subject:"\[Felvtalk\] Dexter"

One thing Ihave learned since being a part of this group is that they are the 
most caring, loving people I have ever known.  It seems that when someone loves 
and cares for an animal, they have a greater abundance of love for everyone, 
including people.  I am glad to have found all of you and keep you in my 
prayers always.
 Ben Williams  wrote: 
> I'd like to start off this message by thanking all of you for your kind
> words regarding Dexter over the past few days - - my wife and I have shared
> and appreciated every one of the emails - it's meant a lot to us.
> Unfortunately, this morning has proven to be heartbreaking to us both - we
> received a call first thing this morning from East Dallas Animal Clinic's
> Dr. Ken Cantrell that Dexter's condition had worsened over the course of the
> night.  After picking Dex up from the Emergency clinic yesterday morning, we
> immediately took him to Dr. Wright at Lakewood Vet Center.  Dr. Wright has
> been on vacation since last week and we were told that he would be back
> yesterday morning - but he hadn't yet returned.  I took Dexter to see him on
> three occasions last week for his lymphocyte T-Cell Immunomodulator
> injections, but was only able to see him that Monday.  When we took Dex in
> on Friday when the swelling of his feet and face had begun, we were given no
> advice by his staff who were unable to do anything other than give Dex his
> shot and usher us out the door.  They are all very caring people and I don't
> blame them for anything, but I feel that any vet who runs a practice where
> he is the only doctor on staff, should do a bit more to keep his patients
> informed about his availability - that way precious minutes or hours or days
> aren't wasted waiting for him to return.  Fortunately, several weeks ago,
> when trying to convince Dr. Wright to order the LTCI treatment (which took
> him over a week to do) I was referred to the East Dallas Animal Clinic by
> the LTCI folks - they had used the medication before.   East Dallas Animal
> Clinic is a wonderful place.  We've worked with Dr. Ellsworth and Dr.
> Cantrell there - - they are both compassionate and make a point of taking
> calls from concerned pet owners.  They have both been wonderful to work with
> and have been open to taking every conceivable avenue with Dex's treatment.
> I only wish we had been seeing them from the start. We rushed Dex to them
> yesterday morning as soon as it became clear that Dr. Wright wouldn't be
> returning.  Again, I don't blame Dr. Wright, but when we took Dexter in for
> his checkup three weeks ago and Dr. Wright informed us that anemia had set
> in, his advice was to "take him home and make him comfortable."  A week
> passed as I researched and tried to communicate with him about alternate
> treatments and off-label meds.  When you factor in that week and the week he
> took to order the LTCI meds, that's two out of the last three weeks where
> Dex had little treatment.  Again, why the difficulty in getting anything
> done for Dex?  East Dallas, however, fit Dex in on the first day we spoke
> with him and started him on Acemannan injections.  They had two remaining
> doses remaining of that drug; a drug that was very beneficial to Dex last
> year when he was first diagnosed.  they sacrificed those 2 doses for Dex
> without question - had I gone to them earlier, perhaps it would have had
> more effect on him. Regardless, Dex seemed to make improvements while on
> Immunoregulin, LCTI and the acemannan.  FeLV and FIV are horrible diseases,
> though, and I felt like there was something always sneaking up on Dex while
> we treated him.  We seemed to reverse the anemia, but his Lymph nodes were
> swelling.  Some days they would go down, other days, they would blow up.
> When the mystery feet and face swelling started last week, he even responded
> well with benadryl.  That thing sneaking up on Dexter?  Full blown cancer -
> it wasn't just in his lymph nodes, it was in his liver and spleen - it had
> probably made his heart swell.  His breathing was becoming more and more
> labored and we struggled with the decision of when Dexter was in too much
> pain to continue.  Yesterday, Dr. Cantrell started chemotherapy on Dex, as
> well as steroids.  He seemed to tolerate the meds well, but over the course
> of the night, he became more jaundiced and vomited, while his body
> temperature dropped to 94 degrees.  His little body had given out as this
> terrible disease had taken almost everything from him.  I say almost
> everything, because when we arrived at East Dallas Animal Clinic this
> morning, even though he was being hand fed oxygen while under a warming pad,
> little Dexter still had a playful wag of the tail when we placed our hands
> on him and told him how much we love him.  Dexter died at 8 this morning.
> We are heartbroken that our sweet boy is gone and that he was only with us
> for a year and a half.  He was such a wonderful, sweet and special kitty

Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now

Don't ever make a tea of Chaparral, it is so bad tasting.  Tried it once, no 
more!  Could make a monkey climb up a tree backwards.  Androgravis is not too 
good either.  Best to disguise those 2.
 Natalie  wrote: 
> And then there is the herbal tonic made from Chaparral, Neem, Androgravis,
> and Graviola, that you can make yourself and take every day - it is used to
> cure cancers or keep cancer under control or not getting cancer for people
> and animals.
> Why not start with healthy eating, minerals and vitamins right now, instead
> of waiting for cancer to return?
> 
> -Original Message-
> From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org
> [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of
> dlg...@windstream.net
> Sent: Saturday, July 09, 2011 3:45 PM
> To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
> Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now
> 
> All of these egulations, etc. are making someone money somewere.  It is
> protecting th US coporations who would loose mooney for one and I am sure
> someone else is lning his/her pockets.  Just as with human meds.  And then,
> after all that research even tho it is harmful to the consumer, the FDA
> takes the word of the manufacturer and alows distribution.  Otherwise, why
> are we having so many recalls of drugs found to cause suffering and death.
> When I check into Meds that my dr has prescribed for me, I often find they
> can cause cancer specifically Lymphoma which I recently had and after years
> of chemo which failed I went into spontaneous remision.  Why would I want to
> take them and have to deal with all that again?  My oncologist has said that
> if it came back (been 7 years) she would be willing to monitor my blood  and
> assist me in a course of healthy eating, vitamins and minerals.  I refuse to
> go thru chemo again.  You may as well be dead.
>  Ben Williams  wrote: 
> > http://www.winnfelinehealth.org/
> > 
> > You know, I've thought a lot about things that could make a difference and
> > the most important thing that could change right now is the lack of
> > availability of Virbagen Interferon Omega in the United States.  Why in
> the
> > world does it make any sense for the FDA to require millions of dollars
> > worth of peer reviewed studies to be undertaken for US approval on a drug
> > that has been effectively saving cat's lives for almost a decade
> everywhere
> > else in the world and has been used in hundreds of foreign studies.
> > Interferon Omega would have probably saved Dexter's life, plain and
> simple.
> > However, I can't get a drug for him (that has absolutely no abuse
> potential
> > in humans, by the way) unless I go through a 2 month process with the DEA
> > and FDA that will only result in a guarantee that any overnight package
> from
> > Europe that contains the medication that I've been given permission to
> > import, will be seized and held for months, only to lose its refrigeration
> > and spoil.  This is, of course, after I've spent about $1200 for the
> honor.
> > 
> > 
> > So, I suggest that we all start calling and writing our congress-people
> and
> > senators and demanding an immediate provisional approval be given for
> > Virbagen Interferon Omega to be sold in the US.  Heck, it's practically a
> > cure for FiP as well!
> > ___
> > 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


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Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now

I am.  Ever once i a while I give in and eat a hotdog, then I put them in the 
freezer for 6 or 8 months and give in again.  Sort of like my White Castle 
hamburgers.  They were once called belly bombers for a reason, but they taste 
so good.  All those grilled onions which I order extra on mine.  I eat lots of 
onion and garlic and now thanks to DR. Oz, am adding lots of rosemary to my 
meals.  It aids your memory and boy do I need that!  Since I met Mary, I am 
leaning to mostly Vietnamese foods.  They are very low in fats, sugar unlike 
Chinese and Thai.  Lots of greens, very little meat, lots of rice noodles.  I 
love Thai, but it does have a lot of sugar.  
 Natalie  wrote: 
> And then there is the herbal tonic made from Chaparral, Neem, Androgravis,
> and Graviola, that you can make yourself and take every day - it is used to
> cure cancers or keep cancer under control or not getting cancer for people
> and animals.
> Why not start with healthy eating, minerals and vitamins right now, instead
> of waiting for cancer to return?
> 
> -Original Message-
> From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org
> [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of
> dlg...@windstream.net
> Sent: Saturday, July 09, 2011 3:45 PM
> To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
> Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now
> 
> All of these egulations, etc. are making someone money somewere.  It is
> protecting th US coporations who would loose mooney for one and I am sure
> someone else is lning his/her pockets.  Just as with human meds.  And then,
> after all that research even tho it is harmful to the consumer, the FDA
> takes the word of the manufacturer and alows distribution.  Otherwise, why
> are we having so many recalls of drugs found to cause suffering and death.
> When I check into Meds that my dr has prescribed for me, I often find they
> can cause cancer specifically Lymphoma which I recently had and after years
> of chemo which failed I went into spontaneous remision.  Why would I want to
> take them and have to deal with all that again?  My oncologist has said that
> if it came back (been 7 years) she would be willing to monitor my blood  and
> assist me in a course of healthy eating, vitamins and minerals.  I refuse to
> go thru chemo again.  You may as well be dead.
>  Ben Williams  wrote: 
> > http://www.winnfelinehealth.org/
> > 
> > You know, I've thought a lot about things that could make a difference and
> > the most important thing that could change right now is the lack of
> > availability of Virbagen Interferon Omega in the United States.  Why in
> the
> > world does it make any sense for the FDA to require millions of dollars
> > worth of peer reviewed studies to be undertaken for US approval on a drug
> > that has been effectively saving cat's lives for almost a decade
> everywhere
> > else in the world and has been used in hundreds of foreign studies.
> > Interferon Omega would have probably saved Dexter's life, plain and
> simple.
> > However, I can't get a drug for him (that has absolutely no abuse
> potential
> > in humans, by the way) unless I go through a 2 month process with the DEA
> > and FDA that will only result in a guarantee that any overnight package
> from
> > Europe that contains the medication that I've been given permission to
> > import, will be seized and held for months, only to lose its refrigeration
> > and spoil.  This is, of course, after I've spent about $1200 for the
> honor.
> > 
> > 
> > So, I suggest that we all start calling and writing our congress-people
> and
> > senators and demanding an immediate provisional approval be given for
> > Virbagen Interferon Omega to be sold in the US.  Heck, it's practically a
> > cure for FiP as well!
> > ___
> > 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


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Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now

2011-07-09 Thread Natalie

And then there is the herbal tonic made from Chaparral, Neem, Androgravis,
and Graviola, that you can make yourself and take every day - it is used to
cure cancers or keep cancer under control or not getting cancer for people
and animals.
Why not start with healthy eating, minerals and vitamins right now, instead
of waiting for cancer to return?

-Original Message-
From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org
[mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of
dlg...@windstream.net
Sent: Saturday, July 09, 2011 3:45 PM
To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now

All of these egulations, etc. are making someone money somewere.  It is
protecting th US coporations who would loose mooney for one and I am sure
someone else is lning his/her pockets.  Just as with human meds.  And then,
after all that research even tho it is harmful to the consumer, the FDA
takes the word of the manufacturer and alows distribution.  Otherwise, why
are we having so many recalls of drugs found to cause suffering and death.
When I check into Meds that my dr has prescribed for me, I often find they
can cause cancer specifically Lymphoma which I recently had and after years
of chemo which failed I went into spontaneous remision.  Why would I want to
take them and have to deal with all that again?  My oncologist has said that
if it came back (been 7 years) she would be willing to monitor my blood  and
assist me in a course of healthy eating, vitamins and minerals.  I refuse to
go thru chemo again.  You may as well be dead.
 Ben Williams  wrote: 
> http://www.winnfelinehealth.org/
> 
> You know, I've thought a lot about things that could make a difference and
> the most important thing that could change right now is the lack of
> availability of Virbagen Interferon Omega in the United States.  Why in
the
> world does it make any sense for the FDA to require millions of dollars
> worth of peer reviewed studies to be undertaken for US approval on a drug
> that has been effectively saving cat's lives for almost a decade
everywhere
> else in the world and has been used in hundreds of foreign studies.
> Interferon Omega would have probably saved Dexter's life, plain and
simple.
> However, I can't get a drug for him (that has absolutely no abuse
potential
> in humans, by the way) unless I go through a 2 month process with the DEA
> and FDA that will only result in a guarantee that any overnight package
from
> Europe that contains the medication that I've been given permission to
> import, will be seized and held for months, only to lose its refrigeration
> and spoil.  This is, of course, after I've spent about $1200 for the
honor.
> 
> 
> So, I suggest that we all start calling and writing our congress-people
and
> senators and demanding an immediate provisional approval be given for
> Virbagen Interferon Omega to be sold in the US.  Heck, it's practically a
> cure for FiP as well!
> ___
> Felvtalk mailing list
> Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
> http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org


___
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Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter

The fluids escaping is a normal thing.  This happened wen my father passed and 
he was not moved.  This is a part of life and I would not miss being there for 
hiim just because it made it hard for me.  Our thoughts must be with our loved 
ones, not ourselves, no matter how hard it is.  Knowing that they did not 
suffer alone, that they knew someone cared and loved them is more important to 
me.  It is important to me that their last memories are that someone loved them 
enough.
 Diane Rosenfeldt  wrote: 
> Natalie, I have never had this experience either when one of my furbabies
> has passed -- but I haven't picked them up or moved them around, perhaps
> this is just a gravity issue. I work for the county Medical Examiner, and I
> can attest that more often than not, there is some sort of fluid that
> escapes when a person dies. Could be mucus, urine, whatever might seek its
> own level when all the muscles relax. In Dexter's case, I'm guessing it was
> fluid that was building up somewhere, but that doesn't necessarily mean it
> was making him suffer. I'm sorry that was the last thing you saw happen with
> him and it bothered you, but please don't let it make you feel guilty. It's
> natural.
> 
> Diane R.
> 
> -Original Message-
> From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org
> [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Natalie
> Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 5:47 PM
> To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
> Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter
> 
> I know that when an animal or human being dies, this is supposed to happen -
> but in all the years and all the euthanasia I had to have administered,
> always holding the animals (cats and dogs), and then staying with them for
> about 15 minutes (our vet allows everyone to be alone with them) - it has
> NEVER happened, yet! I wonder if that's unusual? Natalie
> 
> -Original Message-
> From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org
> [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of MaiMaiPG
> Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 6:05 PM
> To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
> Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter
> 
> It is natural for a body to release fluids and solids as the soul leaves it.
> This is true with animals and with people.  It is not a sign of pain.  It is
> a sign of muscle relaxation.  This is one reason a vet may wrap a body in
> plastic.  I never, ever, never have or will leave a friend to leave this
> world without me holding him/her and this happens.  It also happens in
> natural deaths.  Don't ask about releases when a person commits suicide or
> even is murdered.  It can be awful if a family member discovers the body.
> This, again, is not a sign of pain.
> On Jul 6, 2011, at 4:25 PM, Ben Williams wrote:
> 
> > Thanks so much, everyone.  It's been a really hard day for us and I'm
> > haunted by seeing Dexter this morning struggling so hard to live.   
> > You've
> > all been so wonderful and your kind comments have really helped today 
> > - if anything, we are realizing even more now just how much we love 
> > that little boy.  He was so special to us.
> >
> >  If I may, I have a question regarding Euthanasia for those of you who 
> > have been through this before - for those of you who are squeamish, 
> > please just skip this one:
> >
> > Dexter passed peacefully when Dr. Cantrell administered the euthanasia 
> > this morning.  He let out a small sigh when the initial sedative was 
> > injected and silently slipped away when the final injection was made.  
> > A few minutes later, as we were still petting him, a fair amount of 
> > yellow, clear liquid came out of his mouth and nose.  I assume this 
> > was fluid that had started to
> > collect in his lungs, perhaps part of the jaundice from his liver?   
> > I don't
> > know - I just can't stand the idea that he was in severe pain for a 
> > while there and that, perhaps, we put him through it.  He had a chest 
> > X- ray on
> > sunday night and no fluid was visible.  Or, maybe it was missed.   
> > Sorry for
> > the awkward question.
> >
> > On Wed, Jul 6, 2011 at 12:46 PM, Lynda Wilson 
> >  > >wrote:
> >
> >> My heart is breaking after reading your story!  I'm truly sorry 
> >> Dexter is gone, but he will live within your heart now.
> >>
> >> You did so much for him and he fought the battle as much as he could.
> >>
> >> My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
> >>
> >> Lynda
> >> - Original Message - From: "Ben Williams" 
> >>  >> >
> >> To: 
> >

Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now

All of these egulations, etc. are making someone money somewere.  It is 
protecting th US coporations who would loose mooney for one and I am sure 
someone else is lning his/her pockets.  Just as with human meds.  And then, 
after all that research even tho it is harmful to the consumer, the FDA takes 
the word of the manufacturer and alows distribution.  Otherwise, why are we 
having so many recalls of drugs found to cause suffering and death.  When I 
check into Meds that my dr has prescribed for me, I often find they can cause 
cancer specifically Lymphoma which I recently had and after years of chemo 
which failed I went into spontaneous remision.  Why would I want to take them 
and have to deal with all that again?  My oncologist has said that if it came 
back (been 7 years) she would be willing to monitor my blood  and assist me in 
a course of healthy eating, vitamins and minerals.  I refuse to go thru chemo 
again.  You may as well be dead.
 Ben Williams  wrote: 
> http://www.winnfelinehealth.org/
> 
> You know, I've thought a lot about things that could make a difference and
> the most important thing that could change right now is the lack of
> availability of Virbagen Interferon Omega in the United States.  Why in the
> world does it make any sense for the FDA to require millions of dollars
> worth of peer reviewed studies to be undertaken for US approval on a drug
> that has been effectively saving cat's lives for almost a decade everywhere
> else in the world and has been used in hundreds of foreign studies.
> Interferon Omega would have probably saved Dexter's life, plain and simple.
> However, I can't get a drug for him (that has absolutely no abuse potential
> in humans, by the way) unless I go through a 2 month process with the DEA
> and FDA that will only result in a guarantee that any overnight package from
> Europe that contains the medication that I've been given permission to
> import, will be seized and held for months, only to lose its refrigeration
> and spoil.  This is, of course, after I've spent about $1200 for the honor.
> 
> 
> So, I suggest that we all start calling and writing our congress-people and
> senators and demanding an immediate provisional approval be given for
> Virbagen Interferon Omega to be sold in the US.  Heck, it's practically a
> cure for FiP as well!
> ___
> Felvtalk mailing list
> Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
> http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org


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Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now

2011-07-07 Thread Natalie

Actually, I have the name of a tetracycline that one can buy without
prescription at pet supply stores...will try to find it. Yes, I heard that
fish antibiotics are the sameisn't that strange that one can get them
without prescription? They don't think that people would connect the dots!
BTW - many of the drugs we buy here, are made in Mexico by US pharmaceutical
companies that have plants there with cheap labor and good quality control!
You would NOT be compromising your animals' health in any way!

-Original Message-
From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org
[mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Cindy McHugh
Sent: Thursday, July 07, 2011 7:46 AM
To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now

Hi Kat,

I don't know about buying it in Mexico, but when I had an infected tooth 
recently, I did some research and ordered Fish Mox online. From everything I

read, it's the same stuff that's prescribed by doctors and vets.  Oddly 
enough, if my pets are sick, I won't take a chance and I take them to the 
vet, but for myself, I'm willing to compromise a bit.

Cindy

- Original Message - 
From: "katskat1" 
To: 
Cc: "katofohio" 
Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 11:11 PM
Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now


> Where please and how do you purchase Amoxicillin in Mexico?  I buy the
> powder from my vet at her cost which is outrageous so if I could get
> it from Mexico it would be a God send to the small rescue I am
> co-founder of and maybe to her too.
> And for my two FeLV+ kitties I have a vet that provides human
> interferon but if ANYONE finds a way to purchase Virbagen Interferon
> Omega for us here in America to use, PLEASE share the info and help
> save our furrbabies lives...
> Thanks
> Kat
> A 2nd Chance of Hillsboro, Ohio
> katofo...@gmail.com
>
> On 7/6/11, Natalie  wrote:
>> Do you know if the Interferon is available in Canada or Mexico?
>> The FDA is a real joke. My husband retired from Pfizer International
>> Marketing, and I've heard my share of things.those who have worked at
>> big pharmas end up working at the FDA, and often the reverse is true to -
>> very handy for them!
>> All the antibiotics like Amoxicillin and Clavamox are pediatric oral
>> suspension formulas, merely packaged for veterinary us - that's why they 
>> are
>> ridiculously flavored with strawberry or pineapple type yuck that cats'
>> certainly don't like, but are made to tolerate.I purchase those for a
>> fraction of a cost in Mexico - vets charge us a fortune for the same 
>> thing,
>> even though we get 50% discount.
>>
>> -Original Message-
>> From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org
>> [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Ben Williams
>> Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 8:43 PM
>> To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
>> Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now
>>
>> http://www.winnfelinehealth.org/
>>
>> You know, I've thought a lot about things that could make a difference 
>> and
>> the most important thing that could change right now is the lack of
>> availability of Virbagen Interferon Omega in the United States.  Why in 
>> the
>> world does it make any sense for the FDA to require millions of dollars
>> worth of peer reviewed studies to be undertaken for US approval on a drug
>> that has been effectively saving cat's lives for almost a decade 
>> everywhere
>> else in the world and has been used in hundreds of foreign studies.
>> Interferon Omega would have probably saved Dexter's life, plain and 
>> simple.
>> However, I can't get a drug for him (that has absolutely no abuse 
>> potential
>> in humans, by the way) unless I go through a 2 month process with the DEA
>> and FDA that will only result in a guarantee that any overnight package 
>> from
>> Europe that contains the medication that I've been given permission to
>> import, will be seized and held for months, only to lose its 
>> refrigeration
>> and spoil.  This is, of course, after I've spent about $1200 for the 
>> honor.
>>
>>
>> So, I suggest that we all start calling and writing our congress-people 
>> and
>> senators and demanding an immediate provisional approval be given for
>> Virbagen Interferon Omega to be sold in the US.  Heck, it's practically a
>> cure for FiP as well!
>> ___
>> Felvtalk mailing list
>> Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
>> http://felineleukemia.org/mailm

Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now

2011-07-07 Thread Ben Williams

We get interferon through vetcentric.com.  It's cheap - about $15 for a bottle, 
but the cold pack overnight shipping brings it up to about $60.  I've got two 
bottles if anyone needs any...

-- My iPhone told me to send this message. --

On Jul 7, 2011, at 8:19 AM, Natalie  wrote:

> Any local pharmacy.  Until last year, one could buy it even more cheaply at
> places like Costco or Sam's Club pharmacies in Mexico - but I have a feeling
> that US big pharma had something to do with the law that one cannot purchase
> antibiotics without a prescription anymore probably because they found that
> too many US visitors were getting it cheaply there. Locals can still get it
> without prescription because a pharmacist is like a doctor to them.  So, we
> just go to a small pharmacy and ask for it.  A bottle of the powder that
> makes 5 small ones that we get at the vet, used to cost about $10, but at
> local little places it could be as much as $15 (still a bargain!). Did you
> know that veterinarians can often get it for as little as $1.50?  There's a
> huge markup on the drugs they sell to their customers.  One of our vets
> charges us (with a discount) as much as $30 (my vet $18), so I can imagine
> the huge range of prices all over the country - I guess they do what the
> market and geographical area according to cost of living can bear!
> How does your vet get human interferon?
> 
> -Original Message-
> From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org
> [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of katskat1
> Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 11:11 PM
> To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
> Cc: katofohio
> Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now
> 
> Where please and how do you purchase Amoxicillin in Mexico?  I buy the
> powder from my vet at her cost which is outrageous so if I could get
> it from Mexico it would be a God send to the small rescue I am
> co-founder of and maybe to her too.
> And for my two FeLV+ kitties I have a vet that provides human
> interferon but if ANYONE finds a way to purchase Virbagen Interferon
> Omega for us here in America to use, PLEASE share the info and help
> save our furrbabies lives...
> Thanks
> Kat
> A 2nd Chance of Hillsboro, Ohio
> katofo...@gmail.com
> 
> On 7/6/11, Natalie  wrote:
>> Do you know if the Interferon is available in Canada or Mexico?
>> The FDA is a real joke. My husband retired from Pfizer International
>> Marketing, and I've heard my share of things.those who have worked at
>> big pharmas end up working at the FDA, and often the reverse is true to -
>> very handy for them!
>> All the antibiotics like Amoxicillin and Clavamox are pediatric oral
>> suspension formulas, merely packaged for veterinary us - that's why they
> are
>> ridiculously flavored with strawberry or pineapple type yuck that cats'
>> certainly don't like, but are made to tolerate.I purchase those for a
>> fraction of a cost in Mexico - vets charge us a fortune for the same
> thing,
>> even though we get 50% discount.
>> 
>> -----Original Message-
>> From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org
>> [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Ben Williams
>> Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 8:43 PM
>> To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
>> Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now
>> 
>> http://www.winnfelinehealth.org/
>> 
>> You know, I've thought a lot about things that could make a difference and
>> the most important thing that could change right now is the lack of
>> availability of Virbagen Interferon Omega in the United States.  Why in
> the
>> world does it make any sense for the FDA to require millions of dollars
>> worth of peer reviewed studies to be undertaken for US approval on a drug
>> that has been effectively saving cat's lives for almost a decade
> everywhere
>> else in the world and has been used in hundreds of foreign studies.
>> Interferon Omega would have probably saved Dexter's life, plain and
> simple.
>> However, I can't get a drug for him (that has absolutely no abuse
> potential
>> in humans, by the way) unless I go through a 2 month process with the DEA
>> and FDA that will only result in a guarantee that any overnight package
> from
>> Europe that contains the medication that I've been given permission to
>> import, will be seized and held for months, only to lose its refrigeration
>> and spoil.  This is, of course, after I've spent about $1200 for the
> honor.
>> 
>> 
>> So, I suggest that we all start calling and writing our congress-people
> and
>> senator

Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now

2011-07-07 Thread Natalie

Any local pharmacy.  Until last year, one could buy it even more cheaply at
places like Costco or Sam's Club pharmacies in Mexico - but I have a feeling
that US big pharma had something to do with the law that one cannot purchase
antibiotics without a prescription anymore probably because they found that
too many US visitors were getting it cheaply there. Locals can still get it
without prescription because a pharmacist is like a doctor to them.  So, we
just go to a small pharmacy and ask for it.  A bottle of the powder that
makes 5 small ones that we get at the vet, used to cost about $10, but at
local little places it could be as much as $15 (still a bargain!). Did you
know that veterinarians can often get it for as little as $1.50?  There's a
huge markup on the drugs they sell to their customers.  One of our vets
charges us (with a discount) as much as $30 (my vet $18), so I can imagine
the huge range of prices all over the country - I guess they do what the
market and geographical area according to cost of living can bear!
How does your vet get human interferon?

-Original Message-
From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org
[mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of katskat1
Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 11:11 PM
To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
Cc: katofohio
Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now

Where please and how do you purchase Amoxicillin in Mexico?  I buy the
powder from my vet at her cost which is outrageous so if I could get
it from Mexico it would be a God send to the small rescue I am
co-founder of and maybe to her too.
And for my two FeLV+ kitties I have a vet that provides human
interferon but if ANYONE finds a way to purchase Virbagen Interferon
Omega for us here in America to use, PLEASE share the info and help
save our furrbabies lives...
Thanks
Kat
A 2nd Chance of Hillsboro, Ohio
katofo...@gmail.com

On 7/6/11, Natalie  wrote:
> Do you know if the Interferon is available in Canada or Mexico?
> The FDA is a real joke. My husband retired from Pfizer International
> Marketing, and I've heard my share of things.those who have worked at
> big pharmas end up working at the FDA, and often the reverse is true to -
> very handy for them!
> All the antibiotics like Amoxicillin and Clavamox are pediatric oral
> suspension formulas, merely packaged for veterinary us - that's why they
are
> ridiculously flavored with strawberry or pineapple type yuck that cats'
> certainly don't like, but are made to tolerate.I purchase those for a
> fraction of a cost in Mexico - vets charge us a fortune for the same
thing,
> even though we get 50% discount.
>
> -Original Message-
> From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org
> [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Ben Williams
> Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 8:43 PM
> To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
> Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now
>
> http://www.winnfelinehealth.org/
>
> You know, I've thought a lot about things that could make a difference and
> the most important thing that could change right now is the lack of
> availability of Virbagen Interferon Omega in the United States.  Why in
the
> world does it make any sense for the FDA to require millions of dollars
> worth of peer reviewed studies to be undertaken for US approval on a drug
> that has been effectively saving cat's lives for almost a decade
everywhere
> else in the world and has been used in hundreds of foreign studies.
> Interferon Omega would have probably saved Dexter's life, plain and
simple.
> However, I can't get a drug for him (that has absolutely no abuse
potential
> in humans, by the way) unless I go through a 2 month process with the DEA
> and FDA that will only result in a guarantee that any overnight package
from
> Europe that contains the medication that I've been given permission to
> import, will be seized and held for months, only to lose its refrigeration
> and spoil.  This is, of course, after I've spent about $1200 for the
honor.
>
>
> So, I suggest that we all start calling and writing our congress-people
and
> senators and demanding an immediate provisional approval be given for
> Virbagen Interferon Omega to be sold in the US.  Heck, it's practically a
> cure for FiP as well!
> ___
> 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

___
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Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org

Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now

2011-07-07 Thread Beth Noren

Winn Foundation is legit and does a lot of good, I know they give
grants for FIP research, but I think they do grants for other cat
health issues as well.  If you go to their home page and click on
"Grants" you can see listings for what they have funded.  Each year
they put out a list of what projects they have funded.  I didn't see
anything for FeLV in 2010, but there was one grant for improving
lymphoma treatment.   My vet made a contribution in honor of my kitten
when she died of FIP.

Beth N.



On Wed, Jul 6, 2011 at 7:48 PM, Natalie  wrote:
> I have no idea...do you know what exactly they do?  What's their website -
> let's look into it.
>
> -Original Message-
> From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org
> [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Ben Williams
> Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 7:34 PM
> To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
> Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now
>
> Doesnt the Wynn Foundation do a lot of good work for cats?
>
> -- My iPhone told me to send this message. --
>
> On Jul 6, 2011, at 6:15 PM, Natalie  wrote:
>
>> I have no idea - maybe we should all do some searches to see what's out
>> there and ask a lot of questions! I'd hate to donate to anyone who merely
>> uses cats for the sake of research; I'd like to see if there's someplace
>> where they actually treat FeLV+ cats while trying for a cure, not mere
>> research for research sake and getting their hands on grant money. I
> should
>> ask my veterinarian, he was co-founder of AVAR (Association of
> Veterinarians
>> for Animal Rights, now part of HSUS) whether he is aware of any real and
>> constructive research done on FeLV.
>> In the 90s, Cleveland Amory was on a show debating a researcher who got
>> lucrative grants for animal experiments, and not really contributing to
>> anything specific - just useless stuff!  Cleveland asked him about a
>> specific case (Please note: it was made up at that moment to see how
>> ridiculous and irrelevant some research is!), describing a really
> grotesque
>> scenario of one cat's eye sewn shut, while the other was sewn so it
> couldn't
>> close, electrodes attached to the forehead, tail cut off, feeding tube
>> inserted, etc. The researcher started defending every bit of it without a
>> blink of an eye.  When he finished, Cleveland boomed "Aha, I knew you
> would
>> defend just about anything to get your hands on grant money; I just made
> the
>> whole thing up!"
>> BTW- Cleveland Amory was my very first adopter of a kitten that I trapped
> at
>> the Greenwich dump in 1992 - Tiger Bear, an pale orange tabby with golden
>> eyes (after his beloved white cat Polar Bear died).
>> Natalie
>>
>> -Original Message-
>> From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org
>> [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Lynda Wilson
>> Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 6:54 PM
>> To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
>> Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now
>>
>> You are most certainly correct, Natalie! Anyone know of a Feline Leukemia
>> Society to donate to? Is there a group of scientists that are trying  to
>> find a cure or a better treatment plan for this deadly disease? Our poor
>> babies!!
>>
>>
>> - Original Message -
>> From: "Natalie" 
>> To: 
>> Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 2:41 PM
>> Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now
>>
>>
>>> It is always so sad to hear about any of our little furries succumbing to
>>> this horrible disease; I just wish that there were more available to help
>>> them to feel better or get well.  One would think, that after all these
>>> years, there would be more hope for them! What is it about this disease
>>> that
>>> makes it so complicated?  So many different symptoms that mimic other
>>> thingsdoes anyone out there care to find a cure?
>>> I am so sorry to hear about all of the crossings over the rainbow bridge!
>>> Natalie
>>>
>>> -Original Message-
>>> From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org
>>> [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Cindy McHugh
>>> Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 1:31 PM
>>> To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
>>> Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now
>>>
>>> Dear Cathy and Mark,
>>>
>>> I didn't realize you lost your little Cali. I'm so sorry for your loss,
>>> but
>>> I'm glad that Cali

Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now

2011-07-07 Thread Cindy McHugh


Hi Kat,

I don't know about buying it in Mexico, but when I had an infected tooth 
recently, I did some research and ordered Fish Mox online. From everything I 
read, it's the same stuff that's prescribed by doctors and vets.  Oddly 
enough, if my pets are sick, I won't take a chance and I take them to the 
vet, but for myself, I'm willing to compromise a bit.


Cindy

- Original Message - 
From: "katskat1" 

To: 
Cc: "katofohio" 
Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 11:11 PM
Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now



Where please and how do you purchase Amoxicillin in Mexico?  I buy the
powder from my vet at her cost which is outrageous so if I could get
it from Mexico it would be a God send to the small rescue I am
co-founder of and maybe to her too.
And for my two FeLV+ kitties I have a vet that provides human
interferon but if ANYONE finds a way to purchase Virbagen Interferon
Omega for us here in America to use, PLEASE share the info and help
save our furrbabies lives...
Thanks
Kat
A 2nd Chance of Hillsboro, Ohio
katofo...@gmail.com

On 7/6/11, Natalie  wrote:

Do you know if the Interferon is available in Canada or Mexico?
The FDA is a real joke. My husband retired from Pfizer International
Marketing, and I've heard my share of things.those who have worked at
big pharmas end up working at the FDA, and often the reverse is true to -
very handy for them!
All the antibiotics like Amoxicillin and Clavamox are pediatric oral
suspension formulas, merely packaged for veterinary us - that's why they 
are

ridiculously flavored with strawberry or pineapple type yuck that cats'
certainly don't like, but are made to tolerate.I purchase those for a
fraction of a cost in Mexico - vets charge us a fortune for the same 
thing,

even though we get 50% discount.

-Original Message-
From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org
[mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Ben Williams
Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 8:43 PM
To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now

http://www.winnfelinehealth.org/

You know, I've thought a lot about things that could make a difference 
and

the most important thing that could change right now is the lack of
availability of Virbagen Interferon Omega in the United States.  Why in 
the

world does it make any sense for the FDA to require millions of dollars
worth of peer reviewed studies to be undertaken for US approval on a drug
that has been effectively saving cat's lives for almost a decade 
everywhere

else in the world and has been used in hundreds of foreign studies.
Interferon Omega would have probably saved Dexter's life, plain and 
simple.
However, I can't get a drug for him (that has absolutely no abuse 
potential

in humans, by the way) unless I go through a 2 month process with the DEA
and FDA that will only result in a guarantee that any overnight package 
from

Europe that contains the medication that I've been given permission to
import, will be seized and held for months, only to lose its 
refrigeration
and spoil.  This is, of course, after I've spent about $1200 for the 
honor.



So, I suggest that we all start calling and writing our congress-people 
and

senators and demanding an immediate provisional approval be given for
Virbagen Interferon Omega to be sold in the US.  Heck, it's practically a
cure for FiP as well!
___
Felvtalk mailing list
Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org



___
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Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org



___
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Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org 



___
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http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org

Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now

2011-07-06 Thread katskat1

Where please and how do you purchase Amoxicillin in Mexico?  I buy the
powder from my vet at her cost which is outrageous so if I could get
it from Mexico it would be a God send to the small rescue I am
co-founder of and maybe to her too.
And for my two FeLV+ kitties I have a vet that provides human
interferon but if ANYONE finds a way to purchase Virbagen Interferon
Omega for us here in America to use, PLEASE share the info and help
save our furrbabies lives...
Thanks
Kat
A 2nd Chance of Hillsboro, Ohio
katofo...@gmail.com

On 7/6/11, Natalie  wrote:
> Do you know if the Interferon is available in Canada or Mexico?
> The FDA is a real joke. My husband retired from Pfizer International
> Marketing, and I've heard my share of things.those who have worked at
> big pharmas end up working at the FDA, and often the reverse is true to -
> very handy for them!
> All the antibiotics like Amoxicillin and Clavamox are pediatric oral
> suspension formulas, merely packaged for veterinary us - that's why they are
> ridiculously flavored with strawberry or pineapple type yuck that cats'
> certainly don't like, but are made to tolerate.I purchase those for a
> fraction of a cost in Mexico - vets charge us a fortune for the same thing,
> even though we get 50% discount.
>
> -Original Message-
> From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org
> [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Ben Williams
> Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 8:43 PM
> To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
> Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now
>
> http://www.winnfelinehealth.org/
>
> You know, I've thought a lot about things that could make a difference and
> the most important thing that could change right now is the lack of
> availability of Virbagen Interferon Omega in the United States.  Why in the
> world does it make any sense for the FDA to require millions of dollars
> worth of peer reviewed studies to be undertaken for US approval on a drug
> that has been effectively saving cat's lives for almost a decade everywhere
> else in the world and has been used in hundreds of foreign studies.
> Interferon Omega would have probably saved Dexter's life, plain and simple.
> However, I can't get a drug for him (that has absolutely no abuse potential
> in humans, by the way) unless I go through a 2 month process with the DEA
> and FDA that will only result in a guarantee that any overnight package from
> Europe that contains the medication that I've been given permission to
> import, will be seized and held for months, only to lose its refrigeration
> and spoil.  This is, of course, after I've spent about $1200 for the honor.
>
>
> So, I suggest that we all start calling and writing our congress-people and
> senators and demanding an immediate provisional approval be given for
> Virbagen Interferon Omega to be sold in the US.  Heck, it's practically a
> cure for FiP as well!
> ___
> 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] Dexter and Cali are together now

Do you know if the Interferon is available in Canada or Mexico?
The FDA is a real joke. My husband retired from Pfizer International
Marketing, and I've heard my share of things.those who have worked at
big pharmas end up working at the FDA, and often the reverse is true to -
very handy for them!
All the antibiotics like Amoxicillin and Clavamox are pediatric oral
suspension formulas, merely packaged for veterinary us - that's why they are
ridiculously flavored with strawberry or pineapple type yuck that cats'
certainly don't like, but are made to tolerate.I purchase those for a
fraction of a cost in Mexico - vets charge us a fortune for the same thing,
even though we get 50% discount. 

-Original Message-
From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org
[mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Ben Williams
Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 8:43 PM
To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now

http://www.winnfelinehealth.org/

You know, I've thought a lot about things that could make a difference and
the most important thing that could change right now is the lack of
availability of Virbagen Interferon Omega in the United States.  Why in the
world does it make any sense for the FDA to require millions of dollars
worth of peer reviewed studies to be undertaken for US approval on a drug
that has been effectively saving cat's lives for almost a decade everywhere
else in the world and has been used in hundreds of foreign studies.
Interferon Omega would have probably saved Dexter's life, plain and simple.
However, I can't get a drug for him (that has absolutely no abuse potential
in humans, by the way) unless I go through a 2 month process with the DEA
and FDA that will only result in a guarantee that any overnight package from
Europe that contains the medication that I've been given permission to
import, will be seized and held for months, only to lose its refrigeration
and spoil.  This is, of course, after I've spent about $1200 for the honor.


So, I suggest that we all start calling and writing our congress-people and
senators and demanding an immediate provisional approval be given for
Virbagen Interferon Omega to be sold in the US.  Heck, it's practically a
cure for FiP as well!
___
Felvtalk mailing list
Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org



___
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Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
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Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now

I will ask my vet as well. Let's keep in touch and share what we find out. 
We definitely do not want our money wasted. Thanks for sharing that story.

L
- Original Message - 
From: "Natalie" 

To: 
Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 6:15 PM
Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now

I have no idea - maybe we should all do some searches to see what's out
there and ask a lot of questions! I'd hate to donate to anyone who merely
uses cats for the sake of research; I'd like to see if there's someplace
where they actually treat FeLV+ cats while trying for a cure, not mere
research for research sake and getting their hands on grant money. I 
should
ask my veterinarian, he was co-founder of AVAR (Association of 
Veterinarians

for Animal Rights, now part of HSUS) whether he is aware of any real and
constructive research done on FeLV.
In the 90s, Cleveland Amory was on a show debating a researcher who got
lucrative grants for animal experiments, and not really contributing to
anything specific - just useless stuff!  Cleveland asked him about a
specific case (Please note: it was made up at that moment to see how
ridiculous and irrelevant some research is!), describing a really 
grotesque
scenario of one cat's eye sewn shut, while the other was sewn so it 
couldn't

close, electrodes attached to the forehead, tail cut off, feeding tube
inserted, etc. The researcher started defending every bit of it without a
blink of an eye.  When he finished, Cleveland boomed "Aha, I knew you 
would
defend just about anything to get your hands on grant money; I just made 
the

whole thing up!"
BTW- Cleveland Amory was my very first adopter of a kitten that I trapped 
at

the Greenwich dump in 1992 - Tiger Bear, an pale orange tabby with golden
eyes (after his beloved white cat Polar Bear died).
Natalie

-Original Message-
From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org
[mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Lynda Wilson
Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 6:54 PM
To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now

You are most certainly correct, Natalie! Anyone know of a Feline Leukemia
Society to donate to? Is there a group of scientists that are trying  to
find a cure or a better treatment plan for this deadly disease? Our poor
babies!!

- Original Message - 
From: "Natalie" 

To: 
Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 2:41 PM
Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now

It is always so sad to hear about any of our little furries succumbing to
this horrible disease; I just wish that there were more available to help
them to feel better or get well.  One would think, that after all these
years, there would be more hope for them! What is it about this disease
that
makes it so complicated?  So many different symptoms that mimic other
thingsdoes anyone out there care to find a cure?
I am so sorry to hear about all of the crossings over the rainbow bridge!
Natalie

-Original Message-
From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org
[mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Cindy McHugh
Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 1:31 PM
To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now

Dear Cathy and Mark,

I didn't realize you lost your little Cali. I'm so sorry for your loss,
but
I'm glad that Cali got to know your love and kindess. As I said to Ben, I
pray you find comfort in knowing she's now happy and healthy. And when 
you

consider that you'll have eternity together, this separation is but a
speck
of time. Cali just turned a corner before you did and one day, you'll 
turn

that corner and there she'll be. She's not gone...just gone ahead.

You're in my thoughts and prayers,
Cindy

----- Original Message - 
From: 

To: 
Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 12:00 PM
Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now

Ben,

I guess Dexter knew that Cali needed someone to play with from Dallas.
We

lost our Cali last Monday and it has been to hard for me to even write
about it.  You were so helpful to our little Cali and Dr. Wright was
wonderful in the short time we had to make so many decisions.  We only
had

our little girl 5 months and she was tired (but a true fighter in her
short little life).  She ended up with fluid around her lungs and we
drained it once and it refilled back up within 24 hours.  She was so
tired

but she fought so hard for the five months we had her.  She was the
cutiest kitten but it was so hard to watch her laboring to breath.

I just want you to know that you and Dexter were a blessing to my 
husband

and I (and our little girl, Cali) and I promise, Cali and he are playing
together now with no pain.  Bless you, Ben, and thank you for all you 
did

for Dexter and for my family in our time of crisis and pain.

Cathy and Mark

 Ben Williams

Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter

2011-07-06 Thread Bonnie Hogue

Ben
My deepest condolences go out to you and your family, including the other
felines who are sure to miss Dex.  What a little sweetheart he must have
been.  He was fortunate to have your love and care.
~Bonnie

-Original Message-
From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org
[mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Ben Williams
Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 7:46 AM
To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter

I'd like to start off this message by thanking all of you for your kind
words regarding Dexter over the past few days - - my wife and I have shared
and appreciated every one of the emails - it's meant a lot to us.
Unfortunately, this morning has proven to be heartbreaking to us both - we
received a call first thing this morning from East Dallas Animal Clinic's
Dr. Ken Cantrell that Dexter's condition had worsened over the course of the
night.  After picking Dex up from the Emergency clinic yesterday morning, we
immediately took him to Dr. Wright at Lakewood Vet Center.  Dr. Wright has
been on vacation since last week and we were told that he would be back
yesterday morning - but he hadn't yet returned.  I took Dexter to see him on
three occasions last week for his lymphocyte T-Cell Immunomodulator
injections, but was only able to see him that Monday.  When we took Dex in
on Friday when the swelling of his feet and face had begun, we were given no
advice by his staff who were unable to do anything other than give Dex his
shot and usher us out the door.  They are all very caring people and I don't
blame them for anything, but I feel that any vet who runs a practice where
he is the only doctor on staff, should do a bit more to keep his patients
informed about his availability - that way precious minutes or hours or days
aren't wasted waiting for him to return.  Fortunately, several weeks ago,
when trying to convince Dr. Wright to order the LTCI treatment (which took
him over a week to do) I was referred to the East Dallas Animal Clinic by
the LTCI folks - they had used the medication before.   East Dallas Animal
Clinic is a wonderful place.  We've worked with Dr. Ellsworth and Dr.
Cantrell there - - they are both compassionate and make a point of taking
calls from concerned pet owners.  They have both been wonderful to work with
and have been open to taking every conceivable avenue with Dex's treatment.
I only wish we had been seeing them from the start. We rushed Dex to them
yesterday morning as soon as it became clear that Dr. Wright wouldn't be
returning.  Again, I don't blame Dr. Wright, but when we took Dexter in for
his checkup three weeks ago and Dr. Wright informed us that anemia had set
in, his advice was to "take him home and make him comfortable."  A week
passed as I researched and tried to communicate with him about alternate
treatments and off-label meds.  When you factor in that week and the week he
took to order the LTCI meds, that's two out of the last three weeks where
Dex had little treatment.  Again, why the difficulty in getting anything
done for Dex?  East Dallas, however, fit Dex in on the first day we spoke
with him and started him on Acemannan injections.  They had two remaining
doses remaining of that drug; a drug that was very beneficial to Dex last
year when he was first diagnosed.  they sacrificed those 2 doses for Dex
without question - had I gone to them earlier, perhaps it would have had
more effect on him. Regardless, Dex seemed to make improvements while on
Immunoregulin, LCTI and the acemannan.  FeLV and FIV are horrible diseases,
though, and I felt like there was something always sneaking up on Dex while
we treated him.  We seemed to reverse the anemia, but his Lymph nodes were
swelling.  Some days they would go down, other days, they would blow up.
When the mystery feet and face swelling started last week, he even responded
well with benadryl.  That thing sneaking up on Dexter?  Full blown cancer -
it wasn't just in his lymph nodes, it was in his liver and spleen - it had
probably made his heart swell.  His breathing was becoming more and more
labored and we struggled with the decision of when Dexter was in too much
pain to continue.  Yesterday, Dr. Cantrell started chemotherapy on Dex, as
well as steroids.  He seemed to tolerate the meds well, but over the course
of the night, he became more jaundiced and vomited, while his body
temperature dropped to 94 degrees.  His little body had given out as this
terrible disease had taken almost everything from him.  I say almost
everything, because when we arrived at East Dallas Animal Clinic this
morning, even though he was being hand fed oxygen while under a warming pad,
little Dexter still had a playful wag of the tail when we placed our hands
on him and told him how much we love him.  Dexter died at 8 this morning.
We are heartbroken that our sweet boy is gone and that he was only with us
for a year and a

Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now

2011-07-06 Thread Cindy McHugh

Thank you Sara. I can't take credit for the sentiment; it belongs to Dee 
Miller, a kind and compassionate woman on my Canine list. Whenever I've lost 
a pet and post to the list, I always find comfort in Dee's reassuring words 
that my beloved is not gone, just gone ahead.


Cindy and Angel Jackpot, who's gone ahead


- Original Message - 
From: "Sara Kasteleyn" 

To: 
Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 1:36 PM
Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now



Cindy, what a beautiful thoughtthey are not gone, just gone ahead.

Cathy and Mark.we'll make that two beautiful candles tonight in
SoCal...one for Cali and one for Dexter.  So sorry for your loss.

Sara


-Original Message-
From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org
[mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Cindy McHugh
Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 10:31 AM
To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now

Dear Cathy and Mark,

I didn't realize you lost your little Cali. I'm so sorry for your loss, 
but

I'm glad that Cali got to know your love and kindess. As I said to Ben, I
pray you find comfort in knowing she's now happy and healthy. And when you
consider that you'll have eternity together, this separation is but a 
speck

of time. Cali just turned a corner before you did and one day, you'll turn
that corner and there she'll be. She's not gone...just gone ahead.

You're in my thoughts and prayers,
Cindy


- Original Message ----- 
From: 

To: 
Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 12:00 PM
Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now



Ben,

I guess Dexter knew that Cali needed someone to play with from Dallas. 
We



lost our Cali last Monday and it has been to hard for me to even write
about it.  You were so helpful to our little Cali and Dr. Wright was
wonderful in the short time we had to make so many decisions.  We only 
had



our little girl 5 months and she was tired (but a true fighter in her
short little life).  She ended up with fluid around her lungs and we
drained it once and it refilled back up within 24 hours.  She was so 
tired



but she fought so hard for the five months we had her.  She was the
cutiest kitten but it was so hard to watch her laboring to breath.

I just want you to know that you and Dexter were a blessing to my husband
and I (and our little girl, Cali) and I promise, Cali and he are playing
together now with no pain.  Bless you, Ben, and thank you for all you did
for Dexter and for my family in our time of crisis and pain.

Cathy and Mark

 Ben Williams  wrote:

=
I'd like to start off this message by thanking all of you for your kind
words regarding Dexter over the past few days - - my wife and I have
shared
and appreciated every one of the emails - it's meant a lot to us.
Unfortunately, this morning has proven to be heartbreaking to us both - 
we

received a call first thing this morning from East Dallas Animal Clinic's
Dr. Ken Cantrell that Dexter's condition had worsened over the course of
the
night.  After picking Dex up from the Emergency clinic yesterday morning,
we
immediately took him to Dr. Wright at Lakewood Vet Center.  Dr. Wright 
has

been on vacation since last week and we were told that he would be back
yesterday morning - but he hadn't yet returned.  I took Dexter to see him
on
three occasions last week for his lymphocyte T-Cell Immunomodulator
injections, but was only able to see him that Monday.  When we took Dex 
in

on Friday when the swelling of his feet and face had begun, we were given
no
advice by his staff who were unable to do anything other than give Dex 
his

shot and usher us out the door.  They are all very caring people and I
don't
blame them for anything, but I feel that any vet who runs a practice 
where

he is the only doctor on staff, should do a bit more to keep his patients
informed about his availability - that way precious minutes or hours or
days
aren't wasted waiting for him to return.  Fortunately, several weeks ago,
when trying to convince Dr. Wright to order the LTCI treatment (which 
took

him over a week to do) I was referred to the East Dallas Animal Clinic by
the LTCI folks - they had used the medication before.   East Dallas 
Animal

Clinic is a wonderful place.  We've worked with Dr. Ellsworth and Dr.
Cantrell there - - they are both compassionate and make a point of taking
calls from concerned pet owners.  They have both been wonderful to work
with
and have been open to taking every conceivable avenue with Dex's
treatment.
I only wish we had been seeing them from the start. We rushed Dex to them
yesterday morning as soon as it became clear that Dr. Wright wouldn't be
returning.  Again, I don't blame Dr. Wright, but when we took Dexter in
for
his checkup three weeks ago and Dr. Wright informed us that anemia had

[Felvtalk] Dexter

2011-07-06 Thread Amy

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

Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now

http://www.winnfelinehealth.org/

You know, I've thought a lot about things that could make a difference and
the most important thing that could change right now is the lack of
availability of Virbagen Interferon Omega in the United States.  Why in the
world does it make any sense for the FDA to require millions of dollars
worth of peer reviewed studies to be undertaken for US approval on a drug
that has been effectively saving cat's lives for almost a decade everywhere
else in the world and has been used in hundreds of foreign studies.
Interferon Omega would have probably saved Dexter's life, plain and simple.
However, I can't get a drug for him (that has absolutely no abuse potential
in humans, by the way) unless I go through a 2 month process with the DEA
and FDA that will only result in a guarantee that any overnight package from
Europe that contains the medication that I've been given permission to
import, will be seized and held for months, only to lose its refrigeration
and spoil.  This is, of course, after I've spent about $1200 for the honor.


So, I suggest that we all start calling and writing our congress-people and
senators and demanding an immediate provisional approval be given for
Virbagen Interferon Omega to be sold in the US.  Heck, it's practically a
cure for FiP as well!
___
Felvtalk mailing list
Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org

Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter

2011-07-06 Thread Diane Rosenfeldt

Natalie, I have never had this experience either when one of my furbabies
has passed -- but I haven't picked them up or moved them around, perhaps
this is just a gravity issue. I work for the county Medical Examiner, and I
can attest that more often than not, there is some sort of fluid that
escapes when a person dies. Could be mucus, urine, whatever might seek its
own level when all the muscles relax. In Dexter's case, I'm guessing it was
fluid that was building up somewhere, but that doesn't necessarily mean it
was making him suffer. I'm sorry that was the last thing you saw happen with
him and it bothered you, but please don't let it make you feel guilty. It's
natural.

Diane R.

-Original Message-
From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org
[mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Natalie
Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 5:47 PM
To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter

I know that when an animal or human being dies, this is supposed to happen -
but in all the years and all the euthanasia I had to have administered,
always holding the animals (cats and dogs), and then staying with them for
about 15 minutes (our vet allows everyone to be alone with them) - it has
NEVER happened, yet! I wonder if that's unusual? Natalie

-Original Message-
From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org
[mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of MaiMaiPG
Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 6:05 PM
To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter

It is natural for a body to release fluids and solids as the soul leaves it.
This is true with animals and with people.  It is not a sign of pain.  It is
a sign of muscle relaxation.  This is one reason a vet may wrap a body in
plastic.  I never, ever, never have or will leave a friend to leave this
world without me holding him/her and this happens.  It also happens in
natural deaths.  Don't ask about releases when a person commits suicide or
even is murdered.  It can be awful if a family member discovers the body.
This, again, is not a sign of pain.
On Jul 6, 2011, at 4:25 PM, Ben Williams wrote:

> Thanks so much, everyone.  It's been a really hard day for us and I'm
> haunted by seeing Dexter this morning struggling so hard to live.   
> You've
> all been so wonderful and your kind comments have really helped today 
> - if anything, we are realizing even more now just how much we love 
> that little boy.  He was so special to us.
>
>  If I may, I have a question regarding Euthanasia for those of you who 
> have been through this before - for those of you who are squeamish, 
> please just skip this one:
>
> Dexter passed peacefully when Dr. Cantrell administered the euthanasia 
> this morning.  He let out a small sigh when the initial sedative was 
> injected and silently slipped away when the final injection was made.  
> A few minutes later, as we were still petting him, a fair amount of 
> yellow, clear liquid came out of his mouth and nose.  I assume this 
> was fluid that had started to
> collect in his lungs, perhaps part of the jaundice from his liver?   
> I don't
> know - I just can't stand the idea that he was in severe pain for a 
> while there and that, perhaps, we put him through it.  He had a chest 
> X- ray on
> sunday night and no fluid was visible.  Or, maybe it was missed.   
> Sorry for
> the awkward question.
>
> On Wed, Jul 6, 2011 at 12:46 PM, Lynda Wilson 
>  >wrote:
>
>> My heart is breaking after reading your story!  I'm truly sorry 
>> Dexter is gone, but he will live within your heart now.
>>
>> You did so much for him and he fought the battle as much as he could.
>>
>> My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
>>
>> Lynda
>> - Original Message - From: "Ben Williams" 
>> > >
>> To: 
>> Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 9:46 AM
>> Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter
>>
>>
>> I'd like to start off this message by thanking all of you for your 
>> kind
>>> words regarding Dexter over the past few days - - my wife and I have 
>>> shared and appreciated every one of the emails - it's meant a lot to 
>>> us.
>>> Unfortunately, this morning has proven to be heartbreaking to us 
>>> both - we received a call first thing this morning from East Dallas 
>>> Animal Clinic's Dr. Ken Cantrell that Dexter's condition had 
>>> worsened over the course of the night.  After picking Dex up from 
>>> the Emergency clinic yesterday morning, we immediately took him to 
>>> Dr. Wright at Lakewood Vet Center.  Dr.
>>> Wright has
>>> been on vacation since last week and we were told that he would

Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now

I have no idea...do you know what exactly they do?  What's their website -
let's look into it.

-Original Message-
From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org
[mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Ben Williams
Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 7:34 PM
To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now

Doesnt the Wynn Foundation do a lot of good work for cats?

-- My iPhone told me to send this message. --

On Jul 6, 2011, at 6:15 PM, Natalie  wrote:

> I have no idea - maybe we should all do some searches to see what's out
> there and ask a lot of questions! I'd hate to donate to anyone who merely
> uses cats for the sake of research; I'd like to see if there's someplace
> where they actually treat FeLV+ cats while trying for a cure, not mere
> research for research sake and getting their hands on grant money. I
should
> ask my veterinarian, he was co-founder of AVAR (Association of
Veterinarians
> for Animal Rights, now part of HSUS) whether he is aware of any real and
> constructive research done on FeLV.
> In the 90s, Cleveland Amory was on a show debating a researcher who got
> lucrative grants for animal experiments, and not really contributing to
> anything specific - just useless stuff!  Cleveland asked him about a
> specific case (Please note: it was made up at that moment to see how
> ridiculous and irrelevant some research is!), describing a really
grotesque
> scenario of one cat's eye sewn shut, while the other was sewn so it
couldn't
> close, electrodes attached to the forehead, tail cut off, feeding tube
> inserted, etc. The researcher started defending every bit of it without a
> blink of an eye.  When he finished, Cleveland boomed "Aha, I knew you
would
> defend just about anything to get your hands on grant money; I just made
the
> whole thing up!"
> BTW- Cleveland Amory was my very first adopter of a kitten that I trapped
at
> the Greenwich dump in 1992 - Tiger Bear, an pale orange tabby with golden
> eyes (after his beloved white cat Polar Bear died).
> Natalie
> 
> -Original Message-
> From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org
> [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Lynda Wilson
> Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 6:54 PM
> To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
> Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now
> 
> You are most certainly correct, Natalie! Anyone know of a Feline Leukemia 
> Society to donate to? Is there a group of scientists that are trying  to 
> find a cure or a better treatment plan for this deadly disease? Our poor 
> babies!!
> 
> 
> - Original Message - 
> From: "Natalie" 
> To: 
> Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 2:41 PM
> Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now
> 
> 
>> It is always so sad to hear about any of our little furries succumbing to
>> this horrible disease; I just wish that there were more available to help
>> them to feel better or get well.  One would think, that after all these
>> years, there would be more hope for them! What is it about this disease 
>> that
>> makes it so complicated?  So many different symptoms that mimic other
>> thingsdoes anyone out there care to find a cure?
>> I am so sorry to hear about all of the crossings over the rainbow bridge!
>> Natalie
>> 
>> -Original Message-
>> From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org
>> [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Cindy McHugh
>> Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 1:31 PM
>> To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
>> Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now
>> 
>> Dear Cathy and Mark,
>> 
>> I didn't realize you lost your little Cali. I'm so sorry for your loss, 
>> but
>> I'm glad that Cali got to know your love and kindess. As I said to Ben, I
>> pray you find comfort in knowing she's now happy and healthy. And when
you
>> consider that you'll have eternity together, this separation is but a 
>> speck
>> of time. Cali just turned a corner before you did and one day, you'll
turn
>> that corner and there she'll be. She's not gone...just gone ahead.
>> 
>> You're in my thoughts and prayers,
>> Cindy
>> 
>> 
>> - Original Message - 
>> From: 
>> To: 
>> Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 12:00 PM
>> Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now
>> 
>> 
>>> Ben,
>>> 
>>> I guess Dexter knew that Cali needed someone to play with from Dallas. 
>>> We
>> 
>>> lost our Cali last Monday and it has been to hard for me

Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now

Doesnt the Wynn Foundation do a lot of good work for cats?

-- My iPhone told me to send this message. --

On Jul 6, 2011, at 6:15 PM, Natalie  wrote:

> I have no idea - maybe we should all do some searches to see what's out
> there and ask a lot of questions! I'd hate to donate to anyone who merely
> uses cats for the sake of research; I'd like to see if there's someplace
> where they actually treat FeLV+ cats while trying for a cure, not mere
> research for research sake and getting their hands on grant money. I should
> ask my veterinarian, he was co-founder of AVAR (Association of Veterinarians
> for Animal Rights, now part of HSUS) whether he is aware of any real and
> constructive research done on FeLV.
> In the 90s, Cleveland Amory was on a show debating a researcher who got
> lucrative grants for animal experiments, and not really contributing to
> anything specific - just useless stuff!  Cleveland asked him about a
> specific case (Please note: it was made up at that moment to see how
> ridiculous and irrelevant some research is!), describing a really grotesque
> scenario of one cat's eye sewn shut, while the other was sewn so it couldn't
> close, electrodes attached to the forehead, tail cut off, feeding tube
> inserted, etc. The researcher started defending every bit of it without a
> blink of an eye.  When he finished, Cleveland boomed "Aha, I knew you would
> defend just about anything to get your hands on grant money; I just made the
> whole thing up!"
> BTW- Cleveland Amory was my very first adopter of a kitten that I trapped at
> the Greenwich dump in 1992 - Tiger Bear, an pale orange tabby with golden
> eyes (after his beloved white cat Polar Bear died).
> Natalie
> 
> -Original Message-
> From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org
> [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Lynda Wilson
> Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 6:54 PM
> To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
> Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now
> 
> You are most certainly correct, Natalie! Anyone know of a Feline Leukemia 
> Society to donate to? Is there a group of scientists that are trying  to 
> find a cure or a better treatment plan for this deadly disease? Our poor 
> babies!!
> 
> 
> - Original Message - 
> From: "Natalie" 
> To: 
> Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 2:41 PM
> Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now
> 
> 
>> It is always so sad to hear about any of our little furries succumbing to
>> this horrible disease; I just wish that there were more available to help
>> them to feel better or get well.  One would think, that after all these
>> years, there would be more hope for them! What is it about this disease 
>> that
>> makes it so complicated?  So many different symptoms that mimic other
>> thingsdoes anyone out there care to find a cure?
>> I am so sorry to hear about all of the crossings over the rainbow bridge!
>> Natalie
>> 
>> -----Original Message-
>> From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org
>> [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Cindy McHugh
>> Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 1:31 PM
>> To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
>> Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now
>> 
>> Dear Cathy and Mark,
>> 
>> I didn't realize you lost your little Cali. I'm so sorry for your loss, 
>> but
>> I'm glad that Cali got to know your love and kindess. As I said to Ben, I
>> pray you find comfort in knowing she's now happy and healthy. And when you
>> consider that you'll have eternity together, this separation is but a 
>> speck
>> of time. Cali just turned a corner before you did and one day, you'll turn
>> that corner and there she'll be. She's not gone...just gone ahead.
>> 
>> You're in my thoughts and prayers,
>> Cindy
>> 
>> 
>> - Original Message - 
>> From: 
>> To: 
>> Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 12:00 PM
>> Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now
>> 
>> 
>>> Ben,
>>> 
>>> I guess Dexter knew that Cali needed someone to play with from Dallas. 
>>> We
>> 
>>> lost our Cali last Monday and it has been to hard for me to even write
>>> about it.  You were so helpful to our little Cali and Dr. Wright was
>>> wonderful in the short time we had to make so many decisions.  We only 
>>> had
>> 
>>> our little girl 5 months and she was tired (but a true fighter in her
>>> short little life).  She ended up with fluid around her lungs a

Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now

I have no idea - maybe we should all do some searches to see what's out
there and ask a lot of questions! I'd hate to donate to anyone who merely
uses cats for the sake of research; I'd like to see if there's someplace
where they actually treat FeLV+ cats while trying for a cure, not mere
research for research sake and getting their hands on grant money. I should
ask my veterinarian, he was co-founder of AVAR (Association of Veterinarians
for Animal Rights, now part of HSUS) whether he is aware of any real and
constructive research done on FeLV.
In the 90s, Cleveland Amory was on a show debating a researcher who got
lucrative grants for animal experiments, and not really contributing to
anything specific - just useless stuff!  Cleveland asked him about a
specific case (Please note: it was made up at that moment to see how
ridiculous and irrelevant some research is!), describing a really grotesque
scenario of one cat's eye sewn shut, while the other was sewn so it couldn't
close, electrodes attached to the forehead, tail cut off, feeding tube
inserted, etc. The researcher started defending every bit of it without a
blink of an eye.  When he finished, Cleveland boomed "Aha, I knew you would
defend just about anything to get your hands on grant money; I just made the
whole thing up!"
BTW- Cleveland Amory was my very first adopter of a kitten that I trapped at
the Greenwich dump in 1992 - Tiger Bear, an pale orange tabby with golden
eyes (after his beloved white cat Polar Bear died).
Natalie

-Original Message-
From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org
[mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Lynda Wilson
Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 6:54 PM
To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now

You are most certainly correct, Natalie! Anyone know of a Feline Leukemia 
Society to donate to? Is there a group of scientists that are trying  to 
find a cure or a better treatment plan for this deadly disease? Our poor 
babies!!


- Original Message - 
From: "Natalie" 
To: 
Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 2:41 PM
Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now


> It is always so sad to hear about any of our little furries succumbing to
> this horrible disease; I just wish that there were more available to help
> them to feel better or get well.  One would think, that after all these
> years, there would be more hope for them! What is it about this disease 
> that
> makes it so complicated?  So many different symptoms that mimic other
> thingsdoes anyone out there care to find a cure?
> I am so sorry to hear about all of the crossings over the rainbow bridge!
> Natalie
>
> -Original Message-
> From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org
> [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Cindy McHugh
> Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 1:31 PM
> To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
> Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now
>
> Dear Cathy and Mark,
>
> I didn't realize you lost your little Cali. I'm so sorry for your loss, 
> but
> I'm glad that Cali got to know your love and kindess. As I said to Ben, I
> pray you find comfort in knowing she's now happy and healthy. And when you
> consider that you'll have eternity together, this separation is but a 
> speck
> of time. Cali just turned a corner before you did and one day, you'll turn
> that corner and there she'll be. She's not gone...just gone ahead.
>
> You're in my thoughts and prayers,
> Cindy
>
>
> - Original Message - 
> From: 
> To: 
> Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 12:00 PM
> Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now
>
>
>> Ben,
>>
>> I guess Dexter knew that Cali needed someone to play with from Dallas. 
>> We
>
>> lost our Cali last Monday and it has been to hard for me to even write
>> about it.  You were so helpful to our little Cali and Dr. Wright was
>> wonderful in the short time we had to make so many decisions.  We only 
>> had
>
>> our little girl 5 months and she was tired (but a true fighter in her
>> short little life).  She ended up with fluid around her lungs and we
>> drained it once and it refilled back up within 24 hours.  She was so 
>> tired
>
>> but she fought so hard for the five months we had her.  She was the
>> cutiest kitten but it was so hard to watch her laboring to breath.
>>
>> I just want you to know that you and Dexter were a blessing to my husband
>> and I (and our little girl, Cali) and I promise, Cali and he are playing
>> together now with no pain.  Bless you, Ben, and thank you for all you did
>> for Dexter and for my family in our time of crisis and pain.
>>

Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter

2011-07-06 Thread Diane Rosenfeldt

Ben, I'm so sorry you and Dexter lost your fight. It happens all too often,
and not from lack of caring or trying -- or from not doing things
differently. Given Dex's condition as you describe it, I don't think the
outcome would have been wildly different if the variables you mention had
been different -- but possibly you would have had less worry about someone
being available to treat him in a timely manner.

My condolences to all of you.

Diane R.

-Original Message-
From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org
[mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Ben Williams
Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 9:46 AM
To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter

I'd like to start off this message by thanking all of you for your kind
words regarding Dexter over the past few days - - my wife and I have shared
and appreciated every one of the emails - it's meant a lot to us.
Unfortunately, this morning has proven to be heartbreaking to us both - we
received a call first thing this morning from East Dallas Animal Clinic's
Dr. Ken Cantrell that Dexter's condition had worsened over the course of the
night.  After picking Dex up from the Emergency clinic yesterday morning, we
immediately took him to Dr. Wright at Lakewood Vet Center.  Dr. Wright has
been on vacation since last week and we were told that he would be back
yesterday morning - but he hadn't yet returned.  I took Dexter to see him on
three occasions last week for his lymphocyte T-Cell Immunomodulator
injections, but was only able to see him that Monday.  When we took Dex in
on Friday when the swelling of his feet and face had begun, we were given no
advice by his staff who were unable to do anything other than give Dex his
shot and usher us out the door.  They are all very caring people and I don't
blame them for anything, but I feel that any vet who runs a practice where
he is the only doctor on staff, should do a bit more to keep his patients
informed about his availability - that way precious minutes or hours or days
aren't wasted waiting for him to return.  Fortunately, several weeks ago,
when trying to convince Dr. Wright to order the LTCI treatment (which took
him over a week to do) I was referred to the East Dallas Animal Clinic by
the LTCI folks - they had used the medication before.   East Dallas Animal
Clinic is a wonderful place.  We've worked with Dr. Ellsworth and Dr.
Cantrell there - - they are both compassionate and make a point of taking
calls from concerned pet owners.  They have both been wonderful to work with
and have been open to taking every conceivable avenue with Dex's treatment.
I only wish we had been seeing them from the start. We rushed Dex to them
yesterday morning as soon as it became clear that Dr. Wright wouldn't be
returning.  Again, I don't blame Dr. Wright, but when we took Dexter in for
his checkup three weeks ago and Dr. Wright informed us that anemia had set
in, his advice was to "take him home and make him comfortable."  A week
passed as I researched and tried to communicate with him about alternate
treatments and off-label meds.  When you factor in that week and the week he
took to order the LTCI meds, that's two out of the last three weeks where
Dex had little treatment.  Again, why the difficulty in getting anything
done for Dex?  East Dallas, however, fit Dex in on the first day we spoke
with him and started him on Acemannan injections.  They had two remaining
doses remaining of that drug; a drug that was very beneficial to Dex last
year when he was first diagnosed.  they sacrificed those 2 doses for Dex
without question - had I gone to them earlier, perhaps it would have had
more effect on him. Regardless, Dex seemed to make improvements while on
Immunoregulin, LCTI and the acemannan.  FeLV and FIV are horrible diseases,
though, and I felt like there was something always sneaking up on Dex while
we treated him.  We seemed to reverse the anemia, but his Lymph nodes were
swelling.  Some days they would go down, other days, they would blow up.
When the mystery feet and face swelling started last week, he even responded
well with benadryl.  That thing sneaking up on Dexter?  Full blown cancer -
it wasn't just in his lymph nodes, it was in his liver and spleen - it had
probably made his heart swell.  His breathing was becoming more and more
labored and we struggled with the decision of when Dexter was in too much
pain to continue.  Yesterday, Dr. Cantrell started chemotherapy on Dex, as
well as steroids.  He seemed to tolerate the meds well, but over the course
of the night, he became more jaundiced and vomited, while his body
temperature dropped to 94 degrees.  His little body had given out as this
terrible disease had taken almost everything from him.  I say almost
everything, because when we arrived at East Dallas Animal Clinic this
morning, even though he was being hand fed oxygen while under

Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter

Ben, same thing happened to my kitty, Crash, that I had adopted from the 
local Humane Society. I thought the same. I stayed so long with him to say 
good-bye that I noticed the fluid coming out of his nose. I never asked 
about it. I think at the time, I did not want to know. He was having a hard 
time breathing as well.


Peace be with you!
Lynda
- Original Message - 
From: "Ben Williams" 

To: 
Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 4:25 PM
Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter



Thanks so much, everyone.  It's been a really hard day for us and I'm
haunted by seeing Dexter this morning struggling so hard to live.  You've
all been so wonderful and your kind comments have really helped today - if
anything, we are realizing even more now just how much we love that little
boy.  He was so special to us.

 If I may, I have a question regarding Euthanasia for those of you who 
have

been through this before - for those of you who are squeamish, please just
skip this one:

Dexter passed peacefully when Dr. Cantrell administered the euthanasia 
this
morning.  He let out a small sigh when the initial sedative was injected 
and

silently slipped away when the final injection was made.  A few minutes
later, as we were still petting him, a fair amount of yellow, clear liquid
came out of his mouth and nose.  I assume this was fluid that had started 
to
collect in his lungs, perhaps part of the jaundice from his liver?  I 
don't

know - I just can't stand the idea that he was in severe pain for a while
there and that, perhaps, we put him through it.  He had a chest X-ray on
sunday night and no fluid was visible.  Or, maybe it was missed.  Sorry 
for

the awkward question.

On Wed, Jul 6, 2011 at 12:46 PM, Lynda Wilson 
wrote:



My heart is breaking after reading your story!  I'm truly sorry Dexter is
gone, but he will live within your heart now.

You did so much for him and he fought the battle as much as he could.

My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.

Lynda
- Original Message - From: "Ben Williams" 
To: 
Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 9:46 AM
Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter


 I'd like to start off this message by thanking all of you for your kind

words regarding Dexter over the past few days - - my wife and I have
shared
and appreciated every one of the emails - it's meant a lot to us.
Unfortunately, this morning has proven to be heartbreaking to us both - 
we
received a call first thing this morning from East Dallas Animal 
Clinic's

Dr. Ken Cantrell that Dexter's condition had worsened over the course of
the
night.  After picking Dex up from the Emergency clinic yesterday 
morning,

we
immediately took him to Dr. Wright at Lakewood Vet Center.  Dr. Wright 
has

been on vacation since last week and we were told that he would be back
yesterday morning - but he hadn't yet returned.  I took Dexter to see 
him

on
three occasions last week for his lymphocyte T-Cell Immunomodulator
injections, but was only able to see him that Monday.  When we took Dex 
in
on Friday when the swelling of his feet and face had begun, we were 
given

no
advice by his staff who were unable to do anything other than give Dex 
his

shot and usher us out the door.  They are all very caring people and I
don't
blame them for anything, but I feel that any vet who runs a practice 
where
he is the only doctor on staff, should do a bit more to keep his 
patients

informed about his availability - that way precious minutes or hours or
days
aren't wasted waiting for him to return.  Fortunately, several weeks 
ago,
when trying to convince Dr. Wright to order the LTCI treatment (which 
took
him over a week to do) I was referred to the East Dallas Animal Clinic 
by
the LTCI folks - they had used the medication before.   East Dallas 
Animal

Clinic is a wonderful place.  We've worked with Dr. Ellsworth and Dr.
Cantrell there - - they are both compassionate and make a point of 
taking

calls from concerned pet owners.  They have both been wonderful to work
with
and have been open to taking every conceivable avenue with Dex's
treatment.
I only wish we had been seeing them from the start. We rushed Dex to 
them

yesterday morning as soon as it became clear that Dr. Wright wouldn't be
returning.  Again, I don't blame Dr. Wright, but when we took Dexter in
for
his checkup three weeks ago and Dr. Wright informed us that anemia had 
set

in, his advice was to "take him home and make him comfortable."  A week
passed as I researched and tried to communicate with him about alternate
treatments and off-label meds.  When you factor in that week and the 
week

he
took to order the LTCI meds, that's two out of the last three weeks 
where

Dex had little treatment.  Again, why the difficulty in getting anything
done for Dex?  East Dallas, however, fit Dex in on the first day we 
spoke
with him and started him on Acemannan injection

Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now

You are most certainly correct, Natalie! Anyone know of a Feline Leukemia 
Society to donate to? Is there a group of scientists that are trying  to 
find a cure or a better treatment plan for this deadly disease? Our poor 
babies!!



- Original Message - 
From: "Natalie" 

To: 
Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 2:41 PM
Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now



It is always so sad to hear about any of our little furries succumbing to
this horrible disease; I just wish that there were more available to help
them to feel better or get well.  One would think, that after all these
years, there would be more hope for them! What is it about this disease 
that

makes it so complicated?  So many different symptoms that mimic other
thingsdoes anyone out there care to find a cure?
I am so sorry to hear about all of the crossings over the rainbow bridge!
Natalie

-Original Message-
From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org
[mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Cindy McHugh
Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 1:31 PM
To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now

Dear Cathy and Mark,

I didn't realize you lost your little Cali. I'm so sorry for your loss, 
but

I'm glad that Cali got to know your love and kindess. As I said to Ben, I
pray you find comfort in knowing she's now happy and healthy. And when you
consider that you'll have eternity together, this separation is but a 
speck

of time. Cali just turned a corner before you did and one day, you'll turn
that corner and there she'll be. She's not gone...just gone ahead.

You're in my thoughts and prayers,
Cindy


- Original Message - 
From: 

To: 
Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 12:00 PM
Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now



Ben,

I guess Dexter knew that Cali needed someone to play with from Dallas. 
We



lost our Cali last Monday and it has been to hard for me to even write
about it.  You were so helpful to our little Cali and Dr. Wright was
wonderful in the short time we had to make so many decisions.  We only 
had



our little girl 5 months and she was tired (but a true fighter in her
short little life).  She ended up with fluid around her lungs and we
drained it once and it refilled back up within 24 hours.  She was so 
tired



but she fought so hard for the five months we had her.  She was the
cutiest kitten but it was so hard to watch her laboring to breath.

I just want you to know that you and Dexter were a blessing to my husband
and I (and our little girl, Cali) and I promise, Cali and he are playing
together now with no pain.  Bless you, Ben, and thank you for all you did
for Dexter and for my family in our time of crisis and pain.

Cathy and Mark

 Ben Williams  wrote:

=
I'd like to start off this message by thanking all of you for your kind
words regarding Dexter over the past few days - - my wife and I have
shared
and appreciated every one of the emails - it's meant a lot to us.
Unfortunately, this morning has proven to be heartbreaking to us both - 
we

received a call first thing this morning from East Dallas Animal Clinic's
Dr. Ken Cantrell that Dexter's condition had worsened over the course of
the
night.  After picking Dex up from the Emergency clinic yesterday morning,
we
immediately took him to Dr. Wright at Lakewood Vet Center.  Dr. Wright 
has

been on vacation since last week and we were told that he would be back
yesterday morning - but he hadn't yet returned.  I took Dexter to see him
on
three occasions last week for his lymphocyte T-Cell Immunomodulator
injections, but was only able to see him that Monday.  When we took Dex 
in

on Friday when the swelling of his feet and face had begun, we were given
no
advice by his staff who were unable to do anything other than give Dex 
his

shot and usher us out the door.  They are all very caring people and I
don't
blame them for anything, but I feel that any vet who runs a practice 
where

he is the only doctor on staff, should do a bit more to keep his patients
informed about his availability - that way precious minutes or hours or
days
aren't wasted waiting for him to return.  Fortunately, several weeks ago,
when trying to convince Dr. Wright to order the LTCI treatment (which 
took

him over a week to do) I was referred to the East Dallas Animal Clinic by
the LTCI folks - they had used the medication before.   East Dallas 
Animal

Clinic is a wonderful place.  We've worked with Dr. Ellsworth and Dr.
Cantrell there - - they are both compassionate and make a point of taking
calls from concerned pet owners.  They have both been wonderful to work
with
and have been open to taking every conceivable avenue with Dex's
treatment.
I only wish we had been seeing them from the start. We rushed Dex to them
yesterday morning as soon as it became clear that Dr. Wright

Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter

I know that when an animal or human being dies, this is supposed to happen -
but in all the years and all the euthanasia I had to have administered,
always holding the animals (cats and dogs), and then staying with them for
about 15 minutes (our vet allows everyone to be alone with them) - it has
NEVER happened, yet! I wonder if that's unusual? Natalie

-Original Message-
From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org
[mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of MaiMaiPG
Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 6:05 PM
To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter

It is natural for a body to release fluids and solids as the soul  
leaves it.  This is true with animals and with people.  It is not a  
sign of pain.  It is a sign of muscle relaxation.  This is one reason  
a vet may wrap a body in plastic.  I never, ever, never have or will  
leave a friend to leave this world without me holding him/her and this  
happens.  It also happens in natural deaths.  Don't ask about releases  
when a person commits suicide or even is murdered.  It can be awful if  
a family member discovers the body.  This, again, is not a sign of  
pain.
On Jul 6, 2011, at 4:25 PM, Ben Williams wrote:

> Thanks so much, everyone.  It's been a really hard day for us and I'm
> haunted by seeing Dexter this morning struggling so hard to live.   
> You've
> all been so wonderful and your kind comments have really helped  
> today - if
> anything, we are realizing even more now just how much we love that  
> little
> boy.  He was so special to us.
>
>  If I may, I have a question regarding Euthanasia for those of you  
> who have
> been through this before - for those of you who are squeamish,  
> please just
> skip this one:
>
> Dexter passed peacefully when Dr. Cantrell administered the  
> euthanasia this
> morning.  He let out a small sigh when the initial sedative was  
> injected and
> silently slipped away when the final injection was made.  A few  
> minutes
> later, as we were still petting him, a fair amount of yellow, clear  
> liquid
> came out of his mouth and nose.  I assume this was fluid that had  
> started to
> collect in his lungs, perhaps part of the jaundice from his liver?   
> I don't
> know - I just can't stand the idea that he was in severe pain for a  
> while
> there and that, perhaps, we put him through it.  He had a chest X- 
> ray on
> sunday night and no fluid was visible.  Or, maybe it was missed.   
> Sorry for
> the awkward question.
>
> On Wed, Jul 6, 2011 at 12:46 PM, Lynda Wilson  >wrote:
>
>> My heart is breaking after reading your story!  I'm truly sorry  
>> Dexter is
>> gone, but he will live within your heart now.
>>
>> You did so much for him and he fought the battle as much as he could.
>>
>> My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
>>
>> Lynda
>> - Original Message - From: "Ben Williams" > >
>> To: 
>> Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 9:46 AM
>> Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter
>>
>>
>> I'd like to start off this message by thanking all of you for your  
>> kind
>>> words regarding Dexter over the past few days - - my wife and I have
>>> shared
>>> and appreciated every one of the emails - it's meant a lot to us.
>>> Unfortunately, this morning has proven to be heartbreaking to us  
>>> both - we
>>> received a call first thing this morning from East Dallas Animal  
>>> Clinic's
>>> Dr. Ken Cantrell that Dexter's condition had worsened over the  
>>> course of
>>> the
>>> night.  After picking Dex up from the Emergency clinic yesterday  
>>> morning,
>>> we
>>> immediately took him to Dr. Wright at Lakewood Vet Center.  Dr.  
>>> Wright has
>>> been on vacation since last week and we were told that he would be  
>>> back
>>> yesterday morning - but he hadn't yet returned.  I took Dexter to  
>>> see him
>>> on
>>> three occasions last week for his lymphocyte T-Cell Immunomodulator
>>> injections, but was only able to see him that Monday.  When we  
>>> took Dex in
>>> on Friday when the swelling of his feet and face had begun, we  
>>> were given
>>> no
>>> advice by his staff who were unable to do anything other than give  
>>> Dex his
>>> shot and usher us out the door.  They are all very caring people  
>>> and I
>>> don't
>>> blame them for anything, but I feel that any vet who runs a  
>>> practice where
>>> he is the only doctor on staff, should d

Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter

2011-07-06 Thread Caspercat

So very sorry for your loss.  I post rarely but have been following Dexter's
story and it touched me.  About your Euthanasia question - I don't know the
answer but you may want to ask Dr. Cantrell to get the specifics of the
yellow liquid just for your own information (and because you will continue
to wonder).  Underneath your question is - did you do the right thing, soon
enough?  The answer is unequivocally yes.   Your love for Dexter and the
information you were provided in real time guided you to making the right
choices every step of the way.I know because I’ve been there.
Euthanasia is very sad, particularly after a long struggle in the hospital.
I’ve beaten myself up for similar circumstances.   You did the best you
could (and yes your best was good enough).  In the end you helped Dexter
pass peacefully, which is a gift.  If Dexter could talk to you right now
what would he say?  He would probably say think of me with joy in your heart
for knowing me and please go play with my brothers and sisters for me.
___
Felvtalk mailing list
Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org

Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter

2011-07-06 Thread ckessel1

Ben,

Try not to remember what happened after Dexter gave his small sigh.  Take 
comfort that his sigh to you was his sign that he could now relax and breath 
freely.  

What happens after that is just what the body does naturally.  Many times, an 
animal can urinate or have other fluids that come out from their mouths and 
noses because the body is just relaxing and riding itself of all types of 
fluids.  It is very natural and some animals do it and some animals don't.  It 
has nothing to do with suffering.  Dexter knows you loved him and he loved you. 
 That is WHAT MATTERS.

Don't go down the road of "what if's".  You were a good family and Dexter loved 
you.  I have never been able to have children so my pets are my kids.  I take 
the decision to end a "kids" life very seriously (as I know you did).  I 
believe it is the last huge responsibility I do, as a loving parent is to make 
sure my child has the best quality of life they can have.  That is exactly what 
you did for Dexter.  You didn't want to see him continue to struggle to breath 
and you helped him to be peaceful.  

Look to your other "kids" to help you get through.  See the life in them.  They 
will show you the way.  You are a compassionate and loving man.  

Cathy   
 Ben Williams  wrote: 

=
Thanks so much, everyone.  It's been a really hard day for us and I'm
haunted by seeing Dexter this morning struggling so hard to live.  You've
all been so wonderful and your kind comments have really helped today - if
anything, we are realizing even more now just how much we love that little
boy.  He was so special to us.

  If I may, I have a question regarding Euthanasia for those of you who have
been through this before - for those of you who are squeamish, please just
skip this one:

Dexter passed peacefully when Dr. Cantrell administered the euthanasia this
morning.  He let out a small sigh when the initial sedative was injected and
silently slipped away when the final injection was made.  A few minutes
later, as we were still petting him, a fair amount of yellow, clear liquid
came out of his mouth and nose.  I assume this was fluid that had started to
collect in his lungs, perhaps part of the jaundice from his liver?  I don't
know - I just can't stand the idea that he was in severe pain for a while
there and that, perhaps, we put him through it.  He had a chest X-ray on
sunday night and no fluid was visible.  Or, maybe it was missed.  Sorry for
the awkward question.

On Wed, Jul 6, 2011 at 12:46 PM, Lynda Wilson wrote:

> My heart is breaking after reading your story!  I'm truly sorry Dexter is
> gone, but he will live within your heart now.
>
> You did so much for him and he fought the battle as much as he could.
>
> My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
>
> Lynda
> - Original Message - From: "Ben Williams" 
> To: 
> Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 9:46 AM
> Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter
>
>
>  I'd like to start off this message by thanking all of you for your kind
>> words regarding Dexter over the past few days - - my wife and I have
>> shared
>> and appreciated every one of the emails - it's meant a lot to us.
>> Unfortunately, this morning has proven to be heartbreaking to us both - we
>> received a call first thing this morning from East Dallas Animal Clinic's
>> Dr. Ken Cantrell that Dexter's condition had worsened over the course of
>> the
>> night.  After picking Dex up from the Emergency clinic yesterday morning,
>> we
>> immediately took him to Dr. Wright at Lakewood Vet Center.  Dr. Wright has
>> been on vacation since last week and we were told that he would be back
>> yesterday morning - but he hadn't yet returned.  I took Dexter to see him
>> on
>> three occasions last week for his lymphocyte T-Cell Immunomodulator
>> injections, but was only able to see him that Monday.  When we took Dex in
>> on Friday when the swelling of his feet and face had begun, we were given
>> no
>> advice by his staff who were unable to do anything other than give Dex his
>> shot and usher us out the door.  They are all very caring people and I
>> don't
>> blame them for anything, but I feel that any vet who runs a practice where
>> he is the only doctor on staff, should do a bit more to keep his patients
>> informed about his availability - that way precious minutes or hours or
>> days
>> aren't wasted waiting for him to return.  Fortunately, several weeks ago,
>> when trying to convince Dr. Wright to order the LTCI treatment (which took
>> him over a week to do) I was referred to the East Dallas Animal Clinic by
>> the LTCI folks - they had used the medication before.   East Dalla

Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter

2011-07-06 Thread MaiMaiPG

It is natural for a body to release fluids and solids as the soul  
leaves it.  This is true with animals and with people.  It is not a  
sign of pain.  It is a sign of muscle relaxation.  This is one reason  
a vet may wrap a body in plastic.  I never, ever, never have or will  
leave a friend to leave this world without me holding him/her and this  
happens.  It also happens in natural deaths.  Don't ask about releases  
when a person commits suicide or even is murdered.  It can be awful if  
a family member discovers the body.  This, again, is not a sign of  
pain.

On Jul 6, 2011, at 4:25 PM, Ben Williams wrote:


Thanks so much, everyone.  It's been a really hard day for us and I'm
haunted by seeing Dexter this morning struggling so hard to live.   
You've
all been so wonderful and your kind comments have really helped  
today - if
anything, we are realizing even more now just how much we love that  
little

boy.  He was so special to us.

 If I may, I have a question regarding Euthanasia for those of you  
who have
been through this before - for those of you who are squeamish,  
please just

skip this one:

Dexter passed peacefully when Dr. Cantrell administered the  
euthanasia this
morning.  He let out a small sigh when the initial sedative was  
injected and
silently slipped away when the final injection was made.  A few  
minutes
later, as we were still petting him, a fair amount of yellow, clear  
liquid
came out of his mouth and nose.  I assume this was fluid that had  
started to
collect in his lungs, perhaps part of the jaundice from his liver?   
I don't
know - I just can't stand the idea that he was in severe pain for a  
while
there and that, perhaps, we put him through it.  He had a chest X- 
ray on
sunday night and no fluid was visible.  Or, maybe it was missed.   
Sorry for

the awkward question.

On Wed, Jul 6, 2011 at 12:46 PM, Lynda Wilson >wrote:


My heart is breaking after reading your story!  I'm truly sorry  
Dexter is

gone, but he will live within your heart now.

You did so much for him and he fought the battle as much as he could.

My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.

Lynda
- Original Message - From: "Ben Williams" >

To: 
Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 9:46 AM
Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter


I'd like to start off this message by thanking all of you for your  
kind

words regarding Dexter over the past few days - - my wife and I have
shared
and appreciated every one of the emails - it's meant a lot to us.
Unfortunately, this morning has proven to be heartbreaking to us  
both - we
received a call first thing this morning from East Dallas Animal  
Clinic's
Dr. Ken Cantrell that Dexter's condition had worsened over the  
course of

the
night.  After picking Dex up from the Emergency clinic yesterday  
morning,

we
immediately took him to Dr. Wright at Lakewood Vet Center.  Dr.  
Wright has
been on vacation since last week and we were told that he would be  
back
yesterday morning - but he hadn't yet returned.  I took Dexter to  
see him

on
three occasions last week for his lymphocyte T-Cell Immunomodulator
injections, but was only able to see him that Monday.  When we  
took Dex in
on Friday when the swelling of his feet and face had begun, we  
were given

no
advice by his staff who were unable to do anything other than give  
Dex his
shot and usher us out the door.  They are all very caring people  
and I

don't
blame them for anything, but I feel that any vet who runs a  
practice where
he is the only doctor on staff, should do a bit more to keep his  
patients
informed about his availability - that way precious minutes or  
hours or

days
aren't wasted waiting for him to return.  Fortunately, several  
weeks ago,
when trying to convince Dr. Wright to order the LTCI treatment  
(which took
him over a week to do) I was referred to the East Dallas Animal  
Clinic by
the LTCI folks - they had used the medication before.   East  
Dallas Animal
Clinic is a wonderful place.  We've worked with Dr. Ellsworth and  
Dr.
Cantrell there - - they are both compassionate and make a point of  
taking
calls from concerned pet owners.  They have both been wonderful to  
work

with
and have been open to taking every conceivable avenue with Dex's
treatment.
I only wish we had been seeing them from the start. We rushed Dex  
to them
yesterday morning as soon as it became clear that Dr. Wright  
wouldn't be
returning.  Again, I don't blame Dr. Wright, but when we took  
Dexter in

for
his checkup three weeks ago and Dr. Wright informed us that anemia  
had set
in, his advice was to "take him home and make him comfortable."  A  
week
passed as I researched and tried to communicate with him about  
alternate
treatments and off-label meds.  When you factor in that week and  
the week

he
took to order the LTCI meds, that's two out of the last

Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter

Thanks so much, everyone.  It's been a really hard day for us and I'm
haunted by seeing Dexter this morning struggling so hard to live.  You've
all been so wonderful and your kind comments have really helped today - if
anything, we are realizing even more now just how much we love that little
boy.  He was so special to us.

  If I may, I have a question regarding Euthanasia for those of you who have
been through this before - for those of you who are squeamish, please just
skip this one:

Dexter passed peacefully when Dr. Cantrell administered the euthanasia this
morning.  He let out a small sigh when the initial sedative was injected and
silently slipped away when the final injection was made.  A few minutes
later, as we were still petting him, a fair amount of yellow, clear liquid
came out of his mouth and nose.  I assume this was fluid that had started to
collect in his lungs, perhaps part of the jaundice from his liver?  I don't
know - I just can't stand the idea that he was in severe pain for a while
there and that, perhaps, we put him through it.  He had a chest X-ray on
sunday night and no fluid was visible.  Or, maybe it was missed.  Sorry for
the awkward question.

On Wed, Jul 6, 2011 at 12:46 PM, Lynda Wilson wrote:

> My heart is breaking after reading your story!  I'm truly sorry Dexter is
> gone, but he will live within your heart now.
>
> You did so much for him and he fought the battle as much as he could.
>
> My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
>
> Lynda
> - Original Message - From: "Ben Williams" 
> To: 
> Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 9:46 AM
> Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter
>
>
>  I'd like to start off this message by thanking all of you for your kind
>> words regarding Dexter over the past few days - - my wife and I have
>> shared
>> and appreciated every one of the emails - it's meant a lot to us.
>> Unfortunately, this morning has proven to be heartbreaking to us both - we
>> received a call first thing this morning from East Dallas Animal Clinic's
>> Dr. Ken Cantrell that Dexter's condition had worsened over the course of
>> the
>> night.  After picking Dex up from the Emergency clinic yesterday morning,
>> we
>> immediately took him to Dr. Wright at Lakewood Vet Center.  Dr. Wright has
>> been on vacation since last week and we were told that he would be back
>> yesterday morning - but he hadn't yet returned.  I took Dexter to see him
>> on
>> three occasions last week for his lymphocyte T-Cell Immunomodulator
>> injections, but was only able to see him that Monday.  When we took Dex in
>> on Friday when the swelling of his feet and face had begun, we were given
>> no
>> advice by his staff who were unable to do anything other than give Dex his
>> shot and usher us out the door.  They are all very caring people and I
>> don't
>> blame them for anything, but I feel that any vet who runs a practice where
>> he is the only doctor on staff, should do a bit more to keep his patients
>> informed about his availability - that way precious minutes or hours or
>> days
>> aren't wasted waiting for him to return.  Fortunately, several weeks ago,
>> when trying to convince Dr. Wright to order the LTCI treatment (which took
>> him over a week to do) I was referred to the East Dallas Animal Clinic by
>> the LTCI folks - they had used the medication before.   East Dallas Animal
>> Clinic is a wonderful place.  We've worked with Dr. Ellsworth and Dr.
>> Cantrell there - - they are both compassionate and make a point of taking
>> calls from concerned pet owners.  They have both been wonderful to work
>> with
>> and have been open to taking every conceivable avenue with Dex's
>> treatment.
>> I only wish we had been seeing them from the start. We rushed Dex to them
>> yesterday morning as soon as it became clear that Dr. Wright wouldn't be
>> returning.  Again, I don't blame Dr. Wright, but when we took Dexter in
>> for
>> his checkup three weeks ago and Dr. Wright informed us that anemia had set
>> in, his advice was to "take him home and make him comfortable."  A week
>> passed as I researched and tried to communicate with him about alternate
>> treatments and off-label meds.  When you factor in that week and the week
>> he
>> took to order the LTCI meds, that's two out of the last three weeks where
>> Dex had little treatment.  Again, why the difficulty in getting anything
>> done for Dex?  East Dallas, however, fit Dex in on the first day we spoke
>> with him and started him on Acemannan injections.  They had two remaining
>> doses remaini

Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now

It is always so sad to hear about any of our little furries succumbing to
this horrible disease; I just wish that there were more available to help
them to feel better or get well.  One would think, that after all these
years, there would be more hope for them! What is it about this disease that
makes it so complicated?  So many different symptoms that mimic other
thingsdoes anyone out there care to find a cure?
I am so sorry to hear about all of the crossings over the rainbow bridge!
Natalie

-Original Message-
From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org
[mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Cindy McHugh
Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 1:31 PM
To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now

Dear Cathy and Mark,

I didn't realize you lost your little Cali. I'm so sorry for your loss, but 
I'm glad that Cali got to know your love and kindess. As I said to Ben, I 
pray you find comfort in knowing she's now happy and healthy. And when you 
consider that you'll have eternity together, this separation is but a speck 
of time. Cali just turned a corner before you did and one day, you'll turn 
that corner and there she'll be. She's not gone...just gone ahead.

You're in my thoughts and prayers,
Cindy


- Original Message - 
From: 
To: 
Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 12:00 PM
Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now


> Ben,
>
> I guess Dexter knew that Cali needed someone to play with from Dallas.  We

> lost our Cali last Monday and it has been to hard for me to even write 
> about it.  You were so helpful to our little Cali and Dr. Wright was 
> wonderful in the short time we had to make so many decisions.  We only had

> our little girl 5 months and she was tired (but a true fighter in her 
> short little life).  She ended up with fluid around her lungs and we 
> drained it once and it refilled back up within 24 hours.  She was so tired

> but she fought so hard for the five months we had her.  She was the 
> cutiest kitten but it was so hard to watch her laboring to breath.
>
> I just want you to know that you and Dexter were a blessing to my husband 
> and I (and our little girl, Cali) and I promise, Cali and he are playing 
> together now with no pain.  Bless you, Ben, and thank you for all you did 
> for Dexter and for my family in our time of crisis and pain.
>
> Cathy and Mark
>
>  Ben Williams  wrote:
>
> =
> I'd like to start off this message by thanking all of you for your kind
> words regarding Dexter over the past few days - - my wife and I have 
> shared
> and appreciated every one of the emails - it's meant a lot to us.
> Unfortunately, this morning has proven to be heartbreaking to us both - we
> received a call first thing this morning from East Dallas Animal Clinic's
> Dr. Ken Cantrell that Dexter's condition had worsened over the course of 
> the
> night.  After picking Dex up from the Emergency clinic yesterday morning, 
> we
> immediately took him to Dr. Wright at Lakewood Vet Center.  Dr. Wright has
> been on vacation since last week and we were told that he would be back
> yesterday morning - but he hadn't yet returned.  I took Dexter to see him 
> on
> three occasions last week for his lymphocyte T-Cell Immunomodulator
> injections, but was only able to see him that Monday.  When we took Dex in
> on Friday when the swelling of his feet and face had begun, we were given 
> no
> advice by his staff who were unable to do anything other than give Dex his
> shot and usher us out the door.  They are all very caring people and I 
> don't
> blame them for anything, but I feel that any vet who runs a practice where
> he is the only doctor on staff, should do a bit more to keep his patients
> informed about his availability - that way precious minutes or hours or 
> days
> aren't wasted waiting for him to return.  Fortunately, several weeks ago,
> when trying to convince Dr. Wright to order the LTCI treatment (which took
> him over a week to do) I was referred to the East Dallas Animal Clinic by
> the LTCI folks - they had used the medication before.   East Dallas Animal
> Clinic is a wonderful place.  We've worked with Dr. Ellsworth and Dr.
> Cantrell there - - they are both compassionate and make a point of taking
> calls from concerned pet owners.  They have both been wonderful to work 
> with
> and have been open to taking every conceivable avenue with Dex's 
> treatment.
> I only wish we had been seeing them from the start. We rushed Dex to them
> yesterday morning as soon as it became clear that Dr. Wright wouldn't be
> returning.  Again, I don't blame Dr. Wright, but when we took Dexter in 
> for
>

Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter

My heart is breaking after reading your story!  I'm truly sorry Dexter is 
gone, but he will live within your heart now.


You did so much for him and he fought the battle as much as he could.

My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.

Lynda
- Original Message - 
From: "Ben Williams" 

To: 
Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 9:46 AM
Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter



I'd like to start off this message by thanking all of you for your kind
words regarding Dexter over the past few days - - my wife and I have 
shared

and appreciated every one of the emails - it's meant a lot to us.
Unfortunately, this morning has proven to be heartbreaking to us both - we
received a call first thing this morning from East Dallas Animal Clinic's
Dr. Ken Cantrell that Dexter's condition had worsened over the course of 
the
night.  After picking Dex up from the Emergency clinic yesterday morning, 
we

immediately took him to Dr. Wright at Lakewood Vet Center.  Dr. Wright has
been on vacation since last week and we were told that he would be back
yesterday morning - but he hadn't yet returned.  I took Dexter to see him 
on

three occasions last week for his lymphocyte T-Cell Immunomodulator
injections, but was only able to see him that Monday.  When we took Dex in
on Friday when the swelling of his feet and face had begun, we were given 
no

advice by his staff who were unable to do anything other than give Dex his
shot and usher us out the door.  They are all very caring people and I 
don't

blame them for anything, but I feel that any vet who runs a practice where
he is the only doctor on staff, should do a bit more to keep his patients
informed about his availability - that way precious minutes or hours or 
days

aren't wasted waiting for him to return.  Fortunately, several weeks ago,
when trying to convince Dr. Wright to order the LTCI treatment (which took
him over a week to do) I was referred to the East Dallas Animal Clinic by
the LTCI folks - they had used the medication before.   East Dallas Animal
Clinic is a wonderful place.  We've worked with Dr. Ellsworth and Dr.
Cantrell there - - they are both compassionate and make a point of taking
calls from concerned pet owners.  They have both been wonderful to work 
with
and have been open to taking every conceivable avenue with Dex's 
treatment.

I only wish we had been seeing them from the start. We rushed Dex to them
yesterday morning as soon as it became clear that Dr. Wright wouldn't be
returning.  Again, I don't blame Dr. Wright, but when we took Dexter in 
for

his checkup three weeks ago and Dr. Wright informed us that anemia had set
in, his advice was to "take him home and make him comfortable."  A week
passed as I researched and tried to communicate with him about alternate
treatments and off-label meds.  When you factor in that week and the week 
he

took to order the LTCI meds, that's two out of the last three weeks where
Dex had little treatment.  Again, why the difficulty in getting anything
done for Dex?  East Dallas, however, fit Dex in on the first day we spoke
with him and started him on Acemannan injections.  They had two remaining
doses remaining of that drug; a drug that was very beneficial to Dex last
year when he was first diagnosed.  they sacrificed those 2 doses for Dex
without question - had I gone to them earlier, perhaps it would have had
more effect on him. Regardless, Dex seemed to make improvements while on
Immunoregulin, LCTI and the acemannan.  FeLV and FIV are horrible 
diseases,
though, and I felt like there was something always sneaking up on Dex 
while

we treated him.  We seemed to reverse the anemia, but his Lymph nodes were
swelling.  Some days they would go down, other days, they would blow up.
When the mystery feet and face swelling started last week, he even 
responded
well with benadryl.  That thing sneaking up on Dexter?  Full blown 
cancer -

it wasn't just in his lymph nodes, it was in his liver and spleen - it had
probably made his heart swell.  His breathing was becoming more and more
labored and we struggled with the decision of when Dexter was in too much
pain to continue.  Yesterday, Dr. Cantrell started chemotherapy on Dex, as
well as steroids.  He seemed to tolerate the meds well, but over the 
course

of the night, he became more jaundiced and vomited, while his body
temperature dropped to 94 degrees.  His little body had given out as this
terrible disease had taken almost everything from him.  I say almost
everything, because when we arrived at East Dallas Animal Clinic this
morning, even though he was being hand fed oxygen while under a warming 
pad,

little Dexter still had a playful wag of the tail when we placed our hands
on him and told him how much we love him.  Dexter died at 8 this morning.
We are heartbroken that our sweet boy is gone and that he was only with us
for a year and a half.  He was such a wonderf

Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now

2011-07-06 Thread Sara Kasteleyn

Cindy, what a beautiful thoughtthey are not gone, just gone ahead.

Cathy and Mark.we'll make that two beautiful candles tonight in
SoCal...one for Cali and one for Dexter.  So sorry for your loss.

Sara


-Original Message-
From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org
[mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Cindy McHugh
Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 10:31 AM
To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now

Dear Cathy and Mark,

I didn't realize you lost your little Cali. I'm so sorry for your loss, but 
I'm glad that Cali got to know your love and kindess. As I said to Ben, I 
pray you find comfort in knowing she's now happy and healthy. And when you 
consider that you'll have eternity together, this separation is but a speck 
of time. Cali just turned a corner before you did and one day, you'll turn 
that corner and there she'll be. She's not gone...just gone ahead.

You're in my thoughts and prayers,
Cindy


- Original Message - 
From: 
To: 
Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 12:00 PM
Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now


> Ben,
>
> I guess Dexter knew that Cali needed someone to play with from Dallas.  We

> lost our Cali last Monday and it has been to hard for me to even write 
> about it.  You were so helpful to our little Cali and Dr. Wright was 
> wonderful in the short time we had to make so many decisions.  We only had

> our little girl 5 months and she was tired (but a true fighter in her 
> short little life).  She ended up with fluid around her lungs and we 
> drained it once and it refilled back up within 24 hours.  She was so tired

> but she fought so hard for the five months we had her.  She was the 
> cutiest kitten but it was so hard to watch her laboring to breath.
>
> I just want you to know that you and Dexter were a blessing to my husband 
> and I (and our little girl, Cali) and I promise, Cali and he are playing 
> together now with no pain.  Bless you, Ben, and thank you for all you did 
> for Dexter and for my family in our time of crisis and pain.
>
> Cathy and Mark
>
>  Ben Williams  wrote:
>
> =
> I'd like to start off this message by thanking all of you for your kind
> words regarding Dexter over the past few days - - my wife and I have 
> shared
> and appreciated every one of the emails - it's meant a lot to us.
> Unfortunately, this morning has proven to be heartbreaking to us both - we
> received a call first thing this morning from East Dallas Animal Clinic's
> Dr. Ken Cantrell that Dexter's condition had worsened over the course of 
> the
> night.  After picking Dex up from the Emergency clinic yesterday morning, 
> we
> immediately took him to Dr. Wright at Lakewood Vet Center.  Dr. Wright has
> been on vacation since last week and we were told that he would be back
> yesterday morning - but he hadn't yet returned.  I took Dexter to see him 
> on
> three occasions last week for his lymphocyte T-Cell Immunomodulator
> injections, but was only able to see him that Monday.  When we took Dex in
> on Friday when the swelling of his feet and face had begun, we were given 
> no
> advice by his staff who were unable to do anything other than give Dex his
> shot and usher us out the door.  They are all very caring people and I 
> don't
> blame them for anything, but I feel that any vet who runs a practice where
> he is the only doctor on staff, should do a bit more to keep his patients
> informed about his availability - that way precious minutes or hours or 
> days
> aren't wasted waiting for him to return.  Fortunately, several weeks ago,
> when trying to convince Dr. Wright to order the LTCI treatment (which took
> him over a week to do) I was referred to the East Dallas Animal Clinic by
> the LTCI folks - they had used the medication before.   East Dallas Animal
> Clinic is a wonderful place.  We've worked with Dr. Ellsworth and Dr.
> Cantrell there - - they are both compassionate and make a point of taking
> calls from concerned pet owners.  They have both been wonderful to work 
> with
> and have been open to taking every conceivable avenue with Dex's 
> treatment.
> I only wish we had been seeing them from the start. We rushed Dex to them
> yesterday morning as soon as it became clear that Dr. Wright wouldn't be
> returning.  Again, I don't blame Dr. Wright, but when we took Dexter in 
> for
> his checkup three weeks ago and Dr. Wright informed us that anemia had set
> in, his advice was to "take him home and make him comfortable."  A week
> passed as I researched and tried to communicate with him about alternate
> treatments and off-label meds.  When

Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now

2011-07-06 Thread Cindy McHugh


Dear Cathy and Mark,

I didn't realize you lost your little Cali. I'm so sorry for your loss, but 
I'm glad that Cali got to know your love and kindess. As I said to Ben, I 
pray you find comfort in knowing she's now happy and healthy. And when you 
consider that you'll have eternity together, this separation is but a speck 
of time. Cali just turned a corner before you did and one day, you'll turn 
that corner and there she'll be. She's not gone...just gone ahead.


You're in my thoughts and prayers,
Cindy


- Original Message - 
From: 

To: 
Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 12:00 PM
Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now



Ben,

I guess Dexter knew that Cali needed someone to play with from Dallas.  We 
lost our Cali last Monday and it has been to hard for me to even write 
about it.  You were so helpful to our little Cali and Dr. Wright was 
wonderful in the short time we had to make so many decisions.  We only had 
our little girl 5 months and she was tired (but a true fighter in her 
short little life).  She ended up with fluid around her lungs and we 
drained it once and it refilled back up within 24 hours.  She was so tired 
but she fought so hard for the five months we had her.  She was the 
cutiest kitten but it was so hard to watch her laboring to breath.


I just want you to know that you and Dexter were a blessing to my husband 
and I (and our little girl, Cali) and I promise, Cali and he are playing 
together now with no pain.  Bless you, Ben, and thank you for all you did 
for Dexter and for my family in our time of crisis and pain.


Cathy and Mark

 Ben Williams  wrote:

=
I'd like to start off this message by thanking all of you for your kind
words regarding Dexter over the past few days - - my wife and I have 
shared

and appreciated every one of the emails - it's meant a lot to us.
Unfortunately, this morning has proven to be heartbreaking to us both - we
received a call first thing this morning from East Dallas Animal Clinic's
Dr. Ken Cantrell that Dexter's condition had worsened over the course of 
the
night.  After picking Dex up from the Emergency clinic yesterday morning, 
we

immediately took him to Dr. Wright at Lakewood Vet Center.  Dr. Wright has
been on vacation since last week and we were told that he would be back
yesterday morning - but he hadn't yet returned.  I took Dexter to see him 
on

three occasions last week for his lymphocyte T-Cell Immunomodulator
injections, but was only able to see him that Monday.  When we took Dex in
on Friday when the swelling of his feet and face had begun, we were given 
no

advice by his staff who were unable to do anything other than give Dex his
shot and usher us out the door.  They are all very caring people and I 
don't

blame them for anything, but I feel that any vet who runs a practice where
he is the only doctor on staff, should do a bit more to keep his patients
informed about his availability - that way precious minutes or hours or 
days

aren't wasted waiting for him to return.  Fortunately, several weeks ago,
when trying to convince Dr. Wright to order the LTCI treatment (which took
him over a week to do) I was referred to the East Dallas Animal Clinic by
the LTCI folks - they had used the medication before.   East Dallas Animal
Clinic is a wonderful place.  We've worked with Dr. Ellsworth and Dr.
Cantrell there - - they are both compassionate and make a point of taking
calls from concerned pet owners.  They have both been wonderful to work 
with
and have been open to taking every conceivable avenue with Dex's 
treatment.

I only wish we had been seeing them from the start. We rushed Dex to them
yesterday morning as soon as it became clear that Dr. Wright wouldn't be
returning.  Again, I don't blame Dr. Wright, but when we took Dexter in 
for

his checkup three weeks ago and Dr. Wright informed us that anemia had set
in, his advice was to "take him home and make him comfortable."  A week
passed as I researched and tried to communicate with him about alternate
treatments and off-label meds.  When you factor in that week and the week 
he

took to order the LTCI meds, that's two out of the last three weeks where
Dex had little treatment.  Again, why the difficulty in getting anything
done for Dex?  East Dallas, however, fit Dex in on the first day we spoke
with him and started him on Acemannan injections.  They had two remaining
doses remaining of that drug; a drug that was very beneficial to Dex last
year when he was first diagnosed.  they sacrificed those 2 doses for Dex
without question - had I gone to them earlier, perhaps it would have had
more effect on him. Regardless, Dex seemed to make improvements while on
Immunoregulin, LCTI and the acemannan.  FeLV and FIV are horrible 
diseases,
though, and I felt like there was something always sneaking up on Dex 
while

we tre

Wanted to send my condolences as I may not post often as but I do read and follow the postings.
It is heart breaking indeed I'm saddened by your loss of Dexter!
I know this feeling all too well.
Remember, he knows how much you loved him and did what you could do. He loved you in return. Bless you for giving him the love and care he needed.
He will send another angel to you in due time that will need your help.
Meanwhile, he is at the Rainbow Bridge with my Taz and late husband of course all the other furangels where they are healthy and chasing butterflies.
I've been in this group/list for a very long time. Have seen many come and go but I continue to stay and read.
I pray everyday for a cure for this damn disease.

TAZZY'S ANIMAL TRANSPORTS/SIAMESE & COLLIE RESCUESultan, WA. 98294Terrie Mohr-Forkerhttp://tazzys.org/Non-Profit national rescue
Dedicated to the welfare of animals.
Copyright © 1999-2010 tazzys.org. All rights reserved.

Original Message Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] DexterFrom: Ben Williams Date: Wed, July 06, 2011 7:46 amTo: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgI'd like to start off this message by thanking all of you for your kindwords regarding Dexter over the past few days - - my wife and I have sharedand appreciated every one of the emails - it's meant a lot to us.Unfortunately, this morning has proven to be heartbreaking to us both - wereceived a call first thing this morning from East Dallas Animal Clinic'sDr. Ken Cantrell that Dexter's condition had worsened over the course of thenight. After picking Dex up from the Emergency clinic yesterday morning, weimmediately took him to Dr. Wright at Lakewood Vet Center. Dr. Wright hasbeen on vacation since last week and we were told that he would be backyesterday morning - but he hadn't yet returned. I took Dexter to see him onthree occasions last week for his lymphocyte T-Cell Immunomodulatorinjections, but was only able to see him that Monday. When we took Dex inon Friday when the swelling of his feet and face had begun, we were given noadvice by his staff who were unable to do anything other than give Dex hisshot and usher us out the door. They are all very caring people and I don'tblame them for anything, but I feel that any vet who runs a practice wherehe is the only doctor on staff, should do a bit more to keep his patientsinformed about his availability - that way precious minutes or hours or daysaren't wasted waiting for him to return. Fortunately, several weeks ago,when trying to convince Dr. Wright to order the LTCI treatment (which tookhim over a week to do) I was referred to the East Dallas Animal Clinic bythe LTCI folks - they had used the medication before. East Dallas AnimalClinic is a wonderful place. We've worked with Dr. Ellsworth and Dr.Cantrell there - - they are both compassionate and make a point of takingcalls from concerned pet owners. They have both been wonderful to work withand have been open to taking every conceivable avenue with Dex's treatment.I only wish we had been seeing them from the start. We rushed Dex to themyesterday morning as soon as it became clear that Dr. Wright wouldn't bereturning. Again, I don't blame Dr. Wright, but when we took Dexter in forhis checkup three weeks ago and Dr. Wright informed us that anemia had setin, his advice was to "take him home and make him comfortable." A weekpassed as I researched and tried to communicate with him about alternatetreatments and off-label meds. When you factor in that week and the week hetook to order the LTCI meds, that's two out of the last three weeks whereDex had little treatment. Again, why the difficulty in getting anythingdone for Dex? East Dallas, however, fit Dex in on the first day we spokewith him and started him on Acemannan injections. They had two remainingdoses remaining of that drug; a drug that was very beneficial to Dex lastyear when he was first diagnosed. they sacrificed those 2 doses for Dexwithout question - had I gone to them earlier, perhaps it would have hadmore effect on him. Regardless, Dex seemed to make improvements while onImmunoregulin, LCTI and the acemannan. FeLV and FIV are horrible diseases,though, and I felt like there was something always sneaking up on Dex whilewe treated him. We seemed to reverse the anemia, but his Lymph nodes wereswelling. Some days they would go down, other days, they would blow up.When the mystery feet and face swelling started last week, he even respondedwell with benadryl. That thing sneaking up on Dexter? Full blown cancer -it wasn't just in his lymph nodes, it was in his liver and spleen - it hadprobably made his heart swell. His breathing was becoming more and morelabored and we struggled with the decision of when Dexter was in too muchpain to continue. Yesterday, Dr. Cantrell started chemotherapy on Dex, aswell as steroids. He seemed to tolerate the meds well, but over the courseof the night, he became more jaundiced and vomited, while his bodytemperature dropped

Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter

2011-07-06 Thread Sharyl

I was saddened to read that little Dexter has crossed the Rainbow Bridge.  He 
was  a brave warrior in his battle against FeLV.   You both did everything you 
could to help Dexter in this battle.  He is now healthy and chasing  
butterflies.  I'll light a candle for Dexter tonight.

Sharyl 

From: Ben Williams 
To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
Sent: Wednesday, July 6, 2011 10:46 AM
Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter

I'd like to start off this message by thanking all of you for your kind
words regarding Dexter over the past few days - - my wife and I have shared
and appreciated every one of the emails - it's meant a lot to us.
Unfortunately, this morning has proven to be heartbreaking to us both - we
received a call first thing this morning from East Dallas Animal Clinic's
Dr. Ken Cantrell that Dexter's condition had worsened over the course of the
night.  After picking Dex up from the Emergency clinic yesterday morning, we
immediately took him to Dr. Wright at Lakewood Vet Center.  Dr. Wright has
been on vacation since last week and we were told that he would be back
yesterday morning - but he hadn't yet returned.  I took Dexter to see him on
three occasions last week for his lymphocyte T-Cell Immunomodulator
injections, but was only able to see him that Monday.  When we took Dex in
on Friday when the swelling of his feet and face had begun, we were given no
advice by his staff who were unable to do anything other than give Dex his
shot and usher us out the door.  They are all very caring people and I don't
blame them for anything, but I feel that any vet who runs a practice where
he is the only doctor on staff, should do a bit more to keep his patients
informed about his availability - that way precious minutes or hours or days
aren't wasted waiting for him to return.  Fortunately, several weeks ago,
when trying to convince Dr. Wright to order the LTCI treatment (which took
him over a week to do) I was referred to the East Dallas Animal Clinic by
the LTCI folks - they had used the medication before.   East Dallas Animal
Clinic is a wonderful place.  We've worked with Dr. Ellsworth and Dr.
Cantrell there - - they are both compassionate and make a point of taking
calls from concerned pet owners.  They have both been wonderful to work with
and have been open to taking every conceivable avenue with Dex's treatment.
I only wish we had been seeing them from the start. We rushed Dex to them
yesterday morning as soon as it became clear that Dr. Wright wouldn't be
returning.  Again, I don't blame Dr. Wright, but when we took Dexter in for
his checkup three weeks ago and Dr. Wright informed us that anemia had set
in, his advice was to "take him home and make him comfortable."  A week
passed as I researched and tried to communicate with him about alternate
treatments and off-label meds.  When you factor in that week and the week he
took to order the LTCI meds, that's two out of the last three weeks where
Dex had little treatment.  Again, why the difficulty in getting anything
done for Dex?  East Dallas, however, fit Dex in on the first day we spoke
with him and started him on Acemannan injections.  They had two remaining
doses remaining of that drug; a drug that was very beneficial to Dex last
year when he was first diagnosed.  they sacrificed those 2 doses for Dex
without question - had I gone to them earlier, perhaps it would have had
more effect on him. Regardless, Dex seemed to make improvements while on
Immunoregulin, LCTI and the acemannan.  FeLV and FIV are horrible diseases,
though, and I felt like there was something always sneaking up on Dex while
we treated him.  We seemed to reverse the anemia, but his Lymph nodes were
swelling.  Some days they would go down, other days, they would blow up.
When the mystery feet and face swelling started last week, he even responded
well with benadryl.  That thing sneaking up on Dexter?  Full blown cancer -
it wasn't just in his lymph nodes, it was in his liver and spleen - it had
probably made his heart swell.  His breathing was becoming more and more
labored and we struggled with the decision of when Dexter was in too much
pain to continue.  Yesterday, Dr. Cantrell started chemotherapy on Dex, as
well as steroids.  He seemed to tolerate the meds well, but over the course
of the night, he became more jaundiced and vomited, while his body
temperature dropped to 94 degrees.  His little body had given out as this
terrible disease had taken almost everything from him.  I say almost
everything, because when we arrived at East Dallas Animal Clinic this
morning, even though he was being hand fed oxygen while under a warming pad,
little Dexter still had a playful wag of the tail when we placed our hands
on him and told him how much we love him.  Dexter died at 8 this morning.
We are heartbroken that our sweet boy is gone and that he was only with us
for a year and a half.  He was such a wonderful,

Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter and Cali are together now

2011-07-06 Thread ckessel1

Ben,

I guess Dexter knew that Cali needed someone to play with from Dallas.  We lost 
our Cali last Monday and it has been to hard for me to even write about it.  
You were so helpful to our little Cali and Dr. Wright was wonderful in the 
short time we had to make so many decisions.  We only had our little girl 5 
months and she was tired (but a true fighter in her short little life).  She 
ended up with fluid around her lungs and we drained it once and it refilled 
back up within 24 hours.  She was so tired but she fought so hard for the five 
months we had her.  She was the cutiest kitten but it was so hard to watch her 
laboring to breath.

I just want you to know that you and Dexter were a blessing to my husband and I 
(and our little girl, Cali) and I promise, Cali and he are playing together now 
with no pain.  Bless you, Ben, and thank you for all you did for Dexter and for 
my family in our time of crisis and pain.

Cathy and Mark

 Ben Williams  wrote: 

=
I'd like to start off this message by thanking all of you for your kind
words regarding Dexter over the past few days - - my wife and I have shared
and appreciated every one of the emails - it's meant a lot to us.
Unfortunately, this morning has proven to be heartbreaking to us both - we
received a call first thing this morning from East Dallas Animal Clinic's
Dr. Ken Cantrell that Dexter's condition had worsened over the course of the
night.  After picking Dex up from the Emergency clinic yesterday morning, we
immediately took him to Dr. Wright at Lakewood Vet Center.  Dr. Wright has
been on vacation since last week and we were told that he would be back
yesterday morning - but he hadn't yet returned.  I took Dexter to see him on
three occasions last week for his lymphocyte T-Cell Immunomodulator
injections, but was only able to see him that Monday.  When we took Dex in
on Friday when the swelling of his feet and face had begun, we were given no
advice by his staff who were unable to do anything other than give Dex his
shot and usher us out the door.  They are all very caring people and I don't
blame them for anything, but I feel that any vet who runs a practice where
he is the only doctor on staff, should do a bit more to keep his patients
informed about his availability - that way precious minutes or hours or days
aren't wasted waiting for him to return.  Fortunately, several weeks ago,
when trying to convince Dr. Wright to order the LTCI treatment (which took
him over a week to do) I was referred to the East Dallas Animal Clinic by
the LTCI folks - they had used the medication before.   East Dallas Animal
Clinic is a wonderful place.  We've worked with Dr. Ellsworth and Dr.
Cantrell there - - they are both compassionate and make a point of taking
calls from concerned pet owners.  They have both been wonderful to work with
and have been open to taking every conceivable avenue with Dex's treatment.
I only wish we had been seeing them from the start. We rushed Dex to them
yesterday morning as soon as it became clear that Dr. Wright wouldn't be
returning.  Again, I don't blame Dr. Wright, but when we took Dexter in for
his checkup three weeks ago and Dr. Wright informed us that anemia had set
in, his advice was to "take him home and make him comfortable."  A week
passed as I researched and tried to communicate with him about alternate
treatments and off-label meds.  When you factor in that week and the week he
took to order the LTCI meds, that's two out of the last three weeks where
Dex had little treatment.  Again, why the difficulty in getting anything
done for Dex?  East Dallas, however, fit Dex in on the first day we spoke
with him and started him on Acemannan injections.  They had two remaining
doses remaining of that drug; a drug that was very beneficial to Dex last
year when he was first diagnosed.  they sacrificed those 2 doses for Dex
without question - had I gone to them earlier, perhaps it would have had
more effect on him. Regardless, Dex seemed to make improvements while on
Immunoregulin, LCTI and the acemannan.  FeLV and FIV are horrible diseases,
though, and I felt like there was something always sneaking up on Dex while
we treated him.  We seemed to reverse the anemia, but his Lymph nodes were
swelling.  Some days they would go down, other days, they would blow up.
When the mystery feet and face swelling started last week, he even responded
well with benadryl.  That thing sneaking up on Dexter?  Full blown cancer -
it wasn't just in his lymph nodes, it was in his liver and spleen - it had
probably made his heart swell.  His breathing was becoming more and more
labored and we struggled with the decision of when Dexter was in too much
pain to continue.  Yesterday, Dr. Cantrell started chemotherapy on Dex, as
well as steroids.  He seemed to tolerate the meds well, but over the course
of the night, he became more jaundiced and vomited, while his body
temperature dropped to 94 degrees.  His little body had given out

Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter

2011-07-06 Thread Sara Kasteleyn

Ben and all your familymy heart breaks reading your post.  My husband
and I well know the trips to the animal hospital in the middle of the night,
the transfusions, searching for anything that might help, the roller coaster
of emotions, the desire to do anything at all, to save your precious ailing
family member. We are so sorry your efforts and Dex's valiant fight had this
outcome, but you surely know that you have done absolutely everything within
your power to return Dex to good health.  Sometimes, there is nothing we can
do but let them transition to another plane where we will see them
again...happy, healthy and wildly anticipating our arrival. 

So no more doubts, no more second-guessing, no more "what if's".  You've
done so much for your precious Dexter, and there is no doubt that he knows
it and loves you for it.

You'll have a hole in your heart for him always...no doubt.  But maybe
you'll find just a little bit of Dex in other kitties that either are in
your life or will come into your life.  

All our hearts hurt when we learn of the death of another one of these
special special kitties.  Dex will have a beautiful candle to light his way
tonight in Southern California.  Blessings to you and your family,  Sara
 

-Original Message-
From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org
[mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Ben Williams
Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 7:46 AM
To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter

I'd like to start off this message by thanking all of you for your kind
words regarding Dexter over the past few days - - my wife and I have shared
and appreciated every one of the emails - it's meant a lot to us.
Unfortunately, this morning has proven to be heartbreaking to us both - we
received a call first thing this morning from East Dallas Animal Clinic's
Dr. Ken Cantrell that Dexter's condition had worsened over the course of the
night.  After picking Dex up from the Emergency clinic yesterday morning, we
immediately took him to Dr. Wright at Lakewood Vet Center.  Dr. Wright has
been on vacation since last week and we were told that he would be back
yesterday morning - but he hadn't yet returned.  I took Dexter to see him on
three occasions last week for his lymphocyte T-Cell Immunomodulator
injections, but was only able to see him that Monday.  When we took Dex in
on Friday when the swelling of his feet and face had begun, we were given no
advice by his staff who were unable to do anything other than give Dex his
shot and usher us out the door.  They are all very caring people and I don't
blame them for anything, but I feel that any vet who runs a practice where
he is the only doctor on staff, should do a bit more to keep his patients
informed about his availability - that way precious minutes or hours or days
aren't wasted waiting for him to return.  Fortunately, several weeks ago,
when trying to convince Dr. Wright to order the LTCI treatment (which took
him over a week to do) I was referred to the East Dallas Animal Clinic by
the LTCI folks - they had used the medication before.   East Dallas Animal
Clinic is a wonderful place.  We've worked with Dr. Ellsworth and Dr.
Cantrell there - - they are both compassionate and make a point of taking
calls from concerned pet owners.  They have both been wonderful to work with
and have been open to taking every conceivable avenue with Dex's treatment.
I only wish we had been seeing them from the start. We rushed Dex to them
yesterday morning as soon as it became clear that Dr. Wright wouldn't be
returning.  Again, I don't blame Dr. Wright, but when we took Dexter in for
his checkup three weeks ago and Dr. Wright informed us that anemia had set
in, his advice was to "take him home and make him comfortable."  A week
passed as I researched and tried to communicate with him about alternate
treatments and off-label meds.  When you factor in that week and the week he
took to order the LTCI meds, that's two out of the last three weeks where
Dex had little treatment.  Again, why the difficulty in getting anything
done for Dex?  East Dallas, however, fit Dex in on the first day we spoke
with him and started him on Acemannan injections.  They had two remaining
doses remaining of that drug; a drug that was very beneficial to Dex last
year when he was first diagnosed.  they sacrificed those 2 doses for Dex
without question - had I gone to them earlier, perhaps it would have had
more effect on him. Regardless, Dex seemed to make improvements while on
Immunoregulin, LCTI and the acemannan.  FeLV and FIV are horrible diseases,
though, and I felt like there was something always sneaking up on Dex while
we treated him.  We seemed to reverse the anemia, but his Lymph nodes were
swelling.  Some days they would go down, other days, they would blow up.
When the mystery feet and face swelling started last week

Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter

2011-07-06 Thread Beth

It sounds like Dexter was a wonderful boy. You were lucky to have him & he you.

Beth
Don't Litter, Fix Your Critter! www.Furkids.org   

--- On Wed, 7/6/11, Ben Williams  wrote:

From: Ben Williams 
Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter
To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
Date: Wednesday, July 6, 2011, 10:46 AM

I'd like to start off this message by thanking all of you for your kind
words regarding Dexter over the past few days - - my wife and I have shared
and appreciated every one of the emails - it's meant a lot to us.
Unfortunately, this morning has proven to be heartbreaking to us both - we
received a call first thing this morning from East Dallas Animal Clinic's
Dr. Ken Cantrell that Dexter's condition had worsened over the course of the
night.  After picking Dex up from the Emergency clinic yesterday morning, we
immediately took him to Dr. Wright at Lakewood Vet Center.  Dr. Wright has
been on vacation since last week and we were told that he would be back
yesterday morning - but he hadn't yet returned.  I took Dexter to see him on
three occasions last week for his lymphocyte T-Cell Immunomodulator
injections, but was only able to see him that Monday.  When we took Dex in
on Friday when the swelling of his feet and face had begun, we were given no
advice by his staff who were unable to do anything other than give Dex his
shot and usher us out the door.  They are all very caring people and I don't
blame them for anything, but I feel that any vet who runs a practice where
he is the only doctor on staff, should do a bit more to keep his patients
informed about his availability - that way precious minutes or hours or days
aren't wasted waiting for him to return.  Fortunately, several weeks ago,
when trying to convince Dr. Wright to order the LTCI treatment (which took
him over a week to do) I was referred to the East Dallas Animal Clinic by
the LTCI folks - they had used the medication before.   East Dallas Animal
Clinic is a wonderful place.  We've worked with Dr. Ellsworth and Dr.
Cantrell there - - they are both compassionate and make a point of taking
calls from concerned pet owners.  They have both been wonderful to work with
and have been open to taking every conceivable avenue with Dex's treatment.
I only wish we had been seeing them from the start. We rushed Dex to them
yesterday morning as soon as it became clear that Dr. Wright wouldn't be
returning.  Again, I don't blame Dr. Wright, but when we took Dexter in for
his checkup three weeks ago and Dr. Wright informed us that anemia had set
in, his advice was to "take him home and make him comfortable."  A week
passed as I researched and tried to communicate with him about alternate
treatments and off-label meds.  When you factor in that week and the week he
took to order the LTCI meds, that's two out of the last three weeks where
Dex had little treatment.  Again, why the difficulty in getting anything
done for Dex?  East Dallas, however, fit Dex in on the first day we spoke
with him and started him on Acemannan injections.  They had two remaining
doses remaining of that drug; a drug that was very beneficial to Dex last
year when he was first diagnosed.  they sacrificed those 2 doses for Dex
without question - had I gone to them earlier, perhaps it would have had
more effect on him. Regardless, Dex seemed to make improvements while on
Immunoregulin, LCTI and the acemannan.  FeLV and FIV are horrible diseases,
though, and I felt like there was something always sneaking up on Dex while
we treated him.  We seemed to reverse the anemia, but his Lymph nodes were
swelling.  Some days they would go down, other days, they would blow up.
When the mystery feet and face swelling started last week, he even responded
well with benadryl.  That thing sneaking up on Dexter?  Full blown cancer -
it wasn't just in his lymph nodes, it was in his liver and spleen - it had
probably made his heart swell.  His breathing was becoming more and more
labored and we struggled with the decision of when Dexter was in too much
pain to continue.  Yesterday, Dr. Cantrell started chemotherapy on Dex, as
well as steroids.  He seemed to tolerate the meds well, but over the course
of the night, he became more jaundiced and vomited, while his body
temperature dropped to 94 degrees.  His little body had given out as this
terrible disease had taken almost everything from him.  I say almost
everything, because when we arrived at East Dallas Animal Clinic this
morning, even though he was being hand fed oxygen while under a warming pad,
little Dexter still had a playful wag of the tail when we placed our hands
on him and told him how much we love him.  Dexter died at 8 this morning.
We are heartbroken that our sweet boy is gone and that he was only with us
for a year and a half.  He was such a wonderful, sweet and special kitty -
we will miss him terribly.  He was a huge part of our family - not some
"pet&q

Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter

2011-07-06 Thread Terri Brown

Don't ever doubt that you did everything you could for your little guy, and 
don't ever doubt that he knew that and loved you for it.
Sounds like he was too tired to stick around, and made the decision on his own.

Dex is free of this awful disease now, and is happily romping around with all 
of our departed FeLV+ babies already waiting for us.

Goodnight, sweet Dexter...

=^..^= Terri, Siggie the Tomato Vampire, Guinevere, Travis, Dori and 6 
furangels: Ruthie, Samantha, Arielle, Gareth, Alec, Salome and Sammi =^..^=
  - Original Message - 
  From: Ben Williams<mailto:drsiebl...@gmail.com> 
  To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org<mailto:felvtalk@felineleukemia.org> 
  Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 10:46 AM
  Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter


  I'd like to start off this message by thanking all of you for your kind
  words regarding Dexter over the past few days - - my wife and I have shared
  and appreciated every one of the emails - it's meant a lot to us.
  Unfortunately, this morning has proven to be heartbreaking to us both - we
  received a call first thing this morning from East Dallas Animal Clinic's
  Dr. Ken Cantrell that Dexter's condition had worsened over the course of the
  night.  After picking Dex up from the Emergency clinic yesterday morning, we
  immediately took him to Dr. Wright at Lakewood Vet Center.  Dr. Wright has
  been on vacation since last week and we were told that he would be back
  yesterday morning - but he hadn't yet returned.  I took Dexter to see him on
  three occasions last week for his lymphocyte T-Cell Immunomodulator
  injections, but was only able to see him that Monday.  When we took Dex in
  on Friday when the swelling of his feet and face had begun, we were given no
  advice by his staff who were unable to do anything other than give Dex his
  shot and usher us out the door.  They are all very caring people and I don't
  blame them for anything, but I feel that any vet who runs a practice where
  he is the only doctor on staff, should do a bit more to keep his patients
  informed about his availability - that way precious minutes or hours or days
  aren't wasted waiting for him to return.  Fortunately, several weeks ago,
  when trying to convince Dr. Wright to order the LTCI treatment (which took
  him over a week to do) I was referred to the East Dallas Animal Clinic by
  the LTCI folks - they had used the medication before.   East Dallas Animal
  Clinic is a wonderful place.  We've worked with Dr. Ellsworth and Dr.
  Cantrell there - - they are both compassionate and make a point of taking
  calls from concerned pet owners.  They have both been wonderful to work with
  and have been open to taking every conceivable avenue with Dex's treatment.
  I only wish we had been seeing them from the start. We rushed Dex to them
  yesterday morning as soon as it became clear that Dr. Wright wouldn't be
  returning.  Again, I don't blame Dr. Wright, but when we took Dexter in for
  his checkup three weeks ago and Dr. Wright informed us that anemia had set
  in, his advice was to "take him home and make him comfortable."  A week
  passed as I researched and tried to communicate with him about alternate
  treatments and off-label meds.  When you factor in that week and the week he
  took to order the LTCI meds, that's two out of the last three weeks where
  Dex had little treatment.  Again, why the difficulty in getting anything
  done for Dex?  East Dallas, however, fit Dex in on the first day we spoke
  with him and started him on Acemannan injections.  They had two remaining
  doses remaining of that drug; a drug that was very beneficial to Dex last
  year when he was first diagnosed.  they sacrificed those 2 doses for Dex
  without question - had I gone to them earlier, perhaps it would have had
  more effect on him. Regardless, Dex seemed to make improvements while on
  Immunoregulin, LCTI and the acemannan.  FeLV and FIV are horrible diseases,
  though, and I felt like there was something always sneaking up on Dex while
  we treated him.  We seemed to reverse the anemia, but his Lymph nodes were
  swelling.  Some days they would go down, other days, they would blow up.
  When the mystery feet and face swelling started last week, he even responded
  well with benadryl.  That thing sneaking up on Dexter?  Full blown cancer -
  it wasn't just in his lymph nodes, it was in his liver and spleen - it had
  probably made his heart swell.  His breathing was becoming more and more
  labored and we struggled with the decision of when Dexter was in too much
  pain to continue.  Yesterday, Dr. Cantrell started chemotherapy on Dex, as
  well as steroids.  He seemed to tolerate the meds well, but over the course
  of the night, he became more jaundiced and vomited, while his body
  temperature dropped to 94 degrees.  His little body had given out as this
  terrible disease

Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter

2011-07-06 Thread Cindy McHugh


Dear Ben,

I'm having problems with receiving my email, so I've missed some of what's 
transpired with Dexter, but in reading your post, your profound love for him 
is so very clear. You did all you could for your dear boy and he knows that.


I lost my beloved dog Jack to cancer last year. He had a tumor that was 
pressing against his heart, causing him to have trouble breathing. When the 
specialist identified it and said it was inoperable, I was crushed to have 
to let him go. I'm still not over the loss and I cry many days, but I 
promise you that it does get better in time.


I pray you find comfort in knowing Dexter is happy and healthy now - and 
that this separation is only temporary. When you consider that you'll have 
eternity together, this is but a blink of an eye.


I look at the sweet FeLV+ boy I'm fostering and get so angry at this disease 
and the lack of treatment that exists for it. I'm praying for a treatment 
and cure.


You're in my thoughts and prayers.
Cindy McHugh


- Original Message - 
From: "Ben Williams" 

To: 
Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 10:46 AM
Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter



I'd like to start off this message by thanking all of you for your kind
words regarding Dexter over the past few days - - my wife and I have 
shared

and appreciated every one of the emails - it's meant a lot to us.
Unfortunately, this morning has proven to be heartbreaking to us both - we
received a call first thing this morning from East Dallas Animal Clinic's
Dr. Ken Cantrell that Dexter's condition had worsened over the course of 
the
night.  After picking Dex up from the Emergency clinic yesterday morning, 
we

immediately took him to Dr. Wright at Lakewood Vet Center.  Dr. Wright has
been on vacation since last week and we were told that he would be back
yesterday morning - but he hadn't yet returned.  I took Dexter to see him 
on

three occasions last week for his lymphocyte T-Cell Immunomodulator
injections, but was only able to see him that Monday.  When we took Dex in
on Friday when the swelling of his feet and face had begun, we were given 
no

advice by his staff who were unable to do anything other than give Dex his
shot and usher us out the door.  They are all very caring people and I 
don't

blame them for anything, but I feel that any vet who runs a practice where
he is the only doctor on staff, should do a bit more to keep his patients
informed about his availability - that way precious minutes or hours or 
days

aren't wasted waiting for him to return.  Fortunately, several weeks ago,
when trying to convince Dr. Wright to order the LTCI treatment (which took
him over a week to do) I was referred to the East Dallas Animal Clinic by
the LTCI folks - they had used the medication before.   East Dallas Animal
Clinic is a wonderful place.  We've worked with Dr. Ellsworth and Dr.
Cantrell there - - they are both compassionate and make a point of taking
calls from concerned pet owners.  They have both been wonderful to work 
with
and have been open to taking every conceivable avenue with Dex's 
treatment.

I only wish we had been seeing them from the start. We rushed Dex to them
yesterday morning as soon as it became clear that Dr. Wright wouldn't be
returning.  Again, I don't blame Dr. Wright, but when we took Dexter in 
for

his checkup three weeks ago and Dr. Wright informed us that anemia had set
in, his advice was to "take him home and make him comfortable."  A week
passed as I researched and tried to communicate with him about alternate
treatments and off-label meds.  When you factor in that week and the week 
he

took to order the LTCI meds, that's two out of the last three weeks where
Dex had little treatment.  Again, why the difficulty in getting anything
done for Dex?  East Dallas, however, fit Dex in on the first day we spoke
with him and started him on Acemannan injections.  They had two remaining
doses remaining of that drug; a drug that was very beneficial to Dex last
year when he was first diagnosed.  they sacrificed those 2 doses for Dex
without question - had I gone to them earlier, perhaps it would have had
more effect on him. Regardless, Dex seemed to make improvements while on
Immunoregulin, LCTI and the acemannan.  FeLV and FIV are horrible 
diseases,
though, and I felt like there was something always sneaking up on Dex 
while

we treated him.  We seemed to reverse the anemia, but his Lymph nodes were
swelling.  Some days they would go down, other days, they would blow up.
When the mystery feet and face swelling started last week, he even 
responded
well with benadryl.  That thing sneaking up on Dexter?  Full blown 
cancer -

it wasn't just in his lymph nodes, it was in his liver and spleen - it had
probably made his heart swell.  His breathing was becoming more and more
labored and we struggled with the decision of when Dexter was in

Re: [Felvtalk] Dexter