Re: [Felvtalk] FeLV Re-testing for kittens/Tommy Update
I have been meaning to send out this update, but now it's in direct response to Paola's question. I wrote in a few weeks ago to get some advise on an FeLV positive kitten I had found in the middle of the street. Even knowing that he may not be around for long (the vet wanted to put him to sleep the day I found him) my boyfriend and I quickly fell in love with him and named him Tommy. After several hours of internet research, we decided to start giving him Mega C in hopes that it would boost his immune system enough to help him fight off the virus; at the very least, it couldn't hurt. After several weeks, we took Tommy to a different vet to be re-tested. This vet recommended sending the blood work to the lab, where they could do confirmatory tests if needed. We were ecstatic when she called to tell us that he is now testing negative; even she sounded surprised. The vet recommended that we get him tested again in a few weeks, just to make sure. I'm not sure if the Mega C made a difference or not, but we will continue giving it to him. The Mega C was not that expensive and it comes in a huge container that should last us quite a while. Even though we are still cautious, we are so happy that Tommy may have beaten this. When I found him, Tommy was tiny and starving to death - his eyes were not dilating properly, he couldn't walk without falling, he was failing to thrive. However, with regular meals, love and attention, he has grown to be a healthy, and quite mischievous, kitten. In the 6 weeks that he has been with us, he went from a pound and a half, to a full four pounds! Thank you for all the information you gave so freely. I know that many more kittens will benefit from your collective knowledge and care. Fernanda Date: Mon, 16 Aug 2010 22:38:25 -0700 From: iend...@yahoo.com To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: [Felvtalk] FeLV Re-testing for kittens Hi all, I volunteer at a kitten rescue organization, and talking about all the loving, caring people on this listserv the people at the organization were wondering for those who have kittens that were tested positive, how often and how many (average if you've rescued many) turn out to be negative when/if re-tested later on? It would be especially good to know in case we rescue kittens that test positive. Knowing of actual cases and occasions of kittens that turned out to be negative when tested later on would help a lot in dealing with possible cases, and trying to get them adopted. thank you so much in advance, and I hope this gets through, several of my posts/replies to posts haven't been showing up (on my end anyway) Best Paola ___ 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] Vet referral and FeLV treatment
Hello all: This weekend I got lost driving in an industrial part of my town. Suddenly in the middle of the street, I see a tiny kitten. Luckily I was able to avoid hitting him, as was the car behind me. I quickly got out of my car and approached the kitten. Imagine my surprise when he willingly and eagerly came running right up to me. I scooped him up and continued on my way. I noticed when I tried to feed him that something wasn't quite right. He kept falling over and seemed very uncoordinated, even for a kitten. I took him to the emergency vet where I was told that he had some kind of neurological disorder that was presenting itself in his legs. Basically he is just going to be clumsy. The vet said it could be a static problem and not get any worse or it could be progressive, at which time we would have to discuss other options. She also recommended the FeLV/FIV test. Sadly, he came up a weak positive for FeLV. The vet said this may be the cause of the neurological disorder or the two could be unrelated. Also his pupils were not well dilated (the vet did not go on to explain what effect that has). When the vet gave me the positive results, she asked if I wanted to put him to sleep. In the mere 4 hours we had spent together, this little 6 week old kitten had won my heart and I just couldn't put him to sleep. Although he is clumsy (it's actually really cute and I believe he will soon learn to compensate for it), you really don't notice the neurological impairment unless you are looking for it; and he's happy and pain-free otherwise. But of course there is a problem. I have already have a FeLV negative cat at home and I don't want to risk exposing her. I was able to take the little guy, who we named Tommy, to my boyfriend's, but my cat and I are moving in with him in 2 months, so this likely cannot be a permanent home. So this is why I have turned to this group. I would like to take the time I have to try to get Tommy in the best health I can. I did some research and found out about Mega C plus, interferon and LTCI. I would like to speak to someone in depth about these options, but my vet just doesn't have experience in this area. 1. Does anyone know a good vet that will help treat the FeLV in the Los Angeles area - preferable Glendale/Pasadena/the San Fernando valley area. 2. If I am in successful in getting him to the point where he tests negative, can he stay with my FeLV negative cat. She's older and will likely want nothing to do with him so I am not too worried about them directly interacting. But I am worried that they may share toys or bowls. 3. Does anyone know of any rescue organizations that would take on a FeLV positive kitten? My boyfriend and I already love and adore Tommy, but we understand that we must do what is best for him. It's just confusing trying to figure out what that is. I would welcome and suggestions or advise. Thank you, Fernanda _ The New Busy is not the too busy. Combine all your e-mail accounts with Hotmail. http://www.windowslive.com/campaign/thenewbusy?tile=multiaccountocid=PID28326::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:WM_HMP:042010_4 ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
