RE: Misha
Hi, Melody, you don't know how much it means to me, and probably to most people of the list, that you are going to keep Misha and take care of her - I wish everyone is smart and responsible like you - Again, there is lots of support in this group, feel free to stop by anytime, you need to talk! hideyo -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Paul Jr Sent: Saturday, July 09, 2005 9:32 PM To: Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: Misha Thanks for all the great feedback about Misha. I understand more about her type of FeLV. FeLv can cause changes in the intestinal wall. Parasites and bacteria more commonly mulitply and cause diarrhea in FeLV infected cats. We have found in Misha's case its bacteria that causes her diarrhea. Thats why drugs like Flagyl and the cortcosteriods have temporarily alleviated her problem. I would say, from the feedback I've gotten from some of you, that because she has this type of FeLv, that her symptoms are very much like those of a cat with IBD. I'm so glad that you all have helped me understand and that I was able to talk to the other vet (that isn't so pessimistic) at the aninal hospital where I take Misha. I know now that I don't have to get rid of my sweet kitty and although the only cure is a miracle, there is help. Yea she does get cattitude and I'm going to have to watch her closely around the baby and it's going to be a bit aggravating to change her diet to wet food but my other six cats get attitude and even my tortie bobtail (that sleeps with us and thinks she's my baby now) is going to have to be watched around the baby when he gets here. Thanks again, Melody (GO GATORS!) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - CFAITH - Your Online Faith Family - http://www.cfaith.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Re: Misha
Thanks for all the great feedback about Misha. I understand more about her type of FeLV. FeLv can cause changes in the intestinal wall. Parasites and bacteria more commonly mulitply and cause diarrhea in FeLV infected cats. We have found in Misha's case its bacteria that causes her diarrhea. Thats why drugs like Flagyl and the cortcosteriods have temporarily alleviated her problem. I would say, from the feedback I've gotten from some of you, that because she has this type of FeLv, that her symptoms are very much like those of a cat with IBD. I'm so glad that you all have helped me understand and that I was able to talk to the other vet (that isn't so pessimistic) at the aninal hospital where I take Misha. I know now that I don't have to get rid of my sweet kitty and although the only cure is a miracle, there is help. Yea she does get cattitude and I'm going to have to watch her closely around the baby and it's going to be a bit aggravating to change her diet to wet food but my other six cats get attitude and even my tortie bobtail (that sleeps with us and thinks she's my baby now) is going to have to be watched around the baby when he gets here. Thanks again, Melody (GO GATORS!) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - CFAITH - Your Online Faith Family - http://www.cfaith.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
RE: Misha
Excellent answer, Nina I really dont appreciate it when a vet blames every single symptom our FeLV+ or FIV+ kitties may have to the virus they have like well, FelV (or FIV for that matter) is finally catching up, there is nothing you can doblah blah blah I hope you will be able to source out another vet who might be more supportive of the patients with FeLV+ just so that you have another opinion Hideyo From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Nina Sent: Saturday, June 18, 2005 10:31 AM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: Misha For Misha's family, I don't know what your vet is talking about. FelV is not attacking her intestines. The problem with FeLV is that it weakens their immune systems and they have a tough time fighting off any other ailments, like colds etc. They are more prone to cancers too unfortunately, and the drippy butt symptom could be a sign of intestinal lymphoma. How long has Misha had diarrhea? From the little you told us about her symptoms it sounds like some sort of IBD (intestinal bowel disease) problem. You need more help from your vet. He needs to be treating whatever problems Misha has in the same way he would any other cat, (except quicker, with no 'wait and see' type attitude). IBD, (we don't know if this is Misha's problem), is usually treated with diet change. Some cats need to be taken off all dry food, sometimes they can't tolerate grains, sometimes vegetables, sometimes both. The people on the IBD list I belong to, (my Gypsy has a nasty case of IBD), advocate a raw diet (the group is: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FelineIBD/ ) This was the only thing that helped my cat, but you can try getting her off dry food and on one of the better canned foods first. Stick with one type of protein, (chicken, duck etc.), to help her system adjust. There are also many homeopathic remedies that can help cats with diarrhea too, go to http://www.abchomeopathy.com/ and click on remedy finder to search for help with diarrhea. Vets usually prescribe steroids, (way too soon, imo), you want to try and eliminate whatever her system is reacting to first before you reach for the heavy artillery. When anyone has diarrhea, their body is essentially trying to 'get rid' of whatever is upsetting their systems by expelling it as fast as they can. It's like an allergy, you have to figure out what to give Misha to eat that her body won't react to. Go check out http://www.catnutrition.org/ for some ideas. If your concern is the unhealthfulness of liquid diarrhea all over your house, I completely understand. You can confine Misha to a single room, (make it as comfortable as possible and visit her often, she's not going to understand why she's being locked away), until you get the 'leaking butt' under control. If you are worried about Felv effecting you or your baby, your fears are unfounded. FeLV can not be transmitted to humans. If your concern is Toxoplasmosis, you are more than likely not in danger either, (please see recent archives addressing this concern). If you have had Misha with your other cats for six years, you do not have to be concerned about separating them. They either have Felv already, or they're not going to get it. Good luck, I wish you and your family the best, Nina Paul Jr wrote: Hey out there I need some sugeestions/feedback aboutMisha and what we should do with her.Misha is six years old and tested pos for FeLV. We havehad her for almost 6 1/2 years. She is in good healthand none of the other cats (all share the same watedish) have FeLV. Misha's FeLV shows up, according toher vet by attacking her intestines. She has chronicbouts of what we call drippy butt. She leaves littlepresents aorund the house. She has been on variousmedications and recently the vet suggested Kaopectateor Pepto Bismo, which made her problem worse.(gave herpain and lots of diahreha) I have read aobutmedications to treat FeLV, none of which cure it justmaybe ease the symptoms. Does anyone else have a catwith this type of FeLv and if so what do you do? Alsogive me some feedback. We live in Gainesville, Fl andmy husband and I are expecting our first child in theend of July. We have considred putting Misha down butshe seems to have so much playfullness and affection(most of the time) that we really hate to. Money is aproblem and we are both nervous about exposing a babyto her. Thanks for the help! Melody- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - CFAITH - Your Online Faith Family - http://www.cfaith.com- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Re: Misha
I agree - it's typical for kitties to have eye problems and diarrhea problems, whether or not they carry the FELV virus. Options - keep her in 1 room for a while, try W/D cat food from the vet, along with flagyl (from the vet). If that doesn't work, try plain human chicken; or try different meat - such as Nutro lamb and turkey; try plain white rice mixed in with some cat food - that's a good one. Or try adding a little pumpkin (fiber) to the cat food. You can also get a homeopathic diarrhea formula at the health food store - it's liquid - I frequently have success with that. It's $8 or $9. I agree also - this is not a type of FELV - FELV is a virus that lowers the immune system. It opens the door for various diseases to come in. The question is what problem does she have. Many vets are not good with figuring out FELV (and some don't care). Best of luck - Gloria On Jun 17, 2005, at 3:47 PM, Paul Jr wrote: Hey out there I need some sugeestions/feedback about Misha and what we should do with her. Misha is six years old and tested pos for FeLV. We have had her for almost 6 1/2 years. She is in good health and none of the other cats (all share the same wate dish) have FeLV. Misha's FeLV shows up, according to her vet by attacking her intestines. She has chronic bouts of what we call drippy butt. She leaves little presents aorund the house. She has been on various medications and recently the vet suggested Kaopectate or Pepto Bismo, which made her problem worse.(gave her pain and lots of diahreha) I have read aobut medications to treat FeLV, none of which cure it just maybe ease the symptoms. Does anyone else have a cat with this type of FeLv and if so what do you do? Also give me some feedback. We live in Gainesville, Fl and my husband and I are expecting our first child in the end of July. We have considred putting Misha down but she seems to have so much playfullness and affection (most of the time) that we really hate to. Money is a problem and we are both nervous about exposing a baby to her. Thanks for the help! Melody\
Re: Misha
As I understand, there are human juveniles that do that too...and it's considered normal! On Jun 18, 2005, at 2:31 PM, TenHouseCats wrote: there are even diapers for kitties, too, if the problem is chronic--there are a lot of cats around who are full of life and love, just can't control their bowels, who bop around in diapers quite happily, i'm told! -- MaryChristine AIM / YAHOO: TenHouseCats MSN: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ICQ: 289856892
Re: Misha
LOL! Isn't it funny how as humans, one thing is considered a good quality of life, when for our pets, many times that exact same thing is not considered a good quality of life? Like paralysis, many humans are in wheel chairs, living good lives, happy to still be here, but many vets still suggest euthanasia for a paralyzed cat or dog, and don't even mention the fact that wheelchairs for pets not only exist, but have been being used successfully for a decade, and many happy pets have good quality of life in them. Same with diapers, not only do human babies wear them, but MANY humans in general (think Depends and Poise pads), and I can assure you those people would not rather be dead! We get a broken bone, and we get it fixed, many times our pets are euthanised because of lack of funds, would we, as a society, allow HUMANS to die, or be killed simply because they didn't have $1000 up front to fix a broken bone? Of course not! But, we are the chosen ones, the masters of the planet, the "intelligent" species that runs the place, and makes all the decisions. LOL... I can't help but laugh at our stupidity! And we don't even kill our murders and rapists in gas chambers anymore, yet we kill thousands of innocent animals in them every day all across the country, that's one of the worst examples of discrimination that I can think of. Kill a human, either die humanely, or live your life behind bars, kill an animal, and in many states the only reprimand is a $1000 fine and 30 days in jail, and THAT'S only for killing certain species. I'm not going to get into our meat eating, but one example I can think of right away are horses. We don't EAT horses in the USA, but we sure do send them to slaughter to be killed and sent to other countries to be eaten. If we do it to horses, why not cats and dogs too? We are all such hypocrites, as a species. Sorry, going way off topic here, just got me to thinking, that's all. Reply to me privately if you want, I don't want to get another OT conversation going on in here. [EMAIL PROTECTED] This place if so full of intelligent and kind human beings, who are deep thinkers, it's hard not to get off topic sometimes. ;-) Jennhttp://ucat.ushttp://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html ~~~As I understand, there are human juveniles that do that too...and it's considered normal!On Jun 18, 2005, at 2:31 PM, TenHouseCats wrote: there are even diapers for kitties, too, if the problem is chronic--there are a lot of cats around who are full of life and love, just can't control their bowels, who bop around in diapers quite happily, i'm told! No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.323 / Virus Database: 267.7.8/22 - Release Date: 6/17/2005
Re: Misha
Hi Mel, My cat with IBD was put on a special diet and prednisone if I remember correctly. (It was over 10 years ago.) In his case we were dealing with kidney disease as well, so he had to be on a diet for the kidney disease first and foremost.I am forwarding this to the list in case others have some ideas. I know IBD can be difficult to treat. Again, though, I have never heard of anything involving diarrhea having to do with leukemia. I know some people have gone through special diets like allergy testing. For example you would get a venison based food and feed it for a month and see if that helps. If not you would then try duck, etc I also know that foods containing corn cause digestive problems. You have to try foods with as few ingredients as possible to find out what is irritating their systems. Again, I'm not the expert on IBD, but it sounds very much like IBD. When kittens at our shelter had diarrhea that didn't go away readily with med.s we would cook them boiled chicken and rice. Sometimes we would just give them the broth and the rice to try to clear up the diarrhea. Another thing is flagyl. Has that been tried? It's also called metronidazole. Something you might consider is seeing a specialist who would know more about it.When I dealt with this 'regular' vets didn't do ultrasounds, etc so I was automatically sent to an internal specialist. Another idea would be to try a wholistic vet who might offer suggestions such as probiotics, etc... to try. Some vets just want to blame anything on felv or euthanize prematurely based on felv. Pumpkin mixed in with canned food did seem to help my cat as well. I hope you find some answers for poor Misha. tonyaPaul Jr [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: THanks for your repsonse. I have always thought Mishamight have IBD. I have read up some on IBD andeverything I have read so far seems to suggest thatdiet change and medication works for IBD. Misha hasbeen given a variety of medications to help with herproblem and we even changed her to a prescription diet.All to no avail. Things work for a while then we'reback to square one. The vet insists that because she isFeLV+ that this is why she has the diarrhea. I don'tknow. Thanks for your input.Mel- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - CFAITH - Your Online Faith Family - http://www.cfaith.com- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Re: Misha
For Misha's family, I don't know what your vet is talking about. FelV is not "attacking" her intestines. The problem with FeLV is that it weakens their immune systems and they have a tough time fighting off any other ailments, like colds etc. They are more prone to cancers too unfortunately, and the "drippy butt" symptom could be a sign of intestinal lymphoma. How long has Misha had diarrhea? From the little you told us about her symptoms it sounds like some sort of IBD (intestinal bowel disease) problem. You need more help from your vet. He needs to be treating whatever problems Misha has in the same way he would any other cat, (except quicker, with no 'wait and see' type attitude). IBD, (we don't know if this is Misha's problem), is usually treated with diet change. Some cats need to be taken off all dry food, sometimes they can't tolerate grains, sometimes vegetables, sometimes both. The people on the IBD list I belong to, (my Gypsy has a nasty case of IBD), advocate a raw diet (the group is: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FelineIBD/ ) This was the only thing that helped my cat, but you can try getting her off dry food and on one of the better canned foods first. Stick with one type of protein, (chicken, duck etc.), to help her system adjust. There are also many homeopathic remedies that can help cats with diarrhea too, go to http://www.abchomeopathy.com/ and click on "remedy finder" to search for help with diarrhea. Vets usually prescribe steroids, (way too soon, imo), you want to try and eliminate whatever her system is reacting to first before you reach for the heavy artillery. When anyone has diarrhea, their body is essentially trying to 'get rid' of whatever is upsetting their systems by expelling it as fast as they can. It's like an allergy, you have to figure out what to give Misha to eat that her body won't react to. Go check out http://www.catnutrition.org/ for some ideas. If your concern is the unhealthfulness of liquid diarrhea all over your house, I completely understand. You can confine Misha to a single room, (make it as comfortable as possible and visit her often, she's not going to understand why she's being locked away), until you get the 'leaking butt' under control. If you are worried about Felv effecting you or your baby, your fears are unfounded. FeLV can not be transmitted to humans. If your concern is Toxoplasmosis, you are more than likely not in danger either, (please see recent archives addressing this concern). If you have had Misha with your other cats for six years, you do not have to be concerned about separating them. They either have Felv already, or they're not going to get it. Good luck, I wish you and your family the best, Nina Paul Jr wrote: Hey out there I need some sugeestions/feedback about Misha and what we should do with her. Misha is six years old and tested pos for FeLV. We have had her for almost 6 1/2 years. She is in good health and none of the other cats (all share the same wate dish) have FeLV. Misha's FeLV shows up, according to her vet by attacking her intestines. She has chronic bouts of what we call drippy butt. She leaves little presents aorund the house. She has been on various medications and recently the vet suggested Kaopectate or Pepto Bismo, which made her problem worse.(gave her pain and lots of diahreha) I have read aobut medications to treat FeLV, none of which cure it just maybe ease the symptoms. Does anyone else have a cat with this type of FeLv and if so what do you do? Also give me some feedback. We live in Gainesville, Fl and my husband and I are expecting our first child in the end of July. We have considred putting Misha down but she seems to have so much playfullness and affection (most of the time) that we really hate to. Money is a problem and we are both nervous about exposing a baby to her. Thanks for the help! Melody - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - CFAITH - Your Online Faith Family - http://www.cfaith.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Re: Misha
Have you tried addingProzyme to a premium non-graincanned food, it may help. I use Wellness but there are others. Also, one of my guys was quite poopy until he began IVD (fm vet) Venison and Green Pea kibble. In a few days, he firmed up and for the past three months no diarrhea. Confining kittyto one room and spreading sheets/towels on the floor helps cleaning up. A large dog crate or tall kitty wire kitty condo will confine and you cangive Misha periodic "recesses" into the room. I had three kittens with a few months of constant dripping; later an adult cat with the constant oozies for two months. Been there with the clean up. Good luck. Del - Original Message - From: Nina To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Saturday, June 18, 2005 11:30 AM Subject: Re: Misha For Misha's family,I don't know what your vet is talking about. FelV is not "attacking" her intestines. The problem with FeLV is that it weakens their immune systems and they have a tough time fighting off any other ailments, like colds etc. They are more prone to cancers too unfortunately, and the "drippy butt" symptom could be a sign of intestinal lymphoma. How long has Misha had diarrhea? From the little you told us about her symptoms it sounds like some sort of IBD (intestinal bowel disease) problem. You need more help from your vet. He needs to be treating whatever problems Misha has in the same way he would any other cat, (except quicker, with no 'wait and see' type attitude). IBD, (we don't know if this is Misha's problem), is usually treated with diet change. Some cats need to be taken off all dry food, sometimes they can't tolerate grains, sometimes vegetables, sometimes both. The people on the IBD list I belong to, (my Gypsy has a nasty case of IBD), advocate a raw diet (the group is: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FelineIBD/ ) This was the only thing that helped my cat, but you can try getting her off dry food and on one of the better canned foods first. Stick with one type of protein, (chicken, duck etc.), to help her system adjust. There are also many homeopathic remedies that can help cats with diarrhea too, go to http://www.abchomeopathy.com/ and click on "remedy finder" to search for help with diarrhea. Vets usually prescribe steroids, (way too soon, imo), you want to try and eliminate whatever her system is reacting to first before you reach for the heavy artillery. When anyone has diarrhea, their body is essentially trying to 'get rid' of whatever is upsetting their systems by expelling it as fast as they can. It's like an allergy, you have to figure out what to give Misha to eat that her body won't react to. Go check out http://www.catnutrition.org/ for some ideas.If your concern is the unhealthfulness of liquid diarrhea all over your house, I completely understand. You can confine Misha to a single room, (make it as comfortable as possible and visit her often, she's not going to understand why she's being locked away), until you get the 'leaking butt' under control. If you are worried about Felv effecting you or your baby, your fears are unfounded. FeLV can not be transmitted to humans. If your concern is Toxoplasmosis, you are more than likely not in danger either, (please see recent archives addressing this concern). If you have had Misha with your other cats for six years, you do not have to be concerned about separating them. They either have Felv already, or they're not going to get it.Good luck, I wish you and your family the best,NinaPaul Jr wrote: Hey out there I need some sugeestions/feedback about Misha and what we should do with her. Misha is six years old and tested pos for FeLV. We have had her for almost 6 1/2 years. She is in good health and none of the other cats (all share the same wate dish) have FeLV. Misha's FeLV shows up, according to her vet by attacking her intestines. She has chronic bouts of what we call drippy butt. She leaves little presents aorund the house. She has been on various medications and recently the vet suggested Kaopectate or Pepto Bismo, which made her problem worse.(gave her pain and lots of diahreha) I have read aobut medications to treat FeLV, none of which cure it just maybe ease the symptoms. Does anyone else have a cat with this type of FeLv and if so what do you do? Also give me some feedback. We live in Gainesville, Fl and my husband and I are expecting our first child in the end of July. We have considred putting Misha down but she seems to have so much playfullness and affection (most of the time) that we really hate to. Money is a problem and we are both nervous about exposing a baby to her. Thanks for the help! Melody - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - CFAITH - Your Online Faith Family - http://www.cfaith.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Re: Misha
there are even diapers for kitties, too, if the problem is chronic--there are a lot of cats around who are full of life and love, just can't control their bowels, who bop around in diapers quite happily, i'm told! -- MaryChristine AIM / YAHOO: TenHouseCats MSN: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ICQ: 289856892
