Re: [Felvtalk] Kitten tossed out of car
Makes me sick! Just about a month ago I picked up a kitten off the side of the road that had been tossed out of a car. He's recovered well and is napping next to me on the couch. Fortunately none of his injuries were internal or very serious, but it just makes you rage inside. Who'd do something like that? :( hope the little grey kitten makes a full recovery. Amy Sent from my iPhone > On Jul 31, 2017, at 11:16 PM, Amani Oakley wrote: > > Ardy – generally, I am not supportive of the death penalty, but I would > gladly make an exception for barbarians like those you describe, and I would > just as happily be the executioner. This is not the first time I have heard > this same hideous story. Several years ago in Toronto, Ontario, the same > thing happened on one of our highways, and again, that little kitten at least > got lucky enough to survive and be rescued by a motorist who saw what > happened. > > I have heard it repeated elsewhere. I guess that stupid idiot f*&^%s can’t > find anything more vulnerable and helpless than a kitten to show their > toughness. Just obscene. > > I shudder to think just how many times the kittens don’t survive. > > Amani > > From: Felvtalk [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Ardy > Robertson > Sent: July-31-17 11:51 PM > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Subject: [Felvtalk] Kitten tossed out of car > > Hello my Felv friends this is a little off-topic, but I have to vent: My > granddaughter texted me this afternoon that a Facebook friend of hers was > driving from our city to a neighboring town, when the vehicle ahead of her > tossed a kitten out of the car window at 60 mph!! The poor little babe struck > her windshield! She was able to come to a safe stop, but was unable to get > the license number or really much of a description of the vehicle. The little > gray kitty was badly injured, but she is taking good care of it, and has it > home with her tonight. He (or she) has eye and nose injuries, among others, > but I believe he is stable. My granddaughter messaged her friend and said > that she will help with the vet bill and also with the food and other > supplies she will need for this kitty. The friend says she is going to > provide a forever home for the kitty. I am dropping off some money in the > morning at my granddaughter’s house to pitch in, because she is going > shopping for kitty food, a bed, some toys, a brush, etc. for her friend. We > are just so irritated that someone would do something like this, and I am so > grateful there are people like my granddaughter and her friend who are > willing to do what it takes to help this poor little babe. > > I am hoping someone on Facebook will see the story they posted, with > pictures, and turn this person in to the authorities. He also could have > caused an accident if the girl had swerved to avoid hitting the kitty – but I > suppose it happened so fast she probably didn’t even know what it was. I hope > this person does not have other pets, or children! > > Thanks for listening! > Ardy > > > ___ > 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] Lysine
I've spent countless hours researching cold sores and remedies for them, and NEVER, until now, have I heard anything about cannabis oil as a treatment. But now, when I search specifically for that in relation to herpes virus, I'm astounded...all this time, there's been a possible cure, and somehow this information isn't widely known or shared? Such a shame! And of course, I live in a red state that doesn't recognize medical marijuana. What a blow. All of the days I've had to miss work, all the pain and physical/mental suffering (my outbreaks are terrible and unforgiving, with swollen lymph nodes and fever symptoms)...and if only I could get some cannabis oil, I may no longer have to suffer. I'll hold out hope. Once again, thank you Amani, for your incredibly vast amount of knowledge. You literally saved my cat's life, and maybe some day, your shared knowledge will save me from the agony of cold sores. Amy Sent from my iPhone > On Jun 21, 2017, at 12:42 PM, Amani Oakley wrote: > > Cannabis is an absolutely amazing product. Do your own research. You will see > very solid scientific evidence that backs up the many positive effects this > substance has. In fact, I was pretty enraged when I did the research. It is > clear that the decision to ban this substance was fraught with racial > overtones, and was introduced simply because after the demise of prohibition, > the government agency tasked with enforcing prohibition, needed a new > mandate. It is also appalling that because of this ill-conceived war on > drugs, and placing cannabis on Schedule 1 in the United States, virtually all > scientific testing was either banned completely, or faced so many obstacles, > that most scientists avoided doing any research on it at all. Thus, much of > the scientific studies come from Spain and Israel. Oddly enough, when a > pharmaceutical company decided to extract one of the key substances from the > cannabis plant and market it as Marinol, it suddenly went from having no > known medicinal qualities (the criteria to have it listed in Schedule 1) to > being a very effective drug which can be marketed and can make lots of money > for the drug company. > > Do your own research. There is tons of stuff on the internet. There are > Harvard professors and top-notch researchers turning out excellent, amazing > research regarding the healing powers of this substance. > > Oh, and the reason why so many of the States are now recognizing it for its > medicinal qualities and legalizing it, is because it is unbelievably > effective in helping young children suffering from severe forms of epilepsy > where they literally convulse hundreds of times an hour, and the only > medications heretofore even slightly effective would put these children into > complete zombie states. Cannabis not only relieves the unbearable non-stop > seizures, but doesn’t affect the children's level of consciousness. Parents > in states which have not legalized marijuana have literally moved their whole > families to other states to access medical marijuana when they have children > suffering these syndromes. Even Republicans have in some instances been moved > to back bills legalizing medical marijuana, when they have been confronted > with these suffering children. Medical marijuana has also been found to be > very effective for PTSD states, such as those suffered by servicemen and > women who have served overseas and have witnessed traumatic events. > > With respect to cancer therapy, one of the worst cancers is the glioma which > occurs in the brain. With such a diagnosis, most patients were dead within 6 > months. Spanish researchers have recently shown that in mice with > experimentally-induced gliomas, and treated with cannabinoids, 1/3 showed > complete resolution of the glioma, 1/3 showed a standstill in the development > of the glioma, and 1/3 showed no improvement. Given that nothing else has > been found to be consistently helpful in treating gliomas, these results are > nothing short of earth-shattering. > > Read and learn. I cry when I think of all the people who might have been > helped if not for the conspiracy related to this drug. It is deeply deeply > disturbing. > > Amani > > -Original Message- > From: Felvtalk [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of > dlg...@windstream.net > Sent: June-21-17 4:26 AM > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Cc: ROBERT CHAPEL > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Lysine > > I agree on the cannibinol. I wonder if maybe some of this is to justify > making it legal saying it is for medical reasons. It can't be all that > wonderful, nothing is and when someone tells me that, I get suspicious. >
Re: [Felvtalk] Lysine
Bob, I'm curious if you could link to the study you mention. I've been taking lysine for years to help with my cold sores and I find that it most definitely IS effective at helping suppress them. Maybe it's different for animals. Sent from my iPhone > On Jun 20, 2017, at 2:04 PM, ROBERT CHAPEL wrote: > > I too have read " A" study insisting that Lysine is of little value for > Herpes... don't know if there is a lot of data about it's ineffectiveness > but vets I have gone to insist that it IS effective I'd prefer to " > believe" at this point rather than to feel helpless... there are other > anti-virals one can use but they are rather expensive and have their share of > side effects Once again... have to weight the benefits against the > drawbacks. > > >> On Tue, Jun 20, 2017 at 11:50 AM, felvtalk-requ...@felineleukemia.org wrote: >> >> Send Felvtalk mailing list submissions to >>felvtalk@felineleukemia.org >> >> To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit >> http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org >> >> or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to >>felvtalk-requ...@felineleukemia.org >> >> You can reach the person managing the list at >>felvtalk-ow...@felineleukemia.org >> >> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific >> than "Re: Contents of Felvtalk digest..." >> >> >> Today's Topics: >> >> 1. Re: Life Gold and Nu-Pet Feline Antioxidant (kat) >> 2. Re: Life Gold and Nu-Pet Feline Antioxidant (Marilyn Knapp Litt) >> >> >> -- >> >> Message: 1 >> Date: Tue, 20 Jun 2017 17:41:56 +0200 >> From: kat To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org >> Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Life Gold and Nu-Pet Feline Antioxidant >> Message-ID: >> >> >> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" >> >> An HTML attachment was scrubbed... >> URL: >> -- >> >> Message: 2 >> Date: Tue, 20 Jun 2017 10:50:04 -0500 >> From: "Marilyn Knapp Litt" To: Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Life Gold and Nu-Pet >> Feline Antioxidant >> Message-ID: <0c7101d2e9dc$e2d80310$a8880930$@marilynlitt.com> >> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" >> >> Lycine is supposed to suppress, not eliminate, reproduction of the virus. >> Apparently it has been in use for decades. It is an amino acid, so not >> harmful. Googling just now I found a study that says it does not work. >> Nevertheless, I am going to use it to try and protect my other cats. >> Destiny's infection was never cultured, so might not be Herpe's anyway. >> Antibiotic seems to not be working either. I am feeding cat food with a >> syringe and she is going to the vet today for a consult on using steroids >> and Zander's Protocol. >> >> >> Marilyn >> >> >> From: Felvtalk [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of >> Ardy Robertson >> Sent: Tuesday, June 20, 2017 7:09 AM >> To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org >> Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Life Gold and Nu-Pet Feline Antioxidant >> >> >> May I ask ? what is lycine that was mentioned for use in water dishes (not >> that Topaz drinks out of dishes! But Peekers does.) >> >> >> Thank you, >> >> Ardy >> >> -- next part -- >> An HTML attachment was scrubbed... >> URL: >> -- >> >> Subject: Digest Footer >> >> ___ >> Felvtalk mailing list >> Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org >> http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org >> >> >> -- >> >> End of Felvtalk Digest, Vol 38, Issue 15 >> >> > > ___ > 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] FW: Greetings & Bogey's Doc Visit
Sherri, I want to suggest a pill gun for giving pills to your Bogey. It's made giving the winstrol and pred to my Gravy such a breeze. Before, stuffing pills down her throat was traumatic (for both of us), but with the pill gun, I'm able to put both pills in it as well as a tiny bit of water, I tilt her head back and say "open" then squirt the pills down her throat...takes about 5 seconds, no fighting, it doesn't even bother her. Search "Kruuse Buster Pet Pill/Tablet Syringe with Soft Tip" on Amazon. I got mine from the vet. Amy Sent from my iPhone > On Jan 5, 2017, at 11:02 PM, Ardy Robertson wrote: > > Hi Sherri, > Hi – I recently wanted to look at my Topaz’ gums because she has black spots > in her mouth and I was concerned. She just would not let me in there for > anything……UNTIL, I realized she likes to bite on pens! So I can hold a pen > crossways, and she bites it, thus opening her mouth. I can see in there very > well, and the vet says there is nothing wrong – she just has that color > pigmentation in her mouth. But I could have easily held the pen with one hand > and snapped a picture with my phone in the other hand. > > > From: Felvtalk [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of > Sherri Godschalk > Sent: Thursday, January 5, 2017 8:24 PM > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] FW: Greetings & Bogey's Doc Visit > > I was leaning that way Amani and you just cemented it for me. I am just going > to dump that powder down the middle the best I can and give her half AM and > half PM. I think I will do the same with the Pred (split the pill). 5mg at > once seems like a lot for this little cat. (6lb 5oz). She may feel better > having it that way anyway. > > I have to say, I have trouble getting Bogey to take that Doxy. It must really > taste bad. I am going to try to crush it and put it in ice cream or yogurt > this time around. I also feel that the dose she is on for that is high. 25mg > twice a day. They cut the pills poorly the first time around and the “parts” > were smaller. When they refilled, they had the 100mg cut in actual quarters > and she took ill shortly after we started her back on it in December. > > My hope is that Bogey will be able to come off the meds for some periods like > your Zander did. I thought I was getting better at noticing pinkness in gums > and nose but clearly I haven’t mastered that yet. I looked at her gums today > and they looked awfully pink compared to 4 months ago. I tried to get her to > sit still while I took a pic of them for reference…gonna have to get another > pair of hands for that kind of photography. :-) > > We are about 4.5 months into this treatment. I hope that by restarting the > regiment of meds, with some changes, her numbers will come up to where they > were in December. I think we were really making progress. > > Yea I don’t understand the “icteric” either. Just gonna accept that something > looked off to the tech and trust the results. (and you) > > Your Zander…was a lucky little boy to have you! > > From: Felvtalk on behalf of Amani > Oakley > Reply-To: > Date: Thursday, January 5, 2017 at 8:47 PM > To: "felvtalk@felineleukemia.org" > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] FW: Greetings & Bogey's Doc Visit > > I would suggest 1 mg 2x a day then, Sherri. I had Zander on 2 mg 2x a day but > only right at the start for a month or so to “kickstart” the process because > his haematocrit was s low. I think the usually recommended dose for > Winstrol for cats is 1 mg twice a day. I gave Zander his pills all at once – > prednisone, Winstrol and Doxycycline. I suspect that the problems you > encountered are far more likely to be related to the higher Winstrol dose > than the staggering of the medication. > > Now that you have clarified the dosing for Bogey, I think that the problem > was the high dosing of the Stanazolol. I think if you drop it by half, and > keep everything else the same, you might get a better response. Frankly, > though, it is the very fact that the numbers tumble every time the meds are > pulled, that convinces me that it is definitely the meds that are making such > a significant difference in the levels. I really found, with Zander, that it > took more than 10 months before the numbers would “stick” – ie – when I > discontinued the meds, that the numbers wouldn’t start to immediately > decline, and I was testing him weekly. I could always see an immediate > reaction in the blood work, if I pulled him off the Winstrol. > > With Zander, after the 10 month period, I was able to wean him down, but that > probably took another 6 months or more. The
Re: [Felvtalk] Felvtalk Digest, Vol 32, Issue 58
Robert, Have you tried Pet-Tinic or Liqui-Tinic? They are liquid iron supplements for cats. I have a bottle that I haven't used much of, I'm happy to mail it to you if you send me your address directly. Not sure how much it would help your boy, but it's better than nothing. Amy Sent from my iPhone > On Dec 24, 2016, at 1:53 PM, ROBERT CHAPEL wrote: > > Amani et al > > Any idea of the life expectancy of untreated non regenerative anemia in a > FeLV catGot a call on Yogi's Most Recent Bloodwork and the vet states > HCT of 14 and non regenerative anemia I was taken aback and didn't ask > nearly enough questions but it was VERY clear that she felt it was time to > put the little guy down. I am at the end of my money at this point and > cannot take him to a bunch of other vets hoping one will be willing to > prescribe the cocktail that is showing itself to be effective with others > cats...( I don't think I am going to get a lot of cooperation from the Vet I > was using after I gave her my opinion of her unwillingness to help me through > unconventional means).Nor can I afford Bone Marrow Biopsies and more > definitive narrowing of the parameters of his drop in blood values ( it's > Xmas eve and they are all gone from the office) As much as I would like > to save this little guy... He has so many other things wrong with him that I > don't know that I am doing him any favors. Temp is 104...weight has dropped a full pound in the last 6 months If it weren't for the fact that he is still eating heartily I'd put him down Without further treatment is it kinder to put him down or allow nature to take it's course??.The idea of him suffering from an inability to get enough O2 is unacceptable > any suggestions are welcome but... please... no admonitions re: what I _ > should_ do.I have learned an immense amount from this experience and > will NOT repeat it... My other boy is still doing OK and I WILL find someone > eventually that is willing to work with me.. > > > >> On Sat, Dec 24, 2016 at 01:00 PM, felvtalk-requ...@felineleukemia.org wrote: >> >> Send Felvtalk mailing list submissions to >>felvtalk@felineleukemia.org >> >> To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit >> http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org >> >> or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to >>felvtalk-requ...@felineleukemia.org >> >> You can reach the person managing the list at >>felvtalk-ow...@felineleukemia.org >> >> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific >> than "Re: Contents of Felvtalk digest..." >> >> >> Today's Topics: >> >> 1. FW: FW: Questioning FELV diagnosis (Amani Oakley) >> >> >> -- >> >> Message: 1 >> Date: Fri, 23 Dec 2016 18:16:02 + >> From: Amani Oakley To: "felvtalk@felineleukemia.org" Subject: [Felvtalk] FW: >> FW: Questioning FELV diagnosis >> Message-ID: >> >> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" >> >> Randy >> >> The news is good. Whatever works. I am a big believer in keeping close tabs >> on the bloodwork and adjusting the medication, depending on what the lab >> results show. >> >> Given that Curley is eating and you are getting an improvement on the red >> cells already, I agree that the Winstrol and Doxy should help even more. >> Keep track of the blood work and adjust accordingly. >> >> Amani >> >> From: Felvtalk [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of >> Randy Henke >> Sent: December-23-16 11:02 AM >> To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org >> Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] FW: Questioning FELV diagnosis >> >> The situation with Curly is getting a bit more complicated but in a good >> way. Her blood work a week ago showed an RBC of 9 which is critically low. >> White cell count was 3.1. After one week of Prednisone her white cell count >> is 3.7 which is the low end of normal and her red blood cell count is up to >> 13 which is still very low but a very significant increase in just one week. >> So the Prednisone alone is making a big difference. We've now had two >> positive ELISA tests, a negative IFA and severe anemia that is responding >> well to just Prednisone. I am very confused. Even our vet seems surprised by >> the sudden improvement in her numbers. He think
Re: [Felvtalk] Negative IFA test
If my cat has tested negative on both, is it possible that she could be contagious in the future? I would like to get her a younger cat as a friend, especially now with her energy levels I think she would definitely benefit from having a feline partner. However I am not eager to have another cat with anemia and immune related issues. I figure if there's any chance of her shedding the virus, it's just not safe to bring another cat into the house, and I'm not sure how foolproof the vaccines are against the virus. Amy Sent from my iPhone > On Dec 22, 2016, at 12:05 PM, Margo wrote: > > > > With a negative IFA, the cat should have no virus in a position to shed. It > is either not present, or is sequestered in the bone marrow, and undetectable > by IFA or Elisa. When a cat is shedding a virus, they are contagious. Is that > what you mean? > > Thanks, > > Margo > > -Original Message- >> From: "Armstrong-Brown, Sheila DDS Timonium" >> >> Sent: Dec 22, 2016 8:12 AM >> To: "'felvtalk@felineleukemia.org'" >> Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Negative IFA test >> >> I had the same situation but when the IFA is negative, the cat should shed >> the virus after testing negative. They normally retest every 3 months for >> the felv elisa test. The IFA test is 99.9% accurate. >> >> >> -Original Message- >> From: Felvtalk [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of >> Corinne Shank >> Sent: Wednesday, December 21, 2016 8:34 PM >> To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org >> Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Negative IFA test >> >> Amy, >> >> Your story is similar to mine. I think that there is so much that vets >> don't know about Felv, so it is great to hear from others with their >> situation. When I found out that she had Felv from the Elisa test, her >> blood work was fairly normal and since that time she has gained weight. So >> I think it is wait and see situation. She still likes to wake me up at 3:00 >> am 😡, so I think she still feels good. >> >> Sent from my iPhone >> >>> On Dec 21, 2016, at 4:55 PM, Amy Glunt wrote: >>> >>> I'm interested in replies to this as well. I have a somewhat similar >>> experience which I have been pondering over. My own cat, Gravy, tested >>> positive on the Elisa for FeLV in March when we took her in for an ear >>> infection and persistent lethargy. A month ago she had both Elisa and IFA >>> tests and was negative for both and the vet said that the leukemia must >>> have gone dormant in her marrow but that she would still have a suppressed >>> immune system and if she gets ill again, the leukemia could possibly flare >>> back up. >>> Also, I got the news today that after a month on Winstrol and prednisolone >>> (we skipped the doxycycline since she was negative) her RBC has gone from >>> 16 to 40. She is a whole new cat, it's absolutely incredible, and I owe it >>> all to you guys here...my Christmas miracle! >>> Sorry to hijack your post Corinne! >>> >>> Amy >>> >>> Sent from my iPhone >>> >>>> On Dec 21, 2016, at 4:45 PM, Corinne Shank wrote: >>>> >>>> My cat tested positive for Felv a few months ago from an Elisa test. I >>>> had her tested after she had persistent yeast ear infections and I had >>>> read that immune suppressed cats were prone to yeast infections. In >>>> addition, when she was a kitten she tested positive but then tested >>>> negative. I was told that she had shed the virus and that is why she >>>> tested negative.She is now 8 years old. >>>> >>>> So I put off getting the IFA test as I wanted to see how she did and I >>>> felt that she probably was infected. I finally took her in to get the >>>> test and it came back negative. So I know that the virus is not in her >>>> bone marrow. But what does this mean? The vet said to bring her back in >>>> 6 months for a snap test to see if she has shed the virus, but is this >>>> really possible? >>>> >>>> Sent from my iPad >>>> ___ >>>> Felvtalk mailing list >>>> Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org >>>> http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org >>> >>> ___ >>> Felvtalk mailing list >>> Felv
Re: [Felvtalk] Negative IFA test
I'm interested in replies to this as well. I have a somewhat similar experience which I have been pondering over. My own cat, Gravy, tested positive on the Elisa for FeLV in March when we took her in for an ear infection and persistent lethargy. A month ago she had both Elisa and IFA tests and was negative for both and the vet said that the leukemia must have gone dormant in her marrow but that she would still have a suppressed immune system and if she gets ill again, the leukemia could possibly flare back up. Also, I got the news today that after a month on Winstrol and prednisolone (we skipped the doxycycline since she was negative) her RBC has gone from 16 to 40. She is a whole new cat, it's absolutely incredible, and I owe it all to you guys here...my Christmas miracle! Sorry to hijack your post Corinne! Amy Sent from my iPhone > On Dec 21, 2016, at 4:45 PM, Corinne Shank wrote: > > My cat tested positive for Felv a few months ago from an Elisa test. I had > her tested after she had persistent yeast ear infections and I had read that > immune suppressed cats were prone to yeast infections. In addition, when > she was a kitten she tested positive but then tested negative. I was told > that she had shed the virus and that is why she tested negative.She is > now 8 years old. > > So I put off getting the IFA test as I wanted to see how she did and I felt > that she probably was infected. I finally took her in to get the test and it > came back negative. So I know that the virus is not in her bone marrow. But > what does this mean? The vet said to bring her back in 6 months for a snap > test to see if she has shed the virus, but is this really possible? > > Sent from my iPad > ___ > 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] Vet asks, where to source stanozolol
Hello everyone, Thanks so much. I'm all set up with Diamondback to get the stanozolol. The confirmation IFA test came back saying negative on FeLv as well, so all the vet and I can think is that the FeLV has gone into dormancy in her blood marrow since she positive in April. Hopefully the meds will get her anemia under control. Everything is looking positive...wishing well for everyone else and their kitties, hoping we all can have good outcomes. Amy Sent from my iPhone > On Nov 10, 2016, at 7:39 AM, Ardy Robertson wrote: > > Hi Amy, > I googled "compounding pharmacy" and found Diamondback Drugs in Arizona. I > directed my vet to their website - www.diamondbackdrugs.com - and from there > they were able to fill out a prescription online. There is also a toll free > number on the site that you can call and talk to a HUMAN not a machine. They > are very helpful, my prescription was around $42 with shipping. They take > credit cards, and ship right away. They understand you need it right away > and have different shipping options. I got one refill, and then my vet would > have to do another RX online etc. There are many forms, and flavors. I took > the salmon-flavored liquid, but you can see what else is available. I highly > recommend them. Best wishes to you! > Ardy > > -Original Message- > From: Felvtalk [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Amy > Glunt > Sent: Wednesday, November 9, 2016 2:44 PM > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Subject: [Felvtalk] Vet asks, where to source stanozolol > > Hi all, > > Found a new vet and re-tested my felv+ cat, she is up from an RBC count of > 10 earlier this year when she was diagnosed, to a 16. She also didn't test > positive on the ELISA test this time so a secondary IFA test is being run, > results tomorrow. Not 100% sure what this all means. But the vet was open > and interested when I asked about options involving stanozolol, and she did > some research on it and wasn't finding that it's available in the US. I > thought surely that's wrong, since some of you have been able to get it...so > I would like to ask, especially Amani, Ardy, and Sherri...where are your > vets getting the steroids from? She also mentioned it as an injectable form, > does anyone have experience with that? From everything I've read here, you > all use the pill form. > > Thanks! > > Amy > > Sent from my iPhone > ___ > 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] Vet asks, where to source stanozolol
Hi all, Found a new vet and re-tested my felv+ cat, she is up from an RBC count of 10 earlier this year when she was diagnosed, to a 16. She also didn't test positive on the ELISA test this time so a secondary IFA test is being run, results tomorrow. Not 100% sure what this all means. But the vet was open and interested when I asked about options involving stanozolol, and she did some research on it and wasn't finding that it's available in the US. I thought surely that's wrong, since some of you have been able to get it...so I would like to ask, especially Amani, Ardy, and Sherri...where are your vets getting the steroids from? She also mentioned it as an injectable form, does anyone have experience with that? From everything I've read here, you all use the pill form. Thanks! Amy Sent from my iPhone ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] FW: FW: Continued Improvement for Bogey on Stanzolol
I think it would be really great if we could all compile a list of vets that prescribe the stanzolol, perhaps by state. That would be a really great resource for people who are looking for this information. I'm calling around my city tomorrow to see if I can find any vets who will prescribe it for my cat. Sent from my iPhone > On Oct 1, 2016, at 9:08 PM, Sherri Godschalk wrote: > > Had to shorten this…hope it doesn’t post twice as it went to the moderator > because of size. > > Good to know about the liver test. I will NOT mention it to my vet. > > Since this whole process has started for Bogey and I, I often wonder what > logic is used when saying that the side affects from taking the Stanzolol are > liver issues, but the side effect of not taking it, is death. I know for me > personally, if I was sick and facing this decision, I know what I would do > without question. Believe it or not, I read that exact paper you are > describing when Bogey was first prescribed the Stanzolol. (Google search) I > felt pretty defeated (although many of the terms were over my head) after > reading it. I did not notice the dosages though. Doesn’t sound like a very > scientific study does it. Maybe we should start our own. Post the names of > vets who are willing to prescribe it as well as the results each person has > with their pet that is taking it. There again, I am way out in front of > myself here because Bogey is not thriving but she did just run into the room > with a Q-tip in her mouth (her favorite toy) and 60 days ago she could barely > walk into the room without laying down. She has also steadily gained weight. > Over a pound which doesn’t sound like much but she barely weighed 5 pounds to > begin with. Life is still happening here. > > It does seem like there is secrecy surrounding vets prescribing Stanzolol. > Almost like I am scoring some heroin or something. (no I am not a drug user) > From what you found with your other cat, clearly this could be a positive > choice for inoperable tumors, and or life extending treatment for senior > pets. At any rate, I feel luckier each day that my current vet values the > life of my cat enough to try to save her. It sounds like your vet is terrific > and that you have a great, long relationship with them. I hope to have the > same, one day. > > Sherri > > From: Felvtalk on behalf of Amani > Oakley > Reply-To: > Date: Friday, September 30, 2016 at 8:29 PM > To: "felvtalk@felineleukemia.org" > Subject: [Felvtalk] FW: FW: Continued Improvement for Bogey on Stanzolol > > Sherri > > I wouldn’t recommend you run the liver enzymes. If they rise (and they often > do) it will cause your vet to try to get you to stop the Winstrol. > > I was running a full biochemistry profile along with the full haematology > profile on Zander. So tests like ALP, AST, ALT, TBili and DBili are > indicators of liver function. With Zander, they rose sharply, but there was > simply no other option but to continue. I had done all my research, tried out > the two most likely new and promising therapies (LTCI and Interferon) and > they were not at all (I mean AT ALL) helpful. So, discontinuing the Winstrol > meant certain death for Zander. I am so glad I ignored the liver enzymes. > They settled down on their own, and Zander never had any liver problems after > almost a FULL YEAR on Winstrol. > > I had another cat with a nasal sarcoma, who was 16 when she got the sarcoma > and a tiny skinny thing. I put her on Winstrol because again, there were no > really good options. Again, I had a great response, with it upping her > appetite dramatically, and keeping the sarcoma in a shrunken state with far > less discharge and swelling than prior to the administration of the Winstrol. > Her liver enzymes went through the roof and the vet (a very good friend of > mine who is the head of vet oncology and a brilliant man) knowing how I feel > about Winstrol, just asked if I would agree to discontinue the Winstrol to > see if the liver enzymes would reduce. (Very gently. He knew he was on thin > ice.) I did, for a few weeks, then put her back on. She lived to age 19 with > that sarcoma, because the Winstrol kept her eating, and happy and strong. > > One of the smart folks on this chatline, recently sent me what was likely the > stupid vet research publication which likely started the whole “liver” scare. > Look it up because I cannot attach it to this email as it will not go > through. The title is, “Hepatotoxicity of stanozolol in cats” by Kenneth R. > Harkin, et. al. in JAVMA, Vol. 217, No. 5, September 1, 2000. Bizarrely, in > this study, the authors put the cats on a “loading dose” of 25 mg > intramuscularly, then 2 mg a day by mouth, every 12 hours. So, just for > starters, you see that for some reason, they started the cats on TEN TIMES > the normal dose, and them kept them on at least TWO TIMES the normal dosefor > the rest of the stu
Re: [Felvtalk] Twigs- Felv and asthma
Hi Ashley, I can only comment on the stomatitis. Haven't dealt with asthma. I've had numerous leuk positives and have never had to deal with major mouth issues. I've had some with red gums that need a dose of antibiotics and or pred but they always respond well. I volunteer for a rescue, though, and we see so much stomatitis. There are so many treatment options and in my experience no two vets agree. Many of our cats have had 2nd opinions and they totally differ. Some vets test for Bartonella, some think it is a waste. Some do antibiotics and or steroids. Some recommend laser treatment. Some suggest full extraction. I can tell you that we have not had to do full extractions on any cats since I've been with the rescue. We always try other methods and they seem to respond well. That said, if a cat is really painful and not responding to treatment, I have heard it is more humane to extract so they are not in pain. If we had a cat that was an extreme case, we wouldn't be opposed to extractions. If I was going to do that, I think I'd want a 2nd opinion to make sure that it is really necessary as I've seen vets that jump to that too quickly. As far as keeping them healthy, just love them, try to minimize stress, watch their health and treat anything that comes up as needed. I'm sure supplements and other things help too but I just love mine and do everything I can to keep them healthy. Nobody knows how long you will have. I've had some that live months and I have one that has been with me 12 years. Just enjoy Twigs for whatever time you have. I hope you have many happy years together. Just my 2 cents.Amy From: ashley egger To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Tuesday, June 14, 2016 6:18 PM Subject: [Felvtalk] Twigs- Felv and asthma Hi there! I've been lurking for sometime, ever since my cat Twigs was diagnosed about a year ago. I figure it's time I post something and put myself out there and hopefully some of you may have experience or suggestions with some of things I'm facing. Twigs is 2 years old, got him from a rescue where he tested negative and was vaccinated against Felv. Then he developed a cough, I took him to the vet and got a terrible surprise- he tested positive (and had been exposed to no other cats since adoption.) so I'm guessing he got it while with the rescue or a false neg. the first time. Anyway- vet diagnosed Felv and stomatitis, but his bloodwork was perfect. He acts perfectly normal- eating, playing, etc. I am just filled with dread at the thought that he may not always be like this. Back at the vet today for check-up- had them do another Elisa test- still positive (damnit) but bloodwork still perfect and he has actually gained weight (a plump healthy 10-11lbs) and vet said he seemed remarkably healthy. He still has the cough and vet diagnosed asthma after I showed her a video of him having one his "spells." He does it on average once a day or every other day. She prescribed advair inhaler for the asthma and full extraction of all his teeth for the stomatitis. My questions I guess are:-Anyone have cat with both felv and asthma? any concerns with inhaler use? Is this the best treatment? -Any thoughts on the stomatitis and anyone have experience with the extractions? Is this the best treatment? -Also what can I do to prolong this mostly healthy time for Twigs and prevent (or at least delay) his decline from the felv (ugh I HATE that word so much.) Realistically how much time do I have? I feed him good grain free food and he takes multiple supplements currently. I will do whatever I can to prolong his life and comfort, but cost is definitely an issue too. Anyway thanks in advance for any help. -ashley ___ 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] Cat Sanctuary
Hi all, I just wanted to write about my comment about the cats that we have taken in converting. I'm referring to the cats that have come into the rescue where I volunteer, not my personal cats. None of my personal cats have ever converted that I know of. I have do have one positive that has been with me 12 years that I have not retested. He was positive on the IFA and snap when I rescued him so I never bothered retesting. His bloodwork also still shows signs that point to him being positive. My other cats lived varied lives with the disease, some less than 2 years, some 4-8, some 10-12. We do not see a ton of leuk positives at our shelter. We have had 6 in the two years that I have been there, a mom and 4 kittens, and an adult. All 6 were able to fight off the virus and retested negative on several later tests. We did not do anything special other than quarantine them, try to reduce stress (which is not easy in a shelter environment), feed them a quality food and retest at 30, 60, and 90 days. Even though the recommendation is to do an IFA if you get a positive SNAP, we always wait 30 days and resnap. The reason for that is we often take cats in from outdoors that may have had casual contact and may initially test positive but fight it off. The IFA is expensive to do if we think the cat might fight it off. If when we retest, the cat is still pos, we do the IFA to confirm. The mom and the 4 kittens all converted as well as the adult. We held them until they tested negative on 3 different snap tests each over 30 days apart. My guess is that the test caught the exposure right after it happened. My understanding is that this is NOT the norm. I'm not surprised about the adults fighting it off but I was pretty shocked by the kittens. I adopted one of the kittens that converted because I have a leuk positive and all my other cats are vaccinated. We ran 5 different brands of tests on him and 4 of the 5 repeatedly come up negative but for some reason he tested positive on the Witness test. So just in case there is a trace of the virus there that could be passed on, we didn't want to put him into a home that wasn't prepared for leukemia. My vet has no explanation for why he tests positive on the one test and neither does Zoetis but they all consider him negative based on all the other test results. So odd. Either way, he has a forever home with me. If he is positive, so be it. If he is negative and the test is goofy, even better. I continue to retest and get the same results. Neg on everything except the Zoetis Witness test. Makes me question what others say about the virus going latent and coming back later. I have heard numerous people tell me stories about cats that tested negative numerous times, lived with them, never went outside, never had contact with other cats and then came up positive later in life. Hard to say for sure when I wasn't there and don't know if there was any chance of exposure, but makes me stop and think for sure. I often question the reliability of the Zoetis Witness test and my vet has since stopped using them. That's my story.Amy From: kat To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, May 18, 2016 12:23 PM Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Cat Sanctuary Ardy, The email you are referencing was TO Lorrie - it was FROM Amy who said "So far, most of the ones we have taken in have converted after some time." But like you, I would like to know what her protocol has been to be so successful. Kat (Mew Jersey)Sent: Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at 11:28 PM From: "Ardy Robertson" To: 'Amy' , felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Cat SanctuaryHi Lorrie – if you don’t mind me asking, what do you mean by “most cats you have taken in have converted after some time”? Does that mean they no longer have FeLV, and if so, what do you attribute that to? Thank you,Ardy From: Felvtalk [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Amy Sent: Monday, May 16, 2016 10:31 AM To: felineres...@frontier.com; felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Cat Sanctuary Lorrie, That sounds amazing! I do cat rescue in Rochester, NY and we are a no-kill rescue so when we get in leuk pos kitties, we do our best to find places for them to go. We don't euthanize like so many of the groups do. I have positives of my own but I am at capacity in my home. We can keep the FIV positives at our building but not the leuk positives because we are cage free and all of our rooms are full with non-contagious cats. We don't get them in often but am I able to contact you to see if you are able to help if we do get a leuk pos? We always hold them at least 30 days to restest and often 60 or 90 days and we run both tests, the ELISA and the IFA to make sure they aren't going to fight it off first. So far, most of the ones we have taken in have converted after some time. We
Re: [Felvtalk] Cat Sanctuary
Lorrie, That sounds amazing! I do cat rescue in Rochester, NY and we are a no-kill rescue so when we get in leuk pos kitties, we do our best to find places for them to go. We don't euthanize like so many of the groups do. I have positives of my own but I am at capacity in my home. We can keep the FIV positives at our building but not the leuk positives because we are cage free and all of our rooms are full with non-contagious cats. We don't get them in often but am I able to contact you to see if you are able to help if we do get a leuk pos? We always hold them at least 30 days to restest and often 60 or 90 days and we run both tests, the ELISA and the IFA to make sure they aren't going to fight it off first. So far, most of the ones we have taken in have converted after some time. We are always looking for more options on the rare occasion we do get one in that remains positive and tests positive on both the ELISA and IFA. Thanks for helping these kitties Let me know!Thanks Amy From: Lorrie To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Sunday, May 15, 2016 6:56 PM Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Cat Sanctuary > > Lorrie, > > Do you have pictures? I would love to see what you've done! > > Kat (Mew Jersey) Hi Kat, I was born in Morristown, "Mew" Jersey. I only have photos of the outside of my sanctuary and the grassy lot next door where I have a small, heated, building for ferals, and a big shade tree. I don't think they let us send photos to the group, but if you want to see it I can send it to you. However, outside you just see a two story brick building not the inside. - It's really difficult to take photos of the inside because I can't get back far enough in each room to really show what I've done. - My cat sanctuary is two stories and a basement. Downstairs are 5 rooms, including two rooms with wire doors for introduction or isolation. My live-in caretaker has her own bedroom, a large kitchen, full bathroom and a half bath. The cats have access to every room and my caretaker lets them sleep with her. She spoils them rotten. They (cats & caretaker) all have a couch, chairs, and kitty kondos. There is a glass front door and window perches so they can look outside. The cats are NOT in cages, they have the run of the downstairs and upstairs rooms. The older cats are downstairs, and adoptable young cats and kittens are upstairs which is also designed just for them. Upstairs are 4 large kitty kondos, 2 people chairs, many cozy cat beds, and a wall-walk with two tunnels that goes all around the walls. There are 4 rooms upstairs, and a laundry room. Lorrie ___ 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] The Brock Star has left the building
Marsha, I am so sorry to hear about Brock. I hope the wonderful memories bring you some comfort during this difficult time. Amy From: Marsha To: "felvtalk@felineleukemia.org" Sent: Friday, April 29, 2016 6:29 PM Subject: [Felvtalk] The Brock Star has left the building Brock left this earthly plane this afternoon. This morning he didn't get out of the lounge chair to greet me, refused his heart pills again, and his third eyelids were showing. He did eat all the food I brought him though - he licked off the spoon as I held it up in front of him on the lounge chair. We did half, then the other half later. I visited with him a lot. He spent most of his time in his lounge chair on his fleece blanket, but once he got down and took a short stroll through his domain. Usually I am in the lounge chair, with Brock on my lap. Such a tired boy; his bone marrow was no longer working as it should - low RBC, WBC, and platelets, and not making new. He had Feline Leukemia Virus, survived a year with Restrictive Cardiomyopathy & CHF, and just recently developed lymphoma. So not fair to such a sweet and handsome boy. He received a sedative first and we spent a half hour or 45 minutes together. His paw rested on my hand. As he relaxed, he ever so lightly made biscuits on my hand. He even did his elevator butt routine, but laying down instead of standing up. He was only with me a year and a half, but he had so much love to give out during that time, that there is now another permanent scar on my heart. Along with too many others that are still somewhat fresh. Dearest Brock, visit me soon in my dreams. I left the patio lights on for your spirit to find the way back to Fort Shappell. Marsha ___ 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] Tigger
Luigi is 12 and still going strong :) Amy From: "dlg...@windstream.net" To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org; felineres...@frontier.com Sent: Monday, January 11, 2016 11:24 AM Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Tigger Annie is 8+ and still going strong. Lorrie wrote: > Very true Ardy, I have FelV pos. cats who have lived to be 8 years > old and still seem fine. > > Good luck with Tigger. > > Lorrie and 14 rescued cats at home > > On 01-10, Ardy Robertson wrote: > > My vet told me the other day that it is possible that Tigger can live a > > complete life-span and be healthy. She said it is not the FeLV that > > usually kills FeLV+ cats, but rather secondary things so we need to be > > very vigilant. I asked if she thinks he needs frequent blood testing > > and she said no, not unless he is showing signs of being ill. Needless > > to say I watch him like a hawk! > > > > Ardy > > > > ___ > 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] Upsetting notices
I got this a week or so ago, no clue either Amy From: Lorrie To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Thursday, October 29, 2015 10:48 AM Subject: [Felvtalk] Upsetting notices I keep getting these notices that they will drop me for bounces and I have not had any bounces or my system would advise me of this. Has anyone else had this happen? It is most upsetting to me as this is my favorite cat group with such valuable help for FelV. I don't know what they mean about my password (see below) this is NOT my password. Can someone please help me with this problem. I have to keep reinstating my membership. Lorrie - Forwarded message from felvtalk-requ...@felineleukemia.org - From: felvtalk-requ...@felineleukemia.org To: felineres...@frontier.com Subject: confirm 95546e96fdcd66e1edc4efb4617ff74218c51892 Date: Thu, 29 Oct 2015 02:06:17 -0500 Your membership in the mailing list Felvtalk has been disabled due to excessive bounces The last bounce received from you was dated 29-Oct-2015. You will not get any more messages from this list until you re-enable your membership. You will receive 3 more reminders like this before your membership in the list is deleted. To re-enable your membership, you can simply respond to this message (leaving the Subject: line intact), or visit the confirmation page at http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/confirm/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org/95546e96fdcd66e1edc4efb4617ff74218c51892 You can also visit your membership page at http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/options/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org/felinerescue%40frontier.com As a reminder, your membership password is toxexizi - If you have any questions, you can contact the list owner at felvtalk-ow...@felineleukemia.org I HAVE DONE THIS SEVERAL TIMES - - End forwarded message - ___ 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] Bella
So sorry to hear about your loss. Amy From: simon95 To: Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, October 28, 2015 5:48 PM Subject: [Felvtalk] Bella My sweet little girl crossed over yesturday.she was 4 years old. So sad Sent from Samsung Mobile ___ 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] Merlot
Keeping you and Merlot in my thoughts. Hope you figure it out and Merlot is feeling better soon. Amy From: Maya D'Alessio To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Monday, October 19, 2015 10:09 AM Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Merlot Merlot was admitted to the vet hospital this morning. His fever is persisting and we still have no idea as to cause. Last night they tested for pancreatitis and that test came back normal. He got sub-Q fluids and they sent him home with us. He has vomitted a few times and he has not really kept down any nutrition since Saturday morning. They just did an x-ray but there is no obvious issue. They are going to do a barium contrast imaging series now after they administer IV fluids and antibiotics in hope that his fever will come down. The worst part is that we still really have no idea what is going on, so I am just waiting to hear and worrying :( On Sun, Oct 18, 2015 at 3:34 PM, Marsha wrote: Treatment depends on the cause of the low platelet count. If it's low enough that blood can't clot properly, he could develop internal bleeds from minor events, and become anemic or worse. If the cause was his immune system attacking his own platelets, the treatment might be prednisolone to suppress his immune system. But if he's FeLV+, that's not so likely. Platelet deficiency is called thrombocytopenia. Marsha On 10/18/2015 1:54 PM, Maya D'Alessio wrote: Hey everyone, Merlot is my 3.5 year old cat. Last summer my other cat passed away from FeLV (we had no idea she had it), and we had Merlot tested. He tests + on the snap/pcr test, but - on the ELISA. This gave me a little bit of piece of mind, in the hope that he would not become persistently +. Last night he was completely uninterested in dinner (very unusual for him), and he seemed a bit warm and lethargic. I took him in to the vets this morning and they wanted to do bloodwork. He has a temperature of 40.5 C. First results come back all normal except a very low platelet count. They gave him a small dosage of prednisone, and a shot of penicillin and sent me home with doxycillin and some food to force feed him if he won't eat on his own. They want me to watch him and come back in to the vets in 3 days to re-test his blood. Any experience with low platelet count, what that means and if there is any treatment? -- Maya D'Alessio PhD student B1 377B, x32320 Graduate Studies Endowment Fund Coordinator Biology GSA Vice Chair GSA Director At-Large University of Waterloo ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org -- Maya D'AlessioPhD studentB1 377B, x32320Graduate Studies Endowment Fund CoordinatorBiology GSA Vice ChairGSA Director At-LargeUniversity of Waterloo ___ 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] Merlin has gone to the bridge
Kelley, I am so sorry to hear about Merlin. Thank you for loving him and caring for him. Amy From: Kelley S To: felvtalk Sent: Sunday, September 27, 2015 3:08 PM Subject: [Felvtalk] Merlin has gone to the bridge They say his heart gave out. Kelley ___ 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] Rehome one-year-old grey cat
Hi Kelley, Just a quick question. When you say false positives are common, are you referring to all cases where you get a negative IFA and positive SNAP? I spoke with a vet the other day that has been telling clients that if you get a negative IFA, the cat is negative and the positive SNAP can be ignored (in other words, a false positive). That is totally wrong but I know some people have been told that and consider that a false positive. The reason I ask is that I just got what we are thinking is a true false positive at the vet this week. We tested a litter of 4 kittens and one tested positive and 3 negative. We retested all 4 immediately before sending out an IFA test and they were all negative. That is the first time that I have ever come across what I think might be a true false positive on the SNAP and we test cats all the time at our rescue. We sure hope it is a false positive but we will hold the litter and retest in 30 days just to be sure. I've been told that false positives are rare but wondered if your experience has been different. Amy From: Kelley S To: felvtalk Sent: Sunday, May 10, 2015 10:59 PM Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Rehome one-year-old grey cat If you really wish to rehome this kitty, much as I dislike them, Best Friends Animal Society often has spaces for FELV+ cats. You would be responsible for getting the kitty to Utah. I would not do anything until you have a confirmatory IFA though. False positives on the snap test are common. On Sun, May 10, 2015 at 4:30 PM, wrote: Harley and Dee go outside at will and spend most of their time on the deck. Homie and Annie do not go out. Homey was a feral, but 2 years ago, she stopped going outside, acts afraid. I don't know what frightened her, maybe my BIG cat (mountain lion), but he has never come closer to the house than 100 yards. Annie is a basket case , afraid of her own shadow. She was left by her owner who died of cancer in a trailer for 3 weeks, then chucked in a box, brought to the vet and then came home with me to a large house, 2 humans and 2 cats. she spent her first 2 weeks in the basement , sneaking up for food and water. sshe is getting better, but runs and hisses when she sees the others, only feels safe in my closet or on my bed when i go to bed. Maria Hunter wrote: > Also do you keep her indoors? > > www.mariahunterfitness.com > certified Personal trainer (NASM) > certified IMPACT group fitness trainer (NESTA) > Life Style and Weight Mangement Specialist > www.isamovie.com > 757- 513-2384 > > > -Original Message- > From: Felvtalk [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of > Jennifer Lewis > Sent: Saturday, May 09, 2015 8:37 PM > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Rehome one-year-old grey cat > > Where? > On May 9, 2015, at 3:08 PM, dlg...@windstream.net wrote: > > > If youi can afford it, keep him/her. I have a nine year old that was > diagnosed at age 4. She is still healthy as can be. None of my other cats > has contracted FELV. > > > > > > Maria Hunter wrote: > >> > >> Hello, I am trying to find new homes for my sisters cats that she has > been taking care of for a year now. The next door neighbor complained and > was going to have them picked up by animal control. Therefore I had them > brought to my garage by the help of a Cat rescue inc. volunteer. I have been > trying to get help for adoption of five cats. Unfortunately I had one of > them fixed yesterday and he is diagnosed with feline leukemia. Trying to > find a new home for him. Any suggestions? > >> > >> > >> ___ > >> 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 ___ 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] Please help! Anemic felv kitty, what can be done??
I have lost several leukemia positives to non-regenerative anemia. In my experience, when all other causes of anemia had been ruled out (including Hemobart), I was unable to find anything that stopped the progression. That said, I never lost hope for a miracle. I hope you have a different outcome. I watched mine closely as the hematocrit dropped and when I knew it was time, I took them to the vet. I didn't let them pass on their own as a very low hematocrit makes it difficult to carry oxygen and I didn't want them to suffer. It was very clear to us when it was time with each one. Each cat is so different and it is such a personal decision. My 2 cents, rule out all other causes of anemia. If truly non-regenerative, enjoy every minute with the kitty! Best wishes for your kitty. Amy Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
[Felvtalk] Donatello
Can somebody just tell me if my email about Donatello went out yesterday? I got a response that my membership was disabled due to excessive bounces, no idea why. Wondering if anybody got my email. ThanksAmy___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
[Felvtalk] Donatello - Leuk positive cat in PA
The rescue where I volunteer recently took in a stray that tested positive for leukemia. We are looking for a loving home for him. I have pictures if anybody is interested and his information is on Facebook and on our website. He is one handsome fella! https://www.facebook.com/AnimalServiceLeague http://www.animalserviceleagueny.org/ Donatello was found as a stray. He is a large, male, black and white spotted cat. Upon testing, he was found to be positive for feline leukemia. This test has been confirmed by further blood work. He is estimated to be about four years old and is a big, truly friendly, and affectionate cat. He is VERY sweet and full of personality! He is in need of a loving, permanent indoor home with other leukemia positive cats or in a home with properly leukemia vaccinated cats. Although he has been accustomed to outdoor life, he is currently in indoor isolation away from other cats and would be very happy to have more freedom and friends. He just cannot be outside anymore where he could expose or infect other cats. His eyes are bright and he appears healthy and is active. We have neutered him and completed his vaccinations. If you are interested in a special needs cat, please consider Donatello. We will do whatever we have to do to find him a safe place! Thanks!Amy ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Newly adopted sick babies. Help
Are they positive for FIV or leukemia? Cats can live a very long life with FIV. Amy From: barbe berbes To: Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Thursday, January 1, 2015 4:28 PM Subject: [Felvtalk] Newly adopted sick babies. Help I have recently adopted a mommy/son family both tested positive for feline aids(which is why I adopted them). I realize theirlifespan is limited and want to give them the best care & love possible. Love comes easy however I don't know anything about the disease nor how to treat it, what signs to look for that may be a red light for immediate vet trip or new treatment. I am 59 and have plenty of love and time to devote to my new babies. Please help me with websites, advice and ANY other information to help my little lovelies. Thank you for hearing my plea. God bless all who are fortunate enough to share moments with kitties who if left in shelters would have a lonely hard short life. Barbe Freppon berbe...@gmail.com ___ 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] 5 leukemia positive kittens
Katherine, I as well tried adopting out a mom and 3 kittens. No response. I kept them all and that was my start to a life of leuk positives. I wouldn't change it for anything! I have a son now, though, and the constant heartbreak on him is too much. I wish I could save these 5 but I have a senior with leukemia and my vet thinks it would be unfair to him. Amy From: Katherine K. To: "felvtalk@felineleukemia.org" Cc: Amy Sent: Friday, November 14, 2014 12:05 PM Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] 5 leukemia positive kittens Amy, I wish you the best of luck in placing these kittens. I had a litter of 4 positive kittens and tried very hard to find good homes for them, with no luck, so they lived with me until they passed away, most before they were 1 year old. It was a very busy year, but they were a lovely little group and it was nice seeing them stay together as a family for the time they had. I have to agree with Kelley that a $115 adoption fee in reality is not likely to help you get them placed in homes. In my experience, people just don't want to adopt and get attached to, much less pay a fee for, a kitty who will probably not live long. I was lucky enough to be working with a larger rescue organization who covered their shots, spay/neuters and testing expenses. I just provided the home, food, love and tears :) I suggest making flyers with the best photos you can get, and make them sound very friendly and loving. Play the sympathy card for all it's worth! :) Good luck, Katherine On Fri, Nov 14, 2014 at 11:44 AM, Kelley S wrote: I must not be getting all the posts. FELV+ kittens are very hard to place,and the adoption fee you are charging doesn't make it easier. I too do rescue. We adopted out a double positive cat to a person on this list. We altered her, vaccinated her, tested and retested her. We charged $25 and today I doubt we'd charge that. She went to an excellent home, we got pictures and updates. She recently was euthanized due to severe cardiomyopathy and lived 7.5 years. I wish you the best of luck testing your 5. Maybe someone here has room for a new kitty:) > > > >On Fri, Nov 14, 2014 at 8:53 AM, wrote: > >I GOT ANNIE AS AN ADULT OF 4 YRS, BUT THE VET THINKS SHE WAS ALWAYS POSITIVE. >SHE HAD NEVER BEEN OUTSIDE THE LADY'S HOUSE AND WAS SPOILED ROTTEN. I HAVE >HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH MY OTHER CATS WHO WERE ANYWHERE FROM 1 YEAR TO 10 YEARS. >MOST DIE OF OLD AGE AT 18 OR SO. YOU DO HAVE TO BE VERY OBSERVANT AND CATCH >ANY PROBLEM BEFORE IT CAN GET STARTED. >>I AGREE, YOU HAVE TO TELL PEOPLE, BUT IF THEY REALLY LOVE CATS, THEY WILL >>TAKE THE CHANCE AND LOVE THEM UNTIL THEY ARE GONE. WHAT YOU GET FROM THEM IN >>THAT SHORT TIME IS WORTH IT. >> >> Amy wrote: >>> Did she get leukemia as a kitten? I have a 12 year old leuk positive but I >>> didn't get him til he was three so not sure if he had it as a kitten or an >>> adult. I also just lost one of my leuk positives that was 12, also got her >>> around 4 so not sure when she got leukemia. Anybody that I had with >>> leukemia as a kitten hasn't made it past 2 :( I know any of them can defy >>> the odds and I always tell people that but I will warn people that there >>> may be heartbreak ahead. I think it is only fair. Never stopped me from >>> helping these little ones though. They are all so special. >>> >>> We just had an entire litter convert at our rescue (which the vets and the >>> specialists have told me is really unusual) so I'm hoping for the best for >>> these little cuties. So happy your Annie is doing well!!! >>> >>> >>> >>> From: "dlg...@windstream.net" >>> To: Amy ; felvtalk@felineleukemia.org >>> Sent: Friday, November 14, 2014 9:28 AM >>> Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] 5 leukemia positive kittens >> >>> >>> >>> MAY NOT LIVE OVER A YEAR, BUT THEN YOU NEVER KNOW. MY ANNIE IS NOW 8 YEARS >>> OLD . >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> Amy wrote: >>> > I volunteer for a rescue in Rochester, NY and have also owned leukemia >>> > positive cats (rescues) for years. We were recently contacted by >>> > somebody that adopted out a kitten from a litter of 5 that she found >>> > outdoors. She got a call from the adopters that the kitten tested >>> > positive and that the people needed to bring him back. She wanted help >>> > so we paid to have all 5 kittens tested this week. All five are >>> > positive. The foster is willing to hold them for 30 da
Re: [Felvtalk] 5 leukemia positive kittens
Marsha, I would like to thank you for your suggestions, help and support. Even though you may not agree with everything I'm saying, you have been very respectful and helpful. It is most appreciated. Amy From: Marsha To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Friday, November 14, 2014 1:15 PM Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] 5 leukemia positive kittens Some adopters may make a donation to the organization they adopt a zero-fee cat from. I did. You might make a cat low or no fee, but say, "donations gratefully accepted". If you list on PetFinder, consider adding FeLV+ to the heading, besides just listing them as "special needs". Some people are looking specifically for a FeLV+ cat as a companion for one they already have, and not putting that in the heading forces those people to sift through every special needs listing to find the FeLV+ kitty. I turned to PetFinder after having no luck locally finding a companion for Harley, and did a search by zip code. I specified "up to 100 miles", and that's how I found Brock. Actually, 113 miles away, but the search goes by zip code. There are also some listings here (up for adoption or looking to adopt FeLV, FIV, FIP +): http://www.bemikitties.com/felv/cgi-bin/suite/classifieds/classifieds.cgi You can also get to that by the felineleukemia.org website. One other place to list is the PurringPixie yahoo group. Marsha (with Harley & Brock) On 11/14/2014 11:05 AM, Katherine K. wrote: > Amy, > I wish you the best of luck in placing these kittens. I had a litter > of 4 positive kittens and tried very hard to find good homes for them, > with no luck, so they lived with me until they passed away, most > before they were 1 year old. It was a very busy year, but they were a > lovely little group and it was nice seeing them stay together as a > family for the time they had. > I have to agree with Kelley that a $115 adoption fee in reality is not > likely to help you get them placed in homes. In my experience, people > just don't want to adopt and get attached to, much less pay a fee for, > a kitty who will probably not live long. I was lucky enough to be > working with a larger rescue organization who covered their shots, > spay/neuters and testing expenses. I just provided the home, food, > love and tears :) > I suggest making flyers with the best photos you can get, and make > them sound very friendly and loving. Play the sympathy card for all > it's worth! :) > ___ 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] 5 leukemia positive kittens
sted 3 times as negative and Cornell, the SPCA and numerous vets said they are leukemia free and can be adopted out as such. I know that is highly unlikely but it can happen. The SNAP tests only indicates exposure, not true infection from what I've been told. Not every exposed cat remains infected as you all know and I just want to be sure these are true positives if they are going to mix with leuk positives. So anyway, that is all I can say about these babies. Not sure why people are on my case. I thought this would be a great resource because I've seen people ask about finding a leuk positive kitty. Just wanted to post here in case somebody was willing to open their home and heart to one of these babies. Btw, to the poster that told me I most likely have 3 girls. Yes, I suspected the blue cream, the tortie and the calico would be girls. They are. The black and the gray and white are boys. I just wasn't 100 sure yet :) Amy Weygandt From: Kelley S To: felvtalk Sent: Friday, November 14, 2014 3:05 PM Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] 5 leukemia positive kittens Marsha..sorry..when I said "I don't know what you want" I was referring to the OP, who if I recall correctly said something along the lines of "we don't want these cats in with other FELV+ cats if they could possibly be negative." So the way I read her post was: we want people with no cats who are willing to take the very probable heartbreak of a FELV+ kitten and promise to not expose it to other FELV+ cats and who will pay us over a hundred dollars for doing so. This is possible, but not very likely IMHO. Even in our rescue, after a certain point they would eat up over $100 worth of food and we would be losing money even if we did get $100 plus for them. More importantly, everyone is limited in space, and an animal in a foster home means another animal your rescue cannot help. The facebook group is interesting, and I encourage those on Facebook to join, not that I want to take traffic away from here, but most are very very very very stridently against mixing.I tried to get them to come here, but haven't had any luck that I know of. There is a very strange situation going on there that I'd like to get some input on. There is a kitten who has tested (snap and IFA) pos for FELV. This kitten came from a breeder who tests all her cats regularly and none has ever tested positive. The kitten's owner took the kitten to the vet as per contract within 10 days of buying the cat and got a positive test. Rechecked with IFA, still positive. ALL THE OTHER CATS were retested by the breeder and are still negative. All the other kittens in the litter have tested negative. HOW did this kitten contract FELV? Anyway here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/26073442228/ On Fri, Nov 14, 2014 at 1:39 PM, Marsha wrote: > > >Kelly, now *I'm* confused. I don't want anything. I was just sharing my >personal experiences and putting some suggestions out there. Some of the >resources you or others may already know about, but others might be new to >some people. Feel free to list your Facebook resources so people here are >aware of those too. Or maybe you were really replying to the same person I >was replying to? > >Idea for everyone: make up a flyer with some basic info about FeLV, with a picture of one or more or your FeLV+ cats looking happy and living the good life. Maybe put a link on the flyer to felineleukemia.org or other resource(s). Distribute the flyer to local vet offices for when the vet gets a client with a cat that tests positive. The vet could show the flyer to the owner so that the owner can see that there is support available, and that FeLV+ cats can live a happy life for a variable number of years. > >Marsha > >On 11/14/2014 1:00 PM, Kelley S wrote: > >There are some other places to list on Facebook, if you would like the links. >One thing that struck me when I read your post was confusion on my part as to >what exactly you wanted. It seemed to me reading it, and I may be reading >things into this, that you did not want the kittens to go to a home with FELV+ >cats in there already. That, in addition to the adoption fee, is going to >make it *almost* impossible to ever find these kittens a home (nothing is 100% >impossible of course). Also, once you adopt the kitten out, you don't have >control over what the adopters do later. They may bring in FELV+ cats later. >My heart kitty died of heart disease brought on by a congenital defect. I >spent a lot of time holding her and crying because she was going to die. They >are all going to die, we hope after many years in a happy home. I spent more >time mourning her death than I did celebrating her lif
Re: [Felvtalk] 5 leukemia positive kittens
Did she get leukemia as a kitten? I have a 12 year old leuk positive but I didn't get him til he was three so not sure if he had it as a kitten or an adult. I also just lost one of my leuk positives that was 12, also got her around 4 so not sure when she got leukemia. Anybody that I had with leukemia as a kitten hasn't made it past 2 :( I know any of them can defy the odds and I always tell people that but I will warn people that there may be heartbreak ahead. I think it is only fair. Never stopped me from helping these little ones though. They are all so special. We just had an entire litter convert at our rescue (which the vets and the specialists have told me is really unusual) so I'm hoping for the best for these little cuties. So happy your Annie is doing well!!! From: "dlg...@windstream.net" To: Amy ; felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Friday, November 14, 2014 9:28 AM Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] 5 leukemia positive kittens MAY NOT LIVE OVER A YEAR, BUT THEN YOU NEVER KNOW. MY ANNIE IS NOW 8 YEARS OLD . Amy wrote: > I volunteer for a rescue in Rochester, NY and have also owned leukemia > positive cats (rescues) for years. We were recently contacted by somebody > that adopted out a kitten from a litter of 5 that she found outdoors. She > got a call from the adopters that the kitten tested positive and that the > people needed to bring him back. She wanted help so we paid to have all 5 > kittens tested this week. All five are positive. The foster is willing to > hold them for 30 days so we can retest them but she does not want to > euthanize (nor would we suggest that) and she can't keep them. She has five > cats of her own and can't take another 5. She would like us to try to find > adoptive homes for them. > > We have agreed to find homes for them if she will let us screen the homes and > do the adoptions through our rescue, Animal Service League. We would love to > find homes for them with people that know this disease. We have a black, a > blue cream, a gray and white, a calico and a tortie. Pictures are available > if you email me. We will determine sex and give them names soon. We will > also retest them at 30 days or possibly do an IFA to make sure they are > positive if somebody wants them sooner and has other leuk positives. We > wouldn't want to send them to a home with leukemia if there is any chance > they are going to fight it off but will all five positive, we suspect some or > all of them will remain positive. > > These kittens will not be free. We will do all the vetting on them - > spays/neuters, microchipping, rabies, distemper, flea and parasite treatment, > etc., and will charge a $115 adoption fee. We are a rescue and will not > adopt out animals that are not fully vetted and we don't do free adoptions. > We are aware that they may not live past a year or two but they still deserve > a loving, responsible home and proper veterinary care. > > If anybody is interested in helping one of these little beauties, please let > us know. > > Amy Weygandt ___ 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] 5 leukemia positive kittens
I volunteer for a rescue in Rochester, NY and have also owned leukemia positive cats (rescues) for years. We were recently contacted by somebody that adopted out a kitten from a litter of 5 that she found outdoors. She got a call from the adopters that the kitten tested positive and that the people needed to bring him back. She wanted help so we paid to have all 5 kittens tested this week. All five are positive. The foster is willing to hold them for 30 days so we can retest them but she does not want to euthanize (nor would we suggest that) and she can't keep them. She has five cats of her own and can't take another 5. She would like us to try to find adoptive homes for them. We have agreed to find homes for them if she will let us screen the homes and do the adoptions through our rescue, Animal Service League. We would love to find homes for them with people that know this disease. We have a black, a blue cream, a gray and white, a calico and a tortie. Pictures are available if you email me. We will determine sex and give them names soon. We will also retest them at 30 days or possibly do an IFA to make sure they are positive if somebody wants them sooner and has other leuk positives. We wouldn't want to send them to a home with leukemia if there is any chance they are going to fight it off but will all five positive, we suspect some or all of them will remain positive. These kittens will not be free. We will do all the vetting on them - spays/neuters, microchipping, rabies, distemper, flea and parasite treatment, etc., and will charge a $115 adoption fee. We are a rescue and will not adopt out animals that are not fully vetted and we don't do free adoptions. We are aware that they may not live past a year or two but they still deserve a loving, responsible home and proper veterinary care. If anybody is interested in helping one of these little beauties, please let us know. Amy Weygandt___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Light positive reading
The rescue I'm part of had 4 kittens that all tested positive for leukemia. We held them all and retested later and found one negative, some weak positives and a strong positive. We retested again later, all 4 negative. We spoke with somebody at the ASPCA and they said if it had been one kitten, they may have thought test error. Since all 4 converted and still remain negative, it appears the weak positive showed they were clearing the virus from their system. We got very lucky! Amy From: Marsha To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Sunday, September 28, 2014 1:37 PM Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Light positive reading Many years ago (early 80's I think), I had a cat that supposedly showed a faint positive. The vet thought maybe it was a mistake, and a later test turned up negative. I have heard that it is always a mistake, and I have also heard the theory that a cat is fighting off the infection. Anybody want to contact a manufacturer? Marsha On 9/28/2014 12:02 PM, Lance wrote: > I’d like to know more about this as well. I was told that Ember was a “weak > positive” at her first test. She definitely had the virus (subsequent ELISAs > were positive, and CBCs seemed to back those up in showing immunosuppression). > > On Sep 28, 2014, at 11:00 AM, Kelley S wrote: > Hi guys, > > Long ago I learned from this list, there is no such thing as light positive > reading. It indicates an error with the test. I don't have documentation to > back this up, can anyone help? > ___ 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] Just tested positive
First of all, I'm so sorry about your loss of Yang. I've been through it so many times and it NEVER gets any easier. The good news is that I have two adults, 10 and 11, that have had leukemia since I got them, almost 10 years ago. They have been healthy all along. I've had my share of ones that made it less than 2 years and some that made it 4 or 5 years. You never really know. Just take it one day at a time and cherish every minute. We don't do anything special here. We tried lots of stuff at the beginning but it never seemed to help for us. I just try to keep stress levels low and love them and that seems to work :) Best of luck. Hope you have many years with Merlot. Amy From: Maya D'Alessio To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Thursday, July 24, 2014 3:12 PM Subject: [Felvtalk] Just tested positive Hello everyone, My cat Merlot, just tested positive for FeLV yesterday afternoon. We had him tested, because my three year old cat Yang (female) started acting ill at the end of June, the next morning I took her in to the vets and we discovered she was anemic, jaundiced and had a high fever. They checked her blood levels and found she was anemic (about 13, vs 26 in a healthy cat). She stayed at the vet during the day and her blood levels didn't get any worse, and our vet was optimistic. They transferred her over to the emergency clinic which was open all evening and in to the weekend. They monitored her overnight and her red blood cells decreased, her fever lowered but she went past normal to too cold. That morning the blood tests came back and she was positive for FeLV. We were shocked. Even worse was that her detailed blood work showed no uptick in blood cell production, where she should have increased production, she actually had almost no production. We then got to see her before we had to put her down. That was the hardest day of my life. Now, with Merlot testing positive I am terrified of losing him so quickly, and I am still grieving for Yang. I know the statistics are not great for long term prognosis, but he is currently healthy (just a tiny bit of gingivitis - we are going to start brushing his teeth). What can I do to keep him healthy? How do I live with him everyday without starting to grieve him already? I know we all are going to die someday, but this just feels like it is going to hang over me. I am still doing reading on the disease and newer treatments and such, but do these all start after the cat becomes noticeably ill, or are there things I can be doing now to help keep him healthy? Are probiotics helpful in this case? For those who have or have had a healthy FeLV cat, how long did they stay healthy for? -- Maya D'Alessio ___ 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] Just tested positive
Hi Jennifer, So sorry to hear about Smoosh. Thank you for loving her for the 13 months you had with her. She was a lucky girl. Amy From: Jennifer Lewis To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Friday, July 25, 2014 12:01 AM Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Just tested positive We said goodnight to my heart, my Smoosh about an hour ago. She contracted the virus from her feral mom, and came to us at 8 weeks after being trapped. We loved her dearly for 13 wonderful months until she left with my heart tonight. On Jul 24, 2014, at 6:12 PM, Maya D'Alessio wrote: I am a microbiologist, so the lack of research really does frustrate me. I was asking the vet if we know if the viral load increases over time like in hiv. He said there was very limited funding for felv research. Very frustrating. ___ >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] Positive to negative
Nope, I meant Leuk's. They were going to take a litter of positive kittens from me but they all converted. It is a leukemia only sanctuary. Leona Foster runs it and is great. Leuk's Landing Leuk's Landing Non profit permanent home for kitties with Feline Leukemia (FeLV). View on www.leukslanding.org Preview by Yahoo Amy From: Lance To: Amy ; "felvtalk@felineleukemia.org" Cc: "felvtalk@felineleukemia.org" Sent: Thursday, July 17, 2014 10:30 AM Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Positive to negative Are you referring to Crash's Landing? They're a large no-kill in Grand Rapids (I think). They have a separate shelter next door for FeLV and FIV cats called Big Sid's. I support CL when I can. They really care, and Dr. Jen (the vet behind Crash's) has pulled off some miracles on injured and ill rescues. On Jul 17, 2014, at 9:01 AM, Amy wrote: You tried Leuk's Landing? > > > > > From: Mercy Cats >To: "felvtalk@felineleukemia.org" >Sent: Thursday, July 17, 2014 9:32 AM >Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Positive to negative > > > >Thank you, everyone. I'm still trying to catch the mother cat from the park >and am worried about her status. When I catch her I'll get her tested myself. > But positive or negative, I don't have room for another cat. I found out >about the park from my husband. The conversation started, "I don't want >another cat. If I told you I know where there's a mother cat and kittens, >where could they go?" I had to find someplace to take them before he showed >me where they were. The local humane society changed management last year. >They are now no kill except for FIV and FeLV. Before that they killed >everything. The shelter I used to work with also changed management, but that >one was for the worse. > >Both my husband and I have health issues. Taking in another cat is not an option. Is anyone from the group in Michigan? I'm in St. Clair County. There are 2 rescues on the west side of the state that take FeLV+ cats, but both are full. > >I can't just abandon the mother cat. Someone already did that. But I'm >making an almost 50 mile round trip every day to feed her. > > > > > > > > > > >From: lini...@fastmail.fm >Date: Wed, 16 Jul 2014 20:39:00 -0500 >To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org >Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Positive to negative > > >Current thinking seems to be that the odds of a regressive infection resulting >in FeLV-related disease is “unlikely”. This is according to the 2008 AAFP >Retrovirus Guidelines. Focal infections where the virus is restricted to >certain tissues are rare, and these infections also seem unlikely to result in >FeLV-associated disease. > > >Lance > >On Jul 16, 2014, at 8:29 PM, Marsha wrote: > >Note on going "negative": sometimes the virus can become dormant and hide for >a while. It can later reactivate and the cat will test positive again. >> >>Marsha >> > >___ 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] Positive to negative
You tried Leuk's Landing? From: Mercy Cats To: "felvtalk@felineleukemia.org" Sent: Thursday, July 17, 2014 9:32 AM Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Positive to negative Thank you, everyone. I'm still trying to catch the mother cat from the park and am worried about her status. When I catch her I'll get her tested myself. But positive or negative, I don't have room for another cat. I found out about the park from my husband. The conversation started, "I don't want another cat. If I told you I know where there's a mother cat and kittens, where could they go?" I had to find someplace to take them before he showed me where they were. The local humane society changed management last year. They are now no kill except for FIV and FeLV. Before that they killed everything. The shelter I used to work with also changed management, but that one was for the worse. Both my husband and I have health issues. Taking in another cat is not an option. Is anyone from the group in Michigan? I'm in St. Clair County. There are 2 rescues on the west side of the state that take FeLV+ cats, but both are full. I can't just abandon the mother cat. Someone already did that. But I'm making an almost 50 mile round trip every day to feed her. From: lini...@fastmail.fm Date: Wed, 16 Jul 2014 20:39:00 -0500 To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Positive to negative Current thinking seems to be that the odds of a regressive infection resulting in FeLV-related disease is “unlikely”. This is according to the 2008 AAFP Retrovirus Guidelines. Focal infections where the virus is restricted to certain tissues are rare, and these infections also seem unlikely to result in FeLV-associated disease. Lance On Jul 16, 2014, at 8:29 PM, Marsha wrote: Note on going "negative": sometimes the virus can become dormant and hide for a while. It can later reactivate and the cat will test positive again. > >Marsha > ___ 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] Positive to negative
We just had four kittens and an adult go from pos to neg at our rescue. Amy From: Mercy Cats To: "felvtalk@felineleukemia.org" Sent: Wednesday, July 16, 2014 6:19 PM Subject: [Felvtalk] Positive to negative I just found out that a couple of young cats (nine months old or so) that had been abandoned in a county park, and that I caught and took to a local humane society last month, were euthanized because they were felv+. The cats probably wouldn't have survived the virus; they were emaciated and one had lost the sight in one eye because of an untreated URI. But the shelter tried to tell me that felv is ALWAYS fatal, and I realize it's difficult to get people to adopt + cats, but I know some adult cats can shake off the virus. Our garage cat, Snowball, originally came to us from our veterinarian because we were the only ones who would take a leuk+ cat. That was in December 2008. At the time we had Harley who was dumped as an FeLV kitten. Harley died six weeks later. Snowball tested negative for FeLV in August 2013 and again in February 2014. I've seen a few postings by people who have also had cats go from (+) to (-). Does this happen more often than most people think? ___ 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] from: Amy Dalgliesh subject:
http://www.buyfrenchwineonline.eu/npnviz.php ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
[Felvtalk] FIV and oral cancer
I know this isn't an FIV group but I thought I might be able to find some helpful info. I have two cats that have leukemia and I've been through lymphoma and cancer with several of the positives. This time it is my FIV+ that is having trouble. About a month ago, we noticed a large swelling on the side of her face. We took her to the vet and she had a bad tooth which started bleeding when the doctor touched it. My vet, who I adore and who has never steered me wrong over all the years of my leuk positives, recommended I put her on antibiotics and bring her back to have the tooth removed. We did that and she had 4 extractions. She had bloodwork and testing prior to surgery and everything was beautiful. No signs of anything but a dental abscess. Following the surgery, the swelling on her face was not going away. She has been on very strong antibiotics (trying different kinds and multiple ones together) and yet the mass continues to grow. My vet started by saying she was concerned we might be dealing with cancer. At this point, she is fully convinced there is a tumor growing in there. For all my other cats, I have pursued test after test trying to save them. I've done chemo, I've gone to Cornell University trying to save some of them, but ultimately the cancer always seems to win. So my vet said I could let her be or I could put her under and do dental x-rays and a biopsy. Her socket has not even healed from her dental and my vet said she personally probably wouldn't put her through the biopsy as we are either dealing with infection or cancer and we are both confident this is not infection. Has anybody else ever been through something like this? I don't want to put her through any more sedation, testing, etc. if her days are numbered but I also wonder if I could be missing something. My vet gave me this kitty and she loves her like her own kitty so I'm leaning towards following her advice. I just always thought my FIV+ kitty might live a long, normal life and am so bummed to be possibly dealing with cancer yet again. Would love to hear about anybody else that has been through oral cancer as this is one cancer that I haven't been through before. Thanks Amy___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] What_could_it_be?
I have an FeLV kitty that out of the blue one day couldn't stand up. She leaned and fell to the right. If I leaned her up against an ottoman, she could walk in a circle clock-wise, but if she moved away from the ottoman, she fell down. The veterinarian had no idea what it was, and attributed it to the leukemia and gave me a sad prognosis. That was three years ago. She still has a little bit of balance problem, but compensates for it by standing in what we call her ballet first position. We still don't know what it was, but I hope your little one has as much of a turn around as Eliza Jane has had. From: Maureen Olvey To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Saturday, April 28, 2012 8:32 PM Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] What_could_it_be? Oh - we went to see the opthalmologist about her uveitis. He gave her azithromycin (sp?) and two kinds of eye drops. It was prednisolone and neomycin eye drops. It still hasn't gone away. He said it could be anything, especially since she has FeLV, but the treatment was the same so we didn't waste money doing any further testing on her. The uveitis has gotten better but it hasn't completely gone away and there's still some swelling behind her eye. It's not nearly as red or painful anymore. “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: longhornf...@verizon.net To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Date: Sat, 28 Apr 2012 10:48:08 -0500 Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] What_could_it_be? I've never heard of CH, thanks for the info. Diabetes is not good even though it's treatable. I do hope that you get more blood work done even though you stated the bloodwork was okay a couple of months ago. Have you noticed an increase in fluids or urination? Keep us posted, I will be thinking of you. You have helped me in so many ways in the past. What meds did your vet give for the uveitis? Good luck, Maureen! Lynda - Original Message - >From: ter...@tazzys.org >To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org >Sent: Saturday, April 28, 2012 9:43 AM >Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] What_could_it_be? > >Maureen, >She could be a CH Kitty..."Cerebellar Hypoplasia" this can happen in both cats >and dogs at a young age. Some are born with it. It is a Brain Neuro issue. It >can affect any kitty whether they are FELV or not. >I have 2 kitties that have this as they are Siamese. One is about 6-7 months >old and the other is a senior. >You can also go to facebook and look this up under this. (Cerebellar >Hypoplasia Kitties) I'm on the group as well. It will give you more details. >There is help and a great deal of knowledge. >You can google this as well. >My suggestion is to take the kitty to the Vet for blood-work. If the >blood-work comes back clean ask your Vet about this. A good Vet will make it >more understanding for you. >Some animal shelters will euthanized both kittens/cats/puppies/dogs that have >this. They don't want to deal with a special needs animal. >My kitties came from out of state shelters. >These animals can live very full lives. They just aren't normal they can eat, >play, sleep, and use the potty like others but slower with handicaps. > > > >TAZZY'S ANIMAL TRANSPORTS/SIAMESE & COLLIE RESCUE >Sultan, WA. 98294 >Terrie Mohr-Forker >http://tazzys.org/ >Non-Profit national rescue >Dedicated to the welfare of animals. > > >Copyright © 1999-2012 tazzys.org. All rights reserved. > > > Original Message >>Subject: [Felvtalk] What_could_it_be? >>From: molvey...@hotmail.com >>Date: Sat, April 28, 2012 4:51 am >>To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org >> >>I have a FeLV kitten that I'm fostering. She's six or seven months old. >>She's the one I emailed about a couple months ago with uveitis. The uveitis >>never has completely cleared up. But now I'm not sure what's going on. Her >>back legs are kind of wobbly. It's not bad enough that my husband has >>noticed yet, but I can see it. It's like she's slightly drunk. She's >>walking okay with the front legs but her back legs give way a little or >>something when she's walking. She's eating and going to the bathroom. She >>doesn't run around and play as much as the other cats do, but never really >>has. She's just a real mellow and loving kitten and I just thought that must >>be why she's not as playful. I'm not sure though. She's not growing a lot >>too. The other kitten her age, not related, has grown much faster than she >>has. >> >>So any ideas? Why do you guys think she's started getting wobbly in the back >>legs. She can still jump on things but not as sure-footed as the others. I >>don't know if her muscles are getting weak or if she's anemic or what. A
[Felvtalk] Test post
My last post to Ben had question marks all through it that I did not type. Guessing it might be due to the new Yahoo e-mail upgrade. Sorry! ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
[Felvtalk] Dexter
Ben, I'm very sorry to hear about Dexter. He sounds like such a special boy. It's never easy to know exactly the right time to let such a cherished friend go. I have lost so many to this disease and I wonder the same things at times. Did this one suffer? Did I wait too long? Did I miss something? Could I have changed the outcome? Could I have done more? I've just tried to focus on the positive. Dexter had you by his side through all of this. What more could he possibly have asked for? All that matters is that you love him and had his best interest in mind the whole time and he knows that. He was so lucky to have you and you him. Hoping you find comfort in all the wonderful memories you have of Dexter. Amy ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
[Felvtalk] Rosie
Alice, I'm so sorry to hear about Rosie. I have followed your journey closely always hoping and praying your kitties would beat this. I started my journey with a leuk positive mom and 3 kitties (Shelby, Mystique, Nirvana and Hannibal) who have all since passed so your story hit really close to home for me. It has been so difficult to watch any of my cats go through this but I know it was really tough to see the disease take down one family member after another. I hope you find peace in knowing they are all together again. So sorry. Amy ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
[Felvtalk] Murphy
Alice, I'm so sorry to hear about Murphy. I will so miss reading about him. I feel like I knew him and hoped for him to beat this disease like I do my own cats. I got introduced to this disease when I found a mom and three kittens that all tested positive and have never had a cat that's not positive since. I read your posts always hoping your kitties would defy the odds and live long adult lives. You were so wonderful to Murphy. I hope you have many happy memories to bring you comfort during this sad time. Amy ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] please add Tiger to the CLS
Laura, Sorry to hear about Tiger. I can relate to what you are feeling. I lost a cat quickly about a year ago. He showed no signs of illness for the longest time. By the time he was sick enough for me to notice, it was too late to save him. I'll never know why he crashed so hard or so quickly. I think he had hemobart and was anemic and I had just switched to yearly blood work as opposed to every 6 months so I missed it. I beat myself up over losing him and wish I had seen the signs. Sorry for the long story. Just wanted to say that now that time has passed, I realize that I loved him and I did the best I could. He wouldn't have expected anything more than that. Tiger was so lucky to have you. He was loved and cared for and that is what matters. Sorry he left you too soon. Amy ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] EVO and high calcium levels
Hi Laurie, That's good to know, thanks! Any explanation for why she was not concerned? --- On Sun, 8/29/10, Laurieskatz wrote: > From: Laurieskatz > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] EVO and high calcium levels > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Date: Sunday, August 29, 2010, 1:19 PM > All of my cats have elevated calcium. > I feed (grain free) Wellness Turkey > and Salmon. The vet was not concerned. > Laurie > > > ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] EVO and high calcium levels
Yeah this is what Cornell suggested with Wolfie. He was anemic (non-regenerative) and I posted here about whether to pursue it. Decided not to take the extra blood so I don't know if it was really a problem. This kitty, Sierra, is stable so it probably wouldn't be a big deal. I asked my vet about it and she said she'd first rather send the sample out to an outside lab and verify the high value. Came back high. I'll ask again about drawing more blood for an ionized calcium. Thanks! Amy --- On Sat, 8/28/10, Sharyl wrote: > From: Sharyl > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] EVO and high calcium levels > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Date: Saturday, August 28, 2010, 10:23 PM > Amy, I'm guessing you have only > checked the serum calcium levels. You need to check > the ionized calcium levels to know if there is a > problem. If the iCa is high then you would want to > look into the cause. The iCa test is expensive but the > only way I know of to verify if there is a problem. > Sharyl > > --- On Sat, 8/28/10, Amy > wrote: > > > From: Amy > > Subject: [Felvtalk] EVO and high calcium levels > > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > > Date: Saturday, August 28, 2010, 8:33 PM > > Has anybody had a problem with high > > calcium levels after feeding EVO? I changed my > > household to it over a year ago when Wolfie was > losing > > weight. At one of his last visits, his calcium > tested > > just slightly elevated. Now I've taken my FIV+ cat > in > > and she is also testing high for calcium. She seems > > perfectly healthy and my vet recommended we look at > the diet > > before getting all freaked out by the high calcium. > > > > EVO says it contains about 2.59% calcium. My vet > says > > this is about double what most of the foods she looked > up > > contain. The pet store told me that the grain free > > foods can contain more of stuff because the idea is > that the > > pet will eat less of it than other foods. I'm going > to > > contact the company but just wondered if anybody else > has > > experienced this with cats on EVO. > > > > Amy > > > > > > > > > > ___ > > 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] EVO and high calcium levels
Has anybody had a problem with high calcium levels after feeding EVO? I changed my household to it over a year ago when Wolfie was losing weight. At one of his last visits, his calcium tested just slightly elevated. Now I've taken my FIV+ cat in and she is also testing high for calcium. She seems perfectly healthy and my vet recommended we look at the diet before getting all freaked out by the high calcium. EVO says it contains about 2.59% calcium. My vet says this is about double what most of the foods she looked up contain. The pet store told me that the grain free foods can contain more of stuff because the idea is that the pet will eat less of it than other foods. I'm going to contact the company but just wondered if anybody else has experienced this with cats on EVO. Amy ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
[Felvtalk] Wolfie - Please add to CLS
Wolfie left us today after a long battle with leukemia. I took him in 6 years ago after he was found in a pole barn and was going to be put to sleep after testing positive. I still remember going to see him for the first time. He had cuts under his eyes and looked so sad. I couldn't possibly resist even though my husband is horribly allergic to cats. Wolfie thrived in our home and was a joy to live with for the past 6 years. The horrible sores under his eyes went away and he grew to be one of my biggest boys. He was always a momma's boy and spent hours and hours on my chest purring and kneading daily. Even when I was pregnant, he spent every night on my belly. He was the most opinionated cat I've ever had and he insisted on his way at all times but it was an honor to know him. He was diagnosed with non-regenerative anemia on my b-day last year and has graced me with almost another year to enjoy him. I'm so grateful for that time with him. He has fought for the last year with such strength, courage and amazing determination. However, he decided today was the end of the fight. I wouldn't expect anything less from him. My favorite number is 23 (hence my e-mail address awilkins23) and while it's a sad day, I'm glad that I will think of Wolfie with wonderful memories every time I see that number. Thanks for all the advice and support that I've been given while trying to help Wolfie beat this disease. Amy ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Wolfie and weakness
Hi Jenny, Sorry to take so long to respond. I've just been spending every minute I can with Wolfie. I have been calling around and looking into holistic alternatives. So far I've found a vet that does herbal stuff and acupuncture. I've not yet found anybody that does chiro. Still waiting to here from the vet at Cornell before making any final decisions. Thanks for the suggestions. Amy --- On Mon, 7/26/10, jbero tds.net wrote: > From: jbero tds.net > Subject: [Felvtalk] Wolfie and weakness > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Date: Monday, July 26, 2010, 1:09 PM > Amy, > > I don't have much input on restricting activity. In > general it seems to me > that once a cat realizes his limitations he'll limit > himself. I am not big > on limiting them. They generally do that on their > own. I guess it's a > personal opinion. Certainly something could happen, > but something could > happen to any of us. > > I really wanted to see if you would be interested in trying > a tonic. It is > a tonic meant for treatment of cancers, but it has > properties and benefits > that extend beyond this. It has helped various people > and animals in > various way. Noone has ever reported any significant > negative side effects > with its use. It is an herbal tonic consistenting of > four plant > derivatives. I was wondering if it could help a felv > cat. It would be > fantastic to see a reversal of neurologic symptoms. I > don't know that it > would help, but it has done wonders in many settings. > > If you're interested I can send you the list of herbs and > how to prepare > it. > > On a different note, I have seen some amazing things with > acupuncture and > alignment on dogs and cats. If the weakness is not > due to felv, these > procedures may help. You'd have to go to an > alternative vet for that > though. I don't know it was just a thought and I > figured I put it out > there. > > Jenny > ___ > 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] Restricting cat from stairs
I thought about this too but I always thought arthritis was painful. I've had Wolfie for 6 years and while I know cats don't typically show pain, I'm pretty sure this one would let it be known. I'll definitely bring this up with my vet as well, though, in case I'm missing something. Thanks! Amy --- On Fri, 7/23/10, Chris wrote: > From: Chris > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Restricting cat from stairs > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Date: Friday, July 23, 2010, 10:57 PM > Amy--am afraid I haven't been > following all the details of the various tests > & suggestions and I know it sounds stupid, but is there > any chance Wolfie > developed very bad early onset arthritis? > > Christiane Biagi > > ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Restricting cat from stairs
The potassium was fine at the last vet visit when he was checked for the leg weakness (about 4 weeks ago). I don't think they checked blood pressure. I'm hesitant to keep taking him in over and over for blood work as he has had non-regenerative anemia for almost a year now. --- On Fri, 7/23/10, Belinda Sauro wrote: > From: Belinda Sauro > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Restricting cat from stairs > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Date: Friday, July 23, 2010, 11:58 PM > What is the kitties > potassium and blood pressure? > > -- Belinda > happiness is being owned by cats ... > > http://BelindaSauro.com > http://HostDesign4U.com > > > ___ > 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] Restricting cat from stairs
Laurie I remember you mentioning Coco having this and did add it to my list of possible causes. Was the problem able to be resolved? ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Restricting cat from stairs
Thanks to all that have replied. My gut tells me to let Wolfie do what he wants. That's the way it has always been with him and I don't think he'd have it any other way to be honest. I guess I just needed reassurance that I wasn't being an irresponsible mom. Thanks for all the support! Amy > From: Lorrie > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Restricting cat from stairs > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Date: Friday, July 23, 2010, 5:23 PM > Amy, I've had several FelV cats with > back leg problems, and > they seem to know when it's time to stop climbing stairs > or > trying to jump up on things. I'd let him do what he > thinks > he is up to doing. To restrict him would stress him, and > this is always bad for FelV cats. > > Lorrie > > ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Restricting cat from stairs
Hi Tracy, Thanks for writing. Sorry to hear about your cat. I certainly understand you being bummed out. I don't think I could be more bummed out over all this. Any info is helpful to me at this point and I'm very grateful to be part of this list. Please keep me posted on what you find out about the FIP. I did come across FIP in my research on what could be causing Wolfie's leg problems. He has seen multiple vets so I guess I just assumed somebody would have picked up on that if he was showing any symptoms. I'll definitely bring it up though. I'm waiting to hear back from Cornell to see if I should take him there again. Amy --- On Fri, 7/23/10, Tracy Weese wrote: > From: Tracy Weese > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Restricting cat from stairs > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Date: Friday, July 23, 2010, 5:40 PM > I remember when you posted initially > -- I responded that I, too, had a cat that began > experiencing rear leg weakness and then some head > tremors. Her blood work (a reg health screen) was > great (but for FeLV) so they sent her home and said watch > her and see if it gets better, worse, etc. Well, it > never got better so I took her in for xrays and the vet then > said that toxoplasmosis was a possiblity and one other thing > (crypto??) and so we ran specific tests for that -- the > xrays showed no tumors or lesions. > > The test results said NO toxo or "crypto", but it did show > corona virus and so now folks are thinking FIP (dry). > They are running a blood serum test now and then once I have > those results will decide whether there is any need to > explore further. > > My vet thinks it really must be FIP bec. of the FeLV status > and the neuro symptoms and the fact that the xrays were good > and the other blood tests were negative -- even though it is > sometimes hard to diagnoses FIP. So, I am really > bummed out and don't mean to bum you out, but did not know > if you explored this or not. Right now my cat is > eating well but still has that rear leg weakness and some > head tremors -- although they "seem" a little less (this > could be wishful thinking on my part). When she came > home from the xrays and while we were waiting on the toxo > results, the vet started her on clindamyacin which I > finished giving her this week. > > > > > -Original Message- > >From: Lorrie > >Sent: Jul 23, 2010 5:23 PM > >To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > >Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Restricting cat from stairs > > > >Amy, I've had several FelV cats with back leg problems, > and > >they seem to know when it's time to stop climbing > stairs or > >trying to jump up on things. I'd let him do what > he thinks > >he is up to doing. To restrict him would stress him, > and > >this is always bad for FelV cats. > > > >Lorrie > > > > > >On 07-23, Amy wrote: > > > >> Wondering if people would offer an opinion. > My cat, Wolfie, has > >> rear leg weakness that is getting progressively > worse. He's been > >> seen by numerous vets and it's not going to get > any better. I'm > >> guessing the leukemia is finally getting the best > of him. > >> > >> Anyway, I'm just wondering how much I should let > him do. Initially > >> my vet said not to restrict him, that > letting him use the muscles > >> was good for them. He is now starting > to stumble or sit more > >> often. He doesn't totally fall over or > anything, just gets a bit > >> wobbly or sits down. If he's on > linoleum, he has much less > >> control of his legs. He is still > jumping up and down on my bed, > >> eating, purring, laying on my chest, going > up and down stairs, > >> etc. I don't want him to get hurt and > him doing the stairs makes > >> me so nervous. On the other hand, I > don't want to restrict him > >> out of fear. I talked to the > receptionist at the vet and she said > >> if it was her cat, the stairs would be off > limits. This will be > >> so tough because I have 3 other cats, 1 very > shy one that hides in > >> the basement and only comes out when my son > is sleeping. I would > >> have to force her to stay in the basement or > out of the basement > >> (as opposed to having access to the cat door > in the basement > >> door). The last thing I want is to see > Wolfie get hurt but I > >> can't seem to think that if he gets to a > point where he can't do > >> the stairs, he wi
[Felvtalk] Restricting cat from stairs
Wondering if people would offer an opinion. My cat, Wolfie, has rear leg weakness that is getting progressively worse. He's been seen by numerous vets and it's not going to get any better. I'm guessing the leukemia is finally getting the best of him. Anyway, I'm just wondering how much I should let him do. Initially my vet said not to restrict him, that letting him use the muscles was good for them. He is now starting to stumble or sit more often. He doesn't totally fall over or anything, just gets a bit wobbly or sits down. If he's on linoleum, he has much less control of his legs. He is still jumping up and down on my bed, eating, purring, laying on my chest, going up and down stairs, etc. I don't want him to get hurt and him doing the stairs makes me so nervous. On the other hand, I don't want to restrict him out of fear. I talked to the receptionist at the vet and she said if it was her cat, the stairs would be off limits. This will be so tough because I have 3 other cats, 1 very shy one that hides in the basement and only comes out when my son is sleeping. I would have to force her to stay in the basement or out of the basement (as opposed to having access to the cat door in the basement door). The last thing I want is to see Wolfie get hurt but I can't seem to think that if he gets to a point where he can't do the stairs, he will stop doing them. Is that foolish? He is such an opinionated, strong-willed cat and I know he will not be pleased if I restrict him in any fashion. Oh and he doesn't have to do any stairs. He has food, water, and litter on all floors. He just chooses to. Thoughts? Thanks Amy ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] rear leg weakness
Sharyl, Are you saying that phos level would cause a problem? Neither of my vets seemed concerned with that level as it was just a tad below normal. Amy --- On Wed, 6/30/10, Sharyl wrote: > From: Sharyl > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] rear leg weakness > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Date: Wednesday, June 30, 2010, 11:19 PM > Amy, that sure would cause a > problem. Hope he is feeling better > Sharyl > > --- On Wed, 6/30/10, Amy > wrote: > > > From: Amy > > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] rear leg weakness > > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > > Date: Wednesday, June 30, 2010, 10:30 PM > > Sharyl, > > > > Wolfie's phos was 2.8 (3-6.6). > > > > Amy > > > > > Amy, based on what you have written I > > > wouldn't worry about the high Ca right now. > What > > was > > > his phos level? There is an issue when both Ca > and > > > Phos are high but again that wouldn't affect his > hind > > > legs. It could be the anemia. > > > > > > In the end we do what we can with the resources > we > > > have. He's lucky to have you loving him. > > > Sharyl > > > > > > - > > > > > > > > > > ___ > > 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] rear leg weakness
Sharyl, Wolfie's phos was 2.8 (3-6.6). Amy > Amy, based on what you have written I > wouldn't worry about the high Ca right now. What was > his phos level? There is an issue when both Ca and > Phos are high but again that wouldn't affect his hind > legs. It could be the anemia. > > In the end we do what we can with the resources we > have. He's lucky to have you loving him. > Sharyl > > - ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] rear leg weakness- Revolution used? and update
No idea why he has hind leg weakness. I'll researched all the causes and none seem to apply other than the leukemia. He has had routine blood work every 6 months of his life and we have monitored him very closely as we do all our positive cats. No major problems other than some weight loss and IBD over the past couple years. I don't think I've ever taken one of my positive cats to the vet that some level hasn't been off. Historically when I've drawn more blood or done further testing, it always ends up being nothing. I spend lots of money and put the cats through lots of testing and then 6 months later, the value is normal again. I've just grown to step back and not flip out every time I see a low or high value for that reason. I have to say I still feel sick every time I see the HCT drop in one of them though. So that's my hesitation with taking 3 ml of blood from a non-regenerative anemic cat. He just had a full CBC/Chem which is not a small amount of blood and I'm afraid to draw so much blood again when I think his time with me is limited to begin with. The only thing I can come up with as a cause of the hind leg weakness is long term steroid use. I read that it's more common with injectable steroids so not sure if it even applies to pred. He's been on pred for almost a year. However, I have no doubt that it is the one thing that has kept him alive. Neither me or the specialist I'm seeing are even considering taking him off that as I have no doubt he will crash. We tried weaning him off it a year ago after treating him for hemobart and he started going downhill quickly. That said, his bone marrow is shot. He's been non-regenerative for over a year and making red blood cells from his spleen or elsewhere. We knew he couldn't do this forever so I'm not shocked at where we are, just sad. Since he's been anemic for a year and holding steady, I guess the weakness could be a result of the anemia as well. Yet he doesn't seem weak otherwise really. He sleeps a lot and yes it's obvious he doesn't keep up with the other cats but not so weak that it takes too much energy to walk in my opinion. His liver and kidney values are all normal. Appetite is normal. No signs of lymphoma after 2 ultrasounds, probably has IBD and is on EVO which seems to have helped keep that in check. His calcium is just over normal - 11.6 with normal being 8.2-11.5. I looked at blood work from all my other cats and they all run towards the high end, 10 or higher. So I'm weighing the risk worth the benefit of drawing another 3 ml of blood to see if he's really got a high calcium vs just waiting it out and if he's around in a month or so, rechecking it then. Any thoughts or suggestions are welcome. Thank you everyone for all the suggestions. My gut tells me that he is close to the point of losing his battle with this disease. I always try to keep hope and remain optimistic but watching one cat after another be taken down by this disease, it's hard to keep the faith sometimes. Fingers crossed, Wolfie will pull through this and defy the odds as he has until now. Amy > Why does he have hind leg weakness. This can > sometimes be a vascular issue > (basically a blood clot in one of the large vessels) or > felv involving the > central nervous system, or an autoimmune process, > etc. Are his kidneys okay > (tested for with BUN and Creat.) and liver (AST, ALT, > albumin, Bilirubin) > and bone marrow (anemic? high or low WBC, presence of > lymphoma?). Is his > appetitie okay? These things would influence my > personal decision of > proceeding or not. It seems likely that the elevated > Calcium is secondary > to some other process, if that process cannot be treated, I > would probably > not proceed with trying to find out why the calcium is > elevated and simply > provide IV fluids and a change of diet to keep him > comfortable while he is > here. If the underlying problem can be treated, I > would treat that first > and change diet and possibly give IV fluids, then watch the > calcium and see > if it drops. > > This is a tough decision at times. Iwish you the best > of luck and may God > bless. > > Jenny > > On Sun, Jun 27, 2010 at 2:33 PM, Amy > wrote: > > > I have not used Revolution on Wolfie. > > > > Wolfie is still acting himself, is eating fine but he > is definitely getting > > weaker in the back legs. It's really hard to see > because I don't think > > things are going to get better. He has food and > litter on the main floor > > but is still choosing to do stairs (making me a > nervous wreck). He's > > starting to have a tough time with the kitchen floor > (linole
Re: [Felvtalk] rear leg weakness- Revolution used? and update
I have not used Revolution on Wolfie. Wolfie is still acting himself, is eating fine but he is definitely getting weaker in the back legs. It's really hard to see because I don't think things are going to get better. He has food and litter on the main floor but is still choosing to do stairs (making me a nervous wreck). He's starting to have a tough time with the kitchen floor (linoleum) so I'm putting carpets down to help. Wish I could do something more for him but I always feel that way when my leuk positives start going downhill. I hate this disease. Looking for opinions here. Wolfie's calcium was 11.6 when the blood work was done. Normal is 8.2-11.5. The vet at Cornell wants me to draw another sample to check his active or ionized calcium to see if his Calcium is actually high. Would you put your cat through this if your gut is that he doesn't have long? I asked what we would do if it's high. She said we'd look at all causes and rule them out and if none of those applied, we'd alter his diet to try bringing it down. He's anemic and having trouble with his legs. Would you pursue something like this or let him be in peace? Amy --- On Sun, 6/27/10, Laurieskatz wrote: > From: Laurieskatz > Subject: [Felvtalk] rear leg weakness- Revolution used? > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Cc: "'Carmen Conklin'" > Date: Sunday, June 27, 2010, 2:06 PM > > > From: Carmen Conklin [mailto:cwshel...@wildblue.net] > > Sent: Sunday, June 27, 2010 12:57 PM > To: Laurieskatz > Subject: felvgroup > > > > Hi, I can't seem to be able to email into the felv group > today-could you ask > them a question regarding the Re: weakness in hind legs > thing?? > > I want to know if they had used Revolution on any of the > cats that had that > weakness in hind legs problem... Thanks, Carmen > > ___ > 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] Weakness in hind legs
Hi Laurie, I tried reading up on this but couldn't find much info. Please let me know if you have a website you could suggest. Thanks Amy --- On Thu, 6/24/10, Laurieskatz wrote: > From: Laurieskatz > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Weakness in hind legs > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Date: Thursday, June 24, 2010, 11:19 PM > Check out myonecrosis. Coco (FeLV-) > had this. Her back legs were weak and > she was having trouble eating (tongue issues). There are > several causes - > one was toxoplasmosis, one was that she had gotten into > some toxins and the > third was nutritional. They attributed hers to a lack of > Vitamin D, > Selenium. I was pouring her dry Wellness food into > Tupperware containers. I > was told that allows too much oxygen to get to the food and > it depletes the > food of those nutrients. We switched to canned and she > survived. Another cat > taken to the ER that same day with her same symptoms, but > more advanced, was > not so lucky. > Laurie > > -Original Message- > From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org > [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] > On Behalf Of Sharyl > Sent: Thursday, June 24, 2010 10:06 PM > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Weakness in hind legs > > Amy did they check Wolfie's potassium level? Low K > can cause back leg > weakness. > Sharyl > > --- On Thu, 6/24/10, Amy > wrote: > > > From: Amy > > Subject: [Felvtalk] Weakness in hind legs > > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > > Date: Thursday, June 24, 2010, 10:22 PM > > Just wondering what sort of > > experience people have had with leuk positive cats > getting > > weak in the back legs. My cat, Wolfie, is 8 and has > > been positive since we rescued him 6 years ago. > He's > > been pretty healthy other than the last year or so. > > Last September he was diagnosed with non-regenerative > anemia > > but has been fairly stable since then. I recently > took > > him to the vet as I noticed he was getting weak in his > hind > > legs, walking differently and avoiding putting weight > on > > them for long periods of time. His HCT is down, WBC > > and RBC are a bit lower than usual. Chemistry looks > > ok. > > > > I've had 9 cats die from this disease and only ever > saw one > > with leg issues. She woke up one morning and had > lost > > all use of her back legs, no warning. This is > > different from that situation and just wondering what > could > > be going on. We did an ultrasound today. No sign > > of lymphoma or anything pressing on the spine. No > real > > loss of muscle mass on physical exam. We are > putting > > him on doxy/pred in case hemobart is causing the > > anemia. The specialist at Cornell mentioned it > could > > be something with the leukemia affecting the muscle > or > > nerves directly but she couldn't find any literature > on > > this. I told her I'd post here and see if anybody > has > > had a similar experience or has anything to add on > what > > could be going on. > > > > Thanks > > Amy > > > > > > > > > > ___ > > 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] Weakness in hind legs
Heather, Thanks. I checked out the CRF list and it seems we have ruled out most of the things listed. I initially thought a clot but they don't seem to suspect that. My regular vet told me that typically comes on pretty suddenly as opposed to gradually. The vet that did the ultrasound said there was very good blood flow going to the legs and it didn't look like anything was restricting or blocking flow. Not sure if there's any other way to rule out a clot. Amy --- On Thu, 6/24/10, Heather wrote: > From: Heather > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Weakness in hind legs > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Date: Thursday, June 24, 2010, 11:08 PM > Hind leg weakness seems to come up > somewhat frequently on the CRF group, > this website has a great index of symptoms & treatments > A-Z, > http://www.felinecrf.org/symptoms_treatments_index.htm > see W for "weakness > in back legs" and several things are listed, though I think > most are things > that would have showed in the > chemistry. We had a feral kitty who was > paralyzed in her rear legs due to a lesion on her spine, > but sounds like > you've covered that with the ultrasound (as much as it can > be "covered" > anyway). Do they think throwing a clot is > a possibility? > > I hope you can figure out the cause, others might have some > good input. > > Love & good thoughts to Wolfie! > > Heather > > On Thu, Jun 24, 2010 at 10:22 PM, Amy > wrote: > > > Just wondering what sort of experience people have had > with leuk positive > > cats getting weak in the back legs. My cat, > Wolfie, is 8 and has been > > positive since we rescued him 6 years ago. He's > been pretty healthy other > > than the last year or so. Last September he was > diagnosed with > > non-regenerative anemia but has been fairly stable > since then. I recently > > took him to the vet as I noticed he was getting weak > in his hind legs, > > walking differently and avoiding putting weight on > them for long periods of > > time. His HCT is down, WBC and RBC are a bit > lower than usual. Chemistry > > looks ok. > > > > I've had 9 cats die from this disease and only ever > saw one with leg > > issues. She woke up one morning and had lost all > use of her back legs, no > > warning. This is different from that situation > and just wondering what > > could be going on. We did an ultrasound > today. No sign of lymphoma or > > anything pressing on the spine. No real loss of > muscle mass on physical > > exam. We are putting him on doxy/pred in case > hemobart is causing the > > anemia. The specialist at Cornell mentioned it > could be something with the > > leukemia affecting the muscle or nerves directly but > she couldn't find any > > literature on this. I told her I'd post here and > see if anybody has had a > > similar experience or has anything to add on what > could be going on. > > > > Thanks > > Amy > > > > > > > > > > ___ > > 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] Re Weakness in hind legs
Hi Lorrie, Thanks for the info. That is kind of what I was thinking but didn't know anybody that's been through it. Wolfie has probably been weak in the legs for about 2 weeks. I know it's always different with every cat but any sort of time frame as to how quickly they completely lost the back end - days, weeks, months? He still acts like he feels fine. He eats, goes up and down the stairs, etc. I've had way too much experience with this disease, though, so it's hard to stay optimistic knowing what he's up against. As far as the lesions or tumors on the spine go, is that what you or the vet thought was going on or have you actually seen them in x-rays or ultrasounds? I was sure that's what we were going to find but they checked his spine pretty thoroughly and saw nothing. He his on pred, though, and I know that can mask a lot of stuff. Amy --- On Fri, 6/25/10, Lorrie wrote: > From: Lorrie > Subject: [Felvtalk] Re Weakness in hind legs > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Date: Friday, June 25, 2010, 3:38 PM > Amy, I've had several cats die from > this. First they get weak > in their legs then they can't stand up at all and they > soon > lose bowel and bladder control. It seems to be fairly > common > with FelV cats. Lesions or tumors on the spine I > believe. > > Wolfie has been very fortunate to go 6 years with no > problems, > and since his ultra sound was okay perhaps he will not get > any > worse. > > Lorrie > > On 06-24, Amy wrote: > > > Just wondering what sort of experience people have had > with leuk > > positive cats getting weak in the back legs. My > cat, Wolfie, is 8 > > and has been positive since we rescued him 6 years > ago. He's been > > pretty healthy other than the last year or so. > Last September he > > was diagnosed with non-regenerative anemia but has > been fairly > > stable since then. I recently took him to the > vet as I noticed he > > was getting weak in his hind legs, walking differently > and avoiding > > putting weight on them for long periods of time. > His HCT is down, > > WBC and RBC are a bit lower than usual. > Chemistry looks ok. > > > > I've had 9 cats die from this disease and only ever > saw one with > > leg issues. She woke up one morning and had lost > all use of her > > back legs, no warning. This is different from > that situation and > > just wondering what could be going on. We did an > ultrasound today. > > No sign of lymphoma or anything pressing on the > spine. No real > > loss of muscle mass on physical exam. We are > putting him on > > doxy/pred in case hemobart is causing the > anemia. The specialist > > at Cornell mentioned it could be something with the > leukemia > > affecting the muscle or nerves directly but she > couldn't find any > > literature on this. I told her I'd post here and > see if anybody > > has had a similar experience or has anything to add on > what could > > be going on. > > > > Thanks > > Amy > > > ___ > 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] Weakness in hind legs
They did check it and it was fine. --- On Thu, 6/24/10, Sharyl wrote: > From: Sharyl > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Weakness in hind legs > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Date: Thursday, June 24, 2010, 11:05 PM > Amy did they check Wolfie's potassium > level? Low K can cause back leg weakness. > Sharyl > > --- On Thu, 6/24/10, Amy > wrote: > > > From: Amy > > Subject: [Felvtalk] Weakness in hind legs > > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > > Date: Thursday, June 24, 2010, 10:22 PM > > Just wondering what sort of > > experience people have had with leuk positive cats > getting > > weak in the back legs. My cat, Wolfie, is 8 and has > > been positive since we rescued him 6 years ago. > He's > > been pretty healthy other than the last year or so. > > Last September he was diagnosed with non-regenerative > anemia > > but has been fairly stable since then. I recently > took > > him to the vet as I noticed he was getting weak in his > hind > > legs, walking differently and avoiding putting weight > on > > them for long periods of time. His HCT is down, WBC > > and RBC are a bit lower than usual. Chemistry looks > > ok. > > > > I've had 9 cats die from this disease and only ever > saw one > > with leg issues. She woke up one morning and had > lost > > all use of her back legs, no warning. This is > > different from that situation and just wondering what > could > > be going on. We did an ultrasound today. No sign > > of lymphoma or anything pressing on the spine. No > real > > loss of muscle mass on physical exam. We are > putting > > him on doxy/pred in case hemobart is causing the > > anemia. The specialist at Cornell mentioned it > could > > be something with the leukemia affecting the muscle > or > > nerves directly but she couldn't find any literature > on > > this. I told her I'd post here and see if anybody > has > > had a similar experience or has anything to add on > what > > could be going on. > > > > Thanks > > Amy > > > > > > > > > > ___ > > 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] Weakness in hind legs
Just wondering what sort of experience people have had with leuk positive cats getting weak in the back legs. My cat, Wolfie, is 8 and has been positive since we rescued him 6 years ago. He's been pretty healthy other than the last year or so. Last September he was diagnosed with non-regenerative anemia but has been fairly stable since then. I recently took him to the vet as I noticed he was getting weak in his hind legs, walking differently and avoiding putting weight on them for long periods of time. His HCT is down, WBC and RBC are a bit lower than usual. Chemistry looks ok. I've had 9 cats die from this disease and only ever saw one with leg issues. She woke up one morning and had lost all use of her back legs, no warning. This is different from that situation and just wondering what could be going on. We did an ultrasound today. No sign of lymphoma or anything pressing on the spine. No real loss of muscle mass on physical exam. We are putting him on doxy/pred in case hemobart is causing the anemia. The specialist at Cornell mentioned it could be something with the leukemia affecting the muscle or nerves directly but she couldn't find any literature on this. I told her I'd post here and see if anybody has had a similar experience or has anything to add on what could be going on. Thanks Amy ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] RIP Brillo and Desmond
I'm so sorry. Thank you for opening your heart and home to them. They were lucky to have you. Amy --- On Wed, 3/24/10, Crystal Proper wrote: > From: Crystal Proper > Subject: [Felvtalk] RIP Brillo and Desmond > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Date: Wednesday, March 24, 2010, 4:01 PM > Both of my beautiful baby boys, > Brillo and Desmond joined their brother Nibbler in heaven > today. > My heart is broken. They will be missed more then words > can describe. > > > > > > ___ > 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] Brillo and Desmond Are Anemic
I would consider trying pred and doxy too. My cat is nonregenerative (has been since at least Sept). His HCT isn't that low but while trying to find out why he was anemic, he did test positive for hemobart. I had lost a cat to anemia a few months before. He was completely fine and then crashed suddenly (started eating litter). I tried to save him but he went so quickly. At that time, I didn't know to start pred and doxy. We had done bloodwork every 6 months routinely and it never showed on a smear. My vet thought that was extremely unlikely. I will always wonder if I could have saved Maverick if I had given him a transfusion along with pred and doxy but I just didn't know what I know now. I still feel that all happened to teach me something. I tested every cat in the house and all my positives except one tested positive, were treated, retested and are all negative now. They also had routine bloodwork every since months and not one had ever shown hemobart on a smear. I know my experience with anemia in kittens born with leukemia hasn't been very good but I had kittens early on and didn't know what I know now. I also always wonder if I could have saved any of them if I'd treated for hemobart. My understanding is that the type of hemobart my cats had is closely linked to the progession of leukemia. I honestly think if we hadn't treated my cats hemobart, I would have lost him like every other cat I lost to anemia. I will probably put every positive that ever becomes anemic on both meds now while trying to rule out other causes. Sending positive thoughts for Brillo and Desmond. Amy --- On Mon, 3/22/10, Crystal Proper wrote: > From: Crystal Proper > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Brillo and Desmond Are Anemic > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Date: Monday, March 22, 2010, 12:27 AM > She originally had Brillo on it for > the first day 3 weeks ago. She had him stop because he > threw it up. She also told me since it turned out to be > non reg it wouldn't make a difference...I will call tomorrow > and double check. She didn't mention trying it for > Desmond...I will ask about him tomorrow when I call > tomorrow. Thank you. > > > > - Original Message > From: Belinda Sauro > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Sent: Mon, March 22, 2010 12:12:11 AM > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Brillo and Desmond Are Anemic > > Has both of them been put on prenisolone and doxocycline? > When my Bailey was anemic he was put on epogen and his > anemia resolved, his bone marrow aspirate showed the virus > in his bone marrow but the epogen brought his HCT from a low > of 15% to 40% in about 6 weeks. Most vets are scared to > death to use it so don't be surprised if you get resistance > ... I am almost afraid and tired of repeating my success > with it because so many vets seem terrified of the idea of > using it and I see cat after cat die because of it. But I > promised Bailey I would, and in his honor I will continue to > try to save every furkid I can with his story so I plug on > if it doesn't work the results are the same, your > furkid will die, if it does work ... > > -- > Belinda > happiness is being owned by cats ... > > http://bemikitties.com > > http://BelindaSauro.com > > > ___ > 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] Epogen? Interfuron?
Hi Belinda, > I'll give her the > benefit of the doubt, but what exactly is she basing her > information that FeLV+'s have such a bad experience with > using epogen, because I have not heard of any studies that > have been done on this to bear that out and if there is one > I would like the reference so I can look into it and give it > to my vet. I think she was basing it on her experience using Epogen to treat cats with leukemia. I could be wrong on that. She talked about how she has seen a case or two where it helped despite there being no reason it should but she saw far more cases where irreversible damage was done and the cat was actually worse off than before the Epogen. She is fine with me trying LTCI or some of the stuff that she agrees doesn't pose a risk but she definitely feels that Epogen can do harm. I don't know what I think yet, just relaying her thoughts. The one thing she said that I can't stop thinking about is that these cats are immune compromised and a lot of these treatments are introducing foreign substances into their body which can alter an already very delicate balance. So much to think about... > Amy never be afraid to say anything on this list, all I am > saying is that in my experience your vets information is > incorrect about the use of epogen. Both > from other people experiences that I know of that have > FeLV+'s and from my vets experiences. Definitely worth knowing! The more info I have the better. I just feel like sometimes this list is pretty hard on vets. I genuinely feel this one is treating my cat like she would treat her own. She's not my vet so I have no reason to try to defend her. I went to Cornell for a 2nd opinion to see if there is anything else I could possibly try to save Wolfie. If anything I would think they would be telling me to try one thing after another because they would be making a whole lot more money off me than they are now. I really think this vet is trying to help me give Wolfie the best quality of life for the longest time possible. > And there isn't a lot of information out there because most > vets won't even try it and I am not lying when I say most > vets are terrified of epogen in general and have no idea how > to use it because in vet school they are taught that 30% or > better of cats using it will have an adverse reaction to > it. That is old information and most vets who actually > use it on a regular basis, mostly on CRF cats say that > number is closer to 10% or less and only after 5 months or > longer of use. I'll have to inquire more about her experience using it and what she is basing her info on. > And everyone here knows I have no love for Cornell, their > information about FeLV had always been outdated and in my > opinion inaccurate. And years ago when most vets knew > little to nothing about FeLV, their outdated information > caused many positive, healthy cats their lives since they > were then the only veterinary site with the most info out > there about FeLV+, no matter it was inaccurate. I wasn't aware of that. They were very receptive to helping my cat and never once gave me the impression that he should be treated any different than any other cat with any other issue. > > *Secondary viremia*, a later stage characterized by > persistent infection of the bone marrow and other tissue. If > FeLV infection progresses to this stage it has passed a > point of no return: the overwhelming majority of cats with > secondary viremia will be infected for the remainder of > their lives. > > It says it is to the point of no return but *ONLY the > majority of cats* will remain infected for the remainder of > their lives, doesn't add up, if it is to the point of no > return then *ALL of those cats* would be infected the > remainder of their lives. Guess they got to cover > their butts in case a cat does fight off secondary > viremia. I have heard of one cat that did but have no > proof so can't say it has or hasn't happened. I see where that statement can be confusing. > In my opinion because they won't spend the money to do > those tests, but if you talk with many people using one or > another of these treatments most are having good results, so > since there isn't scientific evidence because no studies > have been done, well I personally will go with people with > positives that have experience using these types of > treatments, but if you tell anyone at Cornell that, I'm > pretty sure they will poo poo it and tell you it is a waste > of your time and money. Actually she was fine with me trying anything other than Epogen. However she presented me several studies on interferon and several other options that showed no benefit i
Re: [Felvtalk] Epogen? Interfuron?
Not sure if this is for me or not but Wolfie has been tested and was fine. I had him on an iron supplement for several months anyways just in case it might help. Amy --- On Wed, 3/17/10, Belinda Sauro wrote: > From: Belinda Sauro > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Epogen? Interfuron? > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Date: Wednesday, March 17, 2010, 11:55 AM > PS. Has she tested his iron to > see if that is low, many anemic acts are low in iron? > > -- > Belinda > happiness is being owned by cats ... > > http://bemikitties.com > > http://BelindaSauro.com > > > ___ > 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] Casper Epogen shot
Sue, Will you please keep me posted on Casper's progress? I'd love to hear how the Epogen/LTCI work for you. Good luck. Amy --- On Wed, 3/17/10, Frank & Sue Koren wrote: > From: Frank & Sue Koren > Subject: [Felvtalk] Casper Epogen shot > To: "FeLV talk" > Date: Wednesday, March 17, 2010, 7:46 PM > I just gave Casper his first Epogen > shot. He is supposed to get .15 ml daily to > start. Hopefully things will get better for him. > Tomorrow I am supposed to pick up the Imulan and give him > that shot. > I am shocked at how expensive all this stuff is. The > one vial of Epogen was about $75.00 at Walgreens and > it only has enough for three shots! the Imulan is going to > be even more. Does anyone know of a kitty drug discount > store? > Sue > ___ > 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] Epogen? Interfuron?
> Amy, I have not used epogen for a CRF > or FeLV kitty though I have had both with anemia. > > There is a Yahoo Anemia group that may be able to answer > some of your questions about the risks of using epogen or > Darbepoetin. > http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/Feline_Anemia/ I was part of this group for quite some time but couldn't find anybody using Epogen, with success, for a leuk positive kitty. > I used vitamins and supplements (B12, Super B Complex and > Folic Acid) to manage chronic anemia. Did you do any tests to see if the cat was low in B12 or did you just use the vitamins and supplements? I have had Wolfie tested and everything is fine but my vet wants to check it once more (it's been a few months) at his next routine blood draw. We discussed B12 injections and have discussed vitamins/supplements. We are going to address this again after seeing his bloodwork. > I do agree that if the kidneys are producing erythropoietin > but the bone marrow is not responding then giving epogen > shots would not be beneficial. I have not heard it > called nonregenative anemia when the kidneys are producing > erythropoietin. > Sharyl My understanding is that erythropoietin is made and released by the kidneys. In a cat with damaged kidneys, sufficient erythropoietin can't be produced. In a leuk positive cat with healthy kidneys, erythropoietin is still being produced but the bone marrow is unable to respond. I think it's still nonregenerative if new red blood cells aren't being made. Does anybody know if my understanding is correct here? ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Epogen? Interfuron?
Hi Belinda, I do know Bailey's story well and honestly you are one of the only stories I've heard with positive results (not to say there aren't a lot more good ones out there, that's why I'm asking). Your story keeps me wondering if I should try it despite the warnings. I'm so glad you had these results with Epogen. I actually had the vet research WHY it could possibly help a leuk positive cat because of your story. I can't find one vet that can explain why it could possibly help since a leuk positive cat is normally making erythropoietin just fine on it's own. That's not to say it has never helped. She has heard of cases but said there is no biological/medical reason it should help . Does anybody know how or why it might help a cat with nonregenerative anemia? I just want to say that the vet that told me this is most likely not flat out lying. She is a highly recommended internal med from Cornell University. She has been absolutely wonderful and has researched everything I've asked her about extensively. When I asked her about Epogen she didn't have to research it because she did have experience with it, with cats with CRF and cats without. I did A LOT of searching of all the medical facilities within hundreds of miles to find a specialist that actually deals with leukemia and treats cats with it regularly. Many vets in my area have never even seen a positive cat other than the ones they euthanize. I've lost one cat after another to leukemia and despite trying one thing after another, have never been able to bring one back from nonregenerative anemia. My cat that is currently being treated by Cornell is stable and holding his own 6 months after being diagnosed. I don't believe that would be the case without her help. I totally understand people on here feeling that most vets know nothing about leukemia but I just wanted to say that I spent A LOT of time and effort trying to locate a vet that would do the best possible job for this cat and it stings a bit to hear somebody say she is flat out lying to me or doesn't know how to use Epogen. Anyways, I don't post on here a lot and was nervous about saying anything about my fears of Epogen because I thought it might ruffle some feathers. I just couldn't at least throw it out there because I personally would feel awful if I did something to speed up how quickly this disease can take down a positive cat. I really think each person needs to do what they are comfortable with and I just wanted to throw out what I heard on the off chance it is accurate. I'd love to hear from others that have tried Epogen too. Amy --- On Wed, 3/17/10, Belinda Sauro wrote: > From: Belinda Sauro > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Epogen? Interfuron? > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Date: Wednesday, March 17, 2010, 12:58 AM > Amy, > This vet is either flat out lying or isn't using it > correctly. > > It is very rare but a cat can have a reaction and that > reaction is that it wouldn't help and the HCT would continue > to go down, in some cases this is because the dose isn't > high enough, a few kitties need higher than the standard > dose. But of course the vets freak out and assume the > cat is having a reaction. So many vets are terrified > of this drug and it doesn't make sense, basically if it > isn't working you would be right back where you started. > It is documented that about 10% to 30% of cats would fall > into this category and of those it takes 5 months or longer > of use for this to happen. > > I know many, many people who have used it and only know of > one cat that is was suspected had this happen and I honestly > don't think that was the problem, I think that cat wasn't > getting a high enough dose. Most of these cats are CRF > but a few aren't and were anemic because of cancer or > something else. > > I've told Bailey's story more than once, he was positive, > he became anemic and once his HCT got to 20%, I decided to > try epogen, I think he was barely regenerative but honestly > it has been so long I can't remember. He did not have > kidney disease. > > By the time we got the epogen in it took a few days, he had > gone to 18% and once we started it went down to 15%, it took > about 6 weeks to get his HCT to 40% which is a little > quicker than you would like but he was fine and his HCT was > still normal at 33%, 34% 5 months later when he died of > pancreatic cancer. > > You do have to monitor the blood pressure because it can go > high, Bailey's did the opposite and got low but we had no > problems with the epogen. > > My vet has used it several times with FeLV+ cats and had > luck with it. > > --
Re: [Felvtalk] Epogen? Interfuron?
Hi Sue, Just wanted to ask what Casper's HCT is right now? Does he have CRF? I have looked into Epogen as well and know some people swear by it. I don't want to contradict anything you've heard but just wanted to offer up another thing to consider. The specialist I talked to said all of the treatments mentioned on this list, that is the only one she would never use. She said that while a positive may respond well to it, the chance of doing irreversible harm is high. I know that is controversial but she said she has seen one cat after another react to it. She said that is is really tough to reverse the damage if the cat does react and not a risk she would ever take. I don't know where I stand on Epogen because I have heard such completely opposing views on it. I don't judge those that use it nor do I judge those who won't go near it. Just wanted to present what I was told in case it could help in any way. I hope whatever you try works wonders for Casper! What have other people heard/experienced with Epogen? I know that if a cat has nonregenerative anemia, has a HCT below 20, etc. the idea is sometimes that the cat is going to die anyways so what's the harm in trying something that could cause a reaction or might not. What I don't get is the reason behind using Epogen for a cat that is not in renal failure. If the cat is producing erythropoietin fine, what could the Epogen do to help? I'd love to hear more about this. Amy --- On Tue, 3/16/10, Frank & Sue Koren wrote: > From: Frank & Sue Koren > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Epogen? Interfuron? > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Date: Tuesday, March 16, 2010, 8:59 PM > I can't remember now what the time > frame was. He was tested at his first vet visit after I > adopted him but I don't remember how long that was after I > brought him home. Normally I take a newly adopted cat > right in to be checked but it has been about four years... > Today I called my vet back and told him I wanted the Epogen > because I wasn't going to just sit back and watch him > die. He called a prescription in to Walgreens and they > had to order it. I will pick it up after work tomorrow > along with the syringes and give him his first injection > tomorrow evening. My vet also contacted another vet he knows > who had Imulan in stock and I am going to pick that up > Thursday after work. I didn't realise that Epogen and > Imulan could be given concurrently. Who knows, maybe > there is some hope for my beautiful white fluffy boy after > all. > Sue > - Original Message - From: "MaryChristine" > To: > Sent: Tuesday, March 16, 2010 7:23 PM > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Epogen? Interfuron? > > > > sue, was casper ever double tested to make sure he was > actually negative? a > > single negative test means no more than a single > positive test does: unless > > we know for sure when the last possible date of > exposure was, and do a final > > test 90-120 days after that, we cannot know that any > cat is truly negative. > > this is how my cats all become exposed back in > 2000--my housemate, the > > shelter director, brought in a beautiful little girl > who'd tested negative. > > we didn't know to retest back then, and didn't. she > became symptomatic less > > than a year later. > > > > as far as i know, there are no cases of an actually > negative cat (tested > > twice) who has been vaccinated ever becoming positive > from living with > > positives. don't blame yourself for something that you > probably DIDN'T do. > > > > MC > > > > -- Spay & Neuter Your Neighbors! > > Maybe That'll Make The Difference > > > > MaryChristine > > Special-Needs Coordinator, Purebred Cat Breed Rescue > (www.purebredcats.org) > > Member, SCAT (Special-Cat Action Team) > > ___ > > Felvtalk mailing list > > Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > > http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org > > > > > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > Version: 8.5.436 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2751 - Release > Date: 03/16/10 19:33:00 > > > ___ > 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] MeMe 2006-3-32010
Jane, It sounds like MeMe had a wonderful 3 years with you. She was so lucky to be loved and cared for by you through this horrible disease and it sounds like you were just as lucky to have her. I'm sorry to hear of her passing and hope those precious memories of her bring you some comfort. Amy --- On Fri, 3/5/10, Jane Lyons wrote: > From: Jane Lyons > Subject: [Felvtalk] MeMe 2006-3-32010 > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Date: Friday, March 5, 2010, 10:11 AM > I sent this message yesterday with a > photo of MeMe but it did not go through the list. > There are two photos of her on my photo webpage. The one on > the bottom right is the best of the two (if anyone wants to > see her face) > Say two of the grieving process is not any better. > Jane > > photos > http://digitalimagecafe.com/member_profile.asp?member=memex2 > > > > > Last night the vet came at 10:00 to put MeMe to sleep. I > had her for three years and two > days and I am grateful for each and everyone of those days. > She was an extraordinary cat. > > She was highly symptomatic with Felv when we adopted > her but we managed to > get her to a place of almost normalcy for almost three > years and up until the last few months > she lived a full and happy life. > > She had been in steady decline since mid December and the > quality of her life had diminished > drastically. She stopped eating three days ago and > yesterday morning she could not jump > down from the kitchen countertop. It was at that moment > that I knew I had to make the call. > > Four weeks ago she had a complete blood work up which > turned out to be completely normal. > The vet was astonished when he called me with her report. > He said he had been afraid to read it > because he didn't want to call me with , what he was sure, > would be a bad report. I knew, despite > the numbers that she was not well. We had given her a round > of Clavamox to help her stomatitis > and she developed diarrhea that I could not get rid of > despite homeopathy and Forti-Flora that > had worked before. > We did an ultra sound of her digestive tract which proved > to be "inconclusive'' and yet she continued > to get sicker. Yesterday my husband found a mass behind her > right ear that was enormous. It had not > been there a few weeks ago but I suspect her lymphatic > system has been under assault since mid December > when I began to see changes in her coat and her energy and > then her behavior. Through it all, she continued > to seek us out to sit in our laps and to sleep in our bed. > She never hid or indicated that she wanted to be alone. > > This weekend I walked into the front hall to find her lying > between our two Scotties in a pool of sunlight. > As sick and as vulnerable as she was, she trusted them and > us. She was a strong and trusting and courageous > animal who could scale 40' trees with more agility than a > squirrel. She was fearless and when we discovered that > she was positive and could not go out she adapted to her > cat jacket and spent all her days outside or going for > walks with the dogs. She led the pack with her tail > straight up and an occasional detour to climb a tree (with > her > 20' retractable leash). > > I could go on forever. She was just too wonderful. > > I have one positive thing to report. She had stomatitis > (inflamed and sore gums) which we treated with antibiotics > and homeopathy and a topical spray. Nothing worked for > long. I discovered over this past month that the pro-biotic > I was using for her diarrhea helped her mouth enormously. I > was mixing Forti-Flora in her food twice a day for weeks > and last week I noticed that her mouth was almost normal. > For anyone dealing with stomatitis you might try a > probiotic. > > So dear friends I think that all of us who are loving these > endearing, loving creatures can learn a lot from their > nobility and grace. > MeMe was a gift and a life lesson to me. She has taught me > so much and while she is not sitting in my lap as I type > (and cry) she is deeply imbedded in > my heart and will always be. > > Bless all of you who are living and learning from these > very special beings > > love > Jane > > > ___ > 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] Casper is positive
Wolfie is on pred twice daily and has been for several months. I have talked to Cornell University numerous times and have made several trips there. The internist I work with has done tons of literature searches for me. I have inquired about every treatment option that I have ever read about to see if there is anything I can do to help this cat. She has researched each one and told me that if it was her cat this is the course of action she would take (leaving Wolf on pred and monitoring him). We are keeping Imulan LTCI in the back of our minds but I just don't have the money to spend on something ($90 a dose here) that probably won't help. I would, however, spend that in a minute if one person had success with saving a non-regenerative leuk positive. I've yet to hear of one case. My vet actually called the company because she said in theory it sounds great but the study has so many holes and problems that it just gives them no credibility. She asked if she could see the actual data so that her and her colleagues could review it and make their own interpretations and they said thanks but not thanks. They skewed their findings and I don't know why they would do that if the results showed it actually worked. I asked the vet if she had unlimited funds if she would try it and she said no, not at this point. She said if Wolfie starts to crash, we might, but she would not want to upset the balance. She told me that leukemia is a really tough disease and she thinks that by trying some of these other options that I could do more harm than good since all the research shows they don't help and it is still introducing a foreign substance into an immune compromised cat. I know other people have claimed great success with LTCI and some other options and I totally respect people trying all of them. In this case, I just feel I agree with my vet and this is what works for us. She treats lots of leuk positives because she is at a teaching hospital and I really believe if there was something out there that worked, she'd be aware of it. I actually tried to locate any vet hospital in my area that has used LTCI with any success and can't find one so again I'm still skeptical. I hope I'm wrong and this become the cure! I really do! Anyways, Wolfie was initially treated with doxy and pred and was on it for 11 weeks. I know that's a long time but we needed to be sure the hemobart was gone (he tested positive for the more uncommon form). We retested him at Cornell and he is negative now. We didn't use a smear because every cat in my home has tested negative on smears every 6 months since coming here and when we did the actual test that we sent out to the lab, all but one of my cats tested positive for the more uncommon form). None of the others ever showed any sign of illness the entire time they have been and bloodwork was fine. I did a lot of research on the hemobart and this less common form can be tied to leuk positive cats and can be a sign of progression of the disease. I now wonder if I had actually had the blood test done on every cat I ever lost to anemia if every one of them would have shown this positive. That said, we also tested for numerous other causes of anemia and I learned more than I could ever imagine about anemia. I'm so glad Casper is still slightly regenerative. I'll never forget finding out that Wolfie was non-regenerative. It was awful. I think each person needs to make their own decision about what path they want to take. My only suggestion would be to eliminate every possible cause of anemia and make sure it's nothing you can treat. If you want to write me off list, I'd be more than happy to list all the things we tested for and ruled out. Then if you find out that the anemia is from the leukemia being in the bone marrow and not from something else, I think you have to follow your heart as to how to treat. Please let me know how things go and I'd love to know what treatments your vet suggests, if any. I'm crossing my fingers for Casper and hoping the anemia is from something that can be easily treated. Amy --- On Fri, 3/5/10, Frank & Sue Koren wrote: > From: Frank & Sue Koren > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Casper is positive > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Date: Friday, March 5, 2010, 1:43 AM > Casper's anemia is "slightly" > regenerative according to the vet.. What kind of meds > is Wolfie on? > > - Original Message - From: "Amy" > To: > Sent: Thursday, March 04, 2010 9:34 PM > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Casper is positive > > ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Casper is positive
So sorry to hear about Casper. I have one cat with leukemia that became anemic in September of last year. He is still holding his own. He does have non-regenerative anemia so I asked how it is that his HCT isn't dropping if he's not making more red blood cells. I guess the spleen and another organ can make some red blood cells too. Do you know if Casper has regenerative or non-regenerative anemia? Either way I hope you have lots of time left. I think it totally depends on what's causing the anemia to begin with. I asked the internist if non-regenerative anemia is a definite death sentence. She said there is no way to tell how long Wolfie will continue to hold his own but she hopes he lives until he's 20. I know that's not going to happen but it never hurts to hope. We know his odds aren't good now that the leukemia is in his bone marrow but his odds of living this long weren't good either and he did. Hoping for the best for Casper. Amy > My poor sweet Casper is FeLV+. > So by making the decision to mix I have condemned him. > He is anemic and he is going on Doxycyclne and > Prednosolone. Has anyone ever heard of a cat that has > anemia living longer then a few months? > ___ > 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] Bernie Update
Maria, I'm sorry to hear about Bernie. I lost my first leuk positive to intestinal lymphoma. It's so hard to get a diagnosis like that for such a young cat but I hope you find some peace in knowing how special you've made these months for him. Enjoy whatever time you have left with him. He's very lucky to have you. Amy --- On Mon, 2/22/10, Maria wrote: > From: Maria > Subject: [Felvtalk] Bernie Update > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Date: Monday, February 22, 2010, 12:53 PM > I took Bernie to the vet this morning > and did an x-ray. He has a large mass > near his stomach/intestine. We have decided not to do > chemo and have put > him on some steroids and pain medication. He is still > eating and purring > which is good, but it will only get worse. > > We will probably put him to sleep Friday or Saturday. > Sooner if it gets > worse, but I want everyone to be able to be there if they > can. > > For the record: > Bernie - Diagnosed FelV+ at 7 months, diagnosed with > uveitis at 1 year 7 > months, diagnosed with lymphoma about 1 year 8 months. > > He is the most amazing cat I have ever had. The best > personality and made > me smile every day. I don't regret one vet bill or > day I had with him. > I want to thank everyone on this list for their support > and knowledge. I > really appreciate it and I think all of you are amazing. I > will keep you and > all your babies in my prayers. > > > Thank you again, > > Maria > ___ > 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] Bernie - Uveitis
Maria, Nothing really funny looking about Luigi's eye. It's almost kind of cool looking. He just has a ring around about 1/2 of his eye. It's down one side and down the other side and just looks like a coppery tone. My vet didn't recall noticing it before and called a specialist just to see if she should refer me. He started talking about how it could be all these horrible things and how we could remove the eye, etc. This cat has been with me for several years with no illness or odd behavior of any type so I'm definitely not considering anything like that. What if it's nothing? He runs around like a wild man and is certainly not in any discomfort that I can see. So anyway, I'm kind of worried, yet hopeful that it might be nothing. You would never think anything was strange about his eye looking at him but we all just wonder why this color would appear out of nowhere. I did get the toxo results back and they are negative. I was also kind of hoping it would be positive but I guess anything these cats don't have is a plus. Please let me know how things go with Bernie and how you choose to proceed. I've lost several positives over the years and I think I might go back and look at the bloodwork for the couple I lost to lymphoma just to see if it was odd or normal. Keep us posted! Amy > Amy - > > Thanks for the kind words. I re-read your post about > your kitty and and the > gold colored ring around his eye. When you look at > his eye in light, does > it look funny like how animals eyes sometimes show up in > pictures taken with > a flash? That's how we first noticed Bernie's eye > issue. He was looking at > me and one eye was reflecting really funny while the other > was not. He > doesn't have a gold colored ring... but there looks like > there is a mass up > in the corner of the eye. The iris is swollen as > well. His eye also had > a cloudy film all over the eye, but the steroid eye drops > cleared that up. > > We also tested Bernie for toxo.. it came back negative... > and we ran a > mycoplasma test as well.. also negative. Did you get > your kitty's toxo test > back yet? I was almost hoping it was toxo... there is > at least an > antibiotic for that. > > I learned this morning from the vet that cat's with > lymphoma sometimes have > normal blood work. I never knew that. I assumed that > the white blood cells > would go up. She said depending on the type of > lymphoma, the white blood > cells may drop, stay the same, or rise. > > Please keep me up to date on your kitty! I hope he is > ok and doing better > soon. > > Maria > ___ > 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] Bernie - Uveitis
Me too. We are actually going to go back through all the pictures I've taken of him over the years and see if I can ever see the color around his eyes. I haven't taken tons of close-ups though so it's a long shot. I'm just not ready to go up against lymphoma again :( Amy --- On Thu, 2/18/10, Sally Davis wrote: > From: Sally Davis > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Bernie - Uveitis > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Date: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 1:20 PM > Amy > > I saw your post, but had no experience to suggest anything. > I one had a > doctor tell me she had never seen eyes like mine. Weird > huh. Now there > wasn't anything wrong it was just how my eyes were > pigmented. > > Hoping this is normal for your cat. > > Sally > > Lily, Daisy, Pewter, Junior Junior, Hotdog (newest) Silver, > and Spike > ___ > 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] Bernie - Uveitis
Hi Maria, I don't know if you saw my post the other day about my cat with the gold, coppery color ring around his eye (nobody responded but I think it went out to the list). It's a little different situation but my cat's bloodwork is perfect as well. He's going back next week to have his eye stained and then to start on steroids in case it's uveitis. The specialist also mentioned lymphoma. My cat doesn't show any sign of illness so I know it's different but just wanted to say I understand how tough it is to never have the answers. My vet said this may be something my cat has had his whole life and we just never noticed or it may be the start of something. I have another cat that has been holding steady for several months after being treated at Cornell. However, I know it's only a matter of time and I hate the helpless feeling of not knowing what is going on and what the best course of action is. It's so tough with this disease because I don't like to disturb the balance in what appears to be a healthy cat but I don't want to miss something either. Hoping you find some answers soon and that Bernie starts feeling better. Amy --- On Thu, 2/18/10, Maria wrote: > From: Maria > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Bernie - Uveitis > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Date: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 12:37 PM > I had a conversation with my primary > vet this morning about Bernie and his > Uveitis/possible lymphoma. I'm not sure what to do. > I'm frustrated, sad, > angry and I feel like I'm running into walls > everywhere. It seems like > there are never answers for these cats. It could be one > thing, but that is a > symptom of something else, we could do this test, but that > might not tell us > for sure what is wrong. I keep going in circles and > the bottom line still > is my baby doesn't feel well, and I'm emotionally and > financially spent. I > want to do something to help him but I don't know what or > what will work. > > His activity appears to be declining each day. Still > eating, but this > morning he didn't eat his whole bowl of food. To find > out if it is > lymphoma, we could do a biopsy on the eye, but its risky, > and its a hard > area to get a good sample. We could go to an > internist and have a scan done > to see if there are any masses somewhere else in the > body. Even if there > are, we would still have to do a biopsy to find out if it > is lymphoma. His > blood work 2 weeks ago was completely normal. I am > continuing w/ steroid > drops 3x a day. > > Apparently with Uveitis there isn't usually any pain > associated with the > eye... so she didn't recommend pain medication at this > point. I don't think > he is in pain (cats can probably cover this up well > though.), he doesn't > wince or anything, but he is just not acting like himself. > > I guess we just take it day by day at this point but I feel > helpless like > I'm just letting him go. Sorry for the > rant, just needed to type to get my > thoughts out. Thanks. > > Maria > ___ > 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] Gold color around one eye
Hi all, I have a question about one of my leuk positive cats. I took him to the vet yesterday for his annual visit. His bloodwork was all fine but the vet noticed a coppery/gold ring around the outside of his right eye. She wanted to know if it's new or if it has always been there. I looked at it but really don't think it's something I would have ever noticed. Not sure if it's new or always been there. She talked to an eye expert who suggested testing for toxo (test is going out today). If that is negative he suggests treating it as a chronic uveitis. She mentioned that it could be a manifestation of lymphoma as well but my vet said it would have to be very early stages as she felt nothing during his exam and his bloodwork was great. Just wondering if anybody has had a cat experience this. His eye doesn't seem red or painful and he's never had any trauma since living with me which has been several years. He's 7 and has been healthy the entire time I've had him. Just wondering if this could be nothing or if it's something to really worry about. Thanks Amy ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] WBC/RBC/platelet count decreasing
Hi Jenny, Thanks for the advice. I have certainly considered all my options and I know that this is not a good place for Wolfie to be at. I've had so many positive cats and unfortunately I know how it usually ends. This one has made it longer than any of my other ones and I would do anything to save him if I thought that something existed. Wolfie started pred after testing positive for hemobart. I tried weaning him off the pred once the treatment was completed and he became very weak and lethargic after dropping to one pill a day. The specialist at Cornell told me that the pred could definitely be helping if we are dealing with lymphoma or other issues and we all agreed that having Wolfie crash right now by taking him off the pred is probably not the way to go. I know it's not going to reverse his non-regenerative anemia. Is there anything that can do that? Nothing I'm aware of does. That's why I posted asking if anybody has seen a cat brought back by LTCI once non-regenerative anemia has been confirmed. There are some definite pros and cons to using it. Numerous vets have told me that it doesn't come without the stress of bloodwork, additional visits, monitoring, etc. If I had evidence that this could reverse Wolfie's situation, I would seriously consider it. Heck I'm considering it even knowing it probably won't. I have nothing but Wolfie's best interest in mind. I'm not sure monitoring and routinely drawing blood on a cat that is no longer making red blood cells is a wise decision when not one person out there has been able to say "yes, this saved my cat from non-regenerative anemia." I hope that LTCI turns out to be a life-saver. I really do. I'm just afraid of all the hype because if just seems too good to be true. I have to think about Wolfie and the fact that he is very opinionated. He's not a cat that would want to sit at a vet getting drips or being hospitalized. I'm all for doing everything I can to save him but I also have to respect the cat that he is and how I want his last months, weeks, days, whatever to be spent. I'm trying to gather as much info as possible to make the best decision for him. I hate this disease and I hate that I might not be able to do anything to save him :( Thanks again for all the suggestions. I am definitely researching everything. I am very familiar with holistic approaches and by no means feel obligated to follow conventional medicine. I just want to do what is best for Wolfie and I'm not sure any of us really know the answer to that when it comes to this disease. Amy --- On Thu, 11/26/09, jbero tds.net wrote: > From: jbero tds.net > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] WBC/RBC/platelet count decreasing > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Date: Thursday, November 26, 2009, 3:37 PM > > > > Amy, > > > You have a cat in the stages that most of us dread. > You have a few options > available to you. You can follow conventional advice > or you can take a > chance. From what I've seen conventional medicine > does not help in this > scenario. > > My first question is this; Why is he on prednisone? > The only possible > reason I can see for this is hemobartonella. If > that's not present, I fail > to see the value. Prednisone seems to be the cure all > in veterinary > medicine and with few exceptions it simply relieves > symptoms while your cat > dies. > > I don't think you have much time to make a choice. > Unless there is a valid > reason for using the prednisone, I would stop it (taper > it) I would be > aggressive at this point. I would get acemannan, LTCI > and I would probably > try the vitamin c drip (I have not used this yet, but Sally > would certainly > be willing to help you with it). I would do it all > together and right now. > This is of course dependent on your financial situation - I > understand the > massive investment this could mean. If, however, you > simply treat symptoms > and try transfusion, antibiotics, prednisone etc you are > simply prolonging > the inevitable and only by a small amount - this will also > be exceptionally > expensive. > > Here's the thing, you have not done a transfusion yet so > you sort of have > that as a back door immediate rescue if you need it. > The prednisone is not > raising the Hct so why do you think it's helping? You > have a non > regenerative anemia on your hands. Unless you reverse > that you're dead in > the water - prednisone will not do this. > > You are facing a tough decision, I know, I understand and I > am so sorry for > that. If you leave the beaten path of veterinary > medicine you have to do > the leg work and fight an u
Re: [Felvtalk] WBC/RBC/platelet count decreasing
Belinda, I hope Fred is feeling feeling better soon. Please keep us posted. Amy --- On Tue, 11/24/09, Belinda Sauro wrote: > From: Belinda Sauro > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] WBC/RBC/platelet count decreasing > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Date: Tuesday, November 24, 2009, 10:48 PM > Took Fred in today > because he is getting weaker and weaker, his HCT is up to > 27.5, so still going up, I think he has a massive infection > somewhere, he does have an ear infection and is on ear drops > for that but I think he has a urinary tract infection > too. Will have the results tomorrow. ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] WBC/RBC/platelet count decreasing
Hi Lance, Thanks for all the info. I'm familiar with LTCI but not as much with some of the others you mention. I definitely plan to ask the internal med at Cornell to look into these. We are definitely considering LTCI but the pred is the sticky part. Neither one of us want to take him off of the pred for something that has no research backing up that it works. She read all the research and had several others review it. They all agreed the science sounds reasonable but there are just so many problems with the paper. I have yet to read it myself but plan to. That is probably the one option I'm leaning towards. I also heard Neupogen mentioned somewhere and plan to ask her about that one. Amy --- On Mon, 11/23/09, Lance wrote: > From: Lance > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] WBC/RBC/platelet count decreasing > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Date: Monday, November 23, 2009, 11:08 PM > Hi Amy, > > I'm sorry to hear about Wolfie. I don't have most of my > email handy, so > I can't look back at what you've written. Have you tried > Transfer > Factor? > What about Liquid DMG? These are affordable supplements, > and they *seem* > to have helped in the case of my FeLV+ girl, Ember. DMG > especially > *seems* to have little possibility of any negative > consequences. When > I've seen wbc issues in Ember, I've *seemingly* reversed > some losses > with these supplements. Please note how I use the word > *seem*. > > Neupogen might be an option. It's something I'm keeping in > mind, > but I don't know much about it, other than it helps with > wbc generation. > I believe some folks have used ImmunoRegulin in similar > situations to > yours > and had good results. Maybe the archives will shed some > light on that. > And I could be wrong, but I seem to remember Epogen helping > in non-regen > anemia, though that makes absolutely no sense. Again, the > archives will > hopefully help. > > LTCI might help with wbc generation. I'm seeing lots of > mention of it > on the list, but I'm very leery of it. We FeLV+ caregivers > are so eager > for anything that might help, but the marketing Immulan has > engaged in > has been questionable. Of course, that doesn't mean that it > doesn't > help, > but the company haven't done enough proper tests to provide > real > reassurance > that their product works. It's good that we're getting > anecdotal > evidence > on the list, but that only goes so far. > > Finally, I wonder if Pet Tinic might not help the rbc that > Wolfie is > able > to produce. It's really just nutrients and nothing terribly > unusual... > mainly iron, I think. > > Obviously, when it comes to any of these options, please > consult your > vet. > > My hopes and prayers for Wolfie's health, and for your > ability to find > something that might help his blood counts. > > Lance > > On Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:01 -0800, "Amy" > wrote: > > I've posted before about my cat Wolfie. He's 7 > years old and has been > > losing weight for the past 4 years. His HCT is > also down (currently 25). > > We've treated for hemobart and retested and he's > now negative (was > > positive before). He has started gaining weight > and has put on a pound > > but I'm sure the leukemia is in his bone marrow. > He's been tested and > > has non-regenerative anemia. He's been stable > for a few months but his > > WBC, RBC, and platelet counts are all gradually > declining. I was > > expecting him to crash when I got the confirmation of > non-regenerative > > anemia but he's holding his own. I was told he's > probably making red > > blood cells in his liver or spleen, just no longer in > the bone marrow. > > > > Has anybody ever had luck with LTCI or any of the > other things mentioned > > once it has gotten to this point? I've done all > sorts of testing for > > digestive issues, lymphoma, IBD, etc. We have > made a couple trips to > > Cornell and decided to just keep him on pred and > monitor trends for now. > > I keep hoping for some miracle but I know the > prognosis is not good. > > > > Thanks > > Amy > > > > > > > > > > ___ > > Felvtalk mailing list > > Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > > http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org > -- > Lance Linimon > lini...@fastmail.fm > > > ___ > 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] WBC/RBC/platelet count decreasing
Hi Belinda, I definitely considered Epogen but have decided against it for now. Wolfie spent several months on Nutrived with no change in his HCT. I was hoping that might do the trick :( Thanks Amy > Date: Tuesday, November 24, 2009, 1:58 AM > Bailey was on > epogen with his non regenerative anemia and it did bring his > HCT back to normal, my Fred currently is on epogen, he is > not positive but has non regenerative anemia because of CRF > (chronic renal failure), his HCt is slowly coming back > up. I prefer Nutrived to Pet Tinic because it has > folic acid in it, vit b, iron and folic acid are needed to > build new blood cells. As far as I know Pet Tinic > doesn't have folic acid. Bailey was positive. > > -- > Belinda > happiness is being owned by cats ... > > http://bemikitties.com > > http://BelindaSauro.com > > > ___ > 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] WBC/RBC/platelet count decreasing
Hi Gary, Wolfie hasn't had any transfusions yet. We've done ultrasounds, x-rays, lots of panels of testing, etc. We have discussed transfusions with the internal med at Cornell but I won't put him through repeated ones just to buy him a little more time. I totally understand why other people do it and I would do it in a crisis until we could try other stuff if needed. Anyways, I did hear that I'd have to wean off the pred if trying LTCI and that's why I was asking if anybody has seen this stuff turn around a cat like this. I've talked to numerous vets and they all agree they wouldn't risk taking a stable cat off the pred and having him crash just to try the LTCI. I'd feel awful if I made things worse. I'm torn because I'm willing to do anything to help him but at $90 a dose, I'm trying to weigh the pros and cons. Amy > I have had a number of cats that were FeLV positive and had > anemia. I have > tried Epogen and if it did anything at all, it wasn't > noticeable. It is too > bad you live in such an expensive area, I'll bet those > treatments Wolfie has > had would be half that here in Arkansas. You are > fortunate that Wolfie does > so well with transfusions, many times they don't last very > long and don't > raise the HCT all that much. I also tried > Immunoregulin on a couple. It > appeared there was a very short term improvement and then > they went > downhill. That doesn't mean it wouldn't work for > you. I believe the > protocol says if there isn't an improvement in a very short > time after > starting treatment, you know it isn't going to work. > > Now is definitely the time to try something while his HCT > is still at a > reasonable level. I haven't tried the LTCI, mostly > because I can't afford > it. I recently took in two kittens that tested > positive for FeLV, both were > thin and anemic. I tried some Acemannan on them and > they are both doing > great now. It is much less expensive than LTCI, but I > could not guarantee > it would help in any particular situation. I wish I > had the chance to try > it on a couple of the adult FeLV cats I have lost to > anemia. > > Personally, I don't think any of the available supplements > that people > (including myself) give these babies to build their immune > systems, will > reverse non-regenerative anemia. Something a bit more > proactive is needed. > If you decide to try LTCI or Acemannan, I believe you will > have to stop the > pred. before starting either of those. > > Gary > > -Original Message- > From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org > [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] > On Behalf Of Amy > Sent: Monday, November 23, 2009 9:02 PM > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Subject: [Felvtalk] WBC/RBC/platelet count decreasing > > I've posted before about my cat Wolfie. He's 7 years > old and has been > losing weight for the past 4 years. His HCT is also > down (currently 25). > We've treated for hemobart and retested and he's now > negative (was positive > before). He has started gaining weight and has put on > a pound but I'm sure > the leukemia is in his bone marrow. He's been tested > and has > non-regenerative anemia. He's been stable for a few > months but his WBC, > RBC, and platelet counts are all gradually declining. > I was expecting him > to crash when I got the confirmation of non-regenerative > anemia but he's > holding his own. I was told he's probably making red > blood cells in his > liver or spleen, just no longer in the bone marrow. > > Has anybody ever had luck with LTCI or any of the other > things mentioned > once it has gotten to this point? I've done all sorts > of testing for > digestive issues, lymphoma, IBD, etc. We have made a > couple trips to > Cornell and decided to just keep him on pred and monitor > trends for now. I > keep hoping for some miracle but I know the prognosis is > not good. > > Thanks > Amy > > > > > > > ___ > 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] WBC/RBC/platelet count decreasing
I've posted before about my cat Wolfie. He's 7 years old and has been losing weight for the past 4 years. His HCT is also down (currently 25). We've treated for hemobart and retested and he's now negative (was positive before). He has started gaining weight and has put on a pound but I'm sure the leukemia is in his bone marrow. He's been tested and has non-regenerative anemia. He's been stable for a few months but his WBC, RBC, and platelet counts are all gradually declining. I was expecting him to crash when I got the confirmation of non-regenerative anemia but he's holding his own. I was told he's probably making red blood cells in his liver or spleen, just no longer in the bone marrow. Has anybody ever had luck with LTCI or any of the other things mentioned once it has gotten to this point? I've done all sorts of testing for digestive issues, lymphoma, IBD, etc. We have made a couple trips to Cornell and decided to just keep him on pred and monitor trends for now. I keep hoping for some miracle but I know the prognosis is not good. Thanks Amy ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Kitten Problems - Please Help
Hi Crystal, Are you far from Cornell University in NY? I recently took my cat to see an internal med there and have been incredibly pleased with her knowledge and compassion. She is the only one who has not given up on my leuk positive cat. I'd be happy to send you her name if it's a trip that you could make. Amy --- On Thu, 11/19/09, Crystal Proper wrote: > From: Crystal Proper > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Kitten Problems - Please Help > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Date: Thursday, November 19, 2009, 3:43 AM > Hi Diane- > I am not sure how much my vet knows about FeLV. I am very > thankful and grateful to have her help. She is very busy > and always listens to my constant questions. However, she > keeps telling me that its the FeLV running its course and > there's nothing I can do. However, I've been reading > everyone's messages on here and it seems sometimes there is > something you can do so I am trying to get as much > information as possible. I emailed two other vets > yesterday that are 2 hours away to see if they are > specialists on it. I live in NW PA and I'm finding it > difficult to find any vet that has dealt with it a lot. I > am laid off right now but if I have to scrape my pennies > together and eat spaghetti for a month, I will. She did > tell me that sometimes kittens can convert to negative but > since Nibbler had such problems already it didn't look good > for him. I am still trying everything to get him out of > the slump and get some weight on him and maybe he can > be as big and "healthy" as his 2 FelV + brothers. > Crystal > > - > > > Diane Rosenfeldt > Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:41:47 -0800 > Hi, Crystal -- > > You'll get some great advice on this list. You guys are > great for taking on > this problem. I'm sorry Nibbler isn't doing so well. I > guess my first (and > only -- there are many more experienced people on this list > to ask the > others) question is how confident are you that your vet is > up to speed on > FeLV? That's kind of crucial here so that Nibbler gets the > most > knowledgeable care. Did your vet tell you that sometimes > kittens convert to > negative once their immune systems develop, and do you know > if this is still > an option for yours? > > Best of luck and good vibes for Nibbler and the rest. > > Diane R. > > -Original Message- > From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org > [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] > On Behalf Of Crystal Proper > Sent: Wednesday, November 18, 2009 5:22 PM > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Subject: [Felvtalk] Kitten Problems - Please Help > > Hi, my name is Crystal. My husband and I rescued three > kittens that were 4 > weeks old at the time, (now 14 weeks), from an old > building. We tamed them > as well. About 6 weeks ago we found out that they were > all FELV positive. > Two of them are fine and doing great. The runt, Nibbler, > isnt. Hes been > on antibiotics to try and get rid of his constant runny > eyes and nose we had > to stop them about 2 weeks ago because he has bloody > diarrhea. He is very > symptomatic and my vet says the disease is just running its > course and has > run out if suggestions for me. Hes also half the size of > his brothers. > However, I was hoping someone here might have some help for > me because I > dont want to give up on him. Heres my list He has > severe diarrhea. > Today it seems to be much more watery and blood. I have > been given him > yogurt, acidophilus, and Purina Forta Flora. He was > getting boiled chicken, > but will only eat canned cat food now. Hes also been > wormed. > He has a constant runny eyes and nose. He gets L-Lysine, > B Vitamin Complex, > and Ginger Root. > Also, from the diarrhea he is very anemic so he gets Pet > Tinic. > He still runs and tries to get into rooms hes not supposed > to and gets on > my chest and purrs in my face. Hes my baby. > Please and help and prayers would be appreciated. > > > > > ___ > 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] Grrr went to the bridge...
I haven't posted much since Grrr was diagnosed back in the spring, but I have been reading and learning. Sadly, my big nasty boy stopped eating a couple of weeks ago. He spent a week at the vets receiving fluids which perked him up a bit, but he would deteriorate quickly when the IV was stopped. My husband and I spent a long time with him on Monday evening, and he made it plain to us that he was tired and ready to go. We stayed with him while he was sent to sleep, and true to his nature he bit the vet and myself one more time for good measure on the way out. It sounds a little twisted, but none of us could stop laughing about that in the moments after he was gone- wiping away tears all the while. It was as if he was talking to us- "I'm ready to go; thanks for the good times, and don't you ever forget who the boss is here, you jerks!"We should all be lucky enough to have our parting message be heard so clearly by our loved ones. We miss his big nasty self around here. The dog and the other cats have been walking on egg shells, testing their new limits carefully, as if they expect him to pop around a corner at any second and reestablish his dominance. The other cats still will not go near his bed or food dish. The dog, who weighs 140 lbs., still will not enter Grrr's favorite room. Even in absentia he is respected. To all of you who contribute to this list, thank you so very much. I have no doubt that the knowledge I gained here added time and quality to Grrr's life, and I've shared much of what I've learned with my vet, who has been eagerly absorbing the information; other FeLV+ cats in my area will benefit from my experience with Grrr. Thanks again all. Sleep easy, my good boy. We miss you more than words can say. _ Hotmail: Trusted email with Microsoft's powerful SPAM protection. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/177141664/direct/01/ http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/177141664/direct/01/ ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Imulan - a t cell lymphocytic immunomodulator
Thanks Jenny, I hope your sweet girl pulls through. Please keep us posted. Amy --- On Tue, 8/25/09, jbero tds.net wrote: > From: jbero tds.net > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Imulan - a t cell lymphocytic immunomodulator > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Date: Tuesday, August 25, 2009, 11:01 AM > Amy, > > The shot cost me $60. It is somewhat expensive and > still pretty new to the > field. I think if you can get them started early on > before the bone marrow > suppression starts you have a better chance at controlling > the virus. I > don't know all the details. I am planning on calling > them today to ask a > few more questions. I will keep you updated. > Good luck with your decision. > > Jenny > > > On 8/24/09, Amy > wrote: > > > > Jenny, > > > > Do you mind me asking the price of a shot? I'm > thinking of trying this for > > my cats but I think I heard $90 a shot somewhere and > I'm thinking that means > > $360 the first month, $200 the second month, and $90 a > month after that. I > > have several cats and am trying to figure out if it's > practical for me to > > start it. > > > > Thanks > > Amy > > > > --- On Mon, 8/24/09, jbero tds.net > wrote: > > > > > From: jbero tds.net > > > Subject: [Felvtalk] Imulan - a t cell lymphocytic > immunomodulator > > > To: Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > > > Date: Monday, August 24, 2009, 5:19 PM > > > Hello everyone, > > > > > > I really hope this email works. I have been > a part of > > > this community for > > > awhile but don't often respond. I did, > however, want > > > to share this with > > > you. > > > > > > I have had two cats die from severe anemia and > bone marrow > > > suppression > > > associated from felv+. It is a common cause > of death > > > for these guys and I > > > have heard over and again in this forum. > > > > > > I currently have another sweet little girl who is > about 1 > > > 1/2 years old. > > > She was doing well until recently when she > started to > > > become lethargic, > > > stopped eating and was found to have a hematocrit > of > > > 11%. This is really, > > > really, really low. It is a > non-regenerative anemia, > > > with signs of > > > lymphoma. This is pretty much a death > sentence for > > > these guys. A blood > > > transfusion would only prolong the sufferng > > > > > > So here's the deal. I found a vet that had > the > > > immunomodulator (from > > > Imulan), got the shot and gave it to her on > Friday. > > > Her energy is gradually > > > improving, her mucous membrane are pinking up and > there are > > > signs of > > > improvement. > > > > > > I don't know if she'll pull through or not, but I > have to > > > tell you that this > > > is currently the best option out there for > treating this > > > disease. I found > > > some of the information on it. There is > rapid and > > > profound improvement of > > > anemia, an increase in bone marrow activity and > in some > > > cases, return to > > > normal with negative testing for the virus. > > > > > > I know there isn't a full proof cure out there > but I have > > > to say this may > > > prove to be very helpful. The long terms > studies are > > > still pending. > > > > > > So here's the deal, if you have a felv+ with bone > marrow > > > suppression > > > (including anemia - low red blood cells, > thrombocytopenia - > > > low platelets, > > > neutropenia - low levels of neutrophils, or > lymphopenia - > > > low lymphocyte > > > count) and may or may not have the associated > > > infections; I highly > > > recommend giving this a try. > > > > > > It is a simple subcutaneous shot given weekly at > first and > > > than monthly with > > > improvement of bone marrow suppression and > clinical > > > symptoms. It requires a > > > vet order to get it. > > > > > > It is a far better alternative than the repeat > cycle of > > > blood transfusions, > > > antibiotic regimens and prednisone. > > > > > > I will let you know how she does. > > > > > > Good luck everyone and God bless you for your > generous and > > > selfless hearts. > > > > > > Jenny > > > ___ > > > 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] Urgent! FeLV cat -New Jersey- I need to find him a Sanctuary
The way I read it is they take in cats that are in dire straights and have made provisions for FeLV's and FIV's. It looks to me like they ask for the large donations if you have a pet for which you want them to take over responsibility. I agree with Gary, that if people pay that amount for lifetime care, they're not apt to want their cat adopted out. I think this fee takes care of a couple of issues for the sanctuary, it keeps the numbers of owner forfeitures down and the money they do get covers costs so the expense doesn't cut into the rescue end. They also have a vet on staff and a low cost spay neuter clinic that is open to the public. It looks pretty impressive. That said, I would still have to check it out myself before any of mine went there (or anywhere for that matter). Of course, I'd have to win the lotto also. --- On Mon, 8/24/09, JENI RECA wrote: From: JENI RECA Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Urgent! FeLV cat -New Jersey- I need to find him a Sanctuary To: "feluk feluk" Date: Monday, August 24, 2009, 10:10 AM you could try angel's gate, they have a place in long island, but also one in upstate near delhi (they were willing to take a feluk cat I was trying to find a home for, but in the end I kept him due to medical issues and anxiety) that was about two years ago so I dont know if they are still up and running. I emailed them through their website. Also another sanctuary is called love and hope in upstate new york they have a website (google "love and hope sanctuary new york) i think you will find it through there. good luck!Jeni > From: dhotz...@gmail.com > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Date: Wed, 19 Aug 2009 08:52:41 -0400 > Subject: [Felvtalk] Urgent! FeLV cat -New Jersey- I need to find him a > Sanctuary > > > I live in Central New Jersey and I have a cat that showed up on my doorstep > about 10 months ago. He is so super friendly that my husband and I decided > that we wanted to take him in as one of our own. We took him to the vet > about 3 weeks ago and he tested positive for Leukemia. We were heartbroken. > We cannot take him inside due to the fact that we have 2 "healthy" cats > inside already. > > The vet said that he is about 2-3 years old and in good health with the > exception of testing positive for Leukemia. (by the way - he did test > negative for HIV and he has been neutered) He is the sweetest cat and just > wants to be petted and loved and talked to. I was out back the other back in > my lounge chair and he jumped up onto my chest and wanted me to pet him, > which of course I did. He is also very friendly with the neighbor children. > > I would love to find a safe place for him where he can get some interaction > with humans as well as other cats. We have a few other cats that we feed > outside and he seems to get along well with them. > > I need to find a safe place for him where he will be loved and cared > for. We really need your help!!! Any information in the New Jersey, New > York and Pennsylvania area will be helpful. > > Thanks! > Donna > ___ > Felvtalk mailing list > Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org _ Windows Live: Keep your friends up to date with what you do online. http://windowslive.com/Campaign/SocialNetworking?ocid=PID23285::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:SI_SB_online:082009 ___ 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] Andrew and Sable
You've got it Sherry. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that things get better for Andrew and Sable. Amy --- On Mon, 8/24/09, Sherry DeHaan wrote: From: Sherry DeHaan Subject: [Felvtalk] Andrew and Sable To: "Felvtalk" Date: Monday, August 24, 2009, 8:19 PM Could I please get good thoughts and prayers for these 2 wonderful Sids kids.They are at the clinic and being taken care of by the best.But sometimes the best is not enough.THank you all so much Sherry "We who choose to surround ourselves with lives more temporary than our own, Live within a fragile circle,easily and often breached. Unable to accept its awful gaps. We still would have it no other way" ___ 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] Imulan - a t cell lymphocytic immunomodulator
Jenny, Do you mind me asking the price of a shot? I'm thinking of trying this for my cats but I think I heard $90 a shot somewhere and I'm thinking that means $360 the first month, $200 the second month, and $90 a month after that. I have several cats and am trying to figure out if it's practical for me to start it. Thanks Amy --- On Mon, 8/24/09, jbero tds.net wrote: > From: jbero tds.net > Subject: [Felvtalk] Imulan - a t cell lymphocytic immunomodulator > To: Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Date: Monday, August 24, 2009, 5:19 PM > Hello everyone, > > I really hope this email works. I have been a part of > this community for > awhile but don't often respond. I did, however, want > to share this with > you. > > I have had two cats die from severe anemia and bone marrow > suppression > associated from felv+. It is a common cause of death > for these guys and I > have heard over and again in this forum. > > I currently have another sweet little girl who is about 1 > 1/2 years old. > She was doing well until recently when she started to > become lethargic, > stopped eating and was found to have a hematocrit of > 11%. This is really, > really, really low. It is a non-regenerative anemia, > with signs of > lymphoma. This is pretty much a death sentence for > these guys. A blood > transfusion would only prolong the sufferng > > So here's the deal. I found a vet that had the > immunomodulator (from > Imulan), got the shot and gave it to her on Friday. > Her energy is gradually > improving, her mucous membrane are pinking up and there are > signs of > improvement. > > I don't know if she'll pull through or not, but I have to > tell you that this > is currently the best option out there for treating this > disease. I found > some of the information on it. There is rapid and > profound improvement of > anemia, an increase in bone marrow activity and in some > cases, return to > normal with negative testing for the virus. > > I know there isn't a full proof cure out there but I have > to say this may > prove to be very helpful. The long terms studies are > still pending. > > So here's the deal, if you have a felv+ with bone marrow > suppression > (including anemia - low red blood cells, thrombocytopenia - > low platelets, > neutropenia - low levels of neutrophils, or lymphopenia - > low lymphocyte > count) and may or may not have the associated > infections; I highly > recommend giving this a try. > > It is a simple subcutaneous shot given weekly at first and > than monthly with > improvement of bone marrow suppression and clinical > symptoms. It requires a > vet order to get it. > > It is a far better alternative than the repeat cycle of > blood transfusions, > antibiotic regimens and prednisone. > > I will let you know how she does. > > Good luck everyone and God bless you for your generous and > selfless hearts. > > Jenny > ___ > 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] RIP Mattie 7/09 - 8/09
Sharyl, I'm sorry to hear about Mattie. She sounds so sweet. Her story reminds me a lot of a little grey kitty I lost. She had so much personality and was so full of life. Amy --- On Thu, 8/13/09, Sharyl wrote: > From: Sharyl > Subject: [Felvtalk] RIP Mattie 7/09 - 8/09 > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Date: Thursday, August 13, 2009, 4:42 PM > I had to make that last vet trip with > my dear sweet Mattie today. She lost the use of her > back legs last week due to neurological issues from the > FeLV. The paralysis spread and she had lost bladder > and bowel control. She was still eating and grooming > herself but I couldn't wait until she was suffering. > She deserved better than that. She fell asleep in my > arms from the sedative and never felt the 2nd shot. > > Even though blind since birth she was the most inquisitive > kitten I've ever had. No challenge was too great for > her. She is the last of a litter of 4 positive babies > I rescued last summer. What amazes me is that their > mom and 3 aunts, all positives and now spayed, are still > doing fine. > > All I can say is Mattie had a wonderful 12 months wanting > for nothing and teaching me so much. I learned not to > let a handicap limit me. It sure didn't limit her love > of life. She is now at the Rainbow Bridge > with Bright Eyes, Houdini, and CJ. > > Sharyl > > > > > ___ > 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] Thank you for your help
MaryChristine, What is it about those sassy, fiesty, independant calico girls that makes us love them so? We must be suckers for punishment, cause they sure do love to dole it out. One of mine is ancient, weighs less than 6 lbs, toothless and I still can't pill her. She's the smallest cat of the bunch, but she can move a 15 lb male from his bowl of canned food just by staring at him. I'm crazy about her and I celebrate her attitude. --- On Wed, 8/12/09, MaryChristine wrote: From: MaryChristine Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Thank you for your help To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Date: Wednesday, August 12, 2009, 11:12 AM i think it's really natural for us to want to try EVERYTHING to help our beloved ones, even when, sometimes, it's in our best interests and not really theirs. that's what i believe that i have learned from my cats in their final days. i know that, early on, i kept some of mine around longer than i would do now, but not from meanness, rather from lack of awareness. i had to learn... to separate out their needs from mine, to ask them what they needed, to truly listen to what they were telling me. people learn at different rates; i try very hard (not always successfully, as those reading another FeLV list can attest) not to judge others' progress. i actually have a kitty in terminal crf right now; she bit the hell out of me the last two times i tried to hydrate her. she's my remaining heartcat, and her refusing treatment is killing me--but how can i not honor her choices, after all she's given me through the years? she's the official international spokescat for the Calico Liberation Coalition, CaLiCo, a 4-paw-declawed, harlequin girl that refuses to purr tho will, very occasionally, practice Rhythmic Growling--to force her to do anything would be an assault on her very cathood. she's someplace close to 16 years old, and has blessed my life with bite wounds and attiTUDE for over ten years now--i adore her, and know completely that in her furry little multicolored heart, she feels the same way toward me. i will do what is best for her when her job on this earth is complete; no matter how much it pains me--i know that she will tell me if she needs help, tho actually i'm just hoping she'll allow me to be with her when the time comes, and not just leave me an email. the wisest advice i've ever gotten, though, is that it's best to send them across the bridge one day too soon, than five minutes too late. feeling guilty about their, "not being ready," when they weren't yet suffering, is pointless, but nothing compared to the knowledge that one has waited too long. sometimes, tho, we need to go through the latter to understand. we need to be gentle with one another as we learn these horrible lessons. and hope that what we learn so painfully can help someone else learn them with less difficulty. -- Spay & Neuter Your Neighbors! Maybe That'll Make The Difference MaryChristine Special-Needs Coordinator, Purebred Cat Breed Rescue (www.purebredcats.org) Member, SCAT (Special-Cat Action Team) ___ 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] Staph Protein A
Oh, my mistake. I thought I read that he got some from Sigma Aldrich. I'll have to go back and read more. Amy --- On Mon, 8/10/09, gary wrote: > From: gary > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Staph Protein A > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Date: Monday, August 10, 2009, 1:07 PM > It won't matter much if we can't > figure out how to get some. Anybody out > there with a biological research company who would be > willing to buy us some > Staph Protein A for the "research" on our kitties? > > Gary > > -Original Message- > From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org > [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] > On Behalf Of Amy > Sent: Monday, August 10, 2009 9:54 AM > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Staph Protein A > > Hi Hebert, > > Do you mind if I forward this info to my vet so she can > give me her opinion > on Staph Protein A? > > Thanks > Amy > > > > > ___ > 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] Staph Protein A
Hi Hebert, Do you mind if I forward this info to my vet so she can give me her opinion on Staph Protein A? Thanks Amy --- On Sat, 8/8/09, hebert ferrarezzi wrote: > From: hebert ferrarezzi > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Staph Protein A > To: "felvtalk@felineleukemia.org" > Date: Saturday, August 8, 2009, 9:58 PM > > Dear Gary > I have used Staphoccocal Protein-A, from Sigma Aldrich: > Product: P6031 - 1MG, Protein A from Staphylococcus aureus; > Soluble, essentially salt-free, lyophilized powder; or > Product: P3838 - 1MG, Protein A from Staphylococcus aureus; > Soluble, Cowan Strain, essentially salt-free, lyophilized > powder. > http://www.sigmaaldrich.com/etc/medialib/docs/Sigma/productinformationsheet2/p3838pis.Par.0001.File.tmp/p3838pis.pdf > > > > > It is important to note that transgenic Protein A expressed > in Escherichia colli, although having the same > immunoglobulin binding properties, does not have the same > superantigenic properties as the native one. The difference > may be due to a bit of contamination with other > superantigens from Staphlococcus aureus (perhaps with staph > entherotoxin-A during product extraction and purification). > So the transgenic version does not serve to our intent. > > This product is currently used as a chemical reagent, and > not as a medication (except in experimental studies). You > have to register before buying and affiliation to some > university or research institute is wanted (maybe you can > get an aid from another person). > > Although I am a researcher, I was not made any experiment > with my FelV+ cats, so I cannot be sure if apparently > hopeful outcomes were not merely by chance. I just think the > subject merits more attention, considering the earlier > surprising results obtained by scientists. I am also > aware of a subsequent statistically controlled study carried > on by Vet-researchers found no significant difference from > the placebo group. But I am also aware that unknown > variables, then unsuspected (such a little bit of > contamination mentioned above, certainly a trait neither > standard nor regularly desired by the fabricants), can > account for different results obtained by different > researchers in different circumstances. > > By the way, tree of my four FelV+ cats have already gone > (crossed the bridge as you say), Pupa and Mãe victims of > lymphoma, and Porchops due an idiopathic cystitis > (apparently not felv-related). All the four got > considerable improvement in most blood counts during and > after treatment and never suffered from FelV-related > opportunistic infections. Jorge, the one that remains in > this world, is doing very fine, thanks, being asymptomatic > up to now. Early experiments using protein A have > reported that 28% of the cats respond positively to the > treatment. I think the attempt was not deceiving yet. > > > > Best wishes for you all. > > Hebert > > > > From: gcru...@centurytel.net > > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > > Date: Fri, 7 Aug 2009 16:17:53 -0500 > > Subject: [Felvtalk] Staph Protein A > > > > Has anyone on the list ever used Staph Protein A for > treatment of FeLV cats? > > If so, where did you get it? I just talked with two of > the manufacturers > > that are listed on the Felineleukemia.org site and > both said they could not > > sell it except to a research facility. They said if a > vet wanted it, he > > would have to be doing a research study and his > application for it would be > > reviewed by the company to see if they though he met > their criteria. They > > would not sell it simply for treatment use. > > > > I will keep looking, but it seems a shame that > something with all the > > promise of Staph Protein A (and a LOT cheaper than > LTCI) can't be purchased > > to save kitties. > > > > Gary > > > > > > ___ > > Felvtalk mailing list > > Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > > http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org > > _ > Novo Internet Explorer 8. Baixe agora, é grátis! > http://brasil.microsoft.com.br/IE8/mergulhe/?utm_source=MSN%3BHotmail&utm_medium=Tagline&utm_campaign=IE8 > ___ > 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] More Hemobart
Ok, so I took my FIV+ cat in for her check up and her HCT was 29%, low for her and the same as Wolfie's was a month ago. We checked her for hemobart and she has also come back positive for the same organism as Wolfie, M. haemominutum. I have never had fleas in my home that I'm aware of. All my cats go every 6 months for full check-ups. I'm going to take my other 2 in next week to get checked but am wondering if anybody else has tested for hemobart. I read somewhere that leuk positive cats are predisposed to testing positive for this. I've also read it's not contagious so I'm stunned by the fact that cats from different locations, brought in at different times, have this. I'm hoping that this may be the cause of Wolfie's anemia/weight loss now that I see Sierra's HCT is possibly being affected by it as well. Fingers crossed that I'm dealing with anemia due to this and not nonregenerative anemia. My vet says hemobart is not that common so I'm curious how many others have come across it in. All my cats have had numerous blood smears done (every 6 months for the past 5-6 years) and have never shown any sign of hemobart. Amy ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Wolfie Update
Hi Gary, This makes more sense. I saw you said you gave a dose of 100 units and I was thrown since my vet told me to dose at 100 units per KG. The price is actually pretty similar that way because you have 4 doses at $30 or 24 doses at $240. My vet's quote was for Procrit, 24 doses (500U/dose, dosed at 100U/kg). I will definitely let her know about the Walmart specialty pharmacy, though, since it's still about $40 less. Thanks for that info. It will be nice to not have to start with buying 24 doses right from the start since this will be our first time trying it. Amy > I made a "slight" error when typing > below, it should say a dose is 100 units > PER KG, not just 100 units. How many doses one vial > gives you depends on > the size of your cat. For mine it is 5 doses, just > about enough to see if > it is working. You start with 3 times a week and as > you approach your > target level of hemocrit, you start cutting back to twice a > week and monitor > results and then to once a week and if you get lucky, maybe > to once every 10 > - 14 days. It just depends on how the hemocrit level > responds. Here is a > link to an article you may find helpful. > http://www.felinecrf.org/anaemia.htm#epogen_eprex_procrit > > > Your vet is over the edge on prices, just have him call it > in to the Walmart > Specialty Pharmacy at 1-877-453-4566. You will also > need U100 insulin > syringes, they are .5ml maximum and are marked for .01ml > minimum so it is > pretty easy to draw up the units you need. > > Gary > > -Original Message- > From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org > [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] > On Behalf Of Amy > Sent: Friday, August 07, 2009 8:31 PM > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Wolfie Update > > Hi Gary, > > How many shots does that vial give you? I'm trying to > figure out the > expense of Epogen. My vet quoted me $277 for Procrit > and she said it was > almost double that at the other pharmacy she uses. I > need to do the math to > figure out how many doses that $277 is for but it sounds > like your deal is > way better. > > Amy > > > I had the vet call in a prescription > > to the Walmart Specialty Pharmacy. > > > > It was $30.68 for a 1ml 2000 unit vial and they > shipped it > > FedEx overnight > > for free. Got it about an hour ago and have already > > given the first shot > > (100 units). As long as it is given Sub-q, I do it > > myself (shots, fluids, > > etc.). > > > > I am looking into Staph Protein A which showed a lot > of > > promise in treating > > FeLV back in the mid 80s. This is given with a shot > > into the abdominal > > cavity - I think I will be letting the vet do that. > > > > Gary > > > > > ___ > 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] Wolfie Update
Hi Gary, How many shots does that vial give you? I'm trying to figure out the expense of Epogen. My vet quoted me $277 for Procrit and she said it was almost double that at the other pharmacy she uses. I need to do the math to figure out how many doses that $277 is for but it sounds like your deal is way better. Amy > I had the vet call in a prescription > to the Walmart Specialty Pharmacy. > > It was $30.68 for a 1ml 2000 unit vial and they shipped it > FedEx overnight > for free. Got it about an hour ago and have already > given the first shot > (100 units). As long as it is given Sub-q, I do it > myself (shots, fluids, > etc.). > > I am looking into Staph Protein A which showed a lot of > promise in treating > FeLV back in the mid 80s. This is given with a shot > into the abdominal > cavity - I think I will be letting the vet do that. > > Gary > > -Original Message- > From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org > [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] > On Behalf Of Sander, Sue > Sent: Friday, August 07, 2009 2:04 PM > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Wolfie Update > > Gary, What do you mean you are expecting a delivery > of Epogen. Don't > you need to get this from your vet? I'm new to all of > this. > > Susan > > > > ___ > 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] Wolfie
One more question. We did a reticulocyte count on Wolfie because we had to draw blood for a CBC and we were able to do the test with the same sample. I hoped it would give me some useful information. The results came back and my vet felt they really weren't very informative or helpful. She called for clarification and to explain Wolfie's history of leukemia, higher HCT's, etc. and to ask if the anemia is non-regenerative or not. They said that the amount of reticulocytes was appropriate for a cat with a HCT of 27 but that they can't tell if it's regenerative or not because the HCT has to be below 20 to determine that. We knew it was recommended to wait til then to do it but both felt we didn't want to be waiting that long or drawing more blood at that stage. I'm confused. If it was non-regenerative, he wouldn't be making reticulocytes, right? Anybody ever do a retic count before the HCT drops below 20? Amy ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Wolfie Update
Hi Belinda, Can I just clarify? Bailey was leuk positive and had no other issues other than the anemia? While you were trying to figure that out, he developed pancreatitis? No CRF or anything else, you were using the Epogen solely for the leukemia related anemia? The reason I'm asking is because I'm trying to weigh the pros and cons of whether to start Epogen when Wolfie's HCT gets low. My vet and I are trying to understand how it could hypothetically work for anemia related to bone marrow issues as opposed to CRF and she says it doesn't make sense that it would help. Again she's not saying it doesn't help or that we shouldn't try it (she's totally up for it if I am), we are just trying to figure out how it could help by looking at the causes of the anemia. You are the only person I've heard say they used it for a leuk pos cat with anemia rather than CRF so we are very interested in your story. Thanks for sharing. Sounds like Bailey was a very lucky cat to have you. Amy --- On Thu, 8/6/09, Belinda Sauro wrote: > From: Belinda Sauro > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Wolfie Update > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Date: Thursday, August 6, 2009, 10:27 PM > Bailey was on epogen for > almost 6 months when he became anemic, it brought his HCT > from a low of 15% back up to 40% within 6 weeks or so. > When he passed he was still on a maintanence dose of epogen > once a week and his HCT was holding at 33%. > > -- > Belinda > happiness is being owned by cats ... > > http://bemikitties.com > > http://BelindaSauro.com > > > ___ > 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
