Re: To Michael Re: Update
You could put them on interferon. Some people have had success with this. also transfer factor if that hasn't been mentioned. tonya [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Thanks for the info. I'll definitely look into better foods. Do you all think its ok to mix in their morning and nightly Fancy Feast Elegant Medleys? There are three of them, and they share a can each morning and each night, so they average only 1/3 of a can at a time, but its something they have come to expect. I guess I'm wondering if there's something wrong with giving that to them. They've been on the Purina Naturals dry food, but I'm going to switch over to something with no grains and high proteins. I'm going to look for the Innova Evo, but I don't recall ever seeing it. I'll be sure to look for something with no grains tomorrow. As for the nutritional supplement recommendation, I've already gotten Lysine and Echinacea, but haven't been able to get them to eat it yet. I'm hoping they will when they're feeling better. They did eat tonight, so that makes me feel better now that I've seen them eating. As for the supplements, are those the only two recommended, or is there something else? And do you guys mix that in the dry food, or in their wet food? Luckily, we rarely ever have guests, and rarely leave for more than a couple of days at a time (and my sister is here with them when we leave, with whom they are very familiar, she has been living here on and off). They did not vaccinate the cat they knew had tested positive, but vaccinated Poppy because they ran out of ELISA tests and had to send in an IFA test with her along with Grizzabella's. I'm not comfortable with this vet office treating them, so that's why I'm going in the morning to get them to refer them to University of Tennessee School of Veterinary Medicine. I looked up the hospital tonight, quite impressive...they have 10 exam rooms, 7000 dogs/cats a year, an intensive care unit, specialists in every field you can imagine, it looks very promising: http://www.vet.utk.edu/ The vet's office bothered me because they didn't even recommend an IFA test to verify her positive ELISA test. They just said she had it, period. That didn't sit well with me. I feel very personally responsible for them getting sick and I'm taking this very hard. But all I can do now is make sure they have the absolute best care possible. Ok, to summarize, here's what I need input on from you guys: 1. Fancy Feast Elegant Medleys...1/3 of a can morning and night...is this ok? 2. Dry food...brand recommendations 3. Supplements...any recommendations other than lysine and echinacea, and do you put it in wet or dry food? 4. Treatment options? Do you use the ImmunoRegulin Or Interferon Alpha in healthy cats, or is that treatment options you use when they're symptomatic? Thanks for all the support to everyone and all the emails I've received. It really helps me to feel like I have some sense of control over the situation, and I'm not just completely helpless. Michael - Get a sneak peek of the all-new AOL.com.
Re: To Michael Re: Update
Yes, my felv+cats get moist BID but the rest of the gang does not, @ least not right now. I fed them moist in the old house, but when we moved into this new place 3 months ago, serving the rest of cats moist was a challenge, and I still am working on the logistics. (I used to feed them in the kitchen in the old house, they don't have kitchen privileges anymore:( Funny, I have the food ( like I said earlier, I am paranoid about running out of cat food) before I moved I "stocked" up their room w/ 20 cases of Wellness (lg 13oz cans), 8 cases of Pet Guard, 5 of Evo & 5 of reg. Innova.. When I feed it takes 4 to 5 of the large cans to fulfill their moist food desires. Yes, Jonathan would probably lay an egg if he knew how much I spend on catsOuch. Between the high dollar foods, the vets, the ferals & donations to friends in need ( cat rescue), etc Mommy's little secret..Sh... Susan J. DuBose >^..^< www.PetGirlsPetsitting.com www.Tx.SiameseRescue.org www.shadowcats.net "As Cleopatra lay in state, Faithful Bast at her side did wait, Purring welcomes of soft applause, Ever guarding with sharpened claws." Trajan Tennent - Original Message - From: wendy To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Thursday, August 23, 2007 6:54 PM Subject: Re: To Michael Re: Update Susan, I think of Univ. of Texas too...lol. Yes, 15 lbs. of dry lasts one month, however, that's mixed in with wet foods, baby foods for Julie, boiled chicken, chicken broth, etc. I guess mine are just a wee bit spoiled. I'd hate to admit to myself, or to my husband for that matter, how much we really spend on kitty food! :) Wendy "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world - indeed it is the only thing that ever has!" ~~~ Margaret Meade ~~~
Re: To Michael Re: Update
Hey Michael, Yes, mine vomit sometimes too. Isn't that fun to come home to after a long day's work...lol. :) Wendy "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world - indeed it is the only thing that ever has!" ~~~ Margaret Meade ~~~ - Original Message From: "[EMAIL PROTECTED]" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Thursday, August 23, 2007 8:54:39 AM Subject: Re: To Michael Re: Update Quick question: I forgot how you came to test them in the first place. Are they new adoptees or is one of them sick? Hi Wendy, To answer your question, they ended up being tested because the Vet asked Jeff if he wanted them tested. He didn't know what to say, so he just said yes. I guess its fortunate he did. They're both asymptomatic. They're actually quite healthy. I've never even noticed as much as a runny nose from any of them. The only thing I have seen is vomiting, but I'm hoping the new food will help with that...thats not a new issue...they've been doing that since I got them and long before Grizzabella came in and infected Poppy. They've been to the vet several times, no one seems to have an answer other than they seem to be eating too fast. But they're really not unhealthy...as a matter of fact, Poppy is 14.5lbs, ack :( The other two are 7.4 and 7.5, which is a healthy weight for their size. I'm going with the Innova EVO food today as soon as I can find that place on their website where its sold locally. We'll see how that goes, I'll gradually switch it over as recommended. I also stopped by my vet office this morning on my way to work, and gave them the referral form for University of Tennessee CVM. They seemed very receptive this morning. The doctor that diagnosed them will be back in the morning and they said they'd give him the form. I suppose it will help that two of the vets at the clinic graduated from UT. I also asked about the prescription formula "Missing Link" supplement, and they made a note to check. I mixed the lysine in this morning, and all three ate it! That made me feel a bit better. The one that stayed in one spot pretty much for 36 hours also got up and moved around a bit last night. She even came in the living room and laid down on the couch with Jeff. They're slowly feeling better from the vaccinations. I'll keep updating as I get new information. Thanks guys. -Original Message- From: wendy <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wed, 22 Aug 2007 9:50 pm Subject: Re: To Michael Re: Update Hey Michael, I feed mine Elegant Medleys as a treat, so yes, I think it's fine. It's not the best food, but I don't think it's going to hurt them. I buy the wet and dry Innova Evo online at Pet Food Direct usually. I got a 22% discount the last time I ordered, which was a good deal. The food is expensive, so when you look, don't be too surprised at the price. I pay about $35 before discounts on a 15 lb. bag which lasts me with 4-5 cats about a month. It's worth it. When I started feeding Smookie, our newest kitty from the shelter, the Evo, her coat just blossomed into this gorgeous blue black shiny blanket. I was amazed, which is saying a lot for me. I can also get the food in about 3-4 stores, usually pet boutiques, in Dallas, but since I live in the suburbs, it's cheaper to buy it online and have it shipped rather than drive. I was used to feeding science diet, so when I saw that the food was basically junk, I felt bad, but I didn't know any better. And if we didn't have the money, we wouldn't be able to feed the better foods. It's a shame they are so expensive. We are not wealthy by any stretch of the imagination, but we can afford a little extra on the food. And they say more protein means less elimination and less food eaten, but I forget why. Someone else here will know. You can mix the lysine into their Medleys. It's tasteless; they won't even know it's there. Do you have the powder? Other people use different supplements. They will know more about them than I will. I'm really happy that your kitties are eating. They'll probably be back to normal by tomorrow. Quick question: I forgot how you came to test them in the first place. Are they new adoptees or is one of them sick? Please try not to feel responsible for them having FeLV. You didn't give it to them. The best thing you can do for them is to remain stress free yourself as much as possible, because they will pick up on it if you are upset. Every day you have with them is a gift, and one day, we're all going to meet our maker, kitties too. So it may be that the FeLV is not what they pass from, but something else, and yo
Re: To Michael Re: Update
Susan, I think of Univ. of Texas too...lol. Yes, 15 lbs. of dry lasts one month, however, that's mixed in with wet foods, baby foods for Julie, boiled chicken, chicken broth, etc. I guess mine are just a wee bit spoiled. I'd hate to admit to myself, or to my husband for that matter, how much we really spend on kitty food! :) Wendy "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world - indeed it is the only thing that ever has!" ~~~ Margaret Meade ~~~ - Original Message From: Susan Dubose <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Thursday, August 23, 2007 1:17:06 AM Subject: Re: To Michael Re: Update Higher quality food means less eaten due to cats eat until they are nutritionally full, then stop (theoretically). High content of good meats,less grain, less need for intake. My cats also have done very well on the EVO & CORE. Shiniercoats, brighter eyes & chronic cats feeling & looking better too. I sprinkle the Nutrional Yeast over their food every other day. Yes,these foods will cost more, but you will make up for it w/ better overall health, so less medical bills. Wendy, 15lbs.last one month? My eat about 6lbs.per day. They are like locust w/fur. :) Ah, but they are my little locust.. Susan J. DuBose >^..^< www.PetGirlsPetsitting.com www.Tx.SiameseRescue.org www.shadowcats.net "As Cleopatra lay in state, Faithful Bast at her side did wait, Purring welcomes of soft applause, Ever guarding with sharpened claws." Trajan Tennent - Original Message - From: wendy To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, August 22, 2007 8:50 PM Subject: Re: To Michael Re: Update Hey Michael, I feed mine Elegant Medleys as a treat, so yes, I think it's fine. It's not the best food, but I don't think it's going to hurt them. I buy the wet and dry Innova Evo online at Pet Food Direct usually. I got a 22% discount the last time I ordered, which was a good deal. The food is expensive, so when you look, don't be too surprised at the price. I pay about $35 before discounts on a 15 lb. bag which lasts me with 4-5 cats about a month. It's worth it. When I started feeding Smookie, our newest kitty from the shelter, the Evo, her coat just blossomed into this gorgeous blue black shiny blanket. I was amazed, which is saying a lot for me. I can also get the food in about 3-4 stores, usually pet boutiques, in Dallas, but since I live in the suburbs, it's cheaper to buy it online and have it shipped rather than drive. I was used to feeding science diet, so when I saw that the food was basically junk, I felt bad, but I didn't know any better. And if we didn't have the money, we wouldn't be able to feed the better foods. It's a shame they are so expensive. We are not wealthy by any stretch of the imagination, but we can afford a little extra on the food. And they say more protein means less elimination and less food eaten, but I forget why. Someone else here will know. You can mix the lysine into their Medleys. It's tasteless; they won't even know it's there. Do you have the powder? Other people use different supplements. They will know more about them than I will. I'm really happy that your kitties are eating. They'll probably be back to normal by tomorrow. Quick question: I forgot how you came to test them in the first place. Are they new adoptees or is one of them sick? Please try not to feel responsible for them having FeLV. You didn't give it to them. The best thing you can do for them is to remain stress free yourself as much as possible, because they will pick up on it if you are upset. Every day you have with them is a gift, and one day, we're all going to meet our maker, kitties too. So it may be that the FeLV is not what they pass from, but something else, and you'll have wasted all that time and energy worrying for nothing. You just never know. There is a 22 year old FeLV+ Siamese cat at the Casa de Calmar FeLV Unit at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah. Can you believe that?!!! I saw her and petted her myself this past February. Have you heard of them? Best Friends uses ImmunoRegulin once a month given via shot intra-muscular, asymptomatic or not. They are really up to date on their stuff too, IMO. Some people here use IR, given different ways, and others use the interferon. They will have good info. on that. I would repost with those two as a subject heading so you're sure to get answers from the people who've used it first hand. You're doing great
Re: To Michael Re: Update
Quick question: I forgot how you came to test them in the first place.? Are they new adoptees or is one of them sick? Hi Wendy, To answer your question, they ended up being tested because the Vet asked Jeff if he wanted them tested.? He didn't know what to say, so he just said yes.? I guess its fortunate he did.? They're both asymptomatic.?They're actually quite healthy.? I've never?even noticed as much as a runny?nose from any of them.? The only thing I have seen is vomiting, but I'm hoping the new food will help with that...thats not a new issue...they've been doing that since I got them and long before Grizzabella came in and?infected Poppy.? They've been to?the vet several times, no one seems to have an answer other than they seem to be eating too fast.? But they're really not unhealthy...as?a matter of fact, Poppy is 14.5lbs, ack :(? The other two are?7.4 and?7.5, which is a healthy weight for their size. ?I'm going with the Innova EVO food today as soon as I can find that place on their website where its sold locally.? We'll see how that goes, I'll gradually switch it over as recommended. I also stopped by my vet office this morning on my way to work, and gave them the referral form for University of Tennessee CVM.? They seemed very receptive this morning.? The doctor that diagnosed them will be back in the morning and they said they'd give him the form. I suppose it will help that two of the vets at the clinic graduated from UT. I also asked about the prescription formula "Missing Link" supplement, and they made a note to check.? I mixed the lysine in this morning, and all three ate it!?That made me feel a bit better.? The one that stayed in one spot pretty much for 36 hours also got up and moved around a bit last night.? She even came in the living room and laid down on the couch with Jeff.? They're slowly feeling better from the vaccinations.? I'll keep updating as I get new information.? Thanks guys. -Original Message- From: wendy <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wed, 22 Aug 2007 9:50 pm Subject: Re: To Michael Re: Update Hey Michael, ? I feed mine Elegant Medleys as a treat, so yes, I think it's fine.? It's not the best food, but I don't think it's going to hurt them.? I?buy the wet and dry Innova Evo online at Pet Food Direct usually.? I got a 22% discount the last time I ordered, which was a good deal.? The food is expensive, so when you look, don't be too surprised at the price.? I pay about $35 before discounts on a 15 lb. bag which lasts me with 4-5 cats about a month.? It's worth it.? When I started feeding?Smookie,?our newest kitty from the shelter, the Evo, her coat just blossomed into this gorgeous blue black shiny blanket.? I was amazed, which is saying a lot for me.? I can also get the food in about 3-4 stores, usually pet boutiques,?in Dallas, but since I live in the suburbs, it's cheaper to buy it online and have it shipped rather than drive.? I was used to feeding science diet, so when I saw that the food was basically?junk,?I felt bad, but I didn't know any better.? And if we didn't have the money, we wouldn't be able to feed the better foods.? It's a shame they are so expensive.??We?are not wealthy by any stretch of the imagination, but we can afford a little extra on the food.? And they say?more protein means less elimination and less food eaten, but I forget why.? Someone else here will know. ? You can mix the lysine into their Medleys.? It's tasteless; they won't even know it's there.? Do you have the powder?? Other people use different supplements.? They will?know more about them than I will.? I'm really happy that your kitties are eating.? They'll probably be back to normal by tomorrow.? Quick question: I forgot how you came to test them in the first place.? Are they new adoptees or is one of them sick? ? Please try not to feel responsible for them having FeLV.? You didn't give it to them.? The best thing you can do for them is to remain stress free yourself as much as possible, because they will pick up on it if you are upset.? Every day you have with them is a gift, and one day, we're all going to meet our maker, kitties too.? So it may be that the FeLV is not what they pass from, but something else, and you'll have wasted all that time and energy worrying for nothing.? You just never know.? There is a 22 year old FeLV+ Siamese cat at the Casa de Calmar FeLV Unit at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah.? Can you believe that?!!!? I saw her and petted her myself this past February.? Have you heard of them?? Best Friends uses ImmunoRegulin once a month given via shot intra-muscular, asymptomatic or not.? They are really up to date on their stuff too, IMO.? Some people here use IR, given d
Re: To Michael Re: Update
Higher quality food means less eaten due to cats eat until they are nutritionally full, then stop (theoretically). High content of good meats,less grain, less need for intake. My cats also have done very well on the EVO & CORE. Shiniercoats, brighter eyes & chronic cats feeling & looking better too. I sprinkle the Nutrional Yeast over their food every other day. Yes,these foods will cost more, but you will make up for it w/ better overall health, so less medical bills. Wendy, 15lbs.last one month? My eat about 6lbs.per day. They are like locust w/fur. :) Ah, but they are my little locust.. Susan J. DuBose >^..^< www.PetGirlsPetsitting.com www.Tx.SiameseRescue.org www.shadowcats.net "As Cleopatra lay in state, Faithful Bast at her side did wait, Purring welcomes of soft applause, Ever guarding with sharpened claws." Trajan Tennent - Original Message - From: wendy To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, August 22, 2007 8:50 PM Subject: Re: To Michael Re: Update Hey Michael, I feed mine Elegant Medleys as a treat, so yes, I think it's fine. It's not the best food, but I don't think it's going to hurt them. I buy the wet and dry Innova Evo online at Pet Food Direct usually. I got a 22% discount the last time I ordered, which was a good deal. The food is expensive, so when you look, don't be too surprised at the price. I pay about $35 before discounts on a 15 lb. bag which lasts me with 4-5 cats about a month. It's worth it. When I started feeding Smookie, our newest kitty from the shelter, the Evo, her coat just blossomed into this gorgeous blue black shiny blanket. I was amazed, which is saying a lot for me. I can also get the food in about 3-4 stores, usually pet boutiques, in Dallas, but since I live in the suburbs, it's cheaper to buy it online and have it shipped rather than drive. I was used to feeding science diet, so when I saw that the food was basically junk, I felt bad, but I didn't know any better. And if we didn't have the money, we wouldn't be able to feed the better foods. It's a shame they are so expensive. We are not wealthy by any stretch of the imagination, but we can afford a little extra on the food. And they say more protein means less elimination and less food eaten, but I forget why. Someone else here will know. You can mix the lysine into their Medleys. It's tasteless; they won't even know it's there. Do you have the powder? Other people use different supplements. They will know more about them than I will. I'm really happy that your kitties are eating. They'll probably be back to normal by tomorrow. Quick question: I forgot how you came to test them in the first place. Are they new adoptees or is one of them sick? Please try not to feel responsible for them having FeLV. You didn't give it to them. The best thing you can do for them is to remain stress free yourself as much as possible, because they will pick up on it if you are upset. Every day you have with them is a gift, and one day, we're all going to meet our maker, kitties too. So it may be that the FeLV is not what they pass from, but something else, and you'll have wasted all that time and energy worrying for nothing. You just never know. There is a 22 year old FeLV+ Siamese cat at the Casa de Calmar FeLV Unit at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah. Can you believe that?!!! I saw her and petted her myself this past February. Have you heard of them? Best Friends uses ImmunoRegulin once a month given via shot intra-muscular, asymptomatic or not. They are really up to date on their stuff too, IMO. Some people here use IR, given different ways, and others use the interferon. They will have good info. on that. I would repost with those two as a subject heading so you're sure to get answers from the people who've used it first hand. You're doing great Michael. I'm impressed with your research skills! Let us know how the vet visit goes and how the last test fares. :) Wendy "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world - indeed it is the only thing that ever has!" ~~~ Margaret Meade ~~~ -- Yahoo! oneSearch: Finally, mobile search that gives answers, not web links.
Re: To Michael Re: Update
Hey Michael, I feed mine Elegant Medleys as a treat, so yes, I think it's fine. It's not the best food, but I don't think it's going to hurt them. I buy the wet and dry Innova Evo online at Pet Food Direct usually. I got a 22% discount the last time I ordered, which was a good deal. The food is expensive, so when you look, don't be too surprised at the price. I pay about $35 before discounts on a 15 lb. bag which lasts me with 4-5 cats about a month. It's worth it. When I started feeding Smookie, our newest kitty from the shelter, the Evo, her coat just blossomed into this gorgeous blue black shiny blanket. I was amazed, which is saying a lot for me. I can also get the food in about 3-4 stores, usually pet boutiques, in Dallas, but since I live in the suburbs, it's cheaper to buy it online and have it shipped rather than drive. I was used to feeding science diet, so when I saw that the food was basically junk, I felt bad, but I didn't know any better. And if we didn't have the money, we wouldn't be able to feed the better foods. It's a shame they are so expensive. We are not wealthy by any stretch of the imagination, but we can afford a little extra on the food. And they say more protein means less elimination and less food eaten, but I forget why. Someone else here will know. You can mix the lysine into their Medleys. It's tasteless; they won't even know it's there. Do you have the powder? Other people use different supplements. They will know more about them than I will. I'm really happy that your kitties are eating. They'll probably be back to normal by tomorrow. Quick question: I forgot how you came to test them in the first place. Are they new adoptees or is one of them sick? Please try not to feel responsible for them having FeLV. You didn't give it to them. The best thing you can do for them is to remain stress free yourself as much as possible, because they will pick up on it if you are upset. Every day you have with them is a gift, and one day, we're all going to meet our maker, kitties too. So it may be that the FeLV is not what they pass from, but something else, and you'll have wasted all that time and energy worrying for nothing. You just never know. There is a 22 year old FeLV+ Siamese cat at the Casa de Calmar FeLV Unit at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah. Can you believe that?!!! I saw her and petted her myself this past February. Have you heard of them? Best Friends uses ImmunoRegulin once a month given via shot intra-muscular, asymptomatic or not. They are really up to date on their stuff too, IMO. Some people here use IR, given different ways, and others use the interferon. They will have good info. on that. I would repost with those two as a subject heading so you're sure to get answers from the people who've used it first hand. You're doing great Michael. I'm impressed with your research skills! Let us know how the vet visit goes and how the last test fares. :) Wendy "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world - indeed it is the only thing that ever has!" ~~~ Margaret Meade ~~~ Park yourself in front of a world of choices in alternative vehicles. Visit the Yahoo! Auto Green Center. http://autos.yahoo.com/green_center/
Re: To Michael Re: Update
Michael You and your kitties are very fortunate to have found this list, so consider that a very good omen. We are all using a variety of supplements, and you will get many different recommendations, the trick is to get the ones that you can get them to eat. l-lycine is tasteless. You should be able to sprinkle a half capsule (500mg) on their dry food. I try to blend it in very well, and my ultra finicky cat has not detected it. If she sees me sprinkle anything on her food she will not touch it, so I prepare everything under cover. My vet recommended an immune booster called Maitake-DMG. It is a liquid and we give it to her in a dropper 2x each day. My vet (who practices both allopathic and homeopathic medicine) recommended a pro-biotic called FortiFlora as an immune booster. My cat is a Fancy Feast addict and she eats the FortiFlora with relish. It is a powder and I mix it in her wet food. I have discovered that it is very difficult to introduce quality foods to a junk food addict. You have to do it slowly and little bits at a time. I have concentrated on making sure that she gets the supplements, as I am still working on weaning her from junk. She was addicted to FF when we got her. There are people here with great experience. You will get good advice and then determine what works for your guys. I can imagine how shell shocked you must be. I can identify completely. Remember the good news is that they are not symptomatic. Jane On Aug 22, 2007, at 9:53 PM, Kelley Saveika wrote: Hi Michael, I don't know the food stores in Tennessee. I buy my good food at a local pet store. Petco, Petsmart, etc do not carry it. You can get any food from www.petfooddirect.com Yes, please do not blame yourself. I know we do that - I was blaming myself yesterday when I had to have a kitty PTS that had aggressive, incurable, untreatable cancer of the mouth. You did not cause this, you can't cure it (you can help the kitty's immune system and keep them in the best possible shape to cure it themselves, but you can't *cure* it, and you can't control it. You really, really need a vet who is a partner. I am fortunate to have one who never tells me to PTS too early or too late. There are some bad vets out there but fortunately there are some very good ones. I had a kitten who tested light pos last year. The first thing my vet told me was to wait 6 months, then retest. That is standard and anyone who is not telling you that is suspect. (There is hope, my girl tested neg on the retest, so did the rest of the litter). I think it is fine for kitties to have a treat, just like people.:) On 8/22/07, [EMAIL PROTECTED] <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Thanks for the info. I'll definitely look into better foods. Do you all think its ok to mix in their morning and nightly Fancy Feast Elegant Medleys? There are three of them, and they share a can each morning and each night, so they average only 1/3 of a can at a time, but its something they have come to expect. I guess I'm wondering if there's something wrong with giving that to them. They've been on the Purina Naturals dry food, but I'm going to switch over to something with no grains and high proteins. I'm going to look for the Innova Evo, but I don't recall ever seeing it. I'll be sure to look for something with no grains tomorrow. As for the nutritional supplement recommendation, I've already gotten Lysine and Echinacea, but haven't been able to get them to eat it yet. I'm hoping they will when they're feeling better. They did eat tonight, so that makes me feel better now that I've seen them eating. As for the supplements, are those the only two recommended, or is there something else? And do you guys mix that in the dry food, or in their wet food? Luckily, we rarely ever have guests, and rarely leave for more than a couple of days at a time (and my sister is here with them when we leave, with whom they are very familiar, she has been living here on and off). They did not vaccinate the cat they knew had tested positive, but vaccinated Poppy because they ran out of ELISA tests and had to send in an IFA test with her along with Grizzabella's. I'm not comfortable with this vet office treating them, so that's why I'm going in the morning to get them to refer them to University of Tennessee School of Veterinary Medicine. I looked up the hospital tonight, quite impressive...they have 10 exam rooms, 7000 dogs/cats a year, an intensive care unit, specialists in every field you can imagine, it looks very promising: http://www.vet.utk.edu/ The vet's office bothered me because they didn't even recommend an IFA test to verify her positive ELISA test. They just said she had it, period. That didn't sit well with me. I feel very personally responsible for them getting sick and I'm taking this very hard. But all I can do now is make sure they have the
Re: To Michael Re: Update
OK: here is what Dixie gets in addition to the Primal Raw (Wellness canned if things are really rough) + veggies + raw organic eggs 3-4 times a week. She gets Just Born with Colostrum (rural community, hard to get just Colostrum and she likes the Just Born); Transfer Factor; Lysine; various alternative/holistic remedies as needed + a large container of various cat grasses just because. A number of supplements get thrown in as her holistic/alternative vets recommend and other things as her regular vets recommend.The Colostrum is a major thing for me. I have elderly people friends who use it and the results are amazing. One broke a bone (sorry can't remember which) but her doctors were astounded at her recovery rate..she shouldn't have had anything near total recovery but did and at the rate of a very young person. If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow man. St. Francis - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, August 22, 2007 8:23 PM Subject: Re: To Michael Re: Update Thanks for the info. I'll definitely look into better foods. Do you all think its ok to mix in their morning and nightly Fancy Feast Elegant Medleys? There are three of them, and they share a can each morning and each night, so they average only 1/3 of a can at a time, but its something they have come to expect. I guess I'm wondering if there's something wrong with giving that to them. They've been on the Purina Naturals dry food, but I'm going to switch over to something with no grains and high proteins. I'm going to look for the Innova Evo, but I don't recall ever seeing it. I'll be sure to look for something with no grains tomorrow. As for the nutritional supplement recommendation, I've already gotten Lysine and Echinacea, but haven't been able to get them to eat it yet. I'm hoping they will when they're feeling better. They did eat tonight, so that makes me feel better now that I've seen them eating. As for the supplements, are those the only two recommended, or is there something else? And do you guys mix that in the dry food, or in their wet food? Luckily, we rarely ever have guests, and rarely leave for more than a couple of days at a time (and my sister is here with them when we leave, with whom they are very familiar, she has been living here on and off). They did not vaccinate the cat they knew had tested positive, but vaccinated Poppy because they ran out of ELISA tests and had to send in an IFA test with her along with Grizzabella's. I'm not comfortable with this vet office treating them, so that's why I'm going in the morning to get them to refer them to University of Tennessee School of Veterinary Medicine. I looked up the hospital tonight, quite impressive...they have 10 exam rooms, 7000 dogs/cats a year, an intensive care unit, specialists in every field you can imagine, it looks very promising: http://www.vet.utk.edu/ The vet's office bothered me because they didn't even recommend an IFA test to verify her positive ELISA test. They just said she had it, period. That didn't sit well with me. I feel very personally responsible for them getting sick and I'm taking this very hard. But all I can do now is make sure they have the absolute best care possible. Ok, to summarize, here's what I need input on from you guys: 1. Fancy Feast Elegant Medleys...1/3 of a can morning and night...is this ok? 2. Dry food...brand recommendations 3. Supplements...any recommendations other than lysine and echinacea, and do you put it in wet or dry food? 4. Treatment options? Do you use the ImmunoRegulin Or Interferon Alpha in healthy cats, or is that treatment options you use when they're symptomatic? Thanks for all the support to everyone and all the emails I've received. It really helps me to feel like I have some sense of control over the situation, and I'm not just completely helpless. Michael -- Get a sneak peek of the all-new AOL.com.
Re: To Michael Re: Update
Just so you know some of the better food stores (Whole Foods (?), Rainbow Blossom, etc) that cater to people into organic foods etc carry EVO and some vets do. I think you can get it over the internet also. It is great dry (I'm not trilled with the canned but that is my cat). Primal Raw is wonderful too(cubes that are frozen---thaw them without the muss and fuss and they are balanced and about the price of FF and some other foods). You can add ground veggies and, at least Dixie, thinks it is wonderful. If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow man. St. Francis - Original Message - From: Susan Dubose To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, August 22, 2007 8:44 PM Subject: Re: To Michael Re: Update Hi Michael, First, please do not blame yourself. You have enough to deal w/ without stressing yourself out further. You did not create this disease, nor did you knowingly give it to your cats. Ok, questions.(You will get alot of responses, but do what you feel is right for you). Elegant Medleys is fine, and 1/3 of a can is fine too, BID (twice per day). My felv+cats eat this and they like it. I put the Lysine in their moist food in the morning along w/the Missing Link. Same thing @ night. You can get Missing Link w/o a prescription,but if you get the ProfessionalStrength formula, it has a detox factor, but it comesform the vet. L-Lysine should be about 500mg per day. My vet always recommends breaking up any meds, supplements to twice per day, as opposed to once perday,therefore the body has a more constant supply, make since? Dry foods, I use Innova Evo (bronze bag, specialty pet food stores only) and Wellness Core mixed (white bag w/bronze lettering,pet foods specialty store). Follow Wendy's guidelines that were posted for introducing the new food to them (gradual). I would only use interferon if they start to become ill, but that is just me. I use the Lysine to boost their immune system,then break out the "big gun" interferon,if they start showing signs of illness. Others on the list use it more frequently, it is a preference, tho. Susan J. DuBose >^..^< www.PetGirlsPetsitting.com www.Tx.SiameseRescue.org www.shadowcats.net "As Cleopatra lay in state, Faithful Bast at her side did wait, Purring welcomes of soft applause, Ever guarding with sharpened claws." Trajan Tennent - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, August 22, 2007 8:23 PM Subject: Re: To Michael Re: Update Thanks for the info. I'll definitely look into better foods. Do you all think its ok to mix in their morning and nightly Fancy Feast Elegant Medleys? There are three of them, and they share a can each morning and each night, so they average only 1/3 of a can at a time, but its something they have come to expect. I guess I'm wondering if there's something wrong with giving that to them. They've been on the Purina Naturals dry food, but I'm going to switch over to something with no grains and high proteins. I'm going to look for the Innova Evo, but I don't recall ever seeing it. I'll be sure to look for something with no grains tomorrow. As for the nutritional supplement recommendation, I've already gotten Lysine and Echinacea, but haven't been able to get them to eat it yet. I'm hoping they will when they're feeling better. They did eat tonight, so that makes me feel better now that I've seen them eating. As for the supplements, are those the only two recommended, or is there something else? And do you guys mix that in the dry food, or in their wet food? Luckily, we rarely ever have guests, and rarely leave for more than a couple of days at a time (and my sister is here with them when we leave, with whom they are very familiar, she has been living here on and off). They did not vaccinate the cat they knew had tested positive, but vaccinated Poppy because they ran out of ELISA tests and had to send in an IFA test with her along with Grizzabella's. I'm not comfortable with this vet office treating them, so that's why I'm going in the morning to get them to refer them to University of Tennessee School of Veterinary Medicine. I looked up the hosp
Re: To Michael Re: Update
Hi Michael, I don't know the food stores in Tennessee. I buy my good food at a local pet store. Petco, Petsmart, etc do not carry it. You can get any food from www.petfooddirect.com Yes, please do not blame yourself. I know we do that - I was blaming myself yesterday when I had to have a kitty PTS that had aggressive, incurable, untreatable cancer of the mouth. You did not cause this, you can't cure it (you can help the kitty's immune system and keep them in the best possible shape to cure it themselves, but you can't *cure* it, and you can't control it. You really, really need a vet who is a partner. I am fortunate to have one who never tells me to PTS too early or too late. There are some bad vets out there but fortunately there are some very good ones. I had a kitten who tested light pos last year. The first thing my vet told me was to wait 6 months, then retest. That is standard and anyone who is not telling you that is suspect. (There is hope, my girl tested neg on the retest, so did the rest of the litter). I think it is fine for kitties to have a treat, just like people.:) On 8/22/07, [EMAIL PROTECTED] <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > Thanks for the info. I'll definitely look into better foods. Do you all > think its ok to mix in their morning and nightly Fancy Feast Elegant > Medleys? There are three of them, and they share a can each morning and > each night, so they average only 1/3 of a can at a time, but its something > they have come to expect. I guess I'm wondering if there's something wrong > with giving that to them. They've been on the Purina Naturals dry food, but > I'm going to switch over to something with no grains and high proteins. I'm > going to look for the Innova Evo, but I don't recall ever seeing it. I'll > be sure to look for something with no grains tomorrow. > > As for the nutritional supplement recommendation, I've already gotten Lysine > and Echinacea, but haven't been able to get them to eat it yet. I'm hoping > they will when they're feeling better. They did eat tonight, so that makes > me feel better now that I've seen them eating. As for the supplements, are > those the only two recommended, or is there something else? And do you guys > mix that in the dry food, or in their wet food? Luckily, we rarely ever > have guests, and rarely leave for more than a couple of days at a time (and > my sister is here with them when we leave, with whom they are very familiar, > she has been living here on and off). > > They did not vaccinate the cat they knew had tested positive, but vaccinated > Poppy because they ran out of ELISA tests and had to send in an IFA test > with her along with Grizzabella's. I'm not comfortable with this vet office > treating them, so that's why I'm going in the morning to get them to refer > them to University of Tennessee School of Veterinary Medicine. I looked up > the hospital tonight, quite impressive...they have 10 exam rooms, 7000 > dogs/cats a year, an intensive care unit, specialists in every field you can > imagine, it looks very promising: http://www.vet.utk.edu/ The vet's office > bothered me because they didn't even recommend an IFA test to verify her > positive ELISA test. They just said she had it, period. That didn't sit > well with me. > > I feel very personally responsible for them getting sick and I'm taking this > very hard. But all I can do now is make sure they have the absolute best > care possible. > > Ok, to summarize, here's what I need input on from you guys: > > 1. Fancy Feast Elegant Medleys...1/3 of a can morning and night...is this > ok? > 2. Dry food...brand recommendations > 3. Supplements...any recommendations other than lysine and echinacea, and do > you put it in wet or dry food? > 4. Treatment options? Do you use the ImmunoRegulin Or Interferon Alpha in > healthy cats, or is that treatment options you use when they're symptomatic? > > > Thanks for all the support to everyone and all the emails I've received. It > really helps me to feel like I have some sense of control over the > situation, and I'm not just completely helpless. > > Michael > > > > > Get a sneak peek of the all-new AOL.com. -- Rescuties - Saving the world, one cat at a time. http://www.rescuties.org Vist the Rescuties store and save a kitty life! http://astore.amazon.com/rescuties-20 Please help Caroline! http://rescuties.chipin.com/caroline I GoodSearch for Rescuties. Raise money for your favorite charity or school just by searching the Internet with GoodSearch - www.goodsearch.com - powered by Yahoo!
Re: To Michael Re: Update
Hi Michael, First, please do not blame yourself. You have enough to deal w/ without stressing yourself out further. You did not create this disease, nor did you knowingly give it to your cats. Ok, questions.(You will get alot of responses, but do what you feel is right for you). Elegant Medleys is fine, and 1/3 of a can is fine too, BID (twice per day). My felv+cats eat this and they like it. I put the Lysine in their moist food in the morning along w/the Missing Link. Same thing @ night. You can get Missing Link w/o a prescription,but if you get the ProfessionalStrength formula, it has a detox factor, but it comesform the vet. L-Lysine should be about 500mg per day. My vet always recommends breaking up any meds, supplements to twice per day, as opposed to once perday,therefore the body has a more constant supply, make since? Dry foods, I use Innova Evo (bronze bag, specialty pet food stores only) and Wellness Core mixed (white bag w/bronze lettering,pet foods specialty store). Follow Wendy's guidelines that were posted for introducing the new food to them (gradual). I would only use interferon if they start to become ill, but that is just me. I use the Lysine to boost their immune system,then break out the "big gun" interferon,if they start showing signs of illness. Others on the list use it more frequently, it is a preference, tho. Susan J. DuBose >^..^< www.PetGirlsPetsitting.com www.Tx.SiameseRescue.org www.shadowcats.net "As Cleopatra lay in state, Faithful Bast at her side did wait, Purring welcomes of soft applause, Ever guarding with sharpened claws." Trajan Tennent - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, August 22, 2007 8:23 PM Subject: Re: To Michael Re: Update Thanks for the info. I'll definitely look into better foods. Do you all think its ok to mix in their morning and nightly Fancy Feast Elegant Medleys? There are three of them, and they share a can each morning and each night, so they average only 1/3 of a can at a time, but its something they have come to expect. I guess I'm wondering if there's something wrong with giving that to them. They've been on the Purina Naturals dry food, but I'm going to switch over to something with no grains and high proteins. I'm going to look for the Innova Evo, but I don't recall ever seeing it. I'll be sure to look for something with no grains tomorrow. As for the nutritional supplement recommendation, I've already gotten Lysine and Echinacea, but haven't been able to get them to eat it yet. I'm hoping they will when they're feeling better. They did eat tonight, so that makes me feel better now that I've seen them eating. As for the supplements, are those the only two recommended, or is there something else? And do you guys mix that in the dry food, or in their wet food? Luckily, we rarely ever have guests, and rarely leave for more than a couple of days at a time (and my sister is here with them when we leave, with whom they are very familiar, she has been living here on and off). They did not vaccinate the cat they knew had tested positive, but vaccinated Poppy because they ran out of ELISA tests and had to send in an IFA test with her along with Grizzabella's. I'm not comfortable with this vet office treating them, so that's why I'm going in the morning to get them to refer them to University of Tennessee School of Veterinary Medicine. I looked up the hospital tonight, quite impressive...they have 10 exam rooms, 7000 dogs/cats a year, an intensive care unit, specialists in every field you can imagine, it looks very promising: http://www.vet.utk.edu/ The vet's office bothered me because they didn't even recommend an IFA test to verify her positive ELISA test. They just said she had it, period. That didn't sit well with me. I feel very personally responsible for them getting sick and I'm taking this very hard. But all I can do now is make sure they have the absolute best care possible. Ok, to summarize, here's what I need input on from you guys: 1. Fancy Feast Elegant Medleys...1/3 of a can morning and night...is this ok? 2. Dry food...brand recommendations 3. Supplements...any recommendations other than lysine and echinacea, and do you put it in wet or dry food? 4. Treatment options? Do you use the ImmunoRegulin Or Interferon Alpha in healthy cats, or is that treatment options you use when they're symptomatic? Thanks for all the support to everyone and all the emails I
Re: To Michael Re: Update
Thanks for the info. I'll definitely look into better foods. Do you all think its ok to mix in their morning and nightly Fancy Feast Elegant Medleys? There are three of them, and they share a can each morning and each night, so they average only 1/3 of a can at a time, but its something they have come to expect. I guess I'm wondering if there's something wrong with giving that to them. They've been on the Purina Naturals dry food, but I'm going to switch over to something with no grains and high proteins. I'm going to look for the Innova Evo, but I don't recall ever seeing it. I'll be sure to look for something with no grains tomorrow. As for the nutritional supplement recommendation, I've already gotten Lysine and Echinacea, but haven't been able to get them to eat it yet. I'm hoping they will when they're feeling better. They did eat tonight, so that makes me feel better now that I've seen them eating. As for the supplements, are those the only two recommended, or is there something else? And do you guys mix that in the dry food, or in their wet food? Luckily, we rarely ever have guests, and rarely leave for more than a couple of days at a time (and my sister is here with them when we leave, with whom they are very familiar, she has been living here on and off). They did not vaccinate the cat they knew had tested positive, but vaccinated Poppy because they ran out of ELISA tests and had to send in an IFA test with her along with Grizzabella's. I'm not comfortable with this vet office treating them, so that's why I'm going in the morning to get them to refer them to University of Tennessee School of Veterinary Medicine. I looked up the hospital tonight, quite impressive...they have 10 exam rooms, 7000 dogs/cats a year, an intensive care unit, specialists in every field you can imagine, it looks very promising: _http://www.vet.utk.edu/_ (http://www.vet.utk.edu/) The vet's office bothered me because they didn't even recommend an IFA test to verify her positive ELISA test. They just said she had it, period. That didn't sit well with me. I feel very personally responsible for them getting sick and I'm taking this very hard. But all I can do now is make sure they have the absolute best care possible. Ok, to summarize, here's what I need input on from you guys: 1. Fancy Feast Elegant Medleys...1/3 of a can morning and night...is this ok? 2. Dry food...brand recommendations 3. Supplements...any recommendations other than lysine and echinacea, and do you put it in wet or dry food? 4. Treatment options? Do you use the ImmunoRegulin Or Interferon Alpha in healthy cats, or is that treatment options you use when they're symptomatic? Thanks for all the support to everyone and all the emails I've received. It really helps me to feel like I have some sense of control over the situation, and I'm not just completely helpless. Michael ** Get a sneak peek of the all-new AOL at http://discover.aol.com/memed/aolcom30tour
To Michael Re: Update
Hi Michael, Welcome to the group. I'm sorry that you had to find us, but glad you did. I know this news must be devastating for you, as you said your kitties were your babies. But there is so much you can do for them to keep their immune systems strong. First, you are right to find a vet you are comfortable with. I like to call them on the phone and speak with the vet directly, asking him/her their philosophy on treating FeLV cats. If they say pts, I'm outta there. Second, you did well to test with IFA. Third, you are right. An internist is your best bet in dealing with FeLV. Fourth, the two most important things you can do to keep your kitties healthy is to feed them a high quality diet, one with no grains, like Innova Evo or the like. Add supplements like lysine to the food. Lysine must not have propylene glycol in the ingredients. It causes Heinz body anemia in cats. The other thing is to keep your kitties as stress-free as possible. New additions to the family, vacations and especially boarding, moving, environmental factors like heat, company, and loud noises are all some things that can stress kitties out (you probably already know this, but it can't hurt to write it for the benefit of all). I'm not saying not to take vacation or to have friends over. I just wouldn't have any big parties without putting my kitties away in a bedroom or go away for an extended vacation or travel if I can help it. My Cricket who I lost almost two years ago was fine when we went away for a week at a time every so often. The virus kicked in and he developed anemia when we had ten extra family members staying at our house for a week during a hurricane. Fifth, vaccinate your negatives for FeLV, but be aware the vaccine is only about 70% effective; I've seen other stats elsewhere, so that's a general number. Sixth, your kitties are all already exposed. Separating them at this point is only going to stress them out further, something you don't want. Seventh, your kitties can still seroconvert and 'throw' the virus, so don't give up hope that one day they will be negative. I would retest every 3-6 months (probably 6, since it's less stressful on them to travel and test less often). Eighth (man, I'm getting up there...lol), do the food switchover gradually, mixing like 10/90%, then 30/70%, 50/50, etc. or however you want to do it, so it doesn't upset their systems. Please post here asap if you don't get them eating in 24 hours. It's important so that fatty liver disease not set in, but I imagine they will be fine. I am surprised they vaccinated with a positive test though. Did they vaccinate for FeLV? Please keep us posted Michael. We're here to help. :) Wendy Dallas, TX "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world - indeed it is the only thing that ever has!" ~~~ Margaret Meade ~~~ Fussy? Opinionated? Impossible to please? Perfect. Join Yahoo!'s user panel and lay it on us. http://surveylink.yahoo.com/gmrs/yahoo_panel_invite.asp?a=7
