Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties
Was the mother positive? Could they have acquired the virus AFTER being born to a negative mother? -Original Message- From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Lorrie Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2011 5:29 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties Four years ago I had a litter of rescued kittens and all but one were positive on the Elisa. Two died at less age 4 months, one died at 6 months, one lived to be a year and a half old and then died, but the last one was always, negative. He is now 4 years old and still negative in spite of being with all his positive litter mates. Lorrie On 08-03, Lynda Wilson wrote: > Great analogy, Maureen and it makes sense :) > > I guess my cat, Sugar, must have cleared the virus since he was exposed to > it 24/7 for 6 mos. They bit one another playing, ate/drank out of the same > bowls, and shared the litter box. I know you have heard my story before, > I'm just sharing with the "newbie's". > > It would be an extreme breakthrough if scientist could determine when the > virus is actually shed. I hope they accomplish this soon and my hope's are > that they are working on a cure as well. > > Kiss those sweet furry babies today :) > > L ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties
Four years ago I had a litter of rescued kittens and all but one were positive on the Elisa. Two died at less age 4 months, one died at 6 months, one lived to be a year and a half old and then died, but the last one was always, negative. He is now 4 years old and still negative in spite of being with all his positive litter mates. Lorrie On 08-03, Lynda Wilson wrote: > Great analogy, Maureen and it makes sense :) > > I guess my cat, Sugar, must have cleared the virus since he was exposed to > it 24/7 for 6 mos. They bit one another playing, ate/drank out of the same > bowls, and shared the litter box. I know you have heard my story before, > I'm just sharing with the "newbie's". > > It would be an extreme breakthrough if scientist could determine when the > virus is actually shed. I hope they accomplish this soon and my hope's are > that they are working on a cure as well. > > Kiss those sweet furry babies today :) > > L ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Feline Leukemia Question
I'm guessing all your other cats have been tested for FeLV? I can't imagine any vet or shelter vaccinating for FeLV without testing first. Peaches should definitely be tested before letting her near the other cats. If they are all negative & never go outside I wouldn't vaccinate them for FeLV. Just be vigilant about bringing any new cats in. Beth Don't Litter, Fix Your Critter! www.Furkids.org From: Martha Walton To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, August 3, 2011 3:17 PM Subject: [Felvtalk] Feline Leukemia Question We have a new addition (Peaches) to my household, making a total of 4 cats. Need advice on Feline Leukemia Vaccinations. I have not introduced new cat (Peaches) to my other cats, as I want to make sure all are safe against feline leukemia. Peaches is up to date with all shots, but waiting on vet to do fecal because I saw a tapeworm. Peaches is sequestered to basement. Very comfy down there. Here's the situation: *Peaches* (New Cat) Age: 4.5 yr Current vaccination for Feline Leukemia, but *was never tested* before vaccination. Peaches was never tested for Feline Leukemia, she was given 1st & 2nd feline leukemia in 2009. She also had a vaccination in 2010 I have 3 other cats: All cats will stay indoors! *Nibbles *(got from shelter when 1 yr. old) Age: 2.5 Nibbles had 1st Feline Leukemia shot 3/23/11, but not 2nd Feline Leukemia shot. Didn't get 2nd: worrying about tumors & didn't think that I would "rescue" a cat again and planning on keeping all cats indoors. *However, I rescued another cat.* Should I go ahead and give Nibbles her second shot of the series, or is it too late?? *Littlebit* Age: 11 Current Feline Leukemia vacc *Lacy* Age: 6 months Current Feline Leukemia vacc What do you think I should do??? Should I go ahead and give Nibbles her second shot of the series, or is it too late?? Should I get Peaches tested for Feline Leukemia?? ** ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Feline Leukemia Question
Martha, you will have to start over on Nibbles. Once you get the first shot, you have to get the second within 3 weeks of the first for it to be effective. It would be wise to have Peaches tested. Getting her the vaccination against FeLV will not show a positive test like the FIV would. I would keep her separate from the others of course, until her worms are gone and she has had two FeLV tests that have the same result. Glad all the others are all current! Your a good momma to be cautious. I hope this helps, we all try to share our experiences and knowledge on this forum, but we are not experts :) Keep us posted. Thanks, L - Original Message - From: "Martha Walton" To: Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2011 2:17 PM Subject: [Felvtalk] Feline Leukemia Question We have a new addition (Peaches) to my household, making a total of 4 cats. Need advice on Feline Leukemia Vaccinations. I have not introduced new cat (Peaches) to my other cats, as I want to make sure all are safe against feline leukemia. Peaches is up to date with all shots, but waiting on vet to do fecal because I saw a tapeworm. Peaches is sequestered to basement. Very comfy down there. Here's the situation: *Peaches* (New Cat) Age: 4.5 yr Current vaccination for Feline Leukemia, but *was never tested* before vaccination. Peaches was never tested for Feline Leukemia, she was given 1st & 2nd feline leukemia in 2009. She also had a vaccination in 2010 I have 3 other cats: All cats will stay indoors! *Nibbles *(got from shelter when 1 yr. old) Age: 2.5 Nibbles had 1st Feline Leukemia shot 3/23/11, but not 2nd Feline Leukemia shot. Didn't get 2nd: worrying about tumors & didn't think that I would "rescue" a cat again and planning on keeping all cats indoors. *However, I rescued another cat.* Should I go ahead and give Nibbles her second shot of the series, or is it too late?? *Littlebit* Age: 11 Current Feline Leukemia vacc *Lacy* Age: 6 months Current Feline Leukemia vacc What do you think I should do??? Should I go ahead and give Nibbles her second shot of the series, or is it too late?? Should I get Peaches tested for Feline Leukemia?? ** ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
[Felvtalk] Feline Leukemia Question
We have a new addition (Peaches) to my household, making a total of 4 cats. Need advice on Feline Leukemia Vaccinations. I have not introduced new cat (Peaches) to my other cats, as I want to make sure all are safe against feline leukemia. Peaches is up to date with all shots, but waiting on vet to do fecal because I saw a tapeworm. Peaches is sequestered to basement. Very comfy down there. Here's the situation: *Peaches* (New Cat) Age: 4.5 yr Current vaccination for Feline Leukemia, but *was never tested* before vaccination. Peaches was never tested for Feline Leukemia, she was given 1st & 2nd feline leukemia in 2009. She also had a vaccination in 2010 I have 3 other cats: All cats will stay indoors! *Nibbles *(got from shelter when 1 yr. old) Age: 2.5 Nibbles had 1st Feline Leukemia shot 3/23/11, but not 2nd Feline Leukemia shot. Didn't get 2nd: worrying about tumors & didn't think that I would "rescue" a cat again and planning on keeping all cats indoors. *However, I rescued another cat.* Should I go ahead and give Nibbles her second shot of the series, or is it too late?? *Littlebit* Age: 11 Current Feline Leukemia vacc *Lacy* Age: 6 months Current Feline Leukemia vacc What do you think I should do??? Should I go ahead and give Nibbles her second shot of the series, or is it too late?? Should I get Peaches tested for Feline Leukemia?? ** ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Off Topic - Does owning a cat make you sexier?
Well. the sexiest living animal was my Momma Tulip. I watched her a couple of times,before she was fixed,and she had some moves. The guys didn't have a chance.You know Momma Tulip is a cat. --- On Wed, 8/3/11, Natalie wrote: From: Natalie Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Off Topic - Does owning a cat make you sexier? To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Date: Wednesday, August 3, 2011, 11:34 AM Are your pockets stuffed with catnip or do you rub it all over yourself? =^..^= -Original Message- From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Bonnie Hogue Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2011 11:11 AM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Off Topic - Does owning a cat make you sexier? Does owning a cat make you sexier? Well, judging by the cats clamoring for my attention, I'd say there is *some* kind of "animal magnetism" that I exude! :=) Bonnie Original Message- From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Edna Taylor Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2011 7:48 AM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Off Topic - Does owning a cat make you sexier? HA HA HA, yes people seem VERY surprised when they meet me because my name is Edna and I am in cat rescue. Naturally, their minds go to the crazy cat lady on the Simpsons but that is just not the case ;) > Date: Wed, 3 Aug 2011 09:46:31 -0400 > From: at...@optonline.net > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Subject: [Felvtalk] Off Topic - Does owning a cat make you sexier? > > http://www.catster.com/cats-101/does-owning-a-cat-make-you-sexier > > > > No, we're NOT a bunch of little old ladies in tennis shoes... > > ___ > Felvtalk mailing list > Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Viral Shedding
I've been looking on line for answers. So take these things with a grain of salt, esp. since I'm not a vet. But then I'm not sure most vets see enough FeLV to really be that knowledgeable about it. What I've been able to understand from what I was able to find: ELISA tests for for FeLV free (unattached to other cells) in the bloodstream. This shows initial infection. The IFA tests for the virus attached to white blood cells (white cells are made in the bone marrow, which is where they pick up the virus) This shows secondary infection, & is when the cat starts sheddiing the virus & is contagious to other cats. I would treat ANY cat testing positive on Either test as contagious. The article below explains the life stages of the virus.According to this an IFA should ONLY be used after a positive Elisa. An IFA run without an Elisa may miss the initial stage of infection because it is only looking for FeLV in the white blood cells. http://www.lbah.com/feline/felv.html I really wish I was still in school & had the time to research & write about this subject! Beth Don't Litter, Fix Your Critter! www.Furkids.org From: Maureen Olvey To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, August 3, 2011 1:15 PM Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Viral Shedding OMG - way to complicated for me!!! “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, 3 Aug 2011 10:09:17 -0700 > From: create_me_...@yahoo.com > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Viral Shedding > > This link explains what "sheeding" a virus means. > > http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viral_shedding > > Don't Litter, Fix Your Critter! www.Furkids.org > > > > > From: Natalie > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Sent: Wednesday, August 3, 2011 10:38 AM > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties > > I think that their immune systems are getting rid of the virus by "eating it > up", "absorbing" it, NOT expelling it to infect others. I bet they don't > knowI will ask my vet next time I see him > > -Original Message- > From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org > [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Maureen Olvey > Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2011 10:32 AM > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties > > > That's what we're wondering - whether the virus is shed into their saliva > while their immune system is still fighting the virus. If the ELISA is > positive but the IFA is still negative are the cats able to infect another > cat. My book said that when the IFA is positive the cats are able to infect > other cats. It didn't say that about when the ELISA is positive but the IFA > is negative. It didn't say anything at all about that situation so we're > wondering at what point in the progression of the disease is the cat able to > infect another cat. Since the ELISA test can use saliva or blood to detect > the virus then that means the virus is in the saliva at that point right, > and I would think it would be able to infect another cat. But that may not > be correct. Maybe the virus can't be spread until it's progressed all the > way through the body and has gone into the white blood cells. Maybe once > the virus goes into the bone marrow and white blood cells it changes or > mutates into a way that makes it contagious. I don't know, it's weird. I > guess if the experts don't know then I'll never figure it out either. > > > "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, 3 Aug 2011 10:10:37 -0400 > > From: at...@optonline.net > > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties > > > > So, does that mean that as positive kittens'/cats' virus is being fought > by > > their immune systems, they are contagious? I have heard vets use the term > > "shedding" in this context since the 90s, NOT meaning that they are > > infectious during that time. > > What a little word can mean. > > > > -Original Message- > > From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org > > [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Beth > > Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2011 9:50 AM > > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties > > > > Shedding a virus means they are contagious. > > > > Beth > > > > Don't Litter, F
Re: [Felvtalk] Off Topic - Does owning a cat make you sexier?
Giving a cat a bath, a man - that definitely takes him to a whole new level of sexiness!!! “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, 3 Aug 2011 10:32:22 -0700 > From: hingebacktorto...@yahoo.com > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Off Topic - Does owning a cat make you sexier? > > well, I don't know whether it makes me sexier but I do have a really cute > boyfriend who has four cats. When I met him he told me he was a cat person > and not too crazy about dogs. That certainly got my attention since most men > have felt threatened by my 4-legged family members. I would say it > definitely makes him sexier, especially since he's the only person I know who > can give a cat a bath. > > > From: Natalie > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Sent: Wednesday, August 3, 2011 9:46 AM > Subject: [Felvtalk] Off Topic - Does owning a cat make you sexier? > > http://www.catster.com/cats-101/does-owning-a-cat-make-you-sexier > > > > No, we're NOT a bunch of little old ladies in tennis shoes... > > ___ > Felvtalk mailing list > Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org > ___ > Felvtalk mailing list > Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Off Topic - Does owning a cat make you sexier?
well, I don't know whether it makes me sexier but I do have a really cute boyfriend who has four cats. When I met him he told me he was a cat person and not too crazy about dogs. That certainly got my attention since most men have felt threatened by my 4-legged family members. I would say it definitely makes him sexier, especially since he's the only person I know who can give a cat a bath. From: Natalie To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, August 3, 2011 9:46 AM Subject: [Felvtalk] Off Topic - Does owning a cat make you sexier? http://www.catster.com/cats-101/does-owning-a-cat-make-you-sexier No, we're NOT a bunch of little old ladies in tennis shoes... ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Viral Shedding
OMG - way to complicated for me!!! “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, 3 Aug 2011 10:09:17 -0700 > From: create_me_...@yahoo.com > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Viral Shedding > > This link explains what "sheeding" a virus means. > > http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viral_shedding > > Don't Litter, Fix Your Critter! www.Furkids.org > > > > > From: Natalie > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Sent: Wednesday, August 3, 2011 10:38 AM > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties > > I think that their immune systems are getting rid of the virus by "eating it > up", "absorbing" it, NOT expelling it to infect others. I bet they don't > knowI will ask my vet next time I see him > > -Original Message- > From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org > [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Maureen Olvey > Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2011 10:32 AM > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties > > > That's what we're wondering - whether the virus is shed into their saliva > while their immune system is still fighting the virus. If the ELISA is > positive but the IFA is still negative are the cats able to infect another > cat. My book said that when the IFA is positive the cats are able to infect > other cats. It didn't say that about when the ELISA is positive but the IFA > is negative. It didn't say anything at all about that situation so we're > wondering at what point in the progression of the disease is the cat able to > infect another cat. Since the ELISA test can use saliva or blood to detect > the virus then that means the virus is in the saliva at that point right, > and I would think it would be able to infect another cat. But that may not > be correct. Maybe the virus can't be spread until it's progressed all the > way through the body and has gone into the white blood cells. Maybe once > the virus goes into the bone marrow and white blood cells it changes or > mutates into a way that makes it contagious. I don't know, it's weird. I > guess if the experts don't know then I'll never figure it out either. > > > "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, 3 Aug 2011 10:10:37 -0400 > > From: at...@optonline.net > > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties > > > > So, does that mean that as positive kittens'/cats' virus is being fought > by > > their immune systems, they are contagious? I have heard vets use the term > > "shedding" in this context since the 90s, NOT meaning that they are > > infectious during that time. > > What a little word can mean. > > > > -Original Message- > > From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org > > [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Beth > > Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2011 9:50 AM > > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties > > > > Shedding a virus means they are contagious. > > > > Beth > > > > Don't Litter, Fix Your Critter! www.Furkids.org > > > > > > > > > > From: Natalie > > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > > Sent: Wednesday, August 3, 2011 9:19 AM > > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties > > > > Are we talking about two kinds of shedding of the virus? > > When I say shedding the virus, I mean that as the immune system develops, > > the body gets rid of the virus. > > Could it also mean that as the virus infects while shedding? > > > ___ > Felvtalk mailing list > Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org > > > > ___ > Felvtalk mailing list > Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org > ___ > Felvtalk mailing list > Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Viral Shedding
This link explains what "sheeding" a virus means. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viral_shedding Don't Litter, Fix Your Critter! www.Furkids.org From: Natalie To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, August 3, 2011 10:38 AM Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties I think that their immune systems are getting rid of the virus by "eating it up", "absorbing" it, NOT expelling it to infect others. I bet they don't knowI will ask my vet next time I see him -Original Message- From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Maureen Olvey Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2011 10:32 AM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties That's what we're wondering - whether the virus is shed into their saliva while their immune system is still fighting the virus. If the ELISA is positive but the IFA is still negative are the cats able to infect another cat. My book said that when the IFA is positive the cats are able to infect other cats. It didn't say that about when the ELISA is positive but the IFA is negative. It didn't say anything at all about that situation so we're wondering at what point in the progression of the disease is the cat able to infect another cat. Since the ELISA test can use saliva or blood to detect the virus then that means the virus is in the saliva at that point right, and I would think it would be able to infect another cat. But that may not be correct. Maybe the virus can't be spread until it's progressed all the way through the body and has gone into the white blood cells. Maybe once the virus goes into the bone marrow and white blood cells it changes or mutates into a way that makes it contagious. I don't know, it's weird. I guess if the experts don't know then I'll never figure it out either. "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, 3 Aug 2011 10:10:37 -0400 > From: at...@optonline.net > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties > > So, does that mean that as positive kittens'/cats' virus is being fought by > their immune systems, they are contagious? I have heard vets use the term > "shedding" in this context since the 90s, NOT meaning that they are > infectious during that time. > What a little word can mean. > > -Original Message- > From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org > [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Beth > Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2011 9:50 AM > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties > > Shedding a virus means they are contagious. > > Beth > > Don't Litter, Fix Your Critter! www.Furkids.org > > > > > From: Natalie > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Sent: Wednesday, August 3, 2011 9:19 AM > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties > > Are we talking about two kinds of shedding of the virus? > When I say shedding the virus, I mean that as the immune system develops, > the body gets rid of the virus. > Could it also mean that as the virus infects while shedding? ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties
Just so you know that the vaccination is only 80% effective. But it's a lot better than 0% protection. - Original Message - From: "Beth" To: Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2011 8:56 AM Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties Fighting doesn't matter with FeLV if the cats are vaccinated. It is passed in the saliva. Fighting will pass FIV. I mix all my positives & negatives, too. Have for years with no passing of the virus. Beth Don't Litter, Fix Your Critter! www.Furkids.org From: john pollack To: "felvtalk@felineleukemia.org" Sent: Monday, August 1, 2011 6:02 PM Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties My cat Tigger is FeLV Positive and has been for almost 5 years. None of my others are, all vaccinated. They share litter boxes, water bowls and food! They even sleep together! So yes, they can be integrated, as long as the negatives are vaccinated, they do not fight or mate!! From: Ana Gutierrez To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Monday, August 1, 2011 5:49 PM Subject: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties Dear all, It's been a while since I haven't posted to the list. Since my Beltza passed away, last year I am still in debt with you guys for all the support you gave me with her. I cannot remember if I told you that I run a very small cat shelter in Cuernavaca, México, where I live. Recently, we rescued two kitties which turned out to be FeLV positive (on a triple SNAP test, FeLV, FIV and HW, Idexx brand). These two cats are not siblings, they come from different litters from different parts of México City. We are aware that they need to be retested in 3 months in order to be completely sure that they are FeLV positive. However, I have a lot of doubts and this is the reason of why I am posting again... We want to find nice and responsible families for these two kitties. Does these kitties need to be adopted as the only cat in the house? Can they share their lives with other cats? FeLV negative as long as they have their vaccines up-to-date? Can we give them together in adoption? Can they share their lives with other FeLV positive cats? We are also aware of the huge responsibility that is in our hands at the time of giving these two furry ones in adoption, we know that we need to find homes that are well documented, and that intend to keep them indoors. We would greatly appreciate any advice you could give us in order to ensure a great life for these two little guys. Thanks in advance, Ana ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties
Yes, that is what the discussion was about. My vet's partner at the hospital told me since the kitten that I adopted from the HS had a faint positive on the ELISA, she was hoping he was not shedding the virus or not much of it to infect my cat, Sugar. This was somewhat of the reason for the discussion. But the HS kitten was on death's door at 9 mos old :( - Original Message - From: "Maureen Olvey" To: Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2011 8:31 AM Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties Lynda and I were talking about the other kind of shedding, meaning they are contagious. The virus is being "shed" in their saliva and bloodstream so they can spread it to other cats. Not shedding as in get rid of it. At least I think that's what we were talking about ;-) I didn't think about shedding as in getting rid of the virus. Now that you say it though it does make more sense to say shed as in get rid of it. Oops, didn't mean to be so confusing. We were just talking about when one cat can start infecting another cat. “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, 3 Aug 2011 09:19:15 -0400 From: at...@optonline.net To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties Are we talking about two kinds of shedding of the virus? When I say shedding the virus, I mean that as the immune system develops, the body gets rid of the virus. Could it also mean that as the virus infects while shedding? -Original Message- From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Lynda Wilson Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2011 8:25 AM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties Great analogy, Maureen and it makes sense :) I guess my cat, Sugar, must have cleared the virus since he was exposed to it 24/7 for 6 mos. They bit one another playing, ate/drank out of the same bowls, and shared the litter box. I know you have heard my story before, I'm just sharing with the "newbie's". It would be an extreme breakthrough if scientist could determine when the virus is actually shed. I hope they accomplish this soon and my hope's are that they are working on a cure as well. Kiss those sweet furry babies today :) L - Original Message - From: "Maureen Olvey" To: Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2011 4:46 AM Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties An antigen is any substance that causes your body to produce antibodies. Foreign substances such as chemicals, bacteria, viruses, and pollen are antigens. So since a virus is an antigen it kind of sounds stupid to say the ELISA test for the FeLV virus antigen. It sounds like it's saying the same thing twice - it's testing for the virus virus. I guess it just sounds more medical to say virus antigen instead of just virus. Anyway, logically if the ELISA detects the virus in the saliva, blood, etc. it seems like it would be contagious at that point. But if the experts are saying that isn't so then I can't argue. Maybe it does have something to do with the virus getting into the white blood cells and bone marrow before it can be spread, like you were saying. Haven't read that but it is kind of curious. This disease never makes sense and for every rule there's an exception. Oh, one thing in my book said that one reason not all cats exposed to it don't get it is because they are not exposed to it often enough. Like eating after another cat one time is not enough for the virus to spread. It takes a long time, usually a couple months or so at least, with continuous exposure for a cat to pick up the virus from another cat. The book said about 30 % of cats exposed to the virus don't get it because either they're resistant or don't have enough exposure to it. Another 30 % get it but are able to extinguish it before it gets into their white blood cells or bone marrow. 5 - 10 % put the disease into latentcy and then the remaining 30% are the ones that get the virus and are not able to fight it off and will test positive on the IFA and usually die from the disease. Still don't know the answer to the question of whether the virus can be shed at the stage where the ELISA is positive but the IFA is negative. If anyone finds out let us know. "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: Tue, 2 Aug 2011 19:30:04 -0500 > From: longhornf...
Re: [Felvtalk] Off Topic - Does owning a cat make you sexier?
Are your pockets stuffed with catnip or do you rub it all over yourself? =^..^= -Original Message- From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Bonnie Hogue Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2011 11:11 AM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Off Topic - Does owning a cat make you sexier? Does owning a cat make you sexier? Well, judging by the cats clamoring for my attention, I'd say there is *some* kind of "animal magnetism" that I exude! :=) Bonnie Original Message- From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Edna Taylor Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2011 7:48 AM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Off Topic - Does owning a cat make you sexier? HA HA HA, yes people seem VERY surprised when they meet me because my name is Edna and I am in cat rescue. Naturally, their minds go to the crazy cat lady on the Simpsons but that is just not the case ;) > Date: Wed, 3 Aug 2011 09:46:31 -0400 > From: at...@optonline.net > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Subject: [Felvtalk] Off Topic - Does owning a cat make you sexier? > > http://www.catster.com/cats-101/does-owning-a-cat-make-you-sexier > > > > No, we're NOT a bunch of little old ladies in tennis shoes... > > ___ > Felvtalk mailing list > Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Off Topic - Does owning a cat make you sexier?
Does owning a cat make you sexier? Well, judging by the cats clamoring for my attention, I'd say there is *some* kind of "animal magnetism" that I exude! :=) Bonnie Original Message- From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Edna Taylor Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2011 7:48 AM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Off Topic - Does owning a cat make you sexier? HA HA HA, yes people seem VERY surprised when they meet me because my name is Edna and I am in cat rescue. Naturally, their minds go to the crazy cat lady on the Simpsons but that is just not the case ;) > Date: Wed, 3 Aug 2011 09:46:31 -0400 > From: at...@optonline.net > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Subject: [Felvtalk] Off Topic - Does owning a cat make you sexier? > > http://www.catster.com/cats-101/does-owning-a-cat-make-you-sexier > > > > No, we're NOT a bunch of little old ladies in tennis shoes... > > ___ > Felvtalk mailing list > Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Off Topic - Does owning a cat make you sexier?
HA HA HA, yes people seem VERY surprised when they meet me because my name is Edna and I am in cat rescue. Naturally, their minds go to the crazy cat lady on the Simpsons but that is just not the case ;) > Date: Wed, 3 Aug 2011 09:46:31 -0400 > From: at...@optonline.net > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Subject: [Felvtalk] Off Topic - Does owning a cat make you sexier? > > http://www.catster.com/cats-101/does-owning-a-cat-make-you-sexier > > > > No, we're NOT a bunch of little old ladies in tennis shoes... > > ___ > Felvtalk mailing list > Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties
I think that their immune systems are getting rid of the virus by "eating it up", "absorbing" it, NOT expelling it to infect others. I bet they don't knowI will ask my vet next time I see him -Original Message- From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Maureen Olvey Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2011 10:32 AM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties That's what we're wondering - whether the virus is shed into their saliva while their immune system is still fighting the virus. If the ELISA is positive but the IFA is still negative are the cats able to infect another cat. My book said that when the IFA is positive the cats are able to infect other cats. It didn't say that about when the ELISA is positive but the IFA is negative. It didn't say anything at all about that situation so we're wondering at what point in the progression of the disease is the cat able to infect another cat. Since the ELISA test can use saliva or blood to detect the virus then that means the virus is in the saliva at that point right, and I would think it would be able to infect another cat. But that may not be correct. Maybe the virus can't be spread until it's progressed all the way through the body and has gone into the white blood cells. Maybe once the virus goes into the bone marrow and white blood cells it changes or mutates into a way that makes it contagious. I don't know, it's weird. I guess if the experts don't know then I'll never figure it out either. "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, 3 Aug 2011 10:10:37 -0400 > From: at...@optonline.net > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties > > So, does that mean that as positive kittens'/cats' virus is being fought by > their immune systems, they are contagious? I have heard vets use the term > "shedding" in this context since the 90s, NOT meaning that they are > infectious during that time. > What a little word can mean. > > -Original Message- > From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org > [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Beth > Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2011 9:50 AM > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties > > Shedding a virus means they are contagious. > > Beth > > Don't Litter, Fix Your Critter! www.Furkids.org > > > > > From: Natalie > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Sent: Wednesday, August 3, 2011 9:19 AM > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties > > Are we talking about two kinds of shedding of the virus? > When I say shedding the virus, I mean that as the immune system develops, > the body gets rid of the virus. > Could it also mean that as the virus infects while shedding? ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Off Topic - Does owning a cat make you sexier?
Sorry, I am sexier because I have more cats than my age. -Original Message- From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Maureen Olvey Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2011 10:15 AM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Off Topic - Does owning a cat make you sexier? Ha, ha - If owning a cat makes you sexier I'm friggin Angelina Jolie because I own so many!!! "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, 3 Aug 2011 09:46:31 -0400 > From: at...@optonline.net > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Subject: [Felvtalk] Off Topic - Does owning a cat make you sexier? > > http://www.catster.com/cats-101/does-owning-a-cat-make-you-sexier > > > > No, we're NOT a bunch of little old ladies in tennis shoes... > > ___ > Felvtalk mailing list > Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties
That's what we're wondering - whether the virus is shed into their saliva while their immune system is still fighting the virus. If the ELISA is positive but the IFA is still negative are the cats able to infect another cat. My book said that when the IFA is positive the cats are able to infect other cats. It didn't say that about when the ELISA is positive but the IFA is negative. It didn't say anything at all about that situation so we're wondering at what point in the progression of the disease is the cat able to infect another cat. Since the ELISA test can use saliva or blood to detect the virus then that means the virus is in the saliva at that point right, and I would think it would be able to infect another cat. But that may not be correct. Maybe the virus can't be spread until it's progressed all the way through the body and has gone into the white blood cells. Maybe once the virus goes into the bone marrow and white blood cells it changes or mutates into a way that makes it contagious. I don't know, it's weird. I guess if the experts don't know then I'll never figure it out either. “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, 3 Aug 2011 10:10:37 -0400 > From: at...@optonline.net > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties > > So, does that mean that as positive kittens'/cats' virus is being fought by > their immune systems, they are contagious? I have heard vets use the term > "shedding" in this context since the 90s, NOT meaning that they are > infectious during that time. > What a little word can mean. > > -Original Message- > From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org > [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Beth > Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2011 9:50 AM > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties > > Shedding a virus means they are contagious. > > Beth > > Don't Litter, Fix Your Critter! www.Furkids.org > > > > > From: Natalie > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Sent: Wednesday, August 3, 2011 9:19 AM > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties > > Are we talking about two kinds of shedding of the virus? > When I say shedding the virus, I mean that as the immune system develops, > the body gets rid of the virus. > Could it also mean that as the virus infects while shedding? ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Off Topic - Does owning a cat make you sexier?
Ha, ha - If owning a cat makes you sexier I'm friggin Angelina Jolie because I own so many!!! “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, 3 Aug 2011 09:46:31 -0400 > From: at...@optonline.net > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Subject: [Felvtalk] Off Topic - Does owning a cat make you sexier? > > http://www.catster.com/cats-101/does-owning-a-cat-make-you-sexier > > > > No, we're NOT a bunch of little old ladies in tennis shoes... > > ___ > Felvtalk mailing list > Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties
So, does that mean that as positive kittens'/cats' virus is being fought by their immune systems, they are contagious? I have heard vets use the term "shedding" in this context since the 90s, NOT meaning that they are infectious during that time. What a little word can mean. -Original Message- From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Beth Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2011 9:50 AM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties Shedding a virus means they are contagious. Beth Don't Litter, Fix Your Critter! www.Furkids.org From: Natalie To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, August 3, 2011 9:19 AM Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties Are we talking about two kinds of shedding of the virus? When I say shedding the virus, I mean that as the immune system develops, the body gets rid of the virus. Could it also mean that as the virus infects while shedding? -Original Message- From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Lynda Wilson Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2011 8:25 AM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties Great analogy, Maureen and it makes sense :) I guess my cat, Sugar, must have cleared the virus since he was exposed to it 24/7 for 6 mos. They bit one another playing, ate/drank out of the same bowls, and shared the litter box. I know you have heard my story before, I'm just sharing with the "newbie's". It would be an extreme breakthrough if scientist could determine when the virus is actually shed. I hope they accomplish this soon and my hope's are that they are working on a cure as well. Kiss those sweet furry babies today :) L - Original Message - From: "Maureen Olvey" To: Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2011 4:46 AM Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties An antigen is any substance that causes your body to produce antibodies. Foreign substances such as chemicals, bacteria, viruses, and pollen are antigens. So since a virus is an antigen it kind of sounds stupid to say the ELISA test for the FeLV virus antigen. It sounds like it's saying the same thing twice - it's testing for the virus virus. I guess it just sounds more medical to say virus antigen instead of just virus. Anyway, logically if the ELISA detects the virus in the saliva, blood, etc. it seems like it would be contagious at that point. But if the experts are saying that isn't so then I can't argue. Maybe it does have something to do with the virus getting into the white blood cells and bone marrow before it can be spread, like you were saying. Haven't read that but it is kind of curious. This disease never makes sense and for every rule there's an exception. Oh, one thing in my book said that one reason not all cats exposed to it don't get it is because they are not exposed to it often enough. Like eating after another cat one time is not enough for the virus to spread. It takes a long time, usually a couple months or so at least, with continuous exposure for a cat to pick up the virus from another cat. The book said about 30 % of cats exposed to the virus don't get it because either they're resistant or don't have enough exposure to it. Another 30 % get it but are able to extinguish it before it gets into their white blood cells or bone marrow. 5 - 10 % put the disease into latentcy and then the remaining 30% are the ones that get the virus and are not able to fight it off and will test positive on the IFA and usually die from the disease. Still don't know the answer to the question of whether the virus can be shed at the stage where the ELISA is positive but the IFA is negative. If anyone finds out let us know. "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: Tue, 2 Aug 2011 19:30:04 -0500 > From: longhornf...@verizon.net > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties > > Great observations and lots of mystery with this horrible disease. It > would > be great if you can find out from that book about what an antigen is and > how > it works with the virus. > > I'm no expert but have researched so much. It would be such a relief to > all > of us if we knew if the virus could be shed if the ELISA test is a true > positive (meaning it is in their saliva, blood, etc) or does it have to > reach the bone marrow first? Maybe that could also explain why some > contract > it and others don't. Am I making sense? It is confusing because it's not > B&W
Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties
Now I remember - we were calling it "shedding" as in making the cat contagious because that's what the book that I quoted called it. It called it shedding the virus into their saliva, etc. “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 > From: molvey...@hotmail.com > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Date: Wed, 3 Aug 2011 09:31:39 -0400 > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties > > > Lynda and I were talking about the other kind of shedding, meaning they are > contagious. The virus is being "shed" in their saliva and bloodstream so > they can spread it to other cats. Not shedding as in get rid of it. At > least I think that's what we were talking about ;-) I didn't think about > shedding as in getting rid of the virus. Now that you say it though it does > make more sense to say shed as in get rid of it. Oops, didn't mean to be so > confusing. We were just talking about when one cat can start infecting > another cat. > > > “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, 3 Aug 2011 09:19:15 -0400 > > From: at...@optonline.net > > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties > > > > Are we talking about two kinds of shedding of the virus? > > When I say shedding the virus, I mean that as the immune system develops, > > the body gets rid of the virus. > > Could it also mean that as the virus infects while shedding? > > ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties
Fighting doesn't matter with FeLV if the cats are vaccinated. It is passed in the saliva. Fighting will pass FIV. I mix all my positives & negatives, too. Have for years with no passing of the virus. Beth Don't Litter, Fix Your Critter! www.Furkids.org From: john pollack To: "felvtalk@felineleukemia.org" Sent: Monday, August 1, 2011 6:02 PM Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties My cat Tigger is FeLV Positive and has been for almost 5 years. None of my others are, all vaccinated. They share litter boxes, water bowls and food! They even sleep together! So yes, they can be integrated, as long as the negatives are vaccinated, they do not fight or mate!! From: Ana Gutierrez To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Monday, August 1, 2011 5:49 PM Subject: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties Dear all, It's been a while since I haven't posted to the list. Since my Beltza passed away, last year I am still in debt with you guys for all the support you gave me with her. I cannot remember if I told you that I run a very small cat shelter in Cuernavaca, México, where I live. Recently, we rescued two kitties which turned out to be FeLV positive (on a triple SNAP test, FeLV, FIV and HW, Idexx brand). These two cats are not siblings, they come from different litters from different parts of México City. We are aware that they need to be retested in 3 months in order to be completely sure that they are FeLV positive. However, I have a lot of doubts and this is the reason of why I am posting again... We want to find nice and responsible families for these two kitties. Does these kitties need to be adopted as the only cat in the house? Can they share their lives with other cats? FeLV negative as long as they have their vaccines up-to-date? Can we give them together in adoption? Can they share their lives with other FeLV positive cats? We are also aware of the huge responsibility that is in our hands at the time of giving these two furry ones in adoption, we know that we need to find homes that are well documented, and that intend to keep them indoors. We would greatly appreciate any advice you could give us in order to ensure a great life for these two little guys. Thanks in advance, Ana ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties
Shedding a virus means they are contagious. Beth Don't Litter, Fix Your Critter! www.Furkids.org From: Natalie To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, August 3, 2011 9:19 AM Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties Are we talking about two kinds of shedding of the virus? When I say shedding the virus, I mean that as the immune system develops, the body gets rid of the virus. Could it also mean that as the virus infects while shedding? -Original Message- From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Lynda Wilson Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2011 8:25 AM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties Great analogy, Maureen and it makes sense :) I guess my cat, Sugar, must have cleared the virus since he was exposed to it 24/7 for 6 mos. They bit one another playing, ate/drank out of the same bowls, and shared the litter box. I know you have heard my story before, I'm just sharing with the "newbie's". It would be an extreme breakthrough if scientist could determine when the virus is actually shed. I hope they accomplish this soon and my hope's are that they are working on a cure as well. Kiss those sweet furry babies today :) L - Original Message - From: "Maureen Olvey" To: Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2011 4:46 AM Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties An antigen is any substance that causes your body to produce antibodies. Foreign substances such as chemicals, bacteria, viruses, and pollen are antigens. So since a virus is an antigen it kind of sounds stupid to say the ELISA test for the FeLV virus antigen. It sounds like it's saying the same thing twice - it's testing for the virus virus. I guess it just sounds more medical to say virus antigen instead of just virus. Anyway, logically if the ELISA detects the virus in the saliva, blood, etc. it seems like it would be contagious at that point. But if the experts are saying that isn't so then I can't argue. Maybe it does have something to do with the virus getting into the white blood cells and bone marrow before it can be spread, like you were saying. Haven't read that but it is kind of curious. This disease never makes sense and for every rule there's an exception. Oh, one thing in my book said that one reason not all cats exposed to it don't get it is because they are not exposed to it often enough. Like eating after another cat one time is not enough for the virus to spread. It takes a long time, usually a couple months or so at least, with continuous exposure for a cat to pick up the virus from another cat. The book said about 30 % of cats exposed to the virus don't get it because either they're resistant or don't have enough exposure to it. Another 30 % get it but are able to extinguish it before it gets into their white blood cells or bone marrow. 5 - 10 % put the disease into latentcy and then the remaining 30% are the ones that get the virus and are not able to fight it off and will test positive on the IFA and usually die from the disease. Still don't know the answer to the question of whether the virus can be shed at the stage where the ELISA is positive but the IFA is negative. If anyone finds out let us know. "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: Tue, 2 Aug 2011 19:30:04 -0500 > From: longhornf...@verizon.net > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties > > Great observations and lots of mystery with this horrible disease. It > would > be great if you can find out from that book about what an antigen is and > how > it works with the virus. > > I'm no expert but have researched so much. It would be such a relief to > all > of us if we knew if the virus could be shed if the ELISA test is a true > positive (meaning it is in their saliva, blood, etc) or does it have to > reach the bone marrow first? Maybe that could also explain why some > contract > it and others don't. Am I making sense? It is confusing because it's not > B&W. There are too many exceptions with the FeLV. If you find out > anymore, > please share :) > > Thanks for your input/research! > - Original Message - > From: "Maureen Olvey" > To: > Sent: Tuesday, August 02, 2011 6:23 PM > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties > > > > I always thought they could spread it if positive on ELISA but the book > didn't say that so I wonder. The book made it sound like they would > only be shedding the virus and contagious if the IFA was positive. It > said that the ELISA test
[Felvtalk] Off Topic - Does owning a cat make you sexier?
http://www.catster.com/cats-101/does-owning-a-cat-make-you-sexier No, we're NOT a bunch of little old ladies in tennis shoes... ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties
Lynda and I were talking about the other kind of shedding, meaning they are contagious. The virus is being "shed" in their saliva and bloodstream so they can spread it to other cats. Not shedding as in get rid of it. At least I think that's what we were talking about ;-) I didn't think about shedding as in getting rid of the virus. Now that you say it though it does make more sense to say shed as in get rid of it. Oops, didn't mean to be so confusing. We were just talking about when one cat can start infecting another cat. “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, 3 Aug 2011 09:19:15 -0400 > From: at...@optonline.net > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties > > Are we talking about two kinds of shedding of the virus? > When I say shedding the virus, I mean that as the immune system develops, > the body gets rid of the virus. > Could it also mean that as the virus infects while shedding? > > -Original Message- > From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org > [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Lynda Wilson > Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2011 8:25 AM > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties > > Great analogy, Maureen and it makes sense :) > > I guess my cat, Sugar, must have cleared the virus since he was exposed to > it 24/7 for 6 mos. They bit one another playing, ate/drank out of the same > bowls, and shared the litter box. I know you have heard my story before, I'm > > just sharing with the "newbie's". > > It would be an extreme breakthrough if scientist could determine when the > virus is actually shed. I hope they accomplish this soon and my hope's are > that they are working on a cure as well. > > Kiss those sweet furry babies today :) > > L > - Original Message - > From: "Maureen Olvey" > To: > Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2011 4:46 AM > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties > > > > An antigen is any substance that causes your body to produce antibodies. > Foreign substances such as chemicals, bacteria, viruses, and pollen are > antigens. > > So since a virus is an antigen it kind of sounds stupid to say the ELISA > test for the FeLV virus antigen. It sounds like it's saying the same thing > twice - it's testing for the virus virus. I guess it just sounds more > medical to say virus antigen instead of just virus. > > Anyway, logically if the ELISA detects the virus in the saliva, blood, etc. > it seems like it would be contagious at that point. But if the experts are > saying that isn't so then I can't argue. Maybe it does have something to do > > with the virus getting into the white blood cells and bone marrow before it > can be spread, like you were saying. Haven't read that but it is kind of > curious. This disease never makes sense and for every rule there's an > exception. > > Oh, one thing in my book said that one reason not all cats exposed to it > don't get it is because they are not exposed to it often enough. Like > eating after another cat one time is not enough for the virus to spread. It > > takes a long time, usually a couple months or so at least, with continuous > exposure for a cat to pick up the virus from another cat. The book said > about 30 % of cats exposed to the virus don't get it because either they're > resistant or don't have enough exposure to it. Another 30 % get it but are > able to extinguish it before it gets into their white blood cells or bone > marrow. 5 - 10 % put the disease into latentcy and then the remaining 30% > are the ones that get the virus and are not able to fight it off and will > test positive on the IFA and usually die from the disease. > > Still don't know the answer to the question of whether the virus can be shed > > at the stage where the ELISA is positive but the IFA is negative. If anyone > > finds out let us know. > > > "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: Tue, 2 Aug 2011 19:30:04 -0500 > > From: longhornf...@verizon.net > > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties > > > > Great observations and lots of mystery with this horrible disease. It > > would > > be great if you can find out from that book about what an antigen is and > > how > > it works with the virus. > > > > I'm no expert but have rese
Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties
Are we talking about two kinds of shedding of the virus? When I say shedding the virus, I mean that as the immune system develops, the body gets rid of the virus. Could it also mean that as the virus infects while shedding? -Original Message- From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Lynda Wilson Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2011 8:25 AM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties Great analogy, Maureen and it makes sense :) I guess my cat, Sugar, must have cleared the virus since he was exposed to it 24/7 for 6 mos. They bit one another playing, ate/drank out of the same bowls, and shared the litter box. I know you have heard my story before, I'm just sharing with the "newbie's". It would be an extreme breakthrough if scientist could determine when the virus is actually shed. I hope they accomplish this soon and my hope's are that they are working on a cure as well. Kiss those sweet furry babies today :) L - Original Message - From: "Maureen Olvey" To: Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2011 4:46 AM Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties An antigen is any substance that causes your body to produce antibodies. Foreign substances such as chemicals, bacteria, viruses, and pollen are antigens. So since a virus is an antigen it kind of sounds stupid to say the ELISA test for the FeLV virus antigen. It sounds like it's saying the same thing twice - it's testing for the virus virus. I guess it just sounds more medical to say virus antigen instead of just virus. Anyway, logically if the ELISA detects the virus in the saliva, blood, etc. it seems like it would be contagious at that point. But if the experts are saying that isn't so then I can't argue. Maybe it does have something to do with the virus getting into the white blood cells and bone marrow before it can be spread, like you were saying. Haven't read that but it is kind of curious. This disease never makes sense and for every rule there's an exception. Oh, one thing in my book said that one reason not all cats exposed to it don't get it is because they are not exposed to it often enough. Like eating after another cat one time is not enough for the virus to spread. It takes a long time, usually a couple months or so at least, with continuous exposure for a cat to pick up the virus from another cat. The book said about 30 % of cats exposed to the virus don't get it because either they're resistant or don't have enough exposure to it. Another 30 % get it but are able to extinguish it before it gets into their white blood cells or bone marrow. 5 - 10 % put the disease into latentcy and then the remaining 30% are the ones that get the virus and are not able to fight it off and will test positive on the IFA and usually die from the disease. Still don't know the answer to the question of whether the virus can be shed at the stage where the ELISA is positive but the IFA is negative. If anyone finds out let us know. "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: Tue, 2 Aug 2011 19:30:04 -0500 > From: longhornf...@verizon.net > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties > > Great observations and lots of mystery with this horrible disease. It > would > be great if you can find out from that book about what an antigen is and > how > it works with the virus. > > I'm no expert but have researched so much. It would be such a relief to > all > of us if we knew if the virus could be shed if the ELISA test is a true > positive (meaning it is in their saliva, blood, etc) or does it have to > reach the bone marrow first? Maybe that could also explain why some > contract > it and others don't. Am I making sense? It is confusing because it's not > B&W. There are too many exceptions with the FeLV. If you find out > anymore, > please share :) > > Thanks for your input/research! > - Original Message - > From: "Maureen Olvey" > To: > Sent: Tuesday, August 02, 2011 6:23 PM > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties > > > > I always thought they could spread it if positive on ELISA but the book > didn't say that so I wonder. The book made it sound like they would > only be shedding the virus and contagious if the IFA was positive. It > said that the ELISA test for the virus antigen that's in the > blood, serum, saliva and tears. I looked up antigen before to see > exactly what that was, you know like whether it was the virus itself or > like an antibody, but I don't remember what it said. I know it's not > like an antibody. I'm not in th
Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties
If they are really positive, not false positive, it IS possible to still shed the virus; once it's gone into the bone marrow, and confirmed by IFA, cannot be shed - that's my interpretation. -Original Message- From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Lynda Wilson Sent: Tuesday, August 02, 2011 7:00 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties I wonder if the cats/kittens can shed the virus if a positive is on an ELISA test? That would be so helpful to know, but I read that scientists could not determine when the virus actually sheds :( - Original Message - From: "Maureen Olvey" To: Sent: Tuesday, August 02, 2011 5:31 PM Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties Those two little babies are so adorable. I really hope they turn out to be negative. How did you manage to get them to be still to take such great photos? When I try to take photos of my fosters for our website they are too busy playing to sit still for a photo shoot. I didn't foster the mama kitty or kittens that had FeLV but last I heard they waited like a month and a half and did the IFA on the mama kitty which turned out to be negative. They did individual snap test on the four kittens. Two of the four kittens tested positive on the snap test and the other two tested negative. So weird. They were able to adopt out the two negative kittens, same home I believe, although they did tell the adopters about the Mama and the two positive littermates. The other two littermates haven't been adopted yet. I'm not sure about the Mama cat. I'll have to e-mail them to find out what's going on right now. They really need to re-test the Mama and the two positive kittens and I don't know if they realize it. Good thing you sent this e-mail so I'd remember to talk with them. I have this book called "The Cat Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook" which is written by several different vets and I'll write exactly what they say about testing. It's a little long so just ignore this next part if you don't want to know. "Currently there are two tests available to detect FeLV infection. 1. The IFA test, performed by a reference laboratory, detects virus antigen in infected white blood cells. This indicates that the bone marrow is infected and there is a high probability that the cat is persistently viremic and is shedding the virus in his saliva, making him infective to other cats. About 97 percent of IFA positive cats remain viremic for life and never extinguish the virus. 2. The ELISA test detects virus antigen in whole blood, serum, saliva and tears. Blood is the recommended sample for testing. A rapid screening leukemia test kit is available for home and veterinary clinic use. The ELISA test is more likely to detect weak, early, or transient infections. The common practice is to screen for FeLV using the ELISA test. If positive, the cat may have a transient viremia from which he will recover completely, or he may be in the early stages of a progressive infection. A positive ELISA test should be confirmed with an IFA test. A positive IFA test indicates that the cat is shedding virus and is capable of infecting others. The ELISA test should be repeated in 8 to 12 weeks to see if the virus has been eliminated. The IFA test should also be repeated at this time because if the cat was in an early stage of infection, the IFA initially may not have been positive but may become so after 12 weeks." That's the direct quote from the book. The books also mentions about latent (dormant) type infections where the cat is able to eliminate the virus from blood and saliva but the virus still persists in the bone marrow and in T-cell lymphocytes. It says "over many months the majority of latent-infected cats overcome and extinguish the virus, so the incidence of latent infection after three years is quite low." During this period of latency though it talks about sometimes stress and illness can reactivate the virus. As far as testing to find out if a cat has a latent virus it says - "Cats with latent infection test negative on both the ELISA and the IFA tests. This is because the virus is absent in both serum and white cells. The only way to diagnose a latent infection is to remove a sample of the cat's bone marrow containing the dormant virus and grow the cells in culture." Well, that's what the book says anyway. Not that it is an absolute authority but most of the other reading seems to say the same thing. What's funny is that you could have a cat that has a latent infection and you would never know it unless the virus got reactivated and the cat became sick. So you could do 10 different test on the cat and they would all be negative but then a year later the virus could become reactived then the cat tests positive. I look at all my cats and my fosters and wonder
Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties
It may be that Sugar was resistant to the virus so it never actually took hold in his system. He had adequate exposure but with a good immune system he may not have even gotten it. The vet that I talked to that has done more research on FeLV than most other vets said that the belief now is that most adult cats with healthy immune systems are resistant to the virus. That means it doesn't even affect them. And the ones that it does get into their system are able to clear it. Guess you'll never know for sure if Sugar was resistant to the virus or if he did get it but was able to extinguish the virus. Either way, glad he's fine now. I'm hoping for a cure too. Sucks that cats can get these kind of diseases and die young. I can't kiss all my fur babies because I'll be hacking up a hairball because there are so many of them!!! The consequences of doing rescue work. “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, 3 Aug 2011 07:24:50 -0500 > From: longhornf...@verizon.net > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties > > Great analogy, Maureen and it makes sense :) > > I guess my cat, Sugar, must have cleared the virus since he was exposed to > it 24/7 for 6 mos. They bit one another playing, ate/drank out of the same > bowls, and shared the litter box. I know you have heard my story before, I'm > just sharing with the "newbie's". > > It would be an extreme breakthrough if scientist could determine when the > virus is actually shed. I hope they accomplish this soon and my hope's are > that they are working on a cure as well. > > Kiss those sweet furry babies today :) > > L > - Original Message - > From: "Maureen Olvey" > To: > Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2011 4:46 AM > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties > > > > An antigen is any substance that causes your body to produce antibodies. > Foreign substances such as chemicals, bacteria, viruses, and pollen are > antigens. > > So since a virus is an antigen it kind of sounds stupid to say the ELISA > test for the FeLV virus antigen. It sounds like it's saying the same thing > twice - it's testing for the virus virus. I guess it just sounds more > medical to say virus antigen instead of just virus. > > Anyway, logically if the ELISA detects the virus in the saliva, blood, etc. > it seems like it would be contagious at that point. But if the experts are > saying that isn't so then I can't argue. Maybe it does have something to do > with the virus getting into the white blood cells and bone marrow before it > can be spread, like you were saying. Haven't read that but it is kind of > curious. This disease never makes sense and for every rule there's an > exception. > > Oh, one thing in my book said that one reason not all cats exposed to it > don't get it is because they are not exposed to it often enough. Like > eating after another cat one time is not enough for the virus to spread. It > takes a long time, usually a couple months or so at least, with continuous > exposure for a cat to pick up the virus from another cat. The book said > about 30 % of cats exposed to the virus don't get it because either they're > resistant or don't have enough exposure to it. Another 30 % get it but are > able to extinguish it before it gets into their white blood cells or bone > marrow. 5 - 10 % put the disease into latentcy and then the remaining 30% > are the ones that get the virus and are not able to fight it off and will > test positive on the IFA and usually die from the disease. > > Still don't know the answer to the question of whether the virus can be shed > at the stage where the ELISA is positive but the IFA is negative. If anyone > finds out let us know. > > > “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: Tue, 2 Aug 2011 19:30:04 -0500 > > From: longhornf...@verizon.net > > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties > > > > Great observations and lots of mystery with this horrible disease. It > > would > > be great if you can find out from that book about what an antigen is and > > how > > it works with the virus. > > > > I'm no expert but have researched so much. It would be such a relief to > > all > > of us if we knew if the virus could be shed if the ELISA test is a true > > positive (meaning it is in their saliva, blood
Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties
Great analogy, Maureen and it makes sense :) I guess my cat, Sugar, must have cleared the virus since he was exposed to it 24/7 for 6 mos. They bit one another playing, ate/drank out of the same bowls, and shared the litter box. I know you have heard my story before, I'm just sharing with the "newbie's". It would be an extreme breakthrough if scientist could determine when the virus is actually shed. I hope they accomplish this soon and my hope's are that they are working on a cure as well. Kiss those sweet furry babies today :) L - Original Message - From: "Maureen Olvey" To: Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2011 4:46 AM Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties An antigen is any substance that causes your body to produce antibodies. Foreign substances such as chemicals, bacteria, viruses, and pollen are antigens. So since a virus is an antigen it kind of sounds stupid to say the ELISA test for the FeLV virus antigen. It sounds like it's saying the same thing twice - it's testing for the virus virus. I guess it just sounds more medical to say virus antigen instead of just virus. Anyway, logically if the ELISA detects the virus in the saliva, blood, etc. it seems like it would be contagious at that point. But if the experts are saying that isn't so then I can't argue. Maybe it does have something to do with the virus getting into the white blood cells and bone marrow before it can be spread, like you were saying. Haven't read that but it is kind of curious. This disease never makes sense and for every rule there's an exception. Oh, one thing in my book said that one reason not all cats exposed to it don't get it is because they are not exposed to it often enough. Like eating after another cat one time is not enough for the virus to spread. It takes a long time, usually a couple months or so at least, with continuous exposure for a cat to pick up the virus from another cat. The book said about 30 % of cats exposed to the virus don't get it because either they're resistant or don't have enough exposure to it. Another 30 % get it but are able to extinguish it before it gets into their white blood cells or bone marrow. 5 - 10 % put the disease into latentcy and then the remaining 30% are the ones that get the virus and are not able to fight it off and will test positive on the IFA and usually die from the disease. Still don't know the answer to the question of whether the virus can be shed at the stage where the ELISA is positive but the IFA is negative. If anyone finds out let us know. “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: Tue, 2 Aug 2011 19:30:04 -0500 From: longhornf...@verizon.net To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties Great observations and lots of mystery with this horrible disease. It would be great if you can find out from that book about what an antigen is and how it works with the virus. I'm no expert but have researched so much. It would be such a relief to all of us if we knew if the virus could be shed if the ELISA test is a true positive (meaning it is in their saliva, blood, etc) or does it have to reach the bone marrow first? Maybe that could also explain why some contract it and others don't. Am I making sense? It is confusing because it's not B&W. There are too many exceptions with the FeLV. If you find out anymore, please share :) Thanks for your input/research! - Original Message - From: "Maureen Olvey" To: Sent: Tuesday, August 02, 2011 6:23 PM Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties I always thought they could spread it if positive on ELISA but the book didn't say that so I wonder. The book made it sound like they would only be shedding the virus and contagious if the IFA was positive. It said that the ELISA test for the virus antigen that's in the blood, serum, saliva and tears. I looked up antigen before to see exactly what that was, you know like whether it was the virus itself or like an antibody, but I don't remember what it said. I know it's not like an antibody. I'm not in the medical field so I have to look up a lot of stuff. So is the virus antigen the same as the virus itself? I need to go look that up again to try to understand again exactly what an antigen is. If the virus antigen is in the blood and saliva and the antigen is the same as the virus then why couldn't they spread the virus if the ELISA test is positive but the IFA test negative. I've just confused myself all over again ;-) Interesting enough, somewhere else it did say that if there was a latent infection, meaning the virus is only in the bon
Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties
An antigen is any substance that causes your body to produce antibodies. Foreign substances such as chemicals, bacteria, viruses, and pollen are antigens. So since a virus is an antigen it kind of sounds stupid to say the ELISA test for the FeLV virus antigen. It sounds like it's saying the same thing twice - it's testing for the virus virus. I guess it just sounds more medical to say virus antigen instead of just virus. Anyway, logically if the ELISA detects the virus in the saliva, blood, etc. it seems like it would be contagious at that point. But if the experts are saying that isn't so then I can't argue. Maybe it does have something to do with the virus getting into the white blood cells and bone marrow before it can be spread, like you were saying. Haven't read that but it is kind of curious. This disease never makes sense and for every rule there's an exception. Oh, one thing in my book said that one reason not all cats exposed to it don't get it is because they are not exposed to it often enough. Like eating after another cat one time is not enough for the virus to spread. It takes a long time, usually a couple months or so at least, with continuous exposure for a cat to pick up the virus from another cat. The book said about 30 % of cats exposed to the virus don't get it because either they're resistant or don't have enough exposure to it. Another 30 % get it but are able to extinguish it before it gets into their white blood cells or bone marrow. 5 - 10 % put the disease into latentcy and then the remaining 30% are the ones that get the virus and are not able to fight it off and will test positive on the IFA and usually die from the disease. Still don't know the answer to the question of whether the virus can be shed at the stage where the ELISA is positive but the IFA is negative. If anyone finds out let us know. “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: Tue, 2 Aug 2011 19:30:04 -0500 > From: longhornf...@verizon.net > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties > > Great observations and lots of mystery with this horrible disease. It would > be great if you can find out from that book about what an antigen is and how > it works with the virus. > > I'm no expert but have researched so much. It would be such a relief to all > of us if we knew if the virus could be shed if the ELISA test is a true > positive (meaning it is in their saliva, blood, etc) or does it have to > reach the bone marrow first? Maybe that could also explain why some contract > it and others don't. Am I making sense? It is confusing because it's not > B&W. There are too many exceptions with the FeLV. If you find out anymore, > please share :) > > Thanks for your input/research! > - Original Message - > From: "Maureen Olvey" > To: > Sent: Tuesday, August 02, 2011 6:23 PM > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] doubts on two FeLV positive kitties > > > > I always thought they could spread it if positive on ELISA but the book > didn't say that so I wonder. The book made it sound like they would > only be shedding the virus and contagious if the IFA was positive. It > said that the ELISA test for the virus antigen that's in the > blood, serum, saliva and tears. I looked up antigen before to see > exactly what that was, you know like whether it was the virus itself or > like an antibody, but I don't remember what it said. I know it's not > like an antibody. I'm not in the medical field so I have to look up a > lot of stuff. So is the virus antigen the same as the virus itself? I > need to go look that up again to try to understand again exactly what an > antigen is. If the virus antigen is in the blood and saliva and the > antigen is the same as the virus then why couldn't they spread the virus > if the ELISA test is positive but the IFA test negative. I've just > confused myself all over again ;-) > > Interesting enough, somewhere > else it did say that if there was a latent infection, meaning the virus > is only in the bone marrow and T-cell lymphocytes (whatever that is), a > mama cat could infect her kitten in utero or while nursing. I'm not > sure if that means that the virus reactivates during pregnancy or if the > kittens can get a dormant virus. It's all so confusing. > > But, I > would like to know if the virus can be shed when the ELISA is positive > but the IFA is negative so if anybody has any thoughts let me know. > > > “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 i