Re: IFA kittens, retest at 6 mo 1 yr? Or is IFA positive final?
Hi guys, I'm not thinking clearly these days, (I used to think it was a temporary problem, alas, now I'm afraid it is a permanent condition). I remembered getting an email about PCR and testing methods from a researcher... Here's the paste: This is Kate who used to work at VMSG. I stopped by the office the other day, and asked about my old buddies. Michelle told me Jazz and Gracie were doing well with the feline interferon treatment. I'm so happy to hear that Anyway, I'm currently working at California Lutheran University, and I am getting to do research. Coincidentally enough I am working with FeLV (a strain that has not been sequenced yet) and am running PCR on it. Okay, the difference between PCR and ELISA ELISA screens for antibodies (proteins) that are specific for the FeLV virus. False positives may occur from other antibodies that mimic antibodies to the virus. Furthermore, kittens may show false positive, if the queen (momma cat) was exposed to FeLV, passing her antibodies along to her kitten, but not necessarily the virus. ELISA shows that a cat has been exposed to FeLV, but not necessarily has the virus (this is why repeat testing must be done in order to determine that the cat is indeed positive for FeLV). On the other hand, it is possible for a cat to be FeLV positive, but to have a negative ELISA. For instance, if the virus is latent, ELISA may not show positive for the virus. PCR (polymerase chain reaction), however, deals directly with the nucleic acid (the genetic material) of the virus, and amplifies it. If the virus is not present, the genetic material of the virus is not present, and therefore, PCR will not make more of something that isn't there. So, if a kitty has FeLV, it will be detectable by PCR. A positive for PCR is 100% positive (provided the person running the sample did not contaminate it). A negative PCR is almost always negative (provided the person running the PCR is experienced in the technique). There are many studies out there that have used PCR to detect FeLV from bone marrow. Therefore, a blood sample could be submitted to test for FeLV. Ideally, the best would be to get a bone marrow sample. Side note, red blood cells do not carry genetic material (they are the only cells that do not do this). Consequently, at a crime scene when the detectives obtain a blood sample they extract the genetic material from the white blood cells, and run a PCR. By running PCR they are able to take a small bit of genetic material and get it to generate alot of genetic material. The genetic material in humans is of course DNA. The FeLV virus's genetic material is RNA. It is able to take it's RNA and make DNA (a process called reverse transcription, which only certain viruses can do), but it's DNA is short lived. Viruses cannot replicate on their own and require a host to carry out this process. Short answer to your question is, yes, you can do a PCR test for FeLV. Why this isn't used always instead of ELISA is a whole other can of worms. Basically, you have to separate kitty DNA from virus RNA, not hard but there can be contamination. The genetic sequence of FeLV strain A is known, but researchers are not sure that this is the only strain that causes the virus, and whether other strains have an effect on the disease. The primers (the little pieces of genetic material that tag the genetic material of the virus) have to be specific to make PCR work, i.e. to amplify the virus's genetic material. Then there is a problem with standardization of tests from lab to lab. PCR is an awesome tool, but alas, like everything else in the universe, comes with its own set of rules. Basically, scientists do not have all the answers yet to FeLV. However, when we get results, these are published which allows doctors more information to treat their patients. But somewhere in a small lab, researchers continue to seek answers. Don't know if this helps or if you are more confused. TenHouseCats wrote: really good question, and one i've been wondering about and meaning to ask--i've often heard about FeLV supposedly, "being in the bone marrow," but never have been clear if that's what the IFA tests, or if there's another test that can actually determine that--and that, even if it IS in the bone marrow, that means it cannot still be thrown off (someplace in my randomly-accessible memory, i'm thinking that belinda once talked about another test less commonly used?? not a PCR/DNA, but) MC the confused On 8/28/06, [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: That was what I thought, thus my note to people that they SHOULD be retested later. Ok, thanks guys! Just wanted to be sure I was right. :) So, next question, does an IFA indeed indicate the virus is in the bone marrow, or is this lady just whacked? I thought the IFA, being a blood test, wouldn't be much better to tell if it was in the marrow than any other
Re: IFA kittens, retest at 6 mo 1 yr? Or is IFA positive final?
interestingly enough, after i'd written my questions about the questions, i came across this, from ZEN AND THE ART OF CAT MAINTENANCE I II C 2004 BY ALICE M. WOLF, DVM, DACVIM, ABVP (FELINE PRACTICE)DEPARTMENT OF SMALL ANIMAL MED/SURG, TEXAS AM UNIVERSITY FeLV PCR - there is no benefit to this technology for this disease except in evaluation of bone marrow. from what nina's sent, clearly PCR testing, once standardized, will give us the answer as to whether or not a cat is positive--but from what it says, it's confirming what i've heard about using PCR for differentiating the vaccine-induced strain of FIV from a naturally-occurring one: not enough labs are really able to consistently perform the tests in such a way to get reliable, reproducible results. all labs can have problems with ANY test, depending on the skill level of the technicians and basic lab conditions; it sounds like in the case of PCR for cat retrovirii, it's an even bigger problem. sigh. On 8/29/06, Nina [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi guys,I'm not thinking clearly these days, (I used to think it was a temporary problem, alas, now I'm afraid it is a permanent condition). I remembered getting an email about PCR and testing methods from a researcher... Here's the paste: This is Kate who used to work at VMSG. I stopped by the office the other day, and asked about my old buddies. Michelle told me Jazz and Gracie were doing well with the feline interferon treatment. I'm so happy to hear that Anyway, I'm currently working at California Lutheran University, and I am getting to do research. Coincidentally enough I am working with FeLV (a strain that has not been sequenced yet) and am running PCR on it. Okay, the difference between PCR and ELISA ELISA screens for antibodies (proteins) that are specific for the FeLV virus. False positives may occur from other antibodies that mimic antibodies to the virus. Furthermore, kittens may show false positive, if the queen (momma cat) was exposed to FeLV, passing her antibodies along to her kitten, but not necessarily the virus. ELISA shows that a cat has been exposed to FeLV, but not necessarily has the virus (this is why repeat testing must be done in order to determine that the cat is indeed positive for FeLV). On the other hand, it is possible for a cat to be FeLV positive, but to have a negative ELISA. For instance, if the virus is latent, ELISA may not show positive for the virus. PCR (polymerase chain reaction), however, deals directly with the nucleic acid (the genetic material) of the virus, and amplifies it. If the virus is not present, the genetic material of the virus is not present, and therefore, PCR will not make more of something that isn't there. So, if a kitty has FeLV, it will be detectable by PCR. A positive for PCR is 100% positive (provided the person running the sample did not contaminate it). A negative PCR is almost always negative (provided the person running the PCR is experienced in the technique). There are many studies out there that have used PCR to detect FeLV from bone marrow. Therefore, a blood sample could be submitted to test for FeLV. Ideally, the best would be to get a bone marrow sample. Side note, red blood cells do not carry genetic material (they are the only cells that do not do this). Consequently, at a crime scene when the detectives obtain a blood sample they extract the genetic material from the white blood cells, and run a PCR. By running PCR they are able to take a small bit of genetic material and get it to generate alot of genetic material. The genetic material in humans is of course DNA. The FeLV virus's genetic material is RNA. It is able to take it's RNA and make DNA (a process called reverse transcription, which only certain viruses can do), but it's DNA is short lived. Viruses cannot replicate on their own and require a host to carry out this process. Short answer to your question is, yes, you can do a PCR test for FeLV. Why this isn't used always instead of ELISA is a whole other can of worms. Basically, you have to separate kitty DNA from virus RNA, not hard but there can be contamination. The genetic sequence of FeLV strain A is known, but researchers are not sure that this is the only strain that causes the virus, and whether other strains have an effect on the disease. The primers (the little pieces of genetic material that tag the genetic material of the virus) have to be specific to make PCR work, i.e. to amplify the virus's genetic material. Then there is a problem with standardization of tests from lab to lab. PCR is an awesome tool, but alas, like everything else in the universe, comes with its own set of rules. Basically, scientists do not have all the answers yet to FeLV. However, when we get results, these are published which allows doctors more information to treat their patients. But somewhere in a small lab, researchers continue to seek answers. Don't know if this helps or if
Re: IFA kittens, retest at 6 mo 1 yr? Or is IFA positive final?
That was what I thought, thus my note to people that they SHOULD be retested later. Ok, thanks guys! Just wanted to be sure I was right. :) So, next question, does an IFA indeed indicate the virus is in the bone marrow, or is this lady just whacked? I thought the IFA, being a blood test, wouldn't be much better to tell if it was in the marrow than any other test (ELISA), as blood is blood. Wouldn't amarrow sample be needed to tell anything about the marrow?I thought when it advanced to non-regenerative anemia, THAT was what indicated it is in the bone marrow. So, how does one go about determining if it IS in the bone marrow, other than the symptom of non-regenerative anemia? Bone tap? Phaewryn Please adopt a cat from Little Cheetah Cat Rescue!!! http://ucat.us/adopt.html Low cost SpayNeuter services in VT, and Emergency Financial Assistance for cat owners:http://ucat.us/VermontLowCost.htmlSpecial Needs Cat Resources: http://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html The Sofa Poem: http://ucat.us/sofapoem.html Please shop online through i-give and support the Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance Program:http://www.igive.com/FVEAP Shop at GREAT stores, like Drs. Foster Smith, Pet Food Direct, Musician's Friend, and LOTS more!It doesn't cost you a single penny more, and it makes so much difference to a sick cat in need! No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.405 / Virus Database: 268.11.6/428 - Release Date: 8/25/2006
Re: IFA kittens, retest at 6 mo 1 yr? Or is IFA positive final?
really good question, and one i've been wondering about and meaning to ask--i've often heard about FeLV supposedly, being in the bone marrow, but never have been clear if that's what the IFA tests, or if there's another test that can actually determine that--and that, even if it IS in the bone marrow, that means it cannot still be thrown off (someplace in my randomly-accessible memory, i'm thinking that belinda once talked about another test less commonly used?? not a PCR/DNA, but) MC the confused On 8/28/06, [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: That was what I thought, thus my note to people that they SHOULD be retested later. Ok, thanks guys! Just wanted to be sure I was right. :) So, next question, does an IFA indeed indicate the virus is in the bone marrow, or is this lady just whacked? I thought the IFA, being a blood test, wouldn't be much better to tell if it was in the marrow than any other test (ELISA), as blood is blood. Wouldn't amarrow sample be needed to tell anything about the marrow?I thought when it advanced to non-regenerative anemia, THAT was what indicated it is in the bone marrow. So, how does one go about determining if it IS in the bone marrow, other than the symptom of non-regenerative anemia? Bone tap? Phaewryn Please adopt a cat from Little Cheetah Cat Rescue!!! http://ucat.us/adopt.html Low cost SpayNeuter services in VT, and Emergency Financial Assistance for cat owners: http://ucat.us/VermontLowCost.htmlSpecial Needs Cat Resources: http://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html The Sofa Poem: http://ucat.us/sofapoem.html Please shop online through i-give and support the Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance Program: http://www.igive.com/FVEAP Shop at GREAT stores, like Drs. Foster Smith, Pet Food Direct, Musician's Friend, and LOTS more! It doesn't cost you a single penny more, and it makes so much difference to a sick cat in need! No virus found in this outgoing message.Checked by AVG Free Edition.Version: 7.1.405 / Virus Database: 268.11.6/428 - Release Date: 8/25/2006 -- Spay Neuter Your Neighbors!Maybe That'll Make The DifferenceMaryChristineAIM / YAHOO: TenHouseCatsMSN: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ICQ: 289856892
IFA kittens, retest at 6 mo 1 yr? Or is IFA positive final?
Someone emailed me a couple of 10 week old FELV+ kittens to add to my website. She says they were confirmed positive on IFA, and she said "so it's in the bone marrow", and implied that retesting wont get any different results later as the IFA is "final". I always thought kittens could throw the virus, even if positive on IFA. So, what's the deal? Is an IFA result the final say, or do these babies have a chance of throwing the virus with time? 10 weeks old is awful young to throw in the towel, isn't it? I would suspect maternal antibodies at this point, but would they show on IFA? Phaewryn Please adopt a cat from Little Cheetah Cat Rescue!!! http://ucat.us/adopt.html Low cost SpayNeuter services in VT, and Emergency Financial Assistance for cat owners:http://ucat.us/VermontLowCost.htmlSpecial Needs Cat Resources: http://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html The Sofa Poem: http://ucat.us/sofapoem.html Please shop online through i-give and support the Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance Program:http://www.igive.com/FVEAP Shop at GREAT stores, like Drs. Foster Smith, Pet Food Direct, Musician's Friend, and LOTS more!It doesn't cost you a single penny more, and it makes so much difference to a sick cat in need! BEGIN:VCARD VERSION:2.1 N:O'Gwynn;Jenn;Phaewryn;Ms. FN:Jenn Phaewryn O'Gwynn NICKNAME:Phaewryn ORG:UCAT rescue;operations/field work TITLE:Cat Rescuer NOTE:I rescue cats. I run a small personal rescue operation, all on my own, and out of pocket. Donations appreciated at any time! Paypal donations can be sent to [EMAIL PROTECTED] or send donations via check or money order to Jennifer O'Guin, PO Box 1008, Hardwick VT. 05843 TEL;WORK;VOICE:802-472-8628 TEL;HOME;VOICE:802 472-8628 ADR;WORK:;home office;;Hardwick;VT.;05843;USA LABEL;WORK;ENCODING=QUOTED-PRINTABLE:home office=0D=0AHardwick, VT. 05843=0D=0AUSA ADR;HOME:;;P.O. Box 1008;Hardwick;Vermont;05843;USA LABEL;HOME;ENCODING=QUOTED-PRINTABLE:P.O. Box 1008=0D=0AHardwick, Vermont 05843=0D=0AUSA X-WAB-GENDER:1 URL;HOME:http://ucat.us URL;WORK:http://ucat.us/adopt.html BDAY:19750928 EMAIL;PREF;INTERNET:[EMAIL PROTECTED] EMAIL;INTERNET:[EMAIL PROTECTED] EMAIL;INTERNET:[EMAIL PROTECTED] REV:20060827T202242Z END:VCARD No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.405 / Virus Database: 268.11.6/428 - Release Date: 8/25/2006
Re: IFA kittens, retest at 6 mo 1 yr? Or is IFA positive final?
They still have a chance to throw off the virus, though it is more likely when an adult cat is exposed to feLV. Still, if these kittens appear healthy and "normal" I am a strong believer in giving them the time to clear the virus. If the cat or kitten is asymptomatic then by all means give them the luxury of time.[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Someone emailed me a couple of 10 week old FELV+ kittens to add to my website. She says they were confirmed positive on IFA, and she said "so it's in the bone marrow", and implied that retesting wont get any different results later as the IFA is "final". I always thought kittens could throw the virus, even if positive on IFA. So, what's the deal? Is an IFA result the final say, or do these babies have a chance of throwing the virus with time? 10 weeks old is awful young to throw in the towel, isn't it? I would suspect maternal antibodies at this point, but would they show on IFA? PhaewrynPlease adopt a cat from Little Cheetah Cat Rescue!!! http://ucat.us/adopt.html Low cost SpayNeuter services in VT, and Emergency Financial Assistance for cat owners:http://ucat.us/VermontLowCost.htmlSpecial Needs Cat Resources: http://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html The Sofa Poem: http://ucat.us/sofapoem.html Please shop online through i-give and support the Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance Program:http://www.igive.com/FVEAP Shop at GREAT stores, like Drs. Foster Smith, Pet Food Direct, Musician's Friend, and LOTS more!It doesn't cost you a single penny more, and it makes so much difference to a sick cat in need!BEGIN:VCARDVERSION:2.1N:O'Gwynn;Jenn;Phaewryn;Ms.FN:Jenn Phaewryn O'GwynnNICKNAME:PhaewrynORG:UCAT rescue;operations/field workTITLE:Cat RescuerNOTE:I rescue cats. I run a small personal rescue operation, all on my own, and out of pocket. Donations appreciated at any time! Paypal donations can be sent to [EMAIL PROTECTED] or send donations via check or money order to Jennifer O'Guin, PO Box 1008, Hardwick VT. 05843TEL;WORK;VOICE:802-472-8628TEL;HOME;VOICE:802 472-8628ADR;WORK:;home office;;Hardwick;VT.;05843;USALABEL;WORK;ENCODING=QUOTED-PRINTABLE:home office=0D=0AHardwick, VT. 05843=0D=0AUSAADR;HOME:;;P.O. Box 1008;Hardwick;Vermont;05843;USALABEL;HOME;ENCODING=QUOTED-PRINTABLE:P.O. Box 1008=0D=0AHardwick, Vermont 05843=0D=0AUSAX-WAB-GENDER:1URL;HOME:http://ucat.usURL;WORK:http://ucat.us/adopt.htmlBDAY:19750928EMAIL;PREF;INTERNET:[EMAIL PROTECTED]EMAIL;INTERNET:[EMAIL PROTECTED]EMAIL;INTERNET:[EMAIL PROTECTED]REV:20060827T202242ZEND:VCARDNo virus found in this outgoing message.Checked by AVG Free Edition.Version: 7.1.405 / Virus Database: 268.11.6/428 - Release Date: 8/25/2006
Re: IFA kittens, retest at 6 mo 1 yr? Or is IFA positive final?
They still have a chance to throw off the virus, though it is more likely when an adult cat is exposed to feLV. Still, if these kittens appear healthy and "normal" I am a strong believer in giving them the time to clear the virus. If the cat or kitten is asymptomatic then by all means give them the luxury of time.[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Someone emailed me a couple of 10 week old FELV+ kittens to add to my website. She says they were confirmed positive on IFA, and she said "so it's in the bone marrow", and implied that retesting wont get any different results later as the IFA is "final". I always thought kittens could throw the virus, even if positive on IFA. So, what's the deal? Is an IFA result the final say, or do these babies have a chance of throwing the virus with time? 10 weeks old is awful young to throw in the towel, isn't it? I would suspect maternal antibodies at this point, but would they show on IFA? PhaewrynPlease adopt a cat from Little Cheetah Cat Rescue!!! http://ucat.us/adopt.html Low cost SpayNeuter services in VT, and Emergency Financial Assistance for cat owners:http://ucat.us/VermontLowCost.htmlSpecial Needs Cat Resources: http://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html The Sofa Poem: http://ucat.us/sofapoem.html Please shop online through i-give and support the Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance Program:http://www.igive.com/FVEAP Shop at GREAT stores, like Drs. Foster Smith, Pet Food Direct, Musician's Friend, and LOTS more!It doesn't cost you a single penny more, and it makes so much difference to a sick cat in need!BEGIN:VCARDVERSION:2.1N:O'Gwynn;Jenn;Phaewryn;Ms.FN:Jenn Phaewryn O'GwynnNICKNAME:PhaewrynORG:UCAT rescue;operations/field workTITLE:Cat RescuerNOTE:I rescue cats. I run a small personal rescue operation, all on my own, and out of pocket. Donations appreciated at any time! Paypal donations can be sent to [EMAIL PROTECTED] or send donations via check or money order to Jennifer O'Guin, PO Box 1008, Hardwick VT. 05843TEL;WORK;VOICE:802-472-8628TEL;HOME;VOICE:802 472-8628ADR;WORK:;home office;;Hardwick;VT.;05843;USALABEL;WORK;ENCODING=QUOTED-PRINTABLE:home office=0D=0AHardwick, VT. 05843=0D=0AUSAADR;HOME:;;P.O. Box 1008;Hardwick;Vermont;05843;USALABEL;HOME;ENCODING=QUOTED-PRINTABLE:P.O. Box 1008=0D=0AHardwick, Vermont 05843=0D=0AUSAX-WAB-GENDER:1URL;HOME:http://ucat.usURL;WORK:http://ucat.us/adopt.htmlBDAY:19750928EMAIL;PREF;INTERNET:[EMAIL PROTECTED]EMAIL;INTERNET:[EMAIL PROTECTED]EMAIL;INTERNET:[EMAIL PROTECTED]REV:20060827T202242ZEND:VCARDNo virus found in this outgoing message.Checked by AVG Free Edition.Version: 7.1.405 / Virus Database: 268.11.6/428 - Release Date: 8/25/2006
Re: IFA kittens, retest at 6 mo 1 yr? Or is IFA positive final?
They are the two on the top on this page: http://ucat.us/FELVadopt.html They look healthy to me. Phaewryn Please adopt a cat from Little Cheetah Cat Rescue!!! http://ucat.us/adopt.html Low cost SpayNeuter services in VT, and Emergency Financial Assistance for cat owners:http://ucat.us/VermontLowCost.htmlSpecial Needs Cat Resources: http://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html The Sofa Poem: http://ucat.us/sofapoem.html Please shop online through i-give and support the Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance Program:http://www.igive.com/FVEAP Shop at GREAT stores, like Drs. Foster Smith, Pet Food Direct, Musician's Friend, and LOTS more!It doesn't cost you a single penny more, and it makes so much difference to a sick cat in need! No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.405 / Virus Database: 268.11.6/428 - Release Date: 8/25/2006
Re: IFA kittens, retest at 6 mo 1 yr? Or is IFA positive final?
nope, cats CAN indeed test negative on the IFA if they were tested before they had thrown off the virus. it can take up to six or seven months for a negative IFA to become positive, tho even with the IFA, 120-days is the norm. in rescue, most cats never are given the chance to HAVE an ifa in the first place, no less to be retested even once. if the cat has a home and it's important to know the status, then retesting is great On 8/27/06, [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: They are the two on the top on this page: http://ucat.us/FELVadopt.html They look healthy to me. Phaewryn Please adopt a cat from Little Cheetah Cat Rescue!!! http://ucat.us/adopt.html Low cost SpayNeuter services in VT, and Emergency Financial Assistance for cat owners: http://ucat.us/VermontLowCost.htmlSpecial Needs Cat Resources: http://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html The Sofa Poem: http://ucat.us/sofapoem.html Please shop online through i-give and support the Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance Program: http://www.igive.com/FVEAP Shop at GREAT stores, like Drs. Foster Smith, Pet Food Direct, Musician's Friend, and LOTS more! It doesn't cost you a single penny more, and it makes so much difference to a sick cat in need! No virus found in this outgoing message.Checked by AVG Free Edition.Version: 7.1.405 / Virus Database: 268.11.6/428 - Release Date: 8/25/2006 -- Spay Neuter Your Neighbors!Maybe That'll Make The DifferenceMaryChristineAIM / YAHOO: TenHouseCatsMSN: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ICQ: 289856892
Re: IFA kittens, retest at 6 mo 1 yr? Or is IFA positive final?
That's all too true. Irrevocable decisions are made on the basis of an in-office ELISA test. If cats were routinely tested with the IFA and given the time and environment to throw off the virus, what would we discover about FeLV?TenHouseCats [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:nope, cats CAN indeed test negative on the IFA if they were tested before they had thrown off the virus. it can take up to six or seven months for a negative IFA to become positive, tho even with the IFA, 120-days is the norm. in rescue, most cats never are given the chance to HAVE an ifa in the first place, no less to be retested even once. if the cat has a home and it's important to know the status, then retesting is great On 8/27/06, [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: They are the two on the top on this page: http://ucat.us/FELVadopt.html They look healthy to me.PhaewrynPlease adopt a cat from Little Cheetah Cat Rescue!!! http://ucat.us/adopt.html Low cost SpayNeuter services in VT, and Emergency Financial Assistance for cat owners: http://ucat.us/VermontLowCost.htmlSpecial Needs Cat Resources: http://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html The Sofa Poem: http://ucat.us/sofapoem.html Please shop online through i-give and support the Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance Program: http://www.igive.com/FVEAP Shop at GREAT stores, like Drs. Foster Smith, Pet Food Direct, Musician's Friend, and LOTS more! It doesn't cost you a single penny more, and it makes so much difference to a sick cat in need! No virus found in this outgoing message.Checked by AVG Free Edition.Version: 7.1.405 / Virus Database: 268.11.6/428 - Release Date: 8/25/2006-- Spay Neuter Your Neighbors!Maybe That'll Make The DifferenceMaryChristineAIM / YAHOO: TenHouseCatsMSN: [EMAIL PROTECTED]ICQ: 289856892