cannot eat? Was the Pred given to him for the Stomatitis?


Beth

 Don't Litter, Fix Your Critter! www.Furkids.org

 





From: "danbin...@netzero.com" 
To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
Sent: Wednesday, November 16, 2011 10:50 AM
Subject: [Felvtalk] new member

Boy, am I glad to find this website and group.

I think my kitty, Buster (15 yo, neutered male), has FeLV.

He stopped eating about 2 1/2 years ago.  I took him to the vet who was unable 
to diagnose what was wrong with Buster, even after several visits.  I was 
unable to get an ultrasound, which she said was the next step.  She decided, 
with the information that she had, that Buster had cholangiohepatitis.

Vet put him on 5 mg prednisolone and Cyroheptadine (appetite stimulant)

After trying to wean him off, unsuccessfully, he had been on these drugs for 2 
years.

Yesterday, I was speaking to a (different) vet on the phone, and when I 
described Buster she said she thought FeLV.  She said if he had a liver 
disease, I would see jaundice.  Buster does have a number of clinical signs:  
little appetite, slow but extreme weight loss, minor stomatitis, poor coat, 
occasional eye problems.  No fever, no wounds, no diarrhea.

In 2009, Buster's last blood test (which was fine), he had the ELISA test which 
was negative.

I forgot to mention that Buster did not get sick until I brought an 11 year old 
rescue into the home.  All of my cats (3) are indoor only

I guess my question, after this very long explanation (sorry), is are there any 
cats being treated only with prednisolone?  I am not able to take Buster to the 
vet due to a number of reasons.  After almost 3 years, he has taken a big turn 
for the worse.  Usually, rebounds (with syringe feeding), but I don't think so, 
this time

Thank you so much

debbie  & buster 


57 Year Old Mom Looks 27
Mom Reveals $3 Wrinkle Trick Angering Doctors...
http://thirdpartyoffers.netzero.net/TGL3231/4ec3dc1abe4f10ffeest01duc

___
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-Inline Attachment Follows-


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Re: [Felvtalk] new member

[Beth]

A lot of vets think Stomatitis = FeLV, so that may be why she said she thought 
he had it.
Only one of my FeLV cats ever got Stomatitis & I had a negative cat that did 
have it.

Beth

 Don't Litter, Fix Your Critter! www.Furkids.org
 



From: Marta Gasper 
To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
Sent: Wednesday, November 16, 2011 12:57 PM
Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] new member


Debbie
Welcome to the group_albeit circumstances but thats how most of us got here_I 
agree with Beth.
The symptoms you describe could be a number of diseases. No way to tell for 
sure if he has FeLV until he's been tested with a definitive test like an IFA, 
though in his case and given his age I'd say his former negative result is what 
it is.
I wonder why the vet thought it could be FeLV, specially since he has no 
diarrea/soft stools, blood disorders(wich show as blodd in stool). I wouldn't 
give him pred unless it is just supportve care, it suppreses the inmune system, 
the last thing any cat needs.
However if he has stomatitis I would.
I've had and have FeLV+s cats.
The one I've now is close to last stages, he's playful and animated but has a 
chronic URI, soft stools and bloody diahrrea, thrifty coat, sometimes he 
staggers, keeps getting sores, sneezes blood sometimes, that is because can't 
coagulate well, eats like a horse and hasn't gained an ounce. Well he has 
lately but my other cats would be basketballs if they ate like he does.
Besides he tested twice + on the ELISA and comes from a household where most 
cats were FeLV+. A hoarding situation, very sad but at least he has a better 
life now tho very limited.
Anyways I'd run a test first, to me I wouldn't jump to conclusions, stomatitis 
or other disorder sure could be. Don't put him on pred(steroids or 
glucocorticoids.
M

http://homelessnomore.webs.com/

--- On Wed, 11/16/11, Beth  wrote:


>From: Beth 
>Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] new member
>To: "felvtalk@felineleukemia.org" 
>Date: Wednesday, November 16, 2011, 5:06 PM
>
>
>Debbie -
>
>
>There is no way to tell is he has FeLV without a blood test.Was the 11 year 
>old cat tested for FeLV? Just wondering how he would have gotten it if his 
>previous test were negative, though it can take 3 months for the bloodwork to 
>show a positive test.
>Prednisone depresses the immune system & should only be used in conjunction 
>with a specific medical diagnosis.
>Are his gums pink? He may be suffering from anemia. Is the stomatitis so bad 
>he cannot eat? Was the Pred given to him for the Stomatitis?
>
>
>Beth
>
> Don't Litter, Fix Your Critter! www.Furkids.org
> 
>
>
>
>
> From: "danbin...@netzero.com" 
>To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
>Sent: Wednesday, November 16, 2011 10:50 AM
>Subject: [Felvtalk] new member
>
>Boy, am I glad to find this website and group.
>
>I think my kitty, Buster (15 yo, neutered male), has FeLV.
>
>He stopped eating about 2 1/2 years ago.  I took him to the vet who was unable 
>to diagnose what was wrong with Buster, even after several visits.  I was 
>unable to get an ultrasound, which she said was the next step.  She decided, 
>with the information that she had, that Buster had cholangiohepatitis.
>
>Vet put him on 5 mg prednisolone and Cyroheptadine (appetite stimulant)
>
>After trying to wean him off, unsuccessfully, he had been on these drugs
 for 2 years.
>
>Yesterday, I was speaking to a (different) vet on the phone, and when I 
>described Buster she said she thought FeLV.  She said if he had a liver 
>disease, I would see jaundice.  Buster does have a number of clinical signs:  
>little appetite, slow but extreme weight loss, minor stomatitis, poor coat, 
>occasional eye problems.  No fever, no wounds, no diarrhea.
>
>In 2009, Buster's last blood test (which was fine), he had the ELISA test 
>which was negative.
>
>I forgot to mention that Buster did not get sick until I brought an 11 year 
>old rescue into the home.  All of my cats (3) are indoor only
>
>I guess my question, after this very long explanation (sorry), is are there 
>any cats being treated only with prednisolone?  I am not able to take Buster 
>to the vet due to a number of reasons.  After almost 3 years, he has taken a 
>big turn for the worse.  Usually, rebounds (with syringe feeding),
 but I don't think so, this time
>
>Thank you so much
>
>debbie  & buster 
>
>
>57 Year Old Mom Looks 27
>Mom Reveals $3 Wrinkle Trick Angering Doctors...
>http://thirdpartyoffers.netzero.net/TGL3231/4ec3dc1abe4f10ffeest01duc
>
>___
>Felvtalk mailing list
>Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
>http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
>
>
>
>-Inline Attachment Follows-
>
>
>___
>Felvtalk mailing list
>Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
>http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
> 
_

Re: [Felvtalk] new member

[Natalie]

Hi, everyone..I am in Mexico, and therefore not on the computer as often as
at home.

Re: prednisone - Sox, one of our five FIV+ cats, has severe stomatitis;  he
gets a prednisone injection about every three months; he also gets a few
drops of DMG in his food every day.  The vet says that he's doing really
well, because normally cats would get a monthly injection.  Sox sometimes
exceeds the three months..once we notice that his stomatitis is bothering
him (he won't eat), he gets another shot of prednisone. They all get CoQ10
to keep their gums in good shape (about 30-50mg daily), GNC Vegetarian
formula because it comes in powder from in capsules, easy to mix into the
food.  I get 100mg caps, and divide them up.  Natalie

 

From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org
[mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Marta Gasper
Sent: Wednesday, November 16, 2011 12:58 PM
To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] new member

 


Debbie

Welcome to the group_albeit circumstances but thats how most of us got
here_I agree with Beth.

The symptoms you describe could be a number of diseases. No way to tell for
sure if he has FeLV until he's been tested with a definitive test like an
IFA, though in his case and given his age I'd say his former negative result
is what it is.

I wonder why the vet thought it could be FeLV, specially since he has no
diarrea/soft stools, blood disorders(wich show as blodd in stool). I
wouldn't give him pred unless it is just supportve care, it suppreses the
inmune system, the last thing any cat needs.

However if he has stomatitis I would.

I've had and have FeLV+s cats.

The one I've now is close to last stages, he's playful and animated but has
a chronic URI, soft stools and bloody diahrrea, thrifty coat, sometimes he
staggers, keeps getting sores, sneezes blood sometimes, that is because
can't coagulate well, eats like a horse and hasn't gained an ounce. Well he
has lately but my other cats would be basketballs if they ate like he does.

Besides he tested twice + on the ELISA and comes from a household where most
cats were FeLV+. A hoarding situation, very sad but at least he has a better
life now tho very limited.

Anyways I'd run a test first, to me I wouldn't jump to conclusions,
stomatitis or other disorder sure could be. Don't put him on pred(steroids
or glucocorticoids.

M

  http://homelessnomore.webs.com/



--- On Wed, 11/16/11, Beth  wrote:


From: Beth 
Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] new member
To: "felvtalk@felineleukemia.org" 
Date: Wednesday, November 16, 2011, 5:06 PM

Debbie -

 

There is no way to tell is he has FeLV without a blood test.Was the 11 year
old cat tested for FeLV? Just wondering how he would have gotten it if his
previous test were negative, though it can take 3 months for the bloodwork
to show a positive test.

Prednisone depresses the immune system & should only be used in conjunction
with a specific medical diagnosis.

Are his gums pink? He may be suffering from anemia. Is the stomatitis so bad
he cannot eat? Was the Pred given to him for the Stomatitis?

 

Beth

 Don't Litter, Fix Your Critter!Description: Image removed by sender.
www.Furkids.org  

 

 

  _  

From: "danbin...@netzero.com" 
To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
Sent: Wednesday, November 16, 2011 10:50 AM
Subject: [Felvtalk] new member

Boy, am I glad to find this website and group.

I think my kitty, Buster (15 yo, neutered male), has FeLV.

He stopped eating about 2 1/2 years ago.  I took him to the vet who was
unable to diagnose what was wrong with Buster, even after several visits.  I
was unable to get an ultrasound, which she said was the next step.  She
decided, with the information that she had, that Buster had
cholangiohepatitis.

Vet put him on 5 mg prednisolone and Cyroheptadine (appetite stimulant)

After trying to wean him off, unsuccessfully, he had been on these drugs for
2 years.

Yesterday, I was speaking to a (different) vet on the phone, and when I
described Buster she said she thought FeLV.  She said if he had a liver
disease, I would see jaundice.  Buster does have a number of clinical signs:
little appetite, slow but extreme weight loss, minor stomatitis, poor coat,
occasional eye problems.  No fever, no wounds, no diarrhea.

In 2009, Buster's last blood test (which was fine), he had the ELISA test
which was negative.

I forgot to mention that Buster did not get sick until I brought an 11 year
old rescue into the home.  All of my cats (3) are indoor only

I guess my question, after this very long explanation (sorry), is are there
any cats being treated only with prednisolone?  I am not able to take Buster
to the vet due to a number of reasons.  After almost 3 years, he has taken a
big turn for the worse.  Usually, rebounds (with syringe feeding), but I
don't think so, this time

Thank you so much

debbie  & buster 


57 Year Old

Re: [Felvtalk] new member

[Natalie]

If no blood tests were taken, then there's no way the vet can tell what's
wrong with Buster.
At his age, he could have renal failure and /or hyperthyroidism, treatable.
If it's his thyroid, I just found out that Felimazole can be gotten from
Drs. Foster & Smith very inexpensively; Tapazole and Methimazole are a lot
more expensive anywhere else.  
There's no reason to do an ultrasound if no blood tests were taken to
determine and to rule out anything.
Natalie

-Original Message-
From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org
[mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of
danbin...@netzero.com
Sent: Wednesday, November 16, 2011 10:51 AM
To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
Subject: [Felvtalk] new member

Boy, am I glad to find this website and group.

I think my kitty, Buster (15 yo, neutered male), has FeLV.

He stopped eating about 2 1/2 years ago.  I took him to the vet who was
unable to diagnose what was wrong with Buster, even after several visits.  I
was unable to get an ultrasound, which she said was the next step.  She
decided, with the information that she had, that Buster had
cholangiohepatitis.

Vet put him on 5 mg prednisolone and Cyroheptadine (appetite stimulant)

After trying to wean him off, unsuccessfully, he had been on these drugs for
2 years.

Yesterday, I was speaking to a (different) vet on the phone, and when I
described Buster she said she thought FeLV.  She said if he had a liver
disease, I would see jaundice.  Buster does have a number of clinical signs:
little appetite, slow but extreme weight loss, minor stomatitis, poor coat,
occasional eye problems.  No fever, no wounds, no diarrhea.

In 2009, Buster's last blood test (which was fine), he had the ELISA test
which was negative.

I forgot to mention that Buster did not get sick until I brought an 11 year
old rescue into the home.  All of my cats (3) are indoor only

I guess my question, after this very long explanation (sorry), is are there
any cats being treated only with prednisolone?  I am not able to take Buster
to the vet due to a number of reasons.  After almost 3 years, he has taken a
big turn for the worse.  Usually, rebounds (with syringe feeding), but I
don't think so, this time

Thank you so much

debbie  & buster 


57 Year Old Mom Looks 27
Mom Reveals $3 Wrinkle Trick Angering Doctors...
http://thirdpartyoffers.netzero.net/TGL3231/4ec3dc1abe4f10ffeest01duc

___
Felvtalk mailing list
Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org


___
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Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
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Re: [Felvtalk] new member

[dlgegg]

Many on this group usseother meds and ntural remdies for felv.  I don't like 
predesone, had it during my cancer and it messes everything up.  My felv's are 
in great shape, so are my negatives.  I will pray for you and Buster and leave 
the advise up to th others who have dealt with this mjore.

 "danbin...@netzero.com"  wrote: 
> Boy, am I glad to find this website and group.
> 
> I think my kitty, Buster (15 yo, neutered male), has FeLV.
> 
> He stopped eating about 2 1/2 years ago.  I took him to the vet who was 
> unable to diagnose what was wrong with Buster, even after several visits.  I 
> was unable to get an ultrasound, which she said was the next step.  She 
> decided, with the information that she had, that Buster had 
> cholangiohepatitis.
> 
> Vet put him on 5 mg prednisolone and Cyroheptadine (appetite stimulant)
> 
> After trying to wean him off, unsuccessfully, he had been on these drugs for 
> 2 years.
> 
> Yesterday, I was speaking to a (different) vet on the phone, and when I 
> described Buster she said she thought FeLV.  She said if he had a liver 
> disease, I would see jaundice.  Buster does have a number of clinical signs:  
> little appetite, slow but extreme weight loss, minor stomatitis, poor coat, 
> occasional eye problems.  No fever, no wounds, no diarrhea.
> 
> In 2009, Buster's last blood test (which was fine), he had the ELISA test 
> which was negative.
> 
> I forgot to mention that Buster did not get sick until I brought an 11 year 
> old rescue into the home.  All of my cats (3) are indoor only
> 
> I guess my question, after this very long explanation (sorry), is are there 
> any cats being treated only with prednisolone?  I am not able to take Buster 
> to the vet due to a number of reasons.  After almost 3 years, he has taken a 
> big turn for the worse.  Usually, rebounds (with syringe feeding), but I 
> don't think so, this time
> 
> Thank you so much
> 
> debbie  & buster 
> 
> 
> 57 Year Old Mom Looks 27
> Mom Reveals $3 Wrinkle Trick Angering Doctors...
> http://thirdpartyoffers.netzero.net/TGL3231/4ec3dc1abe4f10ffeest01duc
> 
> ___
> Felvtalk mailing list
> Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
> http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org


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[Felvtalk] Thanks for the replies

[danbin...@netzero.com]

I really appreciate everyone who responded to my post.  It makes me feel a bit 
more secure knowing there are others rooting for our success.

I think that my keeping Buster on prednisolone is a requirement since he has 
been on it for so long.  I am sure it has compromised his adrenals and that 
without pred, he will have Cushings (or maybe Addison's).

Beth - Buster did have blood work done, in 2009, and it was all fine.  ELISA 
was negative.  Before I took in this older cat (her guardian died and the 
rescue group was unable to find anyone to take her), I asked to have the cat 
tested.  I have 2 other, indoor only, cats and I wanted to make sure that I 
didn't bring disease into the house.  I was told that the new cat tested 
negative for FIP and FeLV.  I do trust the woman who asked me to take in the 
older kitty, but I have no paperwork to verify.

Although Buster lived amicably with my 2nd cat, she hated the new cat.  The new 
cat caused Buster a lot of stress.  I tried everything, Rescue Remedy, Feliway 
etc.  Finally, after about a year, things settled down.  I never saw any 
wounds, on either cat, but I know there were 'minor' fights as I found tufts of 
hair around (including once or twice hanging out of Buster's mouth!)  They 
still hiss, but mostly try to stay out of one another's way

My vet didn't want to give me the prednisolone, but I was frantic, unable to 
pay for any more investigative work, and wanted my cat well.  I live over 90 
miles, one way, from my (any) vet, and I think she gave me the pred. out of 
kindness.  Regardless of good or bad, Buster has been on 5mg for 2 years.

I don't think Buster has stomatitis now, although eating does appear painful at 
times.  Back in 2010, the vet did extract a couple of teeth.  And, a tooth, or 
two just disintegrated when she was cleaning his teeth.  Last time he was under 
(2010) she said his throat appeared inflamed, but I do pill him everyday and I 
am sure that caused that inflammation

He doesn't eat a lot, and he eats small amounts many, many, many times 
throughout the day.  Occasionally, he does stop eating and I need to syringe 
food.  He doesn't/can't eat dry food any more.

I will look at his gums tomorrow.

Marta, I agree and appreciate your thoughts 'it is what it is'.  I am trying my 
best, by myself, to keep Buster alive.  At this point, my focus is only to keep 
him happy, comfortable and with me.  I finally realized, he won't get well.  I 
do think he wants to stay alive.  Although failing, he sits with me, sleeps 
with me, communicates with me etc.  He does have muscle weakness in the back 
end.  He can't sit to groom without falling.  

One odd thing, that I have never been able to figure out, is when he sits, his 
bottom doesn't touch the floor?  And, now,  to lay down he has to kinda 
settle himself carefully.  Something is hurting I am sure.

Not sure why this 'phone vet' thought FeLV except for the inappetance.  But, 
when I looked at the Cornell site, Buster had more than half the symptoms.  I 
do know that these are common symptoms for many illnesses.

Maybe he doesn't have FeLV, and maybe he does.  It's a great comfort to me 
to have a sounding board and to hear how others are treating their kitties.

Buster has just begun sneezing, just a bit, but no blood.

In general, how long do FeLV cats live without Interferon etc?  Can they be 
kept alive with the right drugs, or 3 years is pretty much it, plus or minus?

Thanks!

PS  All my cats share common food and water bowls and litter box.

debbie


60-Year-Old Mom Looks 27
Mom Reveals Free Wrinkle Trick That Has Angered Doctors!
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Re: [Felvtalk] Thanks for the replies

[Marta Gasper]

Muscle weakness and muscle wasting on rear legs are the first side effects of 
long-term pred dosing. And long term for pred is not(as I thought)5 years but a 
couple or 3.
I also think that his sitting not touching the floor is due to either arthritis 
and/or muscle pain. If his muscles are weakening he'll be in pain.
I've two cats that do it and one of the rescue kittens did it recently(she hurt 
her back via bad fall, she's much better but it was scary)
I also have another kitten that was dx with muscle wasting(birth defect) he 
doesn't sit normally either.
 
I understand your feelings and am sorry for what you are going throught, a 15 
year old is frail and lots of infirmities like an elderly person. So you are 
doing your best and giving lots of love to Buster, thats waht matters I believe.
 
IMO if he had FIP(there's no test for FIP, the lady must have meant FIV?) he 
wouldn't be with you now and if he had FeLV probably not either. I do have a 
cat for adoption that is 10 yrs old and tested FIV+ twice, that to me is 
remarkable b/c he was a cat that owner kept outside, I wouldn't expect it to 
live this long being exposed to so much.
Marta


http://homelessnomore.webs.com/

--- On Thu, 11/17/11, danbin...@netzero.com  wrote:


From: danbin...@netzero.com 
Subject: [Felvtalk] Thanks for the replies
To: Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
Date: Thursday, November 17, 2011, 4:10 AM


I really appreciate everyone who responded to my post.  It makes me feel a bit 
more secure knowing there are others rooting for our success.

I think that my keeping Buster on prednisolone is a requirement since he has 
been on it for so long.  I am sure it has compromised his adrenals and that 
without pred, he will have Cushings (or maybe Addison's).

Beth - Buster did have blood work done, in 2009, and it was all fine.  ELISA 
was negative.  Before I took in this older cat (her guardian died and the 
rescue group was unable to find anyone to take her), I asked to have the cat 
tested.  I have 2 other, indoor only, cats and I wanted to make sure that I 
didn't bring disease into the house.  I was told that the new cat tested 
negative for FIP and FeLV.  I do trust the woman who asked me to take in the 
older kitty, but I have no paperwork to verify.

Although Buster lived amicably with my 2nd cat, she hated the new cat.  The new 
cat caused Buster a lot of stress.  I tried everything, Rescue Remedy, Feliway 
etc.  Finally, after about a year, things settled down.  I never saw any 
wounds, on either cat, but I know there were 'minor' fights as I found tufts of 
hair around (including once or twice hanging out of Buster's mouth!)  They 
still hiss, but mostly try to stay out of one another's way

My vet didn't want to give me the prednisolone, but I was frantic, unable to 
pay for any more investigative work, and wanted my cat well.  I live over 90 
miles, one way, from my (any) vet, and I think she gave me the pred. out of 
kindness.  Regardless of good or bad, Buster has been on 5mg for 2 years.

I don't think Buster has stomatitis now, although eating does appear painful at 
times.  Back in 2010, the vet did extract a couple of teeth.  And, a tooth, or 
two just disintegrated when she was cleaning his teeth.  Last time he was under 
(2010) she said his throat appeared inflamed, but I do pill him everyday and I 
am sure that caused that inflammation

He doesn't eat a lot, and he eats small amounts many, many, many times 
throughout the day.  Occasionally, he does stop eating and I need to syringe 
food.  He doesn't/can't eat dry food any more.

I will look at his gums tomorrow.

Marta, I agree and appreciate your thoughts 'it is what it is'.  I am trying my 
best, by myself, to keep Buster alive.  At this point, my focus is only to keep 
him happy, comfortable and with me.  I finally realized, he won't get well.  I 
do think he wants to stay alive.  Although failing, he sits with me, sleeps 
with me, communicates with me etc.  He does have muscle weakness in the back 
end.  He can't sit to groom without falling.  

One odd thing, that I have never been able to figure out, is when he sits, his 
bottom doesn't touch the floor?  And, now,  to lay down he has to kinda 
settle himself carefully.  Something is hurting I am sure.

Not sure why this 'phone vet' thought FeLV except for the inappetance.  But, 
when I looked at the Cornell site, Buster had more than half the symptoms.  I 
do know that these are common symptoms for many illnesses.

Maybe he doesn't have FeLV, and maybe he does.  It's a great comfort to me 
to have a sounding board and to hear how others are treating their kitties.

Buster has just begun sneezing, just a bit, but no blood.

In general, how long do FeLV cats live without Interferon etc?  Can they be 
kept alive with the right drugs, or 3 years is pretty much it, plus or minus?

Thanks!

PS  All my cats share common food and water bowls and litter box.

debbie

_

Re: [Felvtalk] Thanks for the replies

[Maureen Olvey]

Marta - 

I have an FIV + cat that is like 12 or 13 yrs old (we don't know for sure but 
that's what I think) with no sign of "giving up the ghost" as my husband says.  
He used to live indoor/outdoor I believe.  So these FIV kitties can live a 
fairly long life.  My friend's FIV kitties have always lived into their teens.  
My cat, a former foster, had a really bad URI when I got him three years ago 
and the vet wasn't sure he'd recover since he had FIV.  A two week round of 
Clavamox was all it took and he was fine.

Just thought I'd share in case anyone was worried about the lifespan of a cat 
with FIV.  I'd rather a cat test positive for FIV rather than FeLV.  His 
chances are better and he's not as contagious.

“I am not interested to know whether vivisection produces results that are 
profitable to the human race or doesn’t….the pain which it inflicts upon 
unconsenting animals is the basis of my enmity toward it, and it is to me 
sufficient justification of the enmity without looking further.” – Mark Twain

Date: Wed, 16 Nov 2011 20:56:23 -0800
From: marta.gas...@yahoo.com
To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Thanks for the replies

Muscle weakness and muscle wasting on rear legs are the first side effects of 
long-term pred dosing. And long term for pred is not(as I thought)5 years but a 
couple or 3.
I also think that his sitting not touching the floor is due to either arthritis 
and/or muscle pain. If his muscles are weakening he'll be in pain.
I've two cats that do it and one of the rescue kittens did it recently(she hurt 
her back via bad fall, she's much better but it was scary)
I also have another kitten that was dx with muscle wasting(birth defect) he 
doesn't sit normally either.
 
I understand your feelings and am sorry for what you are going throught, a 15 
year old is frail and lots of infirmities like an elderly person. So you are 
doing your best and giving lots of love to Buster, thats waht matters I believe.
 
IMO if he had FIP(there's no test for FIP, the lady must have meant FIV?) he 
wouldn't be with you now and if he had FeLV probably not either. I do have a 
cat for adoption that is 10 yrs old and tested FIV+ twice, that to me is 
remarkable b/c he was a cat that owner kept outside, I wouldn't expect it to 
live this long being exposed to so much.
Marta


http://homelessnomore.webs.com/

--- On Thu, 11/17/11, danbin...@netzero.com  wrote:


From: danbin...@netzero.com 
Subject: [Felvtalk] Thanks for the replies
To: Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
Date: Thursday, November 17, 2011, 4:10 AM


I really appreciate everyone who responded to my post.  It makes me feel a bit 
more secure knowing there are others rooting for our success.

I think that my keeping Buster on prednisolone is a requirement since he has 
been on it for so long.  I am sure it has compromised his adrenals and that 
without pred, he will have Cushings (or maybe Addison's).

Beth - Buster did have blood work done, in 2009, and it was all fine.  ELISA 
was negative.  Before I took in this older cat (her guardian died and the 
rescue group was unable to find anyone to take her), I asked to have the cat 
tested.  I have 2 other, indoor only, cats and I wanted to make sure that I 
didn't bring disease into the house.  I was told that the new cat tested 
negative for FIP and FeLV.  I do trust the woman who asked me to take in the 
older kitty, but I have no paperwork to verify.

Although Buster lived amicably with
 my 2nd cat, she hated the new cat.  The new cat caused Buster a lot of stress. 
 I tried everything, Rescue Remedy, Feliway etc.  Finally, after about a year, 
things settled down.  I never saw any wounds, on either cat, but I know there 
were 'minor' fights as I found tufts of hair around (including once or twice 
hanging out of Buster's mouth!)  They still hiss, but mostly try to stay out of 
one another's way

My vet didn't want to give me the prednisolone, but I was frantic, unable to 
pay for any more investigative work, and wanted my cat well.  I live over 90 
miles, one way, from my (any) vet, and I think she gave me the pred. out of 
kindness.  Regardless of good or bad, Buster has been on 5mg for 2 years.

I don't think Buster has stomatitis now, although eating does appear painful at 
times.  Back in 2010, the vet did extract a couple of teeth.  And, a tooth, or 
two just disintegrated when she
 was cleaning his teeth.  Last time he was under (2010) she said his throat 
appeared inflamed, but I do pill him everyday and I am sure that caused that 
inflammation

He doesn't eat a lot, and he eats small amounts many, many, many times 
throughout the day.  Occasionally, he does stop eating and I need to syringe 
food.  He doesn't/can't eat dry food any more.

I will look at his gums tomorrow.

Marta, I agree and appreciate your thoughts 'it is what it is'.  I am trying my 
best, by myself, to keep Buster alive.  At this point, my focus is only to keep 
him happy, comfortable and with me

[Felvtalk] Vaccination question

[Maureen Olvey]

I've got to have a couple of my cats vaccinated against FeLV.  I've heard you 
guys talk about the different makers of the vaccinations but I can't remember 
what the best ones were.  Seems like I remember hearing about Fort Dodge and 
some others but if anyone has had problems with a certain type of vaccination 
by a certain maker please let me know.

I don't think I'm going to do the Vet Jet so I just wanted to know about the 
regular FeLV vaccinations.

Thanks.

Maureen

“I am not interested to know whether vivisection produces results that are 
profitable to the human race or doesn’t….the pain which it inflicts upon 
unconsenting animals is the basis of my enmity toward it, and it is to me 
sufficient justification of the enmity without looking further.” – Mark Twain   
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