Re: [Felvtalk] (no subject)
Please remember, if you add a comment to a long list of discussions, the message becomes too large for this group (like this one) - it came back marked as being 'reviewed. Now, I will erase the bottom parts, and resend it in an updated form. -Original Message- From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of GRAS Sent: Sunday, February 05, 2012 8:21 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] (no subject) A positive Elisa a negative IFA means the Cat IS positive - Yes, UNLESS the ELISA was a false positive, which means that ideally, one should retest with the ELISA and see how it comes out (both positive or positive and negative) and then go from there Yes, it is amazing with all the misinformation...I remember reading things last year that are different this year (from the same sources...) makes one really wonder! Natalie -Original Message- From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Beth Sent: Sunday, February 05, 2012 7:22 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] (no subject) Yes, that is correct. A positive Elisa a negative IFA means the Cat IS positive, the virus is just not replicating in the bone marrow yet. That's why I worry when people get so excited about a negative IFA. It really only means the cat may still throw off the virus. It's strange your vet didn't make that clear. But then some vets seem clueless when it comes to this virus. Hoping for the best for your babies. Beth ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
[Felvtalk] ELISA IFA Tests:
First of all there are two commonly used types of FeLV tests. One is the in-office ELISA and the other is the laboratory run IFA test. Both types test for the FeLV protein p27. However, they detect the protein in different forms and detect infection at different stages. 1.) If a cat or kitten is ELISA positive, but healthy, an IFA test should be performed. Here is where the confusion begins. If the cat is IFA negative but ELISA positive there are two possibilities. One is a false positive ELISA test and the other is a stage of the disease is present at which the IFA test doesn't detect infection. Therefore the suspect cat or kitten should be isolated and retested in at least 6 weeks. If, at that time the cat is IFA positive, you know that the cat if infected. The IFA is 99% accurate. An IFA positive cat can be shedding virus and infect other cats and kittens. Remember to retest 6 weeks after an ELISA positive result, the cat's immune system can clear the virus especially in an adult cat (kittens and seniors have the most difficulty clearing the virus). This is what I have always been told by veterinarians and everyone on this FeLV thread. I have not heard any different. This info is true! Lynda ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
[Felvtalk] Hope
To all the wonderful people who replied to my message yesterday: thank you for giving me hope! My ginger kitty is still not well and is extremely lethargic. I spoke to our vet today and he is ordering Interferon right away. Natalie sent me some information on medication and I shared it with our vet. He will also give kitty a vitamin booster and an appetite stimulant. I feel better now that I know we can at least try something. Thanks so much for your support! Regards Marinda Sent via my BlackBerry from Vodacom - let your email find you! ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] (no subject)
Lee Absolutely wonderful advice(-: On Sun, Feb 5, 2012 at 3:30 PM, Lee Evans moonsiste...@yahoo.com wrote: Sunday, February 5, 2012 3:44 PM My cat Moses tested positive for FeLv. Since I have many other cats, I isolated him in a room in my house, retested three months later and he tested negative. That was about 6 years ago. He's still going strong and happy. If Ginger is an only cat, just allow her to continue her life, retest in about two or three months. Even if she's still positive, that's NOT a death sentence if she's happy and free from stress and physical danger. Feed her good food, clean water. Think simple. If she has a problem with something, it may be just a normal cat situation, not related to leukemia but always have it checked out. Most important, get a second opinion and a vet who is going to treat Ginger as if she has years of life ahead of her. Be happy and don't look at her as if she's a pending fatality. Look at her the same way you have been doing all along. A wonderful cat enjoying her life. ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org -- *Marcia Baronda* *Baronda Supplies Service, Inc.* *1550 S 2700 Rd.* *Herington, Kansas 67449* *Phone: 785-466-2501* *Cell:785-230-6499* ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
[Felvtalk] Sent yesterday, it was 34KB (tto large) - did it get through to you?
Hi, everyone: OK - I guess this is where I should come in and explain about what happened to me, based on the note below: If anyone can remember, about 3 1/2 yrs ago, Eliot Spitty, was diagnosed by the ELISA test to be FeLV positive. I couldn't find him a home, so I found another positive cat for him after 2 years of him being all alone (they became close buddies almost overnight). After I joined the group, I learned about the IFA test, had them both tested in June, they were negative. I introduced them to the rest of the cats (I operate a cat rescue group from our home). Eliot died of renal failure in September (euthanized), and Mr. Tux being such a snuggle bunny, was adopted three weeks ago to a home where another cat was adopted from me over 10 years ago. A week ago, Mr. Tux started losing appetite, and developed 105 temperature. The woman's sister is a veterinarian, knowing his history, she immediately tested him ELISA IFA - both were positive, and his virus is already in his bone marrow. They are heartbroken because their 7-yr old daughter and Mr. Tux fell in love at first sight - he slept under her arm, the other cat, Riley, at her side. The cats were friendly, but not close (but as we know, FeLV is a very sneaky virus). They will have to test Riley in about 5 weeks, Mr. Tux went to live with the vet who has a real animal-loving 3-yr old and a dog (Mr. Tux likes dogs). Bottom line is: All my cats have been exposed to Eliot and Mr. Tux since mid-June. Since the youngest and oldest or not-so-healthy cats are at most risk, I started with our 6-month old Hammie who was only 5 weeks old when he came to us. We also tested a cat that had to have another blood tests for his ongoing renal problem - both were NEGATIVE! However, little Hammie has a 1045.2 temperature, yet was exposed to Mr. Tux long enough to have shown reliable results. Hammie had an episode of unknown origin in September, of 104.4 temperature. I will test the youngest ones first, then the oldest and weakest. The middle class will come last. I don't know what the results will be, I hope that they're all OK - but if it isn't, I am already doing research into natural things, changing their diets (even if it means I have to cook for them). I am re-reading Anitra Frazier's The New Natural Cat and Dr. Pitcairn's Natural Health for Dogs and Cats - have had the books for years. Will also check out my Nicholas Dodd The Cat that Cried for Help, maybe there's some advice ion there. The more I read about the tests, the more it becomes obvious that even if the IFA comes back negative after a positive ELISA, it only means that the virus just isn't in the bone marrow yet. If the cat tests positive on ELISA and negative on a follow-up ELISA, then the cat is negative. Unless, of course, the ELISA was a false positive, and again a false positive, which I assume can also happen - there are so many variables, and it's a shame that so many false positives occur, and so many vets tell people to euthanize their cats just because they have tested positive. I have privately sent some info I found to the other two who have reported cats diagnosed with FeLV, too large to send to this group. I will send it to Lee as well. I am keeping my hopes up that my household won't become a FeLV clinic.. Natalie =^..^= ___ 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] Despair
I think my kitty is dying! He refused all food today. We tried to feed him with a syringe but he is battling! Is it better to let my angel go to heaven? I can't see him suffer like this! I love him too much! He is just lying in the corner of the bedroom, hiding from us. This is a terrible disease! Marinda ! Sent via my BlackBerry from Vodacom - let your email find you! ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Despair
Get your kitty to the vet now! Keep us postedsending prayers your way!! - Original Message - From: botha.marin...@gmail.com To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Monday, February 06, 2012 3:38 PM Subject: [Felvtalk] Despair I think my kitty is dying! He refused all food today. We tried to feed him with a syringe but he is battling! Is it better to let my angel go to heaven? I can't see him suffer like this! I love him too much! He is just lying in the corner of the bedroom, hiding from us. This is a terrible disease! Marinda ! Sent via my BlackBerry from Vodacom - let your email find you! ___ 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] Despair
I agree kitty the kitty to the Vet A.S.A.P.!!! TAZZY'S ANIMAL TRANSPORTS/SIAMESE COLLIE RESCUESultan, WA. 98294Terrie Mohr-Forkerhttp://tazzys.org/Non-Profit national rescue Dedicated to the welfare of animals. Copyright © 1999-2012 tazzys.org. All rights reserved. Original Message Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] DespairFrom: "Lynda Wilson" longhornf...@verizon.netDate: Mon, February 06, 2012 11:41 amTo: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgGet your kitty to the vet now! Keep us postedsending prayers your way!!- Original Message - From: botha.marin...@gmail.comTo: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgSent: Monday, February 06, 2012 3:38 PMSubject: [Felvtalk] DespairI think my kitty is dying! He refused all food today. We tried to feed him with a syringe but he is battling! Is it better to let my angel go to heaven? I can't see him suffer like this! I love him too much! He is just lying in the corner of the bedroom, hiding from us. This is a terrible disease! Marinda ! Sent via my BlackBerry from Vodacom - let your email find you! ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___Felvtalk mailing listFelvtalk@felineleukemia.orghttp://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Despair
ONLY if you think or know that he is suffering - look into his eyes and ask him! You can usually tell. I am so sorry! My thoughts are with you! Natalie -Original Message- From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of botha.marin...@gmail.com Sent: Monday, February 06, 2012 4:39 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: [Felvtalk] Despair I think my kitty is dying! He refused all food today. We tried to feed him with a syringe but he is battling! Is it better to let my angel go to heaven? I can't see him suffer like this! I love him too much! He is just lying in the corner of the bedroom, hiding from us. This is a terrible disease! Marinda ! Sent via my BlackBerry from Vodacom - let your email find you! ___ 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] Despair
She says in her email he is suffering. Don't Litter, Fix Your Critter! www.Furkids.org From: GRAS g...@optonline.net To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Monday, February 6, 2012 3:09 PM Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Despair ONLY if you think or know that he is suffering - look into his eyes and ask him! You can usually tell. I am so sorry! My thoughts are with you! Natalie -Original Message- From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of botha.marin...@gmail.com Sent: Monday, February 06, 2012 4:39 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: [Felvtalk] Despair I think my kitty is dying! He refused all food today. We tried to feed him with a syringe but he is battling! Is it better to let my angel go to heaven? I can't see him suffer like this! I love him too much! He is just lying in the corner of the bedroom, hiding from us. This is a terrible disease! Marinda ! Sent via my BlackBerry from Vodacom - let your email find you! ___ 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] Despair
I am not sure how long he has not eating, but I think you and he deserve to find out what's going on - it could be something easily treated - To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org From: botha.marin...@gmail.com Date: Mon, 6 Feb 2012 21:38:56 + Subject: [Felvtalk] Despair I think my kitty is dying! He refused all food today. We tried to feed him with a syringe but he is battling! Is it better to let my angel go to heaven? I can't see him suffer like this! I love him too much! He is just lying in the corner of the bedroom, hiding from us. This is a terrible disease! Marinda ! Sent via my BlackBerry from Vodacom - let your email find you! ___ 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] My heart is broken
Marinda, I know how you feel because I have several FelV cats in my sanctuary. I am amazed at how long most of them have lived. Some have shown no symptoms at all but others have died in a year of two. FelV is not always a death sentence. Many cats throw off the virus, others keep it in remission for years with no symptoms, and others are not so lucky. Give your ginger kitty good food, no stress, and lots of love, and if she should show signs of illness get her to the vet right away. Many FelV related illnesses can be treated. Please keep us posted on her. Lorrie From: botha.marin...@gmail.com botha.marin...@gmail.com To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Sunday, February 5, 2012 5:16 PM Subject: [Felvtalk] My heart is broken My darling ginger cat has been diagnosed with feline leukemia. I am devastated because the vet says that there is nothing he can do to help us. We try our uttermost best to feed our cat but don't know what to do to help our darling. Is there some kind of medication that we could recommend to our vet? Could someone PLEASE help us to get through this traumatic experience? We live in South Africa and don't know where to get help. Please help us! Marinda ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Despair
Please get your kitty to the vet right away. If he is hiding and not eating he is most likely dying. Please don't let him suffer and die slowly and in pain. My heart goes out to you, but if your vet says there is nothing more to do euthanasia is a gentle, peaceful death. I think my kitty is dying! He refused all food today. We tried to feed him with a syringe but he is battling! Is it better to let my angel go to heaven? I can't see him suffer like this! I love him too much! He is just lying in the corner of the bedroom, hiding from us. This is a terrible disease! Marinda ! ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Despair
He may just need fluids! Sent from my iPhone On Feb 6, 2012, at 3:03 PM, HIDEYO YAMAMOTO hideyo.yamam...@msn.com wrote: I am not sure how long he has not eating, but I think you and he deserve to find out what's going on - it could be something easily treated - To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org From: botha.marin...@gmail.com Date: Mon, 6 Feb 2012 21:38:56 + Subject: [Felvtalk] Despair I think my kitty is dying! He refused all food today. We tried to feed him with a syringe but he is battling! Is it better to let my angel go to heaven? I can't see him suffer like this! I love him too much! He is just lying in the corner of the bedroom, hiding from us. This is a terrible disease! Marinda ! Sent via my BlackBerry from Vodacom - let your email find you! ___ 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] Despair
When my cats are sick, I normally check the followings at first: Color of the gum - pale Color of the skin - jaundiced? Body temp - warm/hot is much better than cold Breathing - labored/fast? Hydration level - is skin elastic? If all of the above are okay, and the condition is an acute condition as opposed to be chronic, it might be something not life threatening... From: marciabmar...@gmail.com Date: Mon, 6 Feb 2012 16:58:47 -0600 To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Despair He may just need fluids! Sent from my iPhone On Feb 6, 2012, at 3:03 PM, HIDEYO YAMAMOTO hideyo.yamam...@msn.com wrote: I am not sure how long he has not eating, but I think you and he deserve to find out what's going on - it could be something easily treated - To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org From: botha.marin...@gmail.com Date: Mon, 6 Feb 2012 21:38:56 + Subject: [Felvtalk] Despair I think my kitty is dying! He refused all food today. We tried to feed him with a syringe but he is battling! Is it better to let my angel go to heaven? I can't see him suffer like this! I love him too much! He is just lying in the corner of the bedroom, hiding from us. This is a terrible disease! Marinda ! Sent via my BlackBerry from Vodacom - let your email find you! ___ 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] ELISA IFA Tests:
From what I know, there are four: In-house ELISA Lab ELISA Lab IFA PSA Is this correct? On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 4:28 AM, Lynda Wilson longhornf...@verizon.net wrote: First of all there are two commonly used types of FeLV tests. One is the in-office ELISA and the other is the laboratory run IFA test. Both types test for the FeLV protein p27. However, they detect the protein in different forms and detect infection at different stages. 1.) If a cat or kitten is ELISA positive, but healthy, an IFA test should be performed. Here is where the confusion begins. If the cat is IFA negative but ELISA positive there are two possibilities. One is a false positive ELISA test and the other is a stage of the disease is present at which the IFA test doesn't detect infection. Therefore the suspect cat or kitten should be isolated and retested in at least 6 weeks. If, at that time the cat is IFA positive, you know that the cat if infected. The IFA is 99% accurate. An IFA positive cat can be shedding virus and infect other cats and kittens. Remember to retest 6 weeks after an ELISA positive result, the cat's immune system can clear the virus especially in an adult cat (kittens and seniors have the most difficulty clearing the virus). This is what I have always been told by veterinarians and everyone on this FeLV thread. I have not heard any different. This info is true! Lynda ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org -- Go Get a Life---Go Get a Shelter Animal! Ask your local animal pound to start saving over 90% of their intake by implementing the No Kill Equation: http://www.nokilladvocacycenter.org/ Legislate better animal pound conditions: http://www.rescue50.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] ELISA IFA Tests:
I've never heard of a PSA. Is this new? L - Original Message - From: Kathryn Hargreaves khargrea...@gmail.com To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Monday, February 06, 2012 5:43 PM Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] ELISA IFA Tests: From what I know, there are four: In-house ELISA Lab ELISA Lab IFA PSA Is this correct? On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 4:28 AM, Lynda Wilson longhornf...@verizon.net wrote: First of all there are two commonly used types of FeLV tests. One is the in-office ELISA and the other is the laboratory run IFA test. Both types test for the FeLV protein p27. However, they detect the protein in different forms and detect infection at different stages. 1.) If a cat or kitten is ELISA positive, but healthy, an IFA test should be performed. Here is where the confusion begins. If the cat is IFA negative but ELISA positive there are two possibilities. One is a false positive ELISA test and the other is a stage of the disease is present at which the IFA test doesn't detect infection. Therefore the suspect cat or kitten should be isolated and retested in at least 6 weeks. If, at that time the cat is IFA positive, you know that the cat if infected. The IFA is 99% accurate. An IFA positive cat can be shedding virus and infect other cats and kittens. Remember to retest 6 weeks after an ELISA positive result, the cat's immune system can clear the virus especially in an adult cat (kittens and seniors have the most difficulty clearing the virus). This is what I have always been told by veterinarians and everyone on this FeLV thread. I have not heard any different. This info is true! Lynda ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org -- Go Get a Life---Go Get a Shelter Animal! Ask your local animal pound to start saving over 90% of their intake by implementing the No Kill Equation: http://www.nokilladvocacycenter.org/ Legislate better animal pound conditions: http://www.rescue50.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] Despair
Any update? - Original Message - From: botha.marin...@gmail.com To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Monday, February 06, 2012 3:38 PM Subject: [Felvtalk] Despair I think my kitty is dying! He refused all food today. We tried to feed him with a syringe but he is battling! Is it better to let my angel go to heaven? I can't see him suffer like this! I love him too much! He is just lying in the corner of the bedroom, hiding from us. This is a terrible disease! Marinda ! Sent via my BlackBerry from Vodacom - let your email find you! ___ 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] ELISA IFA Tests:
I'm sorry: PCR. On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 7:11 PM, Lynda Wilson longhornf...@verizon.net wrote: I've never heard of a PSA. Is this new? L - Original Message - From: Kathryn Hargreaves khargrea...@gmail.com To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Monday, February 06, 2012 5:43 PM Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] ELISA IFA Tests: From what I know, there are four: In-house ELISA Lab ELISA Lab IFA PSA Is this correct? On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 4:28 AM, Lynda Wilson longhornf...@verizon.net wrote: First of all there are two commonly used types of FeLV tests. One is the in-office ELISA and the other is the laboratory run IFA test. Both types test for the FeLV protein p27. However, they detect the protein in different forms and detect infection at different stages. 1.) If a cat or kitten is ELISA positive, but healthy, an IFA test should be performed. Here is where the confusion begins. If the cat is IFA negative but ELISA positive there are two possibilities. One is a false positive ELISA test and the other is a stage of the disease is present at which the IFA test doesn't detect infection. Therefore the suspect cat or kitten should be isolated and retested in at least 6 weeks. If, at that time the cat is IFA positive, you know that the cat if infected. The IFA is 99% accurate. An IFA positive cat can be shedding virus and infect other cats and kittens. Remember to retest 6 weeks after an ELISA positive result, the cat's immune system can clear the virus especially in an adult cat (kittens and seniors have the most difficulty clearing the virus). This is what I have always been told by veterinarians and everyone on this FeLV thread. I have not heard any different. This info is true! Lynda ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org -- Go Get a Life---Go Get a Shelter Animal! Ask your local animal pound to start saving over 90% of their intake by implementing the No Kill Equation: http://www.nokilladvocacycenter.org/ Legislate better animal pound conditions: http://www.rescue50.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 -- Go Get a Life---Go Get a Shelter Animal! Ask your local animal pound to start saving over 90% of their intake by implementing the No Kill Equation: http://www.nokilladvocacycenter.org/ Legislate better animal pound conditions: http://www.rescue50.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
