Re: [Felvtalk] Fwd: virus has finally caught up with her :-(
wow. -Original Message- From: Jennifer Ballew Sent: Oct 10, 2013 4:17 PM To: felvtalk Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Fwd: virus has finally caught up with her :-( Put Sasha down today. I think it was time. :-( On Oct 10, 2013 2:02 PM, "katskat1" <katsk...@gmail.com> wrote: Sub Q will work almost immediately if anything is going to work at all. Don't freak tho. It will show as a big scary malleable lump under the skin as the liquid drains from the IV bag. It is just the water under the skin and will dissipate within a short period of time but the rehydration starts surprisingly quickly and can make an almost immediate world of difference. Please don't hesitate. It is the best and quickest way to give your kitty a chance. Kat On Thu, Oct 10, 2013 at 2:57 PM, <cer...@new.rr.com> wrote: At the Shelter where I volunteer, they find that rehydrating a cat by giving sub-q usually perks up their appetite. Chris C. From: Margo Sent: Thursday, October 10, 2013 7:00 AM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Fwd: virus has finally caught up with her :-( Hi Jennifer, Well, I think she will need some help. I am surprised that a Vet allowed a dehydrated cat to leave without doing something about it, so I'd call and ask why. It's good that she is drinking, but it is impossible to correct clinical dehydration orally, she must have either IV or sub-q fluids. That alone MAY be enough (combined with the B-12) to start her eating again, it can be miraculous. If you don't want to try the Clavamox, then take her (what is her name?) in and request sub-q fluids (and have them show you how to do it at home) and ask about Convenia, a long-lasting injectable antibiotic. I don't generally recommend it, but it's better than nothing, and less stressful for both of you. Explain that medicating orally seems too stressful. You could ask about appetite stimulants, but they need to be given by mouth as well, so maybe you don't want to try. Much depends on how far you want to go. Sub-q's and assist feedings aren't difficult to do, but you may not have the time to give to this. I would say, even if you decide not to continue long-term care, get to the Vet (or another of you don't want to go back there) TODAY for sub-q or IV fluids, and see if that helps.. If you have to work, most Vets will allow drop-off. Please help her by getting the dehydration resolved. She feels totally lousy, and of course doesn't want to eat, or move. At least she will feel better, and that's critical, whatever course you elect to follow. All the best, Margo -Original Message----- From: Jennifer Ballew Sent: Oct 9, 2013 9:40 PM To: felvtalk Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Fwd: virus has finally caught up with her :-( They took her temp yesterday and no fever. She's not showing any outward signs of infection, so that's good I guess. I'm just wondering if she's going to be able to pull out of this. :-( Jennifer On Oct 9, 2013 8:27 PM, "moonsister22" <moonsiste...@yahoo.com> wrote: Regular cats can also have those symptoms. The B12 shot is good. Does she have a fever? Many doctors completely neglect the simple task of taking the cat's temperature. An antibiotic injection might be of benefit. My hard and fast rule is to think "simple" first. My FIV positive cat had a lump on his back. It was diagnosed as probably a malignant tumor. I suggested it was a non-malignant fatty tumor. Three years later Mr. Snowy is still fat and going strong and the tumor has absorbed. Maybe it's luck and they will use up the last of their nine lives eventually but until then start off simple but cautious and do always take to vet but listen with both ears open and your brain cells on high alert.Hugs and blessings to you and the fur kids.Sent from my iPodOn Oct 9, 2013, at 3:48 PM, Jennifer Ballew <balle...@gmail.com> wrote:> Hey all->>> This is the first time I have posted to the forum. I have two FeLV positive cats, one two and one three years old. The older cat has never had any issues with illness whatsoever, but the younger has only recently started showing signs that her illness has caught up with her. Just within the last few days she has become very lethargic, stopped eating (and only drinks a small amount) and whenever she stands or walks she seems very unsteady and wobbly. I took her to the vet yesterday; they checked her blood counts which were low and said her kidney enzymes were elevated. They also said they could hear a heart murmur which is probably related to possibly being dehydrated. They gave her a B12 shot and I took her home. I already said if worst came to worst I wouldn't put her through any unnecessary treatments or subject her to any painful procedures and that I would st
Re: [Felvtalk] Fwd: virus has finally caught up with her :-(
I am so sorry to hear about Sasha, Jennifer. May you find comfort and peace knowing she had a good life thanks to you. I'm keeping you and your other kitty in my thoughts. On Thu, Oct 10, 2013 at 4:17 PM, Jennifer Ballew wrote: > Put Sasha down today. I think it was time. :-( > On Oct 10, 2013 2:02 PM, "katskat1" wrote: > >> Sub Q will work almost immediately if anything is going to work at all. >> Don't freak tho. It will show as a big scary malleable lump under the skin >> as the liquid drains from the IV bag. It is just the water under the skin >> and will dissipate within a short period of time but the rehydration starts >> surprisingly quickly and can make an almost immediate world of difference. >> Please don't hesitate. It is the best and quickest way to give your kitty >> a chance. >> >> Kat >> >> >> On Thu, Oct 10, 2013 at 2:57 PM, wrote: >> >>> At the Shelter where I volunteer, they find that rehydrating a >>> cat by giving sub-q usually perks up their appetite. >>> >>> Chris C. >>> >>> >>> *From:* Margo >>> *Sent:* Thursday, October 10, 2013 7:00 AM >>> *To:* felvtalk@felineleukemia.org >>> *Subject:* Re: [Felvtalk] Fwd: virus has finally caught up with her :-( >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> Hi Jennifer, >>> >>>Well, I think she will need some help. I am >>> surprised that a Vet allowed a dehydrated cat to leave without doing >>> something about it, so I'd call and ask why. It's good that she is >>> drinking, but it is impossible to correct clinical dehydration orally, she >>> must have either IV or sub-q fluids. That alone MAY be enough (combined >>> with the B-12) to start her eating again, it can be miraculous. If you >>> don't want to try the Clavamox, then take her (what is her name?) in and >>> request sub-q fluids (and have them show you how to do it at home) and ask >>> about Convenia, a long-lasting injectable antibiotic. I don't generally >>> recommend it, but it's better than nothing, and less stressful for both of >>> you. Explain that medicating orally seems too stressful. You could ask >>> about appetite stimulants, but they need to be given by mouth as well, so >>> maybe you don't want to try. >>> >>>Much depends on how far you want to go. Sub-q's >>> and assist feedings aren't difficult to do, but you may not have the time >>> to give to this. I would say, even if you decide not to continue long-term >>> care, get to the Vet (or another of you don't want to go back there) TODAY >>> for sub-q or IV fluids, and see if that helps.. If you have to work, most >>> Vets will allow drop-off. >>> >>>Please help her by getting the dehydration >>> resolved. She feels totally lousy, and of course doesn't want to eat, or >>> move. At least she will feel better, and that's critical, whatever course >>> you elect to follow. >>> >>> All the best, >>> >>> Margo >>> >>> -Original Message- >>> From: Jennifer Ballew ** >>> Sent: Oct 9, 2013 9:40 PM >>> To: felvtalk ** >>> Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Fwd: virus has finally caught up with her :-( >>> >>> They took her temp yesterday and no fever. She's not showing any >>> outward signs of infection, so that's good I guess. I'm just wondering if >>> she's going to be able to pull out of this. :-( >>> >>> Jennifer >>> On Oct 9, 2013 8:27 PM, "moonsister22" wrote: >>> >>>> Regular cats can also have those symptoms. The B12 shot is good. Does >>>> she have a fever? Many doctors completely neglect the simple task of taking >>>> the cat's temperature. An antibiotic injection might be of benefit. My hard >>>> and fast rule is to think "simple" first. My FIV positive cat had a lump on >>>> his back. It was diagnosed as probably a malignant tumor. I suggested it >>>> was a non-malignant fatty tumor. Three years later Mr. Snowy is still fat >>>> and going strong and the tumor has absorbed. Maybe it's luck and they will >>>> use up the last of their nine lives eventually but until then start off >>>> simple but cautious and do always take to vet but listen with both ears >>>> open and your brain cel
Re: [Felvtalk] Fwd: virus has finally caught up with her :-(
Put Sasha down today. I think it was time. :-( On Oct 10, 2013 2:02 PM, "katskat1" wrote: > Sub Q will work almost immediately if anything is going to work at all. > Don't freak tho. It will show as a big scary malleable lump under the skin > as the liquid drains from the IV bag. It is just the water under the skin > and will dissipate within a short period of time but the rehydration starts > surprisingly quickly and can make an almost immediate world of difference. > Please don't hesitate. It is the best and quickest way to give your kitty > a chance. > > Kat > > > On Thu, Oct 10, 2013 at 2:57 PM, wrote: > >> At the Shelter where I volunteer, they find that rehydrating a >> cat by giving sub-q usually perks up their appetite. >> >> Chris C. >> >> >> *From:* Margo >> *Sent:* Thursday, October 10, 2013 7:00 AM >> *To:* felvtalk@felineleukemia.org >> *Subject:* Re: [Felvtalk] Fwd: virus has finally caught up with her :-( >> >> >> >> >> >> >> Hi Jennifer, >> >>Well, I think she will need some help. I am >> surprised that a Vet allowed a dehydrated cat to leave without doing >> something about it, so I'd call and ask why. It's good that she is >> drinking, but it is impossible to correct clinical dehydration orally, she >> must have either IV or sub-q fluids. That alone MAY be enough (combined >> with the B-12) to start her eating again, it can be miraculous. If you >> don't want to try the Clavamox, then take her (what is her name?) in and >> request sub-q fluids (and have them show you how to do it at home) and ask >> about Convenia, a long-lasting injectable antibiotic. I don't generally >> recommend it, but it's better than nothing, and less stressful for both of >> you. Explain that medicating orally seems too stressful. You could ask >> about appetite stimulants, but they need to be given by mouth as well, so >> maybe you don't want to try. >> >>Much depends on how far you want to go. Sub-q's >> and assist feedings aren't difficult to do, but you may not have the time >> to give to this. I would say, even if you decide not to continue long-term >> care, get to the Vet (or another of you don't want to go back there) TODAY >> for sub-q or IV fluids, and see if that helps.. If you have to work, most >> Vets will allow drop-off. >> >>Please help her by getting the dehydration >> resolved. She feels totally lousy, and of course doesn't want to eat, or >> move. At least she will feel better, and that's critical, whatever course >> you elect to follow. >> >> All the best, >> >> Margo >> >> -Original Message- >> From: Jennifer Ballew ** >> Sent: Oct 9, 2013 9:40 PM >> To: felvtalk ** >> Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Fwd: virus has finally caught up with her :-( >> >> They took her temp yesterday and no fever. She's not showing any outward >> signs of infection, so that's good I guess. I'm just wondering if she's >> going to be able to pull out of this. :-( >> >> Jennifer >> On Oct 9, 2013 8:27 PM, "moonsister22" wrote: >> >>> Regular cats can also have those symptoms. The B12 shot is good. Does >>> she have a fever? Many doctors completely neglect the simple task of taking >>> the cat's temperature. An antibiotic injection might be of benefit. My hard >>> and fast rule is to think "simple" first. My FIV positive cat had a lump on >>> his back. It was diagnosed as probably a malignant tumor. I suggested it >>> was a non-malignant fatty tumor. Three years later Mr. Snowy is still fat >>> and going strong and the tumor has absorbed. Maybe it's luck and they will >>> use up the last of their nine lives eventually but until then start off >>> simple but cautious and do always take to vet but listen with both ears >>> open and your brain cells on high alert. >>> >>> Hugs and blessings to you and the fur kids. >>> >>> Sent from my iPod >>> >>> On Oct 9, 2013, at 3:48 PM, Jennifer Ballew wrote: >>> >>> > Hey all- >>> > >>> > >>> > This is the first time I have posted to the forum. I have two FeLV >>> positive cats, one two and one three years old. The older cat has never >>> had any issues with illness whatsoever, but the younger has only recently >>> started showing signs that h
Re: [Felvtalk] Fwd: virus has finally caught up with her :-(
Sub Q will work almost immediately if anything is going to work at all. Don't freak tho. It will show as a big scary malleable lump under the skin as the liquid drains from the IV bag. It is just the water under the skin and will dissipate within a short period of time but the rehydration starts surprisingly quickly and can make an almost immediate world of difference. Please don't hesitate. It is the best and quickest way to give your kitty a chance. Kat On Thu, Oct 10, 2013 at 2:57 PM, wrote: > At the Shelter where I volunteer, they find that rehydrating a > cat by giving sub-q usually perks up their appetite. > > Chris C. > > > *From:* Margo > *Sent:* Thursday, October 10, 2013 7:00 AM > *To:* felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > *Subject:* Re: [Felvtalk] Fwd: virus has finally caught up with her :-( > > > > > > > Hi Jennifer, > >Well, I think she will need some help. I am > surprised that a Vet allowed a dehydrated cat to leave without doing > something about it, so I'd call and ask why. It's good that she is > drinking, but it is impossible to correct clinical dehydration orally, she > must have either IV or sub-q fluids. That alone MAY be enough (combined > with the B-12) to start her eating again, it can be miraculous. If you > don't want to try the Clavamox, then take her (what is her name?) in and > request sub-q fluids (and have them show you how to do it at home) and ask > about Convenia, a long-lasting injectable antibiotic. I don't generally > recommend it, but it's better than nothing, and less stressful for both of > you. Explain that medicating orally seems too stressful. You could ask > about appetite stimulants, but they need to be given by mouth as well, so > maybe you don't want to try. > >Much depends on how far you want to go. Sub-q's and > assist feedings aren't difficult to do, but you may not have the time to > give to this. I would say, even if you decide not to continue long-term > care, get to the Vet (or another of you don't want to go back there) TODAY > for sub-q or IV fluids, and see if that helps.. If you have to work, most > Vets will allow drop-off. > >Please help her by getting the dehydration > resolved. She feels totally lousy, and of course doesn't want to eat, or > move. At least she will feel better, and that's critical, whatever course > you elect to follow. > > All the best, > > Margo > > -Original Message- > From: Jennifer Ballew ** > Sent: Oct 9, 2013 9:40 PM > To: felvtalk ** > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Fwd: virus has finally caught up with her :-( > > They took her temp yesterday and no fever. She's not showing any outward > signs of infection, so that's good I guess. I'm just wondering if she's > going to be able to pull out of this. :-( > > Jennifer > On Oct 9, 2013 8:27 PM, "moonsister22" wrote: > >> Regular cats can also have those symptoms. The B12 shot is good. Does she >> have a fever? Many doctors completely neglect the simple task of taking the >> cat's temperature. An antibiotic injection might be of benefit. My hard and >> fast rule is to think "simple" first. My FIV positive cat had a lump on his >> back. It was diagnosed as probably a malignant tumor. I suggested it was a >> non-malignant fatty tumor. Three years later Mr. Snowy is still fat and >> going strong and the tumor has absorbed. Maybe it's luck and they will use >> up the last of their nine lives eventually but until then start off simple >> but cautious and do always take to vet but listen with both ears open and >> your brain cells on high alert. >> >> Hugs and blessings to you and the fur kids. >> >> Sent from my iPod >> >> On Oct 9, 2013, at 3:48 PM, Jennifer Ballew wrote: >> >> > Hey all- >> > >> > >> > This is the first time I have posted to the forum. I have two FeLV >> positive cats, one two and one three years old. The older cat has never >> had any issues with illness whatsoever, but the younger has only recently >> started showing signs that her illness has caught up with her. Just within >> the last few days she has become very lethargic, stopped eating (and only >> drinks a small amount) and whenever she stands or walks she seems very >> unsteady and wobbly. I took her to the vet yesterday; they checked her >> blood counts which were low and said her kidney enzymes were elevated. >> They also said they could hear a heart murmur which is probably related to >> possibly being dehydrated. They gave he
Re: [Felvtalk] Fwd: virus has finally caught up with her :-(
At the Shelter where I volunteer, they find that rehydrating a cat by giving sub-q usually perks up their appetite. Chris C. From: Margo Sent: Thursday, October 10, 2013 7:00 AM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Fwd: virus has finally caught up with her :-( Hi Jennifer, Well, I think she will need some help. I am surprised that a Vet allowed a dehydrated cat to leave without doing something about it, so I'd call and ask why. It's good that she is drinking, but it is impossible to correct clinical dehydration orally, she must have either IV or sub-q fluids. That alone MAY be enough (combined with the B-12) to start her eating again, it can be miraculous. If you don't want to try the Clavamox, then take her (what is her name?) in and request sub-q fluids (and have them show you how to do it at home) and ask about Convenia, a long-lasting injectable antibiotic. I don't generally recommend it, but it's better than nothing, and less stressful for both of you. Explain that medicating orally seems too stressful. You could ask about appetite stimulants, but they need to be given by mouth as well, so maybe you don't want to try. Much depends on how far you want to go. Sub-q's and assist feedings aren't difficult to do, but you may not have the time to give to this. I would say, even if you decide not to continue long-term care, get to the Vet (or another of you don't want to go back there) TODAY for sub-q or IV fluids, and see if that helps.. If you have to work, most Vets will allow drop-off. Please help her by getting the dehydration resolved. She feels totally lousy, and of course doesn't want to eat, or move. At least she will feel better, and that's critical, whatever course you elect to follow. All the best, Margo -Original Message- From: Jennifer Ballew Sent: Oct 9, 2013 9:40 PM To: felvtalk Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Fwd: virus has finally caught up with her :-( They took her temp yesterday and no fever. She's not showing any outward signs of infection, so that's good I guess. I'm just wondering if she's going to be able to pull out of this. :-( Jennifer On Oct 9, 2013 8:27 PM, "moonsister22" wrote: Regular cats can also have those symptoms. The B12 shot is good. Does she have a fever? Many doctors completely neglect the simple task of taking the cat's temperature. An antibiotic injection might be of benefit. My hard and fast rule is to think "simple" first. My FIV positive cat had a lump on his back. It was diagnosed as probably a malignant tumor. I suggested it was a non-malignant fatty tumor. Three years later Mr. Snowy is still fat and going strong and the tumor has absorbed. Maybe it's luck and they will use up the last of their nine lives eventually but until then start off simple but cautious and do always take to vet but listen with both ears open and your brain cells on high alert. Hugs and blessings to you and the fur kids. Sent from my iPod On Oct 9, 2013, at 3:48 PM, Jennifer Ballew wrote: > Hey all- > > > This is the first time I have posted to the forum. I have two FeLV positive cats, one two and one three years old. The older cat has never had any issues with illness whatsoever, but the younger has only recently started showing signs that her illness has caught up with her. Just within the last few days she has become very lethargic, stopped eating (and only drinks a small amount) and whenever she stands or walks she seems very unsteady and wobbly. I took her to the vet yesterday; they checked her blood counts which were low and said her kidney enzymes were elevated. They also said they could hear a heart murmur which is probably related to possibly being dehydrated. They gave her a B12 shot and I took her home. I already said if worst came to worst I wouldn't put her through any unnecessary treatments or subject her to any painful procedures and that I would strive only to provide the best supportive care for her while she was alive so that she would have the best chances. I'm just wondering if any of you have gone through the same thing and if I can expect her to pull out of this on her own, or, if she doesn't, how long she might have left. I'm sincerely heartbroken. I really thought I had nursed her through the most risky part of her illness (kittenhood) and that she would now go on to live a halfway long life. In any case, if anyone has any advice or information I would greatly appreciate it. > > Thanks all, > > Jennifer > > -- > "To love is to risk not being loved in return. > To hope is t
Re: [Felvtalk] Fwd: virus has finally caught up with her :-(
And always use a syringe with a lot of liquid to the food. They will fight you, but anything you can get down is a plus. I used baby food mixed with non-flavored Pedialyte. Put her in her own room, on a bed away from the others. Go in every two hours to feed her some fluids. On Wed, Oct 9, 2013 at 6:06 PM, katskat1 wrote: Good info Margo. You definitely have to hydrate and keep hydrating quickly Jennifer and force feed if necessary. Keep Amoxcillan (sp) on hand at the very least but I suggest talk to your vet and buy/keep several different types on hand with his/her help on determining which to start and when. Good luck. On Wednesday, October 9, 2013, Margo wrote: Hi Jennifer, My first thought is to get her immediately on sub-q fluids, and join the yahoo CRF list http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Feline-CRF-Support/info . If you think about what a hangover feels like (or have someone who has over-imbibed explain the feeling) then you understand how dehydration makes her feel. Can you be a bit more specific about her blood counts? Is she anemic? Are her white cells low? What else is out of whack? Not everything that happens to an FeLV cat is FeLV related, but we do have to react faster, as they can't fight of even minor illness like a non-FeLV cat can. My + cats are on Interferon and DMG, probably for the duration. Anything else that pops up we treat very aggressively, and I have antibiotics on hand, which I often start even before we get to the Vet, with her blessing. Jennifer, it's unlikely she'll come out of it by herself. Just resolving the dehydration may be key to getting her going again, it can make a HUGE difference. I'd ask the Vet if it's possible that she has an infection that might be causing some of this with her kidneys, and if an antibiotic could be tried. I watch my positives carefully. When Gribble was first diagnosed, I was sure I would lose him. He had a fever of 107, which we brought down with ice and ketoprofen, and then his temp went down to 97. I did not expect him to live thru the night, so sat with him and moved him between bags of frozen veggies and a heating pad. He was about 2 at that time, early March of last year. He was assist fed, on two antibiotics (there wasn't time for a C&S) and started on Interferon ASAP. You might consider Immunoregulin, we bought it, but it's still on hold in case he relapses and doesn't respond to anything else. Mako also occasionally has some issues, and we treat with antibiotics and/or antivirals. The truth is that I don;t know if they get better because of that, or in spite of my efforts. My advice would be to try to resolve the dehydration, get some food into her, and request an antibiotic from the Vet (I use Zenequin, but others might be more appropriate). Keep her warm and quiet, and love her. All the best, Margo -Original Message- From: Jennifer Ballew ** Sent: Oct 9, 2013 4:48 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: [Felvtalk] Fwd: virus has finally caught up with her :-( Hey all- This is the first time I have posted to the forum. I have two FeLV positive cats, one two and one three years old. The older cat has never had any issues with illness whatsoever, but the younger has only recently started showing signs that her illness has caught up with her. Just within the last few days she has become very lethargic, stopped eating (and only drinks a small amount) and whenever she stands or walks she seems very unsteady and wobbly. I took her to the vet yesterday; they checked her blood counts which were low and said her kidney enzymes were elevated. They also said they could hear a heart murmur which is probably related to possibly being dehydrated. They gave her a B12 shot and I took her home. I already said if worst came to worst I wouldn't put her through any unnecessary treatments or subject her to any painful procedures and that I would strive only to provide the best supportive care for her while she was alive so that she would have the best chances. I'm just wondering if any of you have gone through the same thing and if I can expect her to pull out of this on her own, or, if she doesn't, how long she might have left. I'm sincerely heartbroken. I really thought I had nursed her through the most risky part of her illness (kittenhood) and that she would now go on to live a halfway long life. In any case, if anyone has any advice or information I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks all, Jennifer -- "To love is to risk not being loved in return. To hope is to risk pain. To try is to risk failure, But risk must be taken, Because the greatest hazard in life Is to risk nothing." --Leo Buscaglia -- ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org htt
Re: [Felvtalk] Fwd: virus has finally caught up with her :-(
Jennifer, My Pookie was diagnosed when he was 2 years old, and the virus showed up after I had him neutered. I took him to a vet who told me his blood count was 4.5, that it was in his bone marrow, and he would not live out the week. Unable to stand, I brought him home and nourished him the best I could. The vet gave me a huge bottle of amoxicillan and basically said good luck. I fed him broth through a syringe. Pushed vitamins (Petinic), water, DMG, etc. He recovered. My miracle boy. He is still with me at age 6 1/2. Praise God! Don't give up. I have had great results with a holistic vet and accupuncture this summer. He had a fare up. I don't know how it works but it does. I also give him Wei Qi (way chee) a herb that helps his immune system. Better than DMG which is for humans. I found he wasn't eating becasue he had a sore in his mouth. Sometimes the vets won't check for a sore in the mouth. They won't eat or drink if it hurts. ClinDrops (clindamycin) worked for that. I will be praying for you. Carolyn On Wed, Oct 9, 2013 at 3:48 PM, Jennifer Ballew wrote: Hey all- This is the first time I have posted to the forum. I have two FeLV positive cats, one two and one three years old. The older cat has never had any issues with illness whatsoever, but the younger has only recently started showing signs that her illness has caught up with her. Just within the last few days she has become very lethargic, stopped eating (and only drinks a small amount) and whenever she stands or walks she seems very unsteady and wobbly. I took her to the vet yesterday; they checked her blood counts which were low and said her kidney enzymes were elevated. They also said they could hear a heart murmur which is probably related to possibly being dehydrated. They gave her a B12 shot and I took her home. I already said if worst came to worst I wouldn't put her through any unnecessary treatments or subject her to any painful procedures and that I would strive only to provide the best supportive care for her while she was alive so that she would have the best chances. I'm just wondering if any of you have gone through the same thing and if I can expect her to pull out of this on her own, or, if she doesn't, how long she might have left. I'm sincerely heartbroken. I really thought I had nursed her through the most risky part of her illness (kittenhood) and that she would now go on to live a halfway long life. In any case, if anyone has any advice or information I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks all, Jennifer -- "To love is to risk not being loved in return. To hope is to risk pain. To try is to risk failure, But risk must be taken, Because the greatest hazard in life Is to risk nothing." --Leo Buscaglia -- ___ 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] Fwd: virus has finally caught up with her :-(
Hi, I'm keeping you her in my prayers. You are getting some very good advice here but the main thing is to get her hydrated right now. Sent from my iPhone. > On Oct 10, 2013, at 8:46, "Katherine K." wrote: > > I agree with Lee. A few spoonfuls of pate are not enough if she has stopped > eating. She should probably be getting about 1 can per day. Hills AD is very > soft, I don't even mix it up with water. Ask the vet to give you some > syringes that arent too narrow of an opening. I use the 10mL (aka 10cc) ones, > fill several up at a time, then just start with the feeding, squirting 1 cc > on the side of the tongue at a time. There can be some messy trial and error > at first. How is she doing today? > > >> On Thu, Oct 10, 2013 at 8:18 AM, Lee Evans wrote: >> Using a feeding syringe (3cc syringe) is better than stuffing pate in her >> mouth. You have to blend the pate with some soup (not with onion though) >> until it's like very thick cream and give her about a half syringe at a >> time. Towel on lap, tissue box nearby at hand, cat on lap, soft loving talk >> to cat, syringe at corner of mouth is how I syringe feed my cats during >> illness. Be sure to wipe her mouth frequently and do the feeding slowly. It >> may take almost a half hour but if you do it with loving murmurs, she will >> feel that she is spending quality time with you instead of having food >> stuffed into her mouth. Feeding tubes are invasive and uncomfortable for >> cats and should be a last resort. I usually use Hills A/D as it's a very >> soft pate made for syringe feeding ill cats. You buy it at the vet clinic. >> Get about 5 cans as you will be throwing away left overs that have already >> been blended. Try to get a half a can at a time into her. Once you syringe >> feed for a short time, their regular appetite takes over. Also, I would >> recommend you ask your vet about a antibiotic injection instead of pills or >> liquid. >> >> >> >> On Thursday, October 10, 2013 7:01 AM, Margo >> wrote: >> >> >> Hi Jennifer, >>Well, I think she will need some help. I am surprised >> that a Vet allowed a dehydrated cat to leave without doing something about >> it, so I'd call and ask why. It's good that she is drinking, but it is >> impossible to correct clinical dehydration orally, she must have either IV >> or sub-q fluids. That alone MAY be enough (combined with the B-12) to start >> her eating again, it can be miraculous. If you don't want to try the >> Clavamox, then take her (what is her name?) in and request sub-q fluids (and >> have them show you how to do it at home) and ask about Convenia, a >> long-lasting injectable antibiotic. I don't generally recommend it, but it's >> better than nothing, and less stressful for both of you. Explain that >> medicating orally seems too stressful. You could ask about appetite >> stimulants, but they need to be given by mouth as well, so maybe you don't >> want to try. >>Much depends on how far you want to go. Sub-q's and >> assist feedings aren't difficult to do, but you may not have the time to >> give to this. I would say, even if you decide not to continue long-term >> care, get to the Vet (or another of you don't want to go back there) TODAY >> for sub-q or IV fluids, and see if that helps.. If you have to work, most >> Vets will allow drop-off. >> Please help her by getting the dehydration resolved. >> She feels totally lousy, and of course doesn't want to eat, or move. At >> least she will feel better, and that's critical, whatever course you elect >> to follow. >> All the best, >> Margo >> -Original Message- >> From: Jennifer Ballew >> Sent: Oct 9, 2013 9:40 PM >> To: felvtalk >> Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Fwd: virus has finally caught up with her :-( >> >> They took her temp yesterday and no fever. She's not showing any outward >> signs of infection, so that's good I guess. I'm just wondering if she's >> going to be able to pull out of this. :-( >> Jennifer >> On Oct 9, 2013 8:27 PM, "moonsister22" wrote: >> Regular cats can also have those symptoms. The B12 shot is good. Does she >> have a fever? Many doctors completely neglect the simple task of taking the >> cat's temperature. An antibiotic injection might be of benefit. My hard and >> fast rule is to think "simple" first. My FIV positive cat h
Re: [Felvtalk] Fwd: virus has finally caught up with her :-(
I agree with Lee. A few spoonfuls of pate are not enough if she has stopped eating. She should probably be getting about 1 can per day. Hills AD is very soft, I don't even mix it up with water. Ask the vet to give you some syringes that arent too narrow of an opening. I use the 10mL (aka 10cc) ones, fill several up at a time, then just start with the feeding, squirting 1 cc on the side of the tongue at a time. There can be some messy trial and error at first. How is she doing today? On Thu, Oct 10, 2013 at 8:18 AM, Lee Evans wrote: > Using a feeding syringe (3cc syringe) is better than stuffing pate in her > mouth. You have to blend the pate with some soup (not with onion though) > until it's like very thick cream and give her about a half syringe at a > time. Towel on lap, tissue box nearby at hand, cat on lap, soft loving talk > to cat, syringe at corner of mouth is how I syringe feed my cats during > illness. Be sure to wipe her mouth frequently and do the feeding slowly. It > may take almost a half hour but if you do it with loving murmurs, she will > feel that she is spending quality time with you instead of having food > stuffed into her mouth. Feeding tubes are invasive and uncomfortable for > cats and should be a last resort. I usually use Hills A/D as it's a very > soft pate made for syringe feeding ill cats. You buy it at the vet clinic. > Get about 5 cans as you will be throwing away left overs that have already > been blended. Try to get a half a can at a time into her. Once you syringe > feed for a short time, their regular appetite takes over. Also, I would > recommend you ask your vet about a antibiotic injection instead of pills or > liquid. > > > > On Thursday, October 10, 2013 7:01 AM, Margo < > toomanykitti...@earthlink.net> wrote: > > > > Hi Jennifer, >Well, I think she will need some help. I am > surprised that a Vet allowed a dehydrated cat to leave without doing > something about it, so I'd call and ask why. It's good that she is > drinking, but it is impossible to correct clinical dehydration orally, she > must have either IV or sub-q fluids. That alone MAY be enough (combined > with the B-12) to start her eating again, it can be miraculous. If you > don't want to try the Clavamox, then take her (what is her name?) in and > request sub-q fluids (and have them show you how to do it at home) and > ask about Convenia, a long-lasting injectable antibiotic. I don't generally > recommend it, but it's better than nothing, and less stressful for both of > you. Explain that medicating orally seems too stressful. You could ask > about appetite stimulants, but they need to be given by mouth as well, so > maybe you don't want to try. >Much depends on how far you want to go. Sub-q's and > assist feedings aren't difficult to do, but you may not have the time to > give to this. I would say, even if you decide not to continue long-term > care, get to the Vet (or another of you don't want to go back there) TODAY > for sub-q or IV fluids, and see if that helps.. If you have to work, most > Vets will allow drop-off. >Please help her by getting the dehydration > resolved. She feels totally lousy, and of course doesn't want to eat, or > move. At least she will feel better, and that's critical, whatever course > you elect to follow. > All the best, > Margo > -Original Message- > From: Jennifer Ballew > Sent: Oct 9, 2013 9:40 PM > To: felvtalk > Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Fwd: virus has finally caught up with her :-( > > They took her temp yesterday and no fever. She's not showing any outward > signs of infection, so that's good I guess. I'm just wondering if she's > going to be able to pull out of this. :-( > Jennifer > On Oct 9, 2013 8:27 PM, "moonsister22" wrote: > > Regular cats can also have those symptoms. The B12 shot is good. Does she > have a fever? Many doctors completely neglect the simple task of taking the > cat's temperature. An antibiotic injection might be of benefit. My hard and > fast rule is to think "simple" first. My FIV positive cat had a lump on his > back. It was diagnosed as probably a malignant tumor. I suggested it was a > non-malignant fatty tumor. Three years later Mr. Snowy is still fat and > going strong and the tumor has absorbed. Maybe it's luck and they will use > up the last of their nine lives eventually but until then start off simple > but cautious and do always take to vet but listen with both ears open and > your brain cells on high alert. > > Hugs and blessings to you and the fur kids. > > Sent from my iPod > > On Oct 9
Re: [Felvtalk] Fwd: virus has finally caught up with her :-(
Using a feeding syringe (3cc syringe) is better than stuffing pate in her mouth. You have to blend the pate with some soup (not with onion though) until it's like very thick cream and give her about a half syringe at a time. Towel on lap, tissue box nearby at hand, cat on lap, soft loving talk to cat, syringe at corner of mouth is how I syringe feed my cats during illness. Be sure to wipe her mouth frequently and do the feeding slowly. It may take almost a half hour but if you do it with loving murmurs, she will feel that she is spending quality time with you instead of having food stuffed into her mouth. Feeding tubes are invasive and uncomfortable for cats and should be a last resort. I usually use Hills A/D as it's a very soft pate made for syringe feeding ill cats. You buy it at the vet clinic. Get about 5 cans as you will be throwing away left overs that have already been blended. Try to get a half a can at a time into her. Once you syringe feed for a short time, their regular appetite takes over. Also, I would recommend you ask your vet about a antibiotic injection instead of pills or liquid. On Thursday, October 10, 2013 7:01 AM, Margo wrote: >> >>Hi Jennifer, >> Well, I think she will need some help. I am surprised >>that a Vet allowed a dehydrated cat to leave without doing something about >>it, so I'd call and ask why. It's good that she is drinking, but it is >>impossible to correct clinical dehydration orally, she must have either IV or >>sub-q fluids. That alone MAY be enough (combined with the B-12) to start her >>eating again, it can be miraculous. If you don't want to try the Clavamox, >>then take her (what is her name?) in and request sub-q fluids (and have them >>show you how to do it at home) and ask about Convenia, a long-lasting >>injectable antibiotic. I don't generally recommend it, but it's better than >>nothing, and less stressful for both of you. Explain that medicating orally >>seems too stressful. You could ask about appetite stimulants, but they need >>to be given by mouth as well, so maybe you don't want to try. >> Much depends on how far you want to go. Sub-q's and >>assist feedings aren't difficult to do, but you may not have the time to give >>to this. I would say, even if you decide not to continue long-term care, get >>to the Vet (or another of you don't want to go back there) TODAY for sub-q or >>IV fluids, and see if that helps.. If you have to work, most Vets will allow >>drop-off. >> Please help her by getting the dehydration resolved. >>She feels totally lousy, and of course doesn't want to eat, or move. At least >>she will feel better, and that's critical, whatever course you elect to >>follow. >>All the best, >>Margo >>-Original Message- >>From: Jennifer Ballew >>Sent: Oct 9, 2013 9:40 PM >>To: felvtalk >>Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Fwd: virus has finally caught up with her :-( >> >> >>They took her temp yesterday and no fever. She's not showing any outward >>signs of infection, so that's good I guess. I'm just wondering if she's >>going to be able to pull out of this. :-( >>Jennifer >>On Oct 9, 2013 8:27 PM, "moonsister22" wrote: >> >>Regular cats can also have those symptoms. The B12 shot is good. Does she >>have a fever? Many doctors completely neglect the simple task of taking the >>cat's temperature. An antibiotic injection might be of benefit. My hard and >>fast rule is to think "simple" first. My FIV positive cat had a lump on his >>back. It was diagnosed as probably a malignant tumor. I suggested it was a >>non-malignant fatty tumor. Three years later Mr. Snowy is still fat and going >>strong and the tumor has absorbed. Maybe it's luck and they will use up the >>last of their nine lives eventually but until then start off simple but >>cautious and do always take to vet but listen with both ears open and your >>brain cells on high alert. >>> >>>Hugs and blessings to you and the fur kids. >>> >>>Sent from my iPod >>> >>>On Oct 9, 2013, at 3:48 PM, Jennifer Ballew wrote: >>> >>>> Hey all- >>>> >>>> >>>> This is the first time I have posted to the forum. I have two FeLV >>>> positive cats, one two and one three years old. The older cat has never >>>> had any issues with illness whatsoever, but the younger has only recently >>>> started showing signs that her illness h
Re: [Felvtalk] Fwd: virus has finally caught up with her :-(
Hi Jennifer, Well, I think she will need some help. I am surprised that a Vet allowed a dehydrated cat to leave without doing something about it, so I'd call and ask why. It's good that she is drinking, but it is impossible to correct clinical dehydration orally, she must have either IV or sub-q fluids. That alone MAY be enough (combined with the B-12) to start her eating again, it can be miraculous. If you don't want to try the Clavamox, then take her (what is her name?) in and request sub-q fluids (and have them show you how to do it at home) and ask about Convenia, a long-lasting injectable antibiotic. I don't generally recommend it, but it's better than nothing, and less stressful for both of you. Explain that medicating orally seems too stressful. You could ask about appetite stimulants, but they need to be given by mouth as well, so maybe you don't want to try. Much depends on how far you want to go. Sub-q's and assist feedings aren't difficult to do, but you may not have the time to give to this. I would say, even if you decide not to continue long-term care, get to the Vet (or another of you don't want to go back there) TODAY for sub-q or IV fluids, and see if that helps.. If you have to work, most Vets will allow drop-off. Please help her by getting the dehydration resolved. She feels totally lousy, and of course doesn't want to eat, or move. At least she will feel better, and that's critical, whatever course you elect to follow. All the best, Margo -Original Message- From: Jennifer Ballew Sent: Oct 9, 2013 9:40 PM To: felvtalk Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Fwd: virus has finally caught up with her :-( They took her temp yesterday and no fever. She's not showing any outward signs of infection, so that's good I guess. I'm just wondering if she's going to be able to pull out of this. :-( Jennifer On Oct 9, 2013 8:27 PM, "moonsister22" <moonsiste...@yahoo.com> wrote: Regular cats can also have those symptoms. The B12 shot is good. Does she have a fever? Many doctors completely neglect the simple task of taking the cat's temperature. An antibiotic injection might be of benefit. My hard and fast rule is to think "simple" first. My FIV positive cat had a lump on his back. It was diagnosed as probably a malignant tumor. I suggested it was a non-malignant fatty tumor. Three years later Mr. Snowy is still fat and going strong and the tumor has absorbed. Maybe it's luck and they will use up the last of their nine lives eventually but until then start off simple but cautious and do always take to vet but listen with both ears open and your brain cells on high alert.Hugs and blessings to you and the fur kids.Sent from my iPodOn Oct 9, 2013, at 3:48 PM, Jennifer Ballew <balle...@gmail.com> wrote:> Hey all->>> This is the first time I have posted to the forum. I have two FeLV positive cats, one two and one three years old. The older cat has never had any issues with illness whatsoever, but the younger has only recently started showing signs that her illness has caught up with her. Just within the last few days she has become very lethargic, stopped eating (and only drinks a small amount) and whenever she stands or walks she seems very unsteady and wobbly. I took her to the vet yesterday; they checked her blood counts which were low and said her kidney enzymes were elevated. They also said they could hear a heart murmur which is probably related to possibly being dehydrated. They gave her a B12 shot and I took her home. I already said if worst came to worst I wouldn't put her through any unnecessary treatments or subject her to any painful procedures and that I would strive only to provide the best supportive care for her while she was alive so that she would have the best chances. I'm just wondering if any of you have gone through the same thing and if I can expect her to pull out of this on her own, or, if she doesn't, how long she might have left. I'm sincerely heartbroken. I really thought I had nursed her through the most risky part of her illness (kittenhood) and that she would now go on to live a halfway long life. In any case, if anyone has any advice or information I would greatly appreciate it.>> Thanks all,>> Jennifer>> --> "To love is to risk not being loved in return.> To hope is to risk pain.> To try is to risk failure,> But risk must be taken,> Because the greatest hazard in life> Is to risk nothing."> --Leo Buscaglia> ___> Felvtalk mailing list> Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org> http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org___Felvtalk mailing listFelvtalk@felineleukemia.orght
Re: [Felvtalk] Fwd: virus has finally caught up with her :-(
They took her temp yesterday and no fever. She's not showing any outward signs of infection, so that's good I guess. I'm just wondering if she's going to be able to pull out of this. :-( Jennifer On Oct 9, 2013 8:27 PM, "moonsister22" wrote: > Regular cats can also have those symptoms. The B12 shot is good. Does she > have a fever? Many doctors completely neglect the simple task of taking the > cat's temperature. An antibiotic injection might be of benefit. My hard and > fast rule is to think "simple" first. My FIV positive cat had a lump on his > back. It was diagnosed as probably a malignant tumor. I suggested it was a > non-malignant fatty tumor. Three years later Mr. Snowy is still fat and > going strong and the tumor has absorbed. Maybe it's luck and they will use > up the last of their nine lives eventually but until then start off simple > but cautious and do always take to vet but listen with both ears open and > your brain cells on high alert. > > Hugs and blessings to you and the fur kids. > > Sent from my iPod > > On Oct 9, 2013, at 3:48 PM, Jennifer Ballew wrote: > > > Hey all- > > > > > > This is the first time I have posted to the forum. I have two FeLV > positive cats, one two and one three years old. The older cat has never > had any issues with illness whatsoever, but the younger has only recently > started showing signs that her illness has caught up with her. Just within > the last few days she has become very lethargic, stopped eating (and only > drinks a small amount) and whenever she stands or walks she seems very > unsteady and wobbly. I took her to the vet yesterday; they checked her > blood counts which were low and said her kidney enzymes were elevated. > They also said they could hear a heart murmur which is probably related to > possibly being dehydrated. They gave her a B12 shot and I took her home. > I already said if worst came to worst I wouldn't put her through any > unnecessary treatments or subject her to any painful procedures and that I > would strive only to provide the best supportive care for her while she was > alive so that she would have the best chances. I'm just wondering if any > of you have gone through the same thing and if I can expect her to pull out > of this on her own, or, if she doesn't, how long she might have left. I'm > sincerely heartbroken. I really thought I had nursed her through the most > risky part of her illness (kittenhood) and that she would now go on to live > a halfway long life. In any case, if anyone has any advice or information > I would greatly appreciate it. > > > > Thanks all, > > > > Jennifer > > > > -- > > "To love is to risk not being loved in return. > > To hope is to risk pain. > > To try is to risk failure, > > But risk must be taken, > > Because the greatest hazard in life > > Is to risk nothing." > > --Leo Buscaglia > > ___ > > 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] Fwd: virus has finally caught up with her :-(
Regular cats can also have those symptoms. The B12 shot is good. Does she have a fever? Many doctors completely neglect the simple task of taking the cat's temperature. An antibiotic injection might be of benefit. My hard and fast rule is to think "simple" first. My FIV positive cat had a lump on his back. It was diagnosed as probably a malignant tumor. I suggested it was a non-malignant fatty tumor. Three years later Mr. Snowy is still fat and going strong and the tumor has absorbed. Maybe it's luck and they will use up the last of their nine lives eventually but until then start off simple but cautious and do always take to vet but listen with both ears open and your brain cells on high alert. Hugs and blessings to you and the fur kids. Sent from my iPod On Oct 9, 2013, at 3:48 PM, Jennifer Ballew wrote: > Hey all- > > > This is the first time I have posted to the forum. I have two FeLV positive > cats, one two and one three years old. The older cat has never had any > issues with illness whatsoever, but the younger has only recently started > showing signs that her illness has caught up with her. Just within the last > few days she has become very lethargic, stopped eating (and only drinks a > small amount) and whenever she stands or walks she seems very unsteady and > wobbly. I took her to the vet yesterday; they checked her blood counts which > were low and said her kidney enzymes were elevated. They also said they > could hear a heart murmur which is probably related to possibly being > dehydrated. They gave her a B12 shot and I took her home. I already said if > worst came to worst I wouldn't put her through any unnecessary treatments or > subject her to any painful procedures and that I would strive only to provide > the best supportive care for her while she was alive so that she would have > the best chances. I'm just wondering if any of you have gone through the same thing and if I can expect her to pull out of this on her own, or, if she doesn't, how long she might have left. I'm sincerely heartbroken. I really thought I had nursed her through the most risky part of her illness (kittenhood) and that she would now go on to live a halfway long life. In any case, if anyone has any advice or information I would greatly appreciate it. > > Thanks all, > > Jennifer > > -- > "To love is to risk not being loved in return. > To hope is to risk pain. > To try is to risk failure, > But risk must be taken, > Because the greatest hazard in life > Is to risk nothing." > --Leo Buscaglia > ___ > 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] Fwd: virus has finally caught up with her :-(
Rehydrate. Soon. On Wednesday, October 9, 2013, Jennifer Ballew wrote: > Well she is still drinking water for now, albeit not very much. So I > guess that's something. > > Jennifer > On Oct 9, 2013 6:07 PM, "katskat1" 'cvml', 'katsk...@gmail.com');>> wrote: > >> Good info Margo. You definitely have to hydrate and keep hydrating >> quickly Jennifer and force feed if necessary. Keep Amoxcillan (sp) on hand >> at the very least but I suggest talk to your vet and buy/keep several >> different types on hand with his/her help on determining which to start and >> when. Good luck. >> >> On Wednesday, October 9, 2013, Margo wrote: >> >> Hi Jennifer, >> >> My first thought is to get her immediately on sub-q >> fluids, and join the yahoo CRF list >> http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Feline-CRF-Support/info . >> >> If you think about what a hangover feels like (or have >> someone who has over-imbibed explain the feeling) then you understand how >> dehydration makes her feel. Can you be a bit more specific about her blood >> counts? Is she anemic? Are her white cells low? What else is out of whack? >> >> Not everything that happens to an FeLV cat is FeLV >> related, but we do have to react faster, as they can't fight of even minor >> illness like a non-FeLV cat can. My + cats are on Interferon and DMG, >> probably for the duration. Anything else that pops up we treat very >> aggressively, and I have antibiotics on hand, which I often start even >> before we get to the Vet, with her blessing. >> >>Jennifer, it's unlikely she'll come out of it by >> herself. Just resolving the dehydration may be key to getting her going >> again, it can make a HUGE difference. I'd ask the Vet if it's possible that >> she has an infection that might be causing some of this with her kidneys, >> and if an antibiotic could be tried. >> >> I watch my positives carefully. When Gribble was >> first diagnosed, I was sure I would lose him. He had a fever of 107, which >> we brought down with ice and ketoprofen, and then his temp went down to 97. >> I did not expect him to live thru the night, so sat with him and moved him >> between bags of frozen veggies and a heating pad. He was about 2 at that >> time, early March of last year. He was assist fed, on two antibiotics >> (there wasn't time for a C&S) and started on Interferon ASAP. You might >> consider Immunoregulin, we bought it, but it's still on hold in case he >> relapses and doesn't respond to anything else. Mako also occasionally has >> some issues, and we treat with antibiotics and/or antivirals. The truth is >> that I don;t know if they get better because of that, or in spite of my >> efforts. >> >> My advice would be to try to resolve the >> dehydration, get some food into her, and request an antibiotic from the Vet >> (I use Zenequin, but others might be more appropriate). Keep her warm and >> quiet, and love her. >> >> All the best, >> >> Margo >> >> >> >> -Original Message- >> From: Jennifer Ballew ** >> Sent: Oct 9, 2013 4:48 PM >> To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org >> Subject: [Felvtalk] Fwd: virus has finally caught up with her :-( >> >> Hey all- >> >> >> This is the first time I have posted to the forum. I have two FeLV >> positive cats, one two and one three years old. The older cat has never >> had any issues with illness whatsoever, but the younger has only recently >> started showing signs that her illness has caught up with her. Just within >> the last few days she has become very lethargic, stopped eating (and only >> drinks a small amount) and whenever she stands or walks she seems very >> unsteady and wobbly. I took her to the vet yesterday; they checked her >> blood counts which were low and said her kidney enzymes were elevated. >> They also said they could hear a heart murmur which is probably related to >> possibly being dehydrated. They gave her a B12 shot and I took her home. >> I already said if worst came to worst I wouldn't put her through any >> unnecessary treatments or subject her to any painful procedures and that I >> would strive only to provide the best supportive care for her while she was >> alive so that she would have the best chances. I'm just wondering if any >> of you have gone through the same thing and if I can expect her to pull out >> of this on her own, or, if she doesn't, how long she might have left. I'm >> sincerely heartbroken. I really thought I had nursed her through the most >> risky part of her illness (kittenhood) and that she would now go on to live >> a halfway long life. In any case, if anyone has any advice or information >> I would greatly appreciate it. >> >> Thanks all, >> >> Jennifer >> >> -- >> "To love is to risk not being loved in return. >> To hope is to risk pain. >> To try is to risk failure, >> But risk must be taken, >> Because the greatest hazard in life >> Is to risk nothing." >> --Le
Re: [Felvtalk] Fwd: virus has finally caught up with her :-(
Good info Margo. You definitely have to hydrate and keep hydrating quickly Jennifer and force feed if necessary. Keep Amoxcillan (sp) on hand at the very least but I suggest talk to your vet and buy/keep several different types on hand with his/her help on determining which to start and when. Good luck. On Wednesday, October 9, 2013, Margo wrote: > Hi Jennifer, > > My first thought is to get her immediately on sub-q > fluids, and join the yahoo CRF list > http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Feline-CRF-Support/info . > > If you think about what a hangover feels like (or have > someone who has over-imbibed explain the feeling) then you understand how > dehydration makes her feel. Can you be a bit more specific about her blood > counts? Is she anemic? Are her white cells low? What else is out of whack? > > Not everything that happens to an FeLV cat is FeLV > related, but we do have to react faster, as they can't fight of even minor > illness like a non-FeLV cat can. My + cats are on Interferon and DMG, > probably for the duration. Anything else that pops up we treat very > aggressively, and I have antibiotics on hand, which I often start even > before we get to the Vet, with her blessing. > >Jennifer, it's unlikely she'll come out of it by > herself. Just resolving the dehydration may be key to getting her going > again, it can make a HUGE difference. I'd ask the Vet if it's possible that > she has an infection that might be causing some of this with her kidneys, > and if an antibiotic could be tried. > > I watch my positives carefully. When Gribble was first > diagnosed, I was sure I would lose him. He had a fever of 107, which we > brought down with ice and ketoprofen, and then his temp went down to 97. I > did not expect him to live thru the night, so sat with him and moved him > between bags of frozen veggies and a heating pad. He was about 2 at that > time, early March of last year. He was assist fed, on two antibiotics > (there wasn't time for a C&S) and started on Interferon ASAP. You might > consider Immunoregulin, we bought it, but it's still on hold in case he > relapses and doesn't respond to anything else. Mako also occasionally has > some issues, and we treat with antibiotics and/or antivirals. The truth is > that I don;t know if they get better because of that, or in spite of my > efforts. > > My advice would be to try to resolve the dehydration, > get some food into her, and request an antibiotic from the Vet (I use > Zenequin, but others might be more appropriate). Keep her warm and quiet, > and love her. > > All the best, > > Margo > > > > -Original Message- > From: Jennifer Ballew ** > Sent: Oct 9, 2013 4:48 PM > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 'felvtalk@felineleukemia.org');> > Subject: [Felvtalk] Fwd: virus has finally caught up with her :-( > > Hey all- > > > This is the first time I have posted to the forum. I have two FeLV > positive cats, one two and one three years old. The older cat has never > had any issues with illness whatsoever, but the younger has only recently > started showing signs that her illness has caught up with her. Just within > the last few days she has become very lethargic, stopped eating (and only > drinks a small amount) and whenever she stands or walks she seems very > unsteady and wobbly. I took her to the vet yesterday; they checked her > blood counts which were low and said her kidney enzymes were elevated. > They also said they could hear a heart murmur which is probably related to > possibly being dehydrated. They gave her a B12 shot and I took her home. > I already said if worst came to worst I wouldn't put her through any > unnecessary treatments or subject her to any painful procedures and that I > would strive only to provide the best supportive care for her while she was > alive so that she would have the best chances. I'm just wondering if any > of you have gone through the same thing and if I can expect her to pull out > of this on her own, or, if she doesn't, how long she might have left. I'm > sincerely heartbroken. I really thought I had nursed her through the most > risky part of her illness (kittenhood) and that she would now go on to live > a halfway long life. In any case, if anyone has any advice or information > I would greatly appreciate it. > > Thanks all, > > Jennifer > > -- > "To love is to risk not being loved in return. > To hope is to risk pain. > To try is to risk failure, > But risk must be taken, > Because the greatest hazard in life > Is to risk nothing." > --Leo Buscaglia > > ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Fwd: virus has finally caught up with her :-(
You have already gotten some good advise. Assist feeding is critical if she is going to have the strength to fight through this slump. Otherwise she'll starve to death. Here is the link to the Yahoo assist feeding group. http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/Feline-Assisted-Feeding/ Dehydrated cats feel lousy. It is easy to give sub q fluids at home. Here is the link to the site I used to learn how to give sub q fluids Sophia Gets Her Subcutaneous (Sub Q) Fluids http://www.tinyurl.com/63max I just saw your post where she froze when you tried to finger feed her. Maybe you were giving her too much food. I use syringes and only give 1/2 cc of food at a time. And sometime there is nothing else you can do Sharyl On Wednesday, October 9, 2013 5:06 PM, Katherine K. wrote: Hi Jennifer, Sorry to hear about your kitty. Has she had the virus since she was a kitten? Are you assist feeding her? I nursed my 10 year old out of a slump this summer (when I first found out he was pos) with sub-q fluids, assist feeding, low dose of prednisone and t-cyte injections. Just do what you're comfortable with, knowing you're doing all that you can for her. Some resources that I've found to be helpful: http://910pets.com/forum/topics/feline-leukemia and http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/Feline-Assisted-Feeding/. Hang in there. Katherine On Wed, Oct 9, 2013 at 4:48 PM, Jennifer Ballew wrote: Hey all- > > > > >This is the first time I have posted to the forum. I have two FeLV positive >cats, one two and one three years old. The older cat has never had any issues >with illness whatsoever, but the younger has only recently started showing >signs that her illness has caught up with her. Just within the last few days >she has become very lethargic, stopped eating (and only drinks a small amount) >and whenever she stands or walks she seems very unsteady and wobbly. I took >her to the vet yesterday; they checked her blood counts which were low and >said her kidney enzymes were elevated. They also said they could hear a heart >murmur which is probably related to possibly being dehydrated. They gave her >a B12 shot and I took her home. I already said if worst came to worst I >wouldn't put her through any unnecessary treatments or subject her to any >painful procedures and that I would strive only to provide the best supportive >care for her while she was alive so that she would have the best chances. I'm just wondering if any of you have gone through the same thing and if I can expect her to pull out of this on her own, or, if she doesn't, how long she might have left. I'm sincerely heartbroken. I really thought I had nursed her through the most risky part of her illness (kittenhood) and that she would now go on to live a halfway long life. In any case, if anyone has any advice or information I would greatly appreciate it. > >Thanks all, > >Jennifer > >-- >"To love is to risk not being loved in return. >To hope is to risk pain. >To try is to risk failure, >But risk must be taken, >Because the greatest hazard in life >Is to risk nothing." >--Leo Buscaglia >___ >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] Fwd: virus has finally caught up with her :-(
Jen is there a college near you? What state are you in? I work at an animal rescue and if I were you I would call them and explain your situation. They may be able to get you at least a discount at the vet because they often have great relationships with them. Also there's a website with a list of groups to help with vet bills. Sent from my iPhone > On Oct 9, 2013, at 4:36 PM, Jennifer Ballew wrote: > > Her Hgb was 8.3 if I remember correctly, not too bad, but not great. I > believe they said her WBCs were low, but I didn't get the exact number. So I > just tried finger feeding her some pate food and when I put it on her tongue > she seized up (seizure?) and practically become unresponsive for about a > minute or so. I about freaked out. Now I'm a mess... She's back to how she > was before I tried to feed her, but now I'm scared to death to do anything. > They did give me some Clovamax antibiotics yesterday to try on her, but I'm > afraid she'll seize up if I try forcing anything down her. I guess the > feeding tube might be the only way now, but I know those can be costly and I > don't have the money for it. :-( > > Jen > > >> On Wed, Oct 9, 2013 at 4:30 PM, Margo wrote: >> Hi Jennifer, >> >> My first thought is to get her immediately on sub-q fluids, >> and join the yahoo CRF list >> http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Feline-CRF-Support/info . >> >> If you think about what a hangover feels like (or have >> someone who has over-imbibed explain the feeling) then you understand how >> dehydration makes her feel. Can you be a bit more specific about her blood >> counts? Is she anemic? Are her white cells low? What else is out of whack? >> >> Not everything that happens to an FeLV cat is FeLV >> related, but we do have to react faster, as they can't fight of even minor >> illness like a non-FeLV cat can. My + cats are on Interferon and DMG, >> probably for the duration. Anything else that pops up we treat very >> aggressively, and I have antibiotics on hand, which I often start even >> before we get to the Vet, with her blessing. >> >>Jennifer, it's unlikely she'll come out of it by herself. >> Just resolving the dehydration may be key to getting her going again, it can >> make a HUGE difference. I'd ask the Vet if it's possible that she has an >> infection that might be causing some of this with her kidneys, and if an >> antibiotic could be tried. >> >> I watch my positives carefully. When Gribble was first >> diagnosed, I was sure I would lose him. He had a fever of 107, which we >> brought down with ice and ketoprofen, and then his temp went down to 97. I >> did not expect him to live thru the night, so sat with him and moved him >> between bags of frozen veggies and a heating pad. He was about 2 at that >> time, early March of last year. He was assist fed, on two antibiotics (there >> wasn't time for a C&S) and started on Interferon ASAP. You might consider >> Immunoregulin, we bought it, but it's still on hold in case he relapses and >> doesn't respond to anything else. Mako also occasionally has some issues, >> and we treat with antibiotics and/or antivirals. The truth is that I don;t >> know if they get better because of that, or in spite of my efforts. >> >> My advice would be to try to resolve the dehydration, >> get some food into her, and request an antibiotic from the Vet (I use >> Zenequin, but others might be more appropriate). Keep her warm and quiet, >> and love her. >> >> All the best, >> >> Margo >> >> >> >> -Original Message- >> From: Jennifer Ballew >> Sent: Oct 9, 2013 4:48 PM >> To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org >> Subject: [Felvtalk] Fwd: virus has finally caught up with her :-( >> >> >> Hey all- >> >> >> This is the first time I have posted to the forum. I have two FeLV positive >> cats, one two and one three years old. The older cat has never had any >> issues with illness whatsoever, but the younger has only recently started >> showing signs that her illness has caught up with her. Just within the last >> few days she has become very lethargic, stopped eating (and only drinks a >> small amount) and whenever she stands or walks she seems very unsteady and >> wobbly. I took her to the vet yesterday; they checked her blood counts >> which were low and said her kidney enzymes were elevated. They also said >> they could hear a heart murmur which is probably related to possibly being >> dehydrated. They gave her a B12 shot and I took her home. I already said >> if worst came to worst I wouldn't put her through any unnecessary treatments >> or subject her to any painful procedures and that I would strive only to >> provide the best supportive care for her while she was alive so that she >> would have the best chances. I'm just wondering if any of you have gone >> through the
Re: [Felvtalk] Fwd: virus has finally caught up with her :-(
Jennifer I'm literally going through the SAME thing. My 2.5 yo male was recently diagnosed as being FeLV+ and I was devastated. He was also diagnosed with a light heart murmur. He's on Prednisone .5 twice a day, 0.5 ml (50mg/ml) Doxycycline 2x day, Lysine (not so much bc he hates it), and 0.5 ml VitaDrops 2x day. He has an enlarged spleen and gets a fever fairly often. My other 3 tested negative. Go figure. Please keep emailing this group as I'm sure any questions you have will be something I'm wondering too and if you ever need anything just ask! I'm sure your baby is in good hands, you sound like you know what you're talking about! Sent from my iPhone > On Oct 9, 2013, at 4:05 PM, "Katherine K." wrote: > > Hi Jennifer, > > Sorry to hear about your kitty. Has she had the virus since she was a kitten? > Are you assist feeding her? I nursed my 10 year old out of a slump this > summer (when I first found out he was pos) with sub-q fluids, assist feeding, > low dose of prednisone and t-cyte injections. Just do what you're comfortable > with, knowing you're doing all that you can for her. Some resources that I've > found to be helpful: http://910pets.com/forum/topics/feline-leukemia and > http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/Feline-Assisted-Feeding/. > > Hang in there. > Katherine > > >> On Wed, Oct 9, 2013 at 4:48 PM, Jennifer Ballew wrote: >> Hey all- >> >> >> This is the first time I have posted to the forum. I have two FeLV positive >> cats, one two and one three years old. The older cat has never had any >> issues with illness whatsoever, but the younger has only recently started >> showing signs that her illness has caught up with her. Just within the last >> few days she has become very lethargic, stopped eating (and only drinks a >> small amount) and whenever she stands or walks she seems very unsteady and >> wobbly. I took her to the vet yesterday; they checked her blood counts >> which were low and said her kidney enzymes were elevated. They also said >> they could hear a heart murmur which is probably related to possibly being >> dehydrated. They gave her a B12 shot and I took her home. I already said >> if worst came to worst I wouldn't put her through any unnecessary treatments >> or subject her to any painful procedures and that I would strive only to >> provide the best supportive care for her while she was alive so that she >> would have the best chances. I'm just wondering if any of you have gone >> through the same thing and if I can expect her to pull out of this on her >> own, or, if she doesn't, how long she might have left. I'm sincerely >> heartbroken. I really thought I had nursed her through the most risky part >> of her illness (kittenhood) and that she would now go on to live a halfway >> long life. In any case, if anyone has any advice or information I would >> greatly appreciate it. >> >> Thanks all, >> >> Jennifer >> >> -- >> "To love is to risk not being loved in return. >> To hope is to risk pain. >> To try is to risk failure, >> But risk must be taken, >> Because the greatest hazard in life >> Is to risk nothing." >> --Leo Buscaglia >> >> ___ >> 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] Fwd: virus has finally caught up with her :-(
Her Hgb was 8.3 if I remember correctly, not too bad, but not great. I believe they said her WBCs were low, but I didn't get the exact number. So I just tried finger feeding her some pate food and when I put it on her tongue she seized up (seizure?) and practically become unresponsive for about a minute or so. I about freaked out. Now I'm a mess... She's back to how she was before I tried to feed her, but now I'm scared to death to do anything. They did give me some Clovamax antibiotics yesterday to try on her, but I'm afraid she'll seize up if I try forcing anything down her. I guess the feeding tube might be the only way now, but I know those can be costly and I don't have the money for it. :-( Jen On Wed, Oct 9, 2013 at 4:30 PM, Margo wrote: > Hi Jennifer, > > My first thought is to get her immediately on sub-q > fluids, and join the yahoo CRF list > http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Feline-CRF-Support/info . > > If you think about what a hangover feels like (or have > someone who has over-imbibed explain the feeling) then you understand how > dehydration makes her feel. Can you be a bit more specific about her blood > counts? Is she anemic? Are her white cells low? What else is out of whack? > > Not everything that happens to an FeLV cat is FeLV > related, but we do have to react faster, as they can't fight of even minor > illness like a non-FeLV cat can. My + cats are on Interferon and DMG, > probably for the duration. Anything else that pops up we treat very > aggressively, and I have antibiotics on hand, which I often start even > before we get to the Vet, with her blessing. > >Jennifer, it's unlikely she'll come out of it by > herself. Just resolving the dehydration may be key to getting her going > again, it can make a HUGE difference. I'd ask the Vet if it's possible that > she has an infection that might be causing some of this with her kidneys, > and if an antibiotic could be tried. > > I watch my positives carefully. When Gribble was first > diagnosed, I was sure I would lose him. He had a fever of 107, which we > brought down with ice and ketoprofen, and then his temp went down to 97. I > did not expect him to live thru the night, so sat with him and moved him > between bags of frozen veggies and a heating pad. He was about 2 at that > time, early March of last year. He was assist fed, on two antibiotics > (there wasn't time for a C&S) and started on Interferon ASAP. You might > consider Immunoregulin, we bought it, but it's still on hold in case he > relapses and doesn't respond to anything else. Mako also occasionally has > some issues, and we treat with antibiotics and/or antivirals. The truth is > that I don;t know if they get better because of that, or in spite of my > efforts. > > My advice would be to try to resolve the dehydration, > get some food into her, and request an antibiotic from the Vet (I use > Zenequin, but others might be more appropriate). Keep her warm and quiet, > and love her. > > All the best, > > Margo > > > > -Original Message- > From: Jennifer Ballew ** > Sent: Oct 9, 2013 4:48 PM > To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org > Subject: [Felvtalk] Fwd: virus has finally caught up with her :-( > > Hey all- > > > This is the first time I have posted to the forum. I have two FeLV > positive cats, one two and one three years old. The older cat has never > had any issues with illness whatsoever, but the younger has only recently > started showing signs that her illness has caught up with her. Just within > the last few days she has become very lethargic, stopped eating (and only > drinks a small amount) and whenever she stands or walks she seems very > unsteady and wobbly. I took her to the vet yesterday; they checked her > blood counts which were low and said her kidney enzymes were elevated. > They also said they could hear a heart murmur which is probably related to > possibly being dehydrated. They gave her a B12 shot and I took her home. > I already said if worst came to worst I wouldn't put her through any > unnecessary treatments or subject her to any painful procedures and that I > would strive only to provide the best supportive care for her while she was > alive so that she would have the best chances. I'm just wondering if any > of you have gone through the same thing and if I can expect her to pull out > of this on her own, or, if she doesn't, how long she might have left. I'm > sincerely heartbroken. I really thought I had nursed her through the most > risky part of her illness (kittenhood) and that she would now go on to live > a halfway long life. In any case, if anyone has any advice or information > I would greatly appreciate it. > > Thanks all, > > Jennifer > > -- > "To love is to risk not being loved in return. > To hope is to risk pain. > To try is to risk failure, > But risk must be taken, > Because the greatest hazard i
Re: [Felvtalk] Fwd: virus has finally caught up with her :-(
Hi Jennifer, My first thought is to get her immediately on sub-q fluids, and join the yahoo CRF list http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Feline-CRF-Support/info . If you think about what a hangover feels like (or have someone who has over-imbibed explain the feeling) then you understand how dehydration makes her feel. Can you be a bit more specific about her blood counts? Is she anemic? Are her white cells low? What else is out of whack? Not everything that happens to an FeLV cat is FeLV related, but we do have to react faster, as they can't fight of even minor illness like a non-FeLV cat can. My + cats are on Interferon and DMG, probably for the duration. Anything else that pops up we treat very aggressively, and I have antibiotics on hand, which I often start even before we get to the Vet, with her blessing. Jennifer, it's unlikely she'll come out of it by herself. Just resolving the dehydration may be key to getting her going again, it can make a HUGE difference. I'd ask the Vet if it's possible that she has an infection that might be causing some of this with her kidneys, and if an antibiotic could be tried. I watch my positives carefully. When Gribble was first diagnosed, I was sure I would lose him. He had a fever of 107, which we brought down with ice and ketoprofen, and then his temp went down to 97. I did not expect him to live thru the night, so sat with him and moved him between bags of frozen veggies and a heating pad. He was about 2 at that time, early March of last year. He was assist fed, on two antibiotics (there wasn't time for a C&S) and started on Interferon ASAP. You might consider Immunoregulin, we bought it, but it's still on hold in case he relapses and doesn't respond to anything else. Mako also occasionally has some issues, and we treat with antibiotics and/or antivirals. The truth is that I don;t know if they get better because of that, or in spite of my efforts. My advice would be to try to resolve the dehydration, get some food into her, and request an antibiotic from the Vet (I use Zenequin, but others might be more appropriate). Keep her warm and quiet, and love her. All the best, Margo -Original Message- From: Jennifer Ballew Sent: Oct 9, 2013 4:48 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: [Felvtalk] Fwd: virus has finally caught up with her :-( Hey all- This is the first time I have posted to the forum. I have two FeLV positive cats, one two and one three years old. The older cat has never had any issues with illness whatsoever, but the younger has only recently started showing signs that her illness has caught up with her. Just within the last few days she has become very lethargic, stopped eating (and only drinks a small amount) and whenever she stands or walks she seems very unsteady and wobbly. I took her to the vet yesterday; they checked her blood counts which were low and said her kidney enzymes were elevated. They also said they could hear a heart murmur which is probably related to possibly being dehydrated. They gave her a B12 shot and I took her home. I already said if worst came to worst I wouldn't put her through any unnecessary treatments or subject her to any painful procedures and that I would strive only to provide the best supportive care for her while she was alive so that she would have the best chances. I'm just wondering if any of you have gone through the same thing and if I can expect her to pull out of this on her own, or, if she doesn't, how long she might have left. I'm sincerely heartbroken. I really thought I had nursed her through the most risky part of her illness (kittenhood) and that she would now go on to live a halfway long life. In any case, if anyone has any advice or information I would greatly appreciate it.Thanks all,Jennifer-- "To love is to risk not being loved in return.To hope is to risk pain. To try is to risk failure, But risk must be taken,Because the greatest hazard in lifeIs to risk nothing."--Leo Buscaglia ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Fwd: virus has finally caught up with her :-(
Hi Jennifer, Sorry to hear about your kitty. Has she had the virus since she was a kitten? Are you assist feeding her? I nursed my 10 year old out of a slump this summer (when I first found out he was pos) with sub-q fluids, assist feeding, low dose of prednisone and t-cyte injections. Just do what you're comfortable with, knowing you're doing all that you can for her. Some resources that I've found to be helpful: http://910pets.com/forum/topics/feline-leukemia and http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/Feline-Assisted-Feeding/. Hang in there. Katherine On Wed, Oct 9, 2013 at 4:48 PM, Jennifer Ballew wrote: > Hey all- > > > This is the first time I have posted to the forum. I have two FeLV > positive cats, one two and one three years old. The older cat has never > had any issues with illness whatsoever, but the younger has only recently > started showing signs that her illness has caught up with her. Just within > the last few days she has become very lethargic, stopped eating (and only > drinks a small amount) and whenever she stands or walks she seems very > unsteady and wobbly. I took her to the vet yesterday; they checked her > blood counts which were low and said her kidney enzymes were elevated. > They also said they could hear a heart murmur which is probably related to > possibly being dehydrated. They gave her a B12 shot and I took her home. > I already said if worst came to worst I wouldn't put her through any > unnecessary treatments or subject her to any painful procedures and that I > would strive only to provide the best supportive care for her while she was > alive so that she would have the best chances. I'm just wondering if any > of you have gone through the same thing and if I can expect her to pull out > of this on her own, or, if she doesn't, how long she might have left. I'm > sincerely heartbroken. I really thought I had nursed her through the most > risky part of her illness (kittenhood) and that she would now go on to live > a halfway long life. In any case, if anyone has any advice or information > I would greatly appreciate it. > > Thanks all, > > Jennifer > > -- > "To love is to risk not being loved in return. > To hope is to risk pain. > To try is to risk failure, > But risk must be taken, > Because the greatest hazard in life > Is to risk nothing." > --Leo Buscaglia > > ___ > 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