Re: [Felvtalk] feline leukemia tests
I've been wrestling with these thoughts a lot lately. I wrote to Marley Fund to see if they'd ever advocated for trials, but it sounds like it's outside of their mission. Maybe no one advocates for trials, but I was under the impression that something like that was done for HIV/AIDS. I wrote Virbac earlier today to find out where Virbagen Omega approval for the US market is. I'll bet I can tell you before I even hear back from them. On Jun 12, 2013, at 2:53 PM, "Amanda K. Payne" wrote: > Lance, > > I could totally get behind your Christmas Wish List. I rescued my first > FeLV+ kitten ten years ago. In that decade, there seems to be little to no > progress made in FeLV prevention and/or treatment. Instead, the information > I come across is more confusing than it was when I first heard of FeLV. I > understand that a lack of funding and red tape slow down scientific progress, > but come on! There's a huge difference between slow down and standstill. > > It may be too late for my Polli, but I look forward to the day that FeLV is > treatable instead of something that only supportive care is available for. > > -Amanda > ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] feline leukemia tests
Hi Lance, I can't help with most of this, (wish I could) but I'm pretty comfortable with the rFeLV vaccine by Merial. I made my Vet miserable by insisting I had to have it for one cat, because I could not risk FISS/VAS with him, he's down to three legs already. Long story, but he will be best off in my special needs bunch, and that includes my FeLV boys. He is fed seperately, and has his own room at night . It was the best I could do to give him the best life I can. https://www.navta.net/press/new-molecular-technology-provides-improved-potency -Original Message- From: Lance Sent: Jun 12, 2013 3:44 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] feline leukemia tests Yeah, it does show that persistent infection isn't necessarily inevitable when a cat is exposed and infected. It's sad that we don't know more about how often regressive vs. persistent happens. There are a lot of things I think we need with regard to information. For Christmas, I'd like some tangibles: * an immediate treatment that can hit the virus right after exposure. Even if it's only useful for 48 hours, that would allow people with bitten cats to treat immediately, rather than to wait on the disease process. Perhaps this is unrealistic or even science fiction. I think some folks have used AZT in these cases, but that seems potentially dangerous. * a long-term treatment that allows for FeLV+ cats (and FIV+ cats) to live with their illness in a similar way to how more people are able to live with HIV infections. This is going to require lots of funding, but we need feline-friendly antiretrovirals that are less toxic. Imagine someone getting an FeLV+ diagnosis for his or her cat in the (hopefully) not-too-distant future, and while they are saddened, they know that their cat can live a full life with the right drugs–the virus will be relatively under control. * a vaccine that doesn't cause vax site sarcomas. How hard can this possibly be? Why do we not understand how this happens better after a decade of dealing with it? Why is their less vax site sarcoma prevalence in the UK and Europe vs. America, when both sides use pretty much the same vax? In my family's case, I think I would have advocated for our girl now of questionable status to be vaccinated if I didn't have to feel like I was putting her at risk for an aggressive cancer. But, my FeLV+ was isolated, and the few accidental meet-ups that they'd had were always quick and easily curtailed, so putting Callie at risk of the sarcoma didn't seem right. I'm regretting that now. On Jun 12, 2013, at 2:20 PM, Margo <toomanykitti...@earthlink.net> wrote: Hi Lance, Thanks! I don't know if I have that or not, but it sounds interesting . And it does give me some hope. All the best, Margo ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] feline leukemia tests
Lance, I could totally get behind your Christmas Wish List. I rescued my first FeLV+ kitten ten years ago. In that decade, there seems to be little to no progress made in FeLV prevention and/or treatment. Instead, the information I come across is more confusing than it was when I first heard of FeLV. I understand that a lack of funding and red tape slow down scientific progress, but come on! There's a huge difference between slow down and standstill. It may be too late for my Polli, but I look forward to the day that FeLV is treatable instead of something that only supportive care is available for. -Amanda On Wed, Jun 12, 2013 at 12:44 PM, Lance wrote: > Yeah, it does show that persistent infection isn't necessarily inevitable > when a cat is exposed and infected. It's sad that we don't know more about > how often regressive vs. persistent happens. There are a lot of things I > think we need with regard to information. For Christmas, I'd like some > tangibles: > > * an immediate treatment that can hit the virus right after exposure. > > Even if it's only useful for 48 hours, that would allow people with bitten > cats to treat immediately, rather than to wait on the disease process. > Perhaps this is unrealistic or even science fiction. I think some folks > have used AZT in these cases, but that seems potentially dangerous. > > * a long-term treatment that allows for FeLV+ cats (and FIV+ cats) to live > with their illness in a similar way to how more people are able to live > with HIV infections. > > This is going to require lots of funding, but we need feline-friendly > antiretrovirals that are less toxic. Imagine someone getting an FeLV+ > diagnosis for his or her cat in the (hopefully) not-too-distant future, and > while they are saddened, they know that their cat can live a full life with > the right drugs–the virus will be relatively under control. > > * a vaccine that doesn't cause vax site sarcomas. > > How hard can this possibly be? Why do we not understand how this happens > better after a decade of dealing with it? Why is their less vax site > sarcoma prevalence in the UK and Europe vs. America, when both sides use > pretty much the same vax? > > In my family's case, I think I would have advocated for our girl now of > questionable status to be vaccinated if I didn't have to feel like I was > putting her at risk for an aggressive cancer. But, my FeLV+ was isolated, > and the few accidental meet-ups that they'd had were always quick and > easily curtailed, so putting Callie at risk of the sarcoma didn't seem > right. I'm regretting that now. > > > On Jun 12, 2013, at 2:20 PM, Margo wrote: > > > Hi Lance, > > > Thanks! I don't know if I have that or not, but it sounds > interesting . And it does give me some hope. > > > All the best, > > > Margo > > > > > ___ > Felvtalk mailing list > Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org > > -- "There is much pleasure to be gained from useless knowledge" Bertrand Russell ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] feline leukemia tests
Yeah, it does show that persistent infection isn't necessarily inevitable when a cat is exposed and infected. It's sad that we don't know more about how often regressive vs. persistent happens. There are a lot of things I think we need with regard to information. For Christmas, I'd like some tangibles: * an immediate treatment that can hit the virus right after exposure. Even if it's only useful for 48 hours, that would allow people with bitten cats to treat immediately, rather than to wait on the disease process. Perhaps this is unrealistic or even science fiction. I think some folks have used AZT in these cases, but that seems potentially dangerous. * a long-term treatment that allows for FeLV+ cats (and FIV+ cats) to live with their illness in a similar way to how more people are able to live with HIV infections. This is going to require lots of funding, but we need feline-friendly antiretrovirals that are less toxic. Imagine someone getting an FeLV+ diagnosis for his or her cat in the (hopefully) not-too-distant future, and while they are saddened, they know that their cat can live a full life with the right drugs–the virus will be relatively under control. * a vaccine that doesn't cause vax site sarcomas. How hard can this possibly be? Why do we not understand how this happens better after a decade of dealing with it? Why is their less vax site sarcoma prevalence in the UK and Europe vs. America, when both sides use pretty much the same vax? In my family's case, I think I would have advocated for our girl now of questionable status to be vaccinated if I didn't have to feel like I was putting her at risk for an aggressive cancer. But, my FeLV+ was isolated, and the few accidental meet-ups that they'd had were always quick and easily curtailed, so putting Callie at risk of the sarcoma didn't seem right. I'm regretting that now. On Jun 12, 2013, at 2:20 PM, Margo wrote: > > Hi Lance, > > Thanks! I don't know if I have that or not, but it sounds > interesting . And it does give me some hope. > > All the best, > > Margo > ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] feline leukemia tests
Karen - What your vet suggested is what I would suggest & what we do at the shelter. You would do an IFA only if they test positive on the in-house SNAP test. The IFA would tell you if the virus cannot be thrown off. Beth Don't Litter, Fix Your Critter! www.Furkids.org From: Karen Harshbarger To: "felvtalk@felineleukemia.org" Sent: Wednesday, June 12, 2013 1:33 PM Subject: [Felvtalk] feline leukemia tests I had my 5 cats tested for feline leukemia when believed to be exposed. First test 4 tested positive and yesterday (90 days later) all 5 tested negative. my vet said retest in 45 days and see what we get. If two test with same diagnosis then that is the results. Has anyone ever had this and/or what do you have to say about what is going on with my guys? He used the quick in house test---for get the name---not the send out lab test that takes longer for results. Thanks Karen ___ 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] feline leukemia tests
Hi Lance, Thanks! I don't know if I have that or not, but it sounds interesting . And it does give me some hope. All the best, Margo -Original Message- From: Lance Sent: Jun 12, 2013 1:55 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] feline leukemia tests I'm not sure about this, but I *think* this might be what's called regressive infection. It's not as bad as it sounds. This is a "new" way of looking at cats we used to think threw off the virus. The paper "2008 AAFP Retrovirus Guidelines" puts it this way: Regressive infection is accompanied by an effective immune response, and virus replication is contained prior to or at the time of bone marrow infection. Cats with regressive infection are at little risk of developing FeLV-associated diseases. FeLV is integrated into the cat’s genome, but viral shedding does not occur (Peder- sen et al 1977, Lutz et al 1983, Flynn et al 2000, 2002). It seems possible that the cats we always used to say "threw off" the virus were actually "infected", but that they don't shed virus and have a very low risk for getting sick. That paper is available online. Just Google for the title. All in all, while it might not be the best news, regressive infection would seem to indicate a normal life is ahead for your cats, and you shouldn't have to be concerned about them. Would you mind describing the exposure you think your cats might have undergone? Was it a short interaction with a FeLV+ or a long period of time spent with a positive cat or cats? Also, how is Cole doing? I know he didn't eat well one day recently, and you were concerned. Best wishes to you and the five negative kitties, Lance On Jun 12, 2013, at 12:33 PM, Karen Harshbarger <harshbargerka...@yahoo.com> wrote: I had my 5 cats tested for feline leukemia when believed to be exposed. First test 4 tested positive and yesterday (90 days later) all 5 tested negative. my vet said retest in 45 days and see what we get. If two test with same diagnosis then that is the results. Has anyone ever had this and/or what do you have to say about what is going on with my guys? He used the quick in house test---for get the name---not the send out lab test that takes longer for results. Thanks Karen___Felvtalk mailing listFelvtalk@felineleukemia.orghttp://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] feline leukemia tests
Hi Karen, How long ago was the suspected exposure, and how did it happen? In house testing is usually an Elisa. There's a chart on the FeLV.org site, but it is titled "Sick Cat Chart". My thought is that some of yours are not showing any symptoms? http://www.felineleukemia.org/felvsick.html The chart suggests immediate re-testing, but I think I'd wait the 45 days, and test by IFA. If you are planning on seperating them by result, then I'd do an IFA now, and see what that shows. But I still don't know exactly what that means :( I keep reading different things from different sources. To the point that I won't be testing my "exposed" cats unless they show symptoms. So far, we're one for one. In addition to my original positive Gribble, now Mako has tested positive as well. His only symptoms were ocular, a recurrent runny eye, and transient anisocoria. Right now, after treatment, he's symptom free. As is Gribble. (Knocking madly on wood). Not much help, huh? Margo -Original Message- From: Karen Harshbarger Sent: Jun 12, 2013 1:33 PM To: "felvtalk@felineleukemia.org" Subject: [Felvtalk] feline leukemia tests I had my 5 cats tested for feline leukemia when believed to be exposed. First test 4 tested positive and yesterday (90 days later) all 5 tested negative. my vet said retest in 45 days and see what we get. If two test with same diagnosis then that is the results. Has anyone ever had this and/or what do you have to say about what is going on with my guys? He used the quick in house test---for get the name---not the send out lab test that takes longer for results. Thanks Karen ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] feline leukemia tests
I'm not sure about this, but I *think* this might be what's called regressive infection. It's not as bad as it sounds. This is a "new" way of looking at cats we used to think threw off the virus. The paper "2008 AAFP Retrovirus Guidelines" puts it this way: Regressive infection is accompanied by an effective immune response, and virus replication is contained prior to or at the time of bone marrow infection. Cats with regressive infection are at little risk of developing FeLV-associated diseases. FeLV is integrated into the cat’s genome, but viral shedding does not occur (Peder- sen et al 1977, Lutz et al 1983, Flynn et al 2000, 2002). It seems possible that the cats we always used to say "threw off" the virus were actually "infected", but that they don't shed virus and have a very low risk for getting sick. That paper is available online. Just Google for the title. All in all, while it might not be the best news, regressive infection would seem to indicate a normal life is ahead for your cats, and you shouldn't have to be concerned about them. Would you mind describing the exposure you think your cats might have undergone? Was it a short interaction with a FeLV+ or a long period of time spent with a positive cat or cats? Also, how is Cole doing? I know he didn't eat well one day recently, and you were concerned. Best wishes to you and the five negative kitties, Lance On Jun 12, 2013, at 12:33 PM, Karen Harshbarger wrote: > I had my 5 cats tested for feline leukemia when believed to be exposed. > First test 4 tested positive and yesterday (90 days later) all 5 tested > negative. my vet said retest in 45 days and see what we get. If two test > with same diagnosis then that is the results. Has anyone ever had this > and/or what do you have to say about what is going on with my guys? He used > the quick in house test---for get the name---not the send out lab test that > takes longer for results. Thanks Karen > ___ > 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] feline leukemia tests
I had my 5 cats tested for feline leukemia when believed to be exposed. First test 4 tested positive and yesterday (90 days later) all 5 tested negative. my vet said retest in 45 days and see what we get. If two test with same diagnosis then that is the results. Has anyone ever had this and/or what do you have to say about what is going on with my guys? He used the quick in house test---for get the name---not the send out lab test that takes longer for results. Thanks Karen___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org