Re: Interferon Question
I'm so glad your Dixie is doing well!! I haven't read about it, but in my experience when I have gotten young FELV cats/kittens, they tend to decline and die at age 2.5 to 3 yrs old. If I get another one that young, I intend to put it on daily interferon and see if we can make it thru that stage! I do know someone who has had their FELV cat thru the age of 3 - has had her on daily interferon. Kitty does great, is probably 5 or 6 now...? I have one FEV cat now that's just made it past 3 - name is BB. I acquired him recently, when he was about 4. He's healthy and happy. I have two others that are over 10, but that's a different story :) I don't know what it is about that age - whether it's the type of FELV that they have or what. Gloria On Nov 15, 2007, at 1:26 AM, Marylyn wrote: I've heard several people refer to 3 as the magic age. Exactly what do you mean? I am unsure of Dixie's age but she has been with me for almost 3 years now and is as healthy as she can be most of the time. Just normal minor problems except for the teeth and that seems to be ok now. If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow man. St. Francis - Original Message - From: Gloria Lane To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, November 14, 2007 8:10 PM Subject: Re: Interferon Question Hi Gary, Never heard of that for interferon alpha. LIke Lance said, maybe it's for VO. I can't see the harm for a diabetic cat. But my experience with FELV cats is that they can look so great, then turn symptomatic, and in my experience theres not much that can be done when they're symptomatic, at least for the young ones that I've had. So I'd probably try it out. I remember when I got Calawalla Banana and she was about 6 months to a year. She looked so healthy and hearty. Then at 2.5 yr she developed lymphoma and nothing we did would touch it. I'd wished I'd had her on interferon prior to her being symptomatic. (The interferon alpha protocol I use is a daily dose - not the on and off.) On the other hand, I now have 2 FELV cats that are over 10, and 1 that's 4-5. Go figure. They were over the magic age of 3 when I got them, so it's nothing I've done that's kept them going... Good luck, Gloria On Nov 14, 2007, at 5:26 PM, gary wrote: First time I've ever heard of that protocol. Mostly I've heard 7 days on and seven days off because they can develop an immunity to the human interferon alpha. Can't see why it would harm a diabetic cat. However, that's just a guess on my part. Gary - Original Message - From: Belinda Sauro To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, November 14, 2007 9:12 AM Subject: Interferon Question Got this from a friend, anyone know or heard anything about this?? I have a feline interferon question. If you don't know the answer, would you mind asking the group? I followed the prophylactic regimen recommended in studies for asymptomatic felv+ cats, which is every day for five days in three runs starting the 1st, 14th, and 60th days. This regimen in studies seems to double cats' chances of being alive a year later. I gave it to Patches this past February. I have another batch of feline interferon and am wondering when to give it to her again. None of the studies I have say anything about repeating it, or when to do so. Do you know? Also, I can't find anything on whether it is ok to give to diabetic cats. Any idea?
Re: Interferon Question
I give Dixie oral interferon every other day. I don't know what to tell you about what you are giving. If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow man. St. Francis - Original Message - From: Belinda Sauro To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, November 14, 2007 9:12 AM Subject: Interferon Question Got this from a friend, anyone know or heard anything about this?? I have a feline interferon question. If you don't know the answer, would you mind asking the group? I followed the prophylactic regimen recommended in studies for asymptomatic felv+ cats, which is every day for five days in three runs starting the 1st, 14th, and 60th days. This regimen in studies seems to double cats' chances of being alive a year later. I gave it to Patches this past February. I have another batch of feline interferon and am wondering when to give it to her again. None of the studies I have say anything about repeating it, or when to do so. Do you know? Also, I can't find anything on whether it is ok to give to diabetic cats. Any idea? -- Belinda happiness is being owned by cats ... Be-Mi-Kitties http://bemikitties.com Post Adoptable FeLV/FIV/FIP Cats/Kittens http://adopt.bemikitties.com FeLV Candlelight Service http://bemikitties.com/cls HostDesign4U.com [affordable hosting web design] http://HostDesign4U.com BMK Designs [non-profit animals websites] http://bmk.bemikitties.com
Re: Interferon Question
First time I've ever heard of that protocol. Mostly I've heard 7 days on and seven days off because they can develop an immunity to the human interferon alpha. Can't see why it would harm a diabetic cat. However, that's just a guess on my part. Gary - Original Message - From: Belinda Sauro To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, November 14, 2007 9:12 AM Subject: Interferon Question Got this from a friend, anyone know or heard anything about this?? I have a feline interferon question. If you don't know the answer, would you mind asking the group? I followed the prophylactic regimen recommended in studies for asymptomatic felv+ cats, which is every day for five days in three runs starting the 1st, 14th, and 60th days. This regimen in studies seems to double cats' chances of being alive a year later. I gave it to Patches this past February. I have another batch of feline interferon and am wondering when to give it to her again. None of the studies I have say anything about repeating it, or when to do so. Do you know? Also, I can't find anything on whether it is ok to give to diabetic cats. Any idea?
Re: Interferon Question
I believe this person is referring to feline recombinant interferon. That looks like the protocol that is recommended for treating FeLV+ with Virbagen Omega. I'm wrestling with similar concerns, but we haven't even tried the stuff yet. Ember is in good shape right now, and I worry that giving her the VO might rock the boat. I'll have to figure it out in the next few months, as it expires in June or July, I think. *WARNING THIS IS NOT A VET'S OPINION!!!* I think I'd hold off on giving the stuff until at least a year from the prior dose (ie February). Were I in this person's shoes, I'd probably just try to sell the VO to someone who needs it for a symptomatic FeLV+ kitty. Sadly, we don't know enough about VO and how well it treats the virus. *WARNING THIS WAS NOT A VET'S OPINION!!!* I really need to get in touch with a European vet to see what they're doing over there. Very few folks in the States seem to have experience with VO. Hopefully, something in my response was at least vaguely helpful. Lance On Nov 14, 2007, at 9:12 AM, Belinda Sauro wrote: Got this from a friend, anyone know or heard anything about this?? I have a feline interferon question. If you don't know the answer, would you mind asking the group? I followed the prophylactic regimen recommended in studies for asymptomatic felv+ cats, which is every day for five days in three runs starting the 1st, 14th, and 60th days. This regimen in studies seems to double cats' chances of being alive a year later. I gave it to Patches this past February. I have another batch of feline interferon and am wondering when to give it to her again. None of the studies I have say anything about repeating it, or when to do so. Do you know? Also, I can't find anything on whether it is ok to give to diabetic cats. Any idea? -- Belinda happiness is being owned by cats ... Be-Mi-Kitties http://bemikitties.com Post Adoptable FeLV/FIV/FIP Cats/Kittens http://adopt.bemikitties.com FeLV Candlelight Service http://bemikitties.com/cls HostDesign4U.com [affordable hosting web design] http://HostDesign4U.com BMK Designs [non-profit animals websites] http://bmk.bemikitties.com
Re: Interferon Question
Hi I know that Hideyo (who was on this list) has used VO successfully. There are people here who are in touch with her. Maybe she would be willing to post her experience with it. Jane ps. I haven't used VO. With the exception of Giardia, I have been able to get rid of all of the many FeLK symptoms we were dealt. I cannot believe I now have a cat who has a great appetite and will eat several cans of Petguard (the Whole Foods brand) a day. We had gotten rid of the Giardia, but the diarrhea returned, so we have tried a stronger remedy. Fingers are tightly crossed as I type this, but MeMe is leading an almost normal, happy life. I believe this person is referring to feline recombinant interferon. That looks like the protocol that is recommended for treating FeLV+ with Virbagen Omega. I'm wrestling with similar concerns, but we haven't even tried the stuff yet. Ember is in good shape right now, and I worry that giving her the VO might rock the boat. I'll have to figure it out in the next few months, as it expires in June or July, I think. *WARNING THIS IS NOT A VET'S OPINION!!!* I think I'd hold off on giving the stuff until at least a year from the prior dose (ie February). Were I in this person's shoes, I'd probably just try to sell the VO to someone who needs it for a symptomatic FeLV+ kitty. Sadly, we don't know enough about VO and how well it treats the virus. *WARNING THIS WAS NOT A VET'S OPINION!!!* I really need to get in touch with a European vet to see what they're doing over there. Very few folks in the States seem to have experience with VO. Hopefully, something in my response was at least vaguely helpful. Lance On Nov 14, 2007, at 9:12 AM, Belinda Sauro wrote: Got this from a friend, anyone know or heard anything about this?? I have a feline interferon question. If you don't know the answer, would you mind asking the group? I followed the prophylactic regimen recommended in studies for asymptomatic felv + cats, which is every day for five days in three runs starting the 1st, 14th, and 60th days. This regimen in studies seems to double cats' chances of being alive a year later. I gave it to Patches this past February. I have another batch of feline interferon and am wondering when to give it to her again. None of the studies I have say anything about repeating it, or when to do so. Do you know? Also, I can't find anything on whether it is ok to give to diabetic cats. Any idea? -- Belinda happiness is being owned by cats ... Be-Mi-Kitties http://bemikitties.com Post Adoptable FeLV/FIV/FIP Cats/Kittens http://adopt.bemikitties.com FeLV Candlelight Service http://bemikitties.com/cls HostDesign4U.com [affordable hosting web design] http://HostDesign4U.com BMK Designs [non-profit animals websites] http://bmk.bemikitties.com
Re: Interferon Question
Hi Gary, Never heard of that for interferon alpha. LIke Lance said, maybe it's for VO. I can't see the harm for a diabetic cat. But my experience with FELV cats is that they can look so great, then turn symptomatic, and in my experience theres not much that can be done when they're symptomatic, at least for the young ones that I've had. So I'd probably try it out. I remember when I got Calawalla Banana and she was about 6 months to a year. She looked so healthy and hearty. Then at 2.5 yr she developed lymphoma and nothing we did would touch it. I'd wished I'd had her on interferon prior to her being symptomatic. (The interferon alpha protocol I use is a daily dose - not the on and off.) On the other hand, I now have 2 FELV cats that are over 10, and 1 that's 4-5. Go figure. They were over the magic age of 3 when I got them, so it's nothing I've done that's kept them going... Good luck, Gloria On Nov 14, 2007, at 5:26 PM, gary wrote: First time I've ever heard of that protocol. Mostly I've heard 7 days on and seven days off because they can develop an immunity to the human interferon alpha. Can't see why it would harm a diabetic cat. However, that's just a guess on my part. Gary - Original Message - From: Belinda Sauro To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, November 14, 2007 9:12 AM Subject: Interferon Question Got this from a friend, anyone know or heard anything about this?? I have a feline interferon question. If you don't know the answer, would you mind asking the group? I followed the prophylactic regimen recommended in studies for asymptomatic felv+ cats, which is every day for five days in three runs starting the 1st, 14th, and 60th days. This regimen in studies seems to double cats' chances of being alive a year later. I gave it to Patches this past February. I have another batch of feline interferon and am wondering when to give it to her again. None of the studies I have say anything about repeating it, or when to do so. Do you know? Also, I can't find anything on whether it is ok to give to diabetic cats. Any idea?
Re: Interferon Question
I've heard several people refer to 3 as the magic age. Exactly what do you mean? I am unsure of Dixie's age but she has been with me for almost 3 years now and is as healthy as she can be most of the time. Just normal minor problems except for the teeth and that seems to be ok now. If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow man. St. Francis - Original Message - From: Gloria Lane To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, November 14, 2007 8:10 PM Subject: Re: Interferon Question Hi Gary, Never heard of that for interferon alpha. LIke Lance said, maybe it's for VO. I can't see the harm for a diabetic cat. But my experience with FELV cats is that they can look so great, then turn symptomatic, and in my experience theres not much that can be done when they're symptomatic, at least for the young ones that I've had. So I'd probably try it out. I remember when I got Calawalla Banana and she was about 6 months to a year. She looked so healthy and hearty. Then at 2.5 yr she developed lymphoma and nothing we did would touch it. I'd wished I'd had her on interferon prior to her being symptomatic. (The interferon alpha protocol I use is a daily dose - not the on and off.) On the other hand, I now have 2 FELV cats that are over 10, and 1 that's 4-5. Go figure. They were over the magic age of 3 when I got them, so it's nothing I've done that's kept them going... Good luck, Gloria On Nov 14, 2007, at 5:26 PM, gary wrote: First time I've ever heard of that protocol. Mostly I've heard 7 days on and seven days off because they can develop an immunity to the human interferon alpha. Can't see why it would harm a diabetic cat. However, that's just a guess on my part. Gary - Original Message - From: Belinda Sauro To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, November 14, 2007 9:12 AM Subject: Interferon Question Got this from a friend, anyone know or heard anything about this?? I have a feline interferon question. If you don't know the answer, would you mind asking the group? I followed the prophylactic regimen recommended in studies for asymptomatic felv+ cats, which is every day for five days in three runs starting the 1st, 14th, and 60th days. This regimen in studies seems to double cats' chances of being alive a year later. I gave it to Patches this past February. I have another batch of feline interferon and am wondering when to give it to her again. None of the studies I have say anything about repeating it, or when to do so. Do you know? Also, I can't find anything on whether it is ok to give to diabetic cats. Any idea?
Re: Interferon question - FeLV+/FIV+ = now negative
I think you can go off now. Congratulations on your negative results!! t Del H. Daniels [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi Everyone, I don't post much but have a serious question re Interferon. Kitty tested positive for FeLV/FIV at nine months old. She has had daily Interferon for the past 3+ months. Now that she has tested negative for both diseases, what experience has anyone else had and vet recommendations for tapering off the IFN? I thought once kitties were FIV+ that disease did not disappear but the FeLV+ sometimes is fought off (30%). This sweet girl can be adopted out once she is off the interferon. Del In memory of Effie 2001-2005
Re: Interferon question - FeLV+/FIV+ = now negative
At 05:50 PM 12/15/2006, you wrote: That is so wonderful.. Kelly Hi Everyone, I don't post much but have a serious question re Interferon. Kitty tested positive for FeLV/FIV at nine months old. She has had daily Interferon for the past 3+ months. Now that she has tested negative for both diseases, what experience has anyone else had and vet recommendations for tapering off the IFN? I thought once kitties were FIV+ that disease did not disappear but the FeLV+ sometimes is fought off (30%). This sweet girl can be adopted out once she is off the interferon. Del In memory of Effie 2001-2005 No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.409 / Virus Database: 268.15.20/588 - Release Date: 12/15/2006
Re: Interferon question - FeLV+/FIV+ = now negative
That's great! I never heard of a cat throwing FIV, but I have heard of high rates of false positives on FIV tests. Was it confirmed by an IFA or DNA test? If it was an in-house snap test, I would guess she was never actually positive and the test result was wrong. Either way, good news! knock on wood! :) Michelle In a message dated 12/15/2006 8:59:24 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Hi Everyone, I don't post much but have a serious question re Interferon. Kitty tested positive for FeLV/FIV at nine months old. She has had daily Interferon for the past 3+ months. Now that she has tested negative for both diseases, what experience has anyone else had and vet recommendations for tapering off the IFN? I thought once kitties were FIV+ that disease did not disappear but the FeLV+ sometimes is fought off (30%). This sweet girl can be adopted out once she is off the interferon. Del
Re: Interferon question - FeLV+/FIV+ = now negative
Kittens, of course, can show a positive result for a while after nursing a positive mama. But then at some point they throw off the antibodies. I've thought that FIV+ kittens could go negative, as FELV+ kittens can. Interesting - it's really good to hear news like this. Gloria [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote : That's great! I never heard of a cat throwing FIV, but I have heard of high rates of false positives on FIV tests. Was it confirmed by an IFA or DNA test? If it was an in-house snap test, I would guess she was never actually positive and the test result was wrong. Either way, good news! knock on wood!nbsp; nbsp; Michelle nbsp; In a message dated 12/15/2006 8:59:24 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Hi Everyone, nbsp;I don't post much but have a serious question re Interferon.nbsp; Kitty tested positive for FeLV/FIV at nine months old.nbsp; She has had daily Interferon for the past 3+ months.nbsp; Now that she has tested negative for both diseases, what experience has anyone else had and vet recommendations for tapering off the IFN?nbsp; I thought once kitties were FIV+ that disease did not disappear but the FeLV+ sometimes is fought off (30%).nbsp; This sweet girl can be adopted out once she is off the interferon.nbsp; nbsp;Del nbsp;
Re: Interferon question - FeLV+/FIV+ = now negative
Kittens, of course, can show a positive result for a while after nursing a positive mama. But then at some point they throw off the antibodies. I've thought that FIV+ kittens could go negative, as FELV+ kittens can. Interesting - it's really good to hear news like this. Gloria [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote : That's great! I never heard of a cat throwing FIV, but I have heard of high rates of false positives on FIV tests. Was it confirmed by an IFA or DNA test? If it was an in-house snap test, I would guess she was never actually positive and the test result was wrong. Either way, good news! knock on wood!nbsp; nbsp; Michelle nbsp; In a message dated 12/15/2006 8:59:24 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Hi Everyone, nbsp;I don't post much but have a serious question re Interferon.nbsp; Kitty tested positive for FeLV/FIV at nine months old.nbsp; She has had daily Interferon for the past 3+ months.nbsp; Now that she has tested negative for both diseases, what experience has anyone else had and vet recommendations for tapering off the IFN?nbsp; I thought once kitties were FIV+ that disease did not disappear but the FeLV+ sometimes is fought off (30%).nbsp; This sweet girl can be adopted out once she is off the interferon.nbsp; nbsp;Del nbsp;
Re: Interferon question - FeLV+/FIV+ = now negative
It's possible she was never positive to begin with. Did you test more than once, and using two different methods? Regardless, I may consider doing the week on and week off schedule for a while, slowing stretching out the off days by reducing the on days over a period of months. Of course, there's no reason to take her off of it at all, there's no HARM in giving it long term that I am aware of. It's possible her natural immunity finally kicked in now that she is an adult. Phaewryn Please save Whitey! http://ucat.us/Whitey.html VT low cost SpayNeuter, and Emergency Financial Assistance for cat owners: http://ucat.us/VermontLowCost.html Special Needs Cat Resources: http://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html
Re: Interferon question - FeLV+/FIV+ = now negative
yes, FIV antibodies can be passed along in the milk, but she said her cat tested positive at 9 MONTHS, any momma cat that would let a kitten nurse THAT long is a brave and devoted soul, LOL! I think most maternal antibodies wear off by 6 months of age (or a couple of months after the kitten last nursed). Phaewryn Please save Whitey! http://ucat.us/Whitey.html VT low cost SpayNeuter, and Emergency Financial Assistance for cat owners: http://ucat.us/VermontLowCost.html Special Needs Cat Resources: http://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html
