Re: New Diagnosis

[glenda Goodman]

Michael,  Good job! You are what this website is all
about!  The very best to you and your cats! 
Glenda
--- [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:

> Thanks guys.  I stopped on my way home from work and
> picked up some  Lysine 
> and Echinacea, I'm going to start putting it in
> their food.  I also  got some 
> high protein purina naturals food to replace their
> cat chow indoor  formula, 
> and I'll step up to proplan or iams or something if
> I need  to.  I also plan on 
> sanitizing all the feeding bowls and drinkwell 
> fountain daily.  After 
> speaking with the former fosters and the state 
> coordinator for VA SRC, I think this 
> is the best plan for now.  I'll keep  you all
> updated once I get a real 
> diagnosis from the tests they sent off  today.
>  
> Michael
> 
> 
> 
> ** Get a sneak
> peek of the all-new AOL at 
> http://discover.aol.com/memed/aolcom30tour
> 



   

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http://searchmarketing.yahoo.com/

Re: New Diagnosis

[Kelly L]

At 11:08 AM 8/21/2007, you wrote:

If it were me I would make sure the negative cats have their FELv 
vaccinations,,,2 of them and then allow them each others company,,, I 
have an FELV cat that hangs out with other cats,,Very hard to 
transmit to an adult,,,so give then negative kitties their 
vaccinations and all of us here will hellp woth your Felv pos baby

Kelly
www.kellyscats#zoomshare.com





Hello Everyone,

My name is Michael Roberts.  I just received word a few hours ago 
about one of my "babies" being diagnosed, so bear with me if this 
takes me a while to get out.


First of all, a bit of background information.  I currently have 
three cats, all Siamese and all from rescues.  The oldest, and the 
one with the FeLV diagnosis, is approximately 6-7 years old, and the 
other two are a little over two.  The first one came from a local 
rescue shelter here in Tennessee called Angel Wings, which has since 
been shut down. The other two came from VA Siamese Rescue, an 
organization that my partner and I are still somewhat active in.  We 
volunteer to transport on occasion and remain in the newsgroups/email lists.


I took all three for their checkups today, and the vet asked if we 
watned them tested for FeLV, to which we agreed.  The test on 
Grizzabella came back positive. The test on Penelope was negative, 
and they ran out of tests, so Poppy hasn't been tested yet.  I did 
request them to retest Grizzabella (even though they charged me 
again), and the blood was drawn and sent out for Grizzabella's 
retest and Poppy's test today, and we should have results by tomorrow.


Here's my issuethis is my first time dealing with FeLV, and I 
don't know what to do or what to expect.  All three of those cats 
are our children, and I can't bear the thought of seperating them or 
giving Grizzabella up because she's sick, but I don't know how 
likely it is the other two will contract the disease, or how to 
seperate them.  I'm not sure what to do about treatment, 
either.  I've heard there's no treatment, then I've heard there's 
meds, and diet changes.  I'm just not sure what my next step should 
be.  I noticed there are six stages to the disease, and four 
different types...I don't have any of that inforomation yet.  Can 
anyone give me a heads up and let me know where we should start with 
this?  Not sure what I need to do, guys.  I know lots of you have a 
lot of experience with this, and i'd be interested in any advice you can give.


Thanks in advance.

--
AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's 
free from AOL at AOL.com.



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8/20/2007 5:44 PM

Re: New Diagnosis

[OfALegend]

Thanks guys.  I stopped on my way home from work and picked up some  Lysine 
and Echinacea, I'm going to start putting it in their food.  I also  got some 
high protein purina naturals food to replace their cat chow indoor  formula, 
and I'll step up to proplan or iams or something if I need  to.  I also plan on 
sanitizing all the feeding bowls and drinkwell  fountain daily.  After 
speaking with the former fosters and the state  coordinator for VA SRC, I think 
this 
is the best plan for now.  I'll keep  you all updated once I get a real 
diagnosis from the tests they sent off  today.
 
Michael



** Get a sneak peek of the all-new AOL at 
http://discover.aol.com/memed/aolcom30tour

Re: New Diagnosis

[Marylyn]

I am no expert and some on this list have been very critical of me.  However, I 
offer this for your information.  Take what you can use and leave the rest.  
Dixie Louise tested positive over two years ago and she is the picture of 
health.  She has a very good diet of Primal Raw + lots of finely chopped 
veggies + raw organic eggs 2-3 times a week supplemented by Colostrum/Transfer 
Factor/ Lysine and holistic/alternative compounds.  Markwell and Wellness 
canned foods are subbed in when something just doesn't work out with her 
primary diet.   I use PetzLife BrushAway on her teeth since she showed signs of 
stomatitis when she came into my life.  She is appx 5 years old and was a 
throw-away so I am not sure about her history.  Her future is the light of my 
life who currently travels between a log home we are building on a farm and a 
house in Louisville KY.  She has regular vets in Louisville (Middletown Animal 
Clinic) who are very open-minded about FeLV and alternative medicines and very 
attentive to Dixie.  She has two alternative vets Drs. Betty Boswell and Dr. 
Susan Maier.  Both do some phone consultations.  Immediately after MAC tested 
her I consulted Dr. Boswell who had treated other animal friends of mine and to 
whom I was initially referred by the vets at MAC.  Dixie, as I said, is the 
picture of health.  All of this is to say don't worry about the future.  I did. 
 You will but try to recognize that this is not a death sentence.  And to do 
every thing you can to help the immune systems of all your cats.  Even those 
who show up here for a snack regularly get some supplements ..what just 
depends on when they show up.  

I don't know how long  you have had the cats or how long they have mixed.   
Others on the list can address this better than I.  Dixie mixed with the Royal 
Princess Kitty Katt who had been diagnosed with cancer and after it was 
apparent that mixing them was (unfortunately) not going to endanger Kitty Katt. 
 To be honest, I am not sure what I would do about letting her mix with another 
cat since the ones that come my way are either alley cats, barn cats, 
throw-aways or ferals--all of which have probably been exposed to FeLV  and 
will not be endangered by Dixie.  I do have concerns about what they may bring 
her.  This is a bridge we have not crossed yet.  

Attempt to get your breathe.  When MAC vets called me with the test results (I 
had taken Dixie there to be spayed) it was like a ton of bricks hit.  I had no 
way to keep hershe was supposed to be spayed and released and taken to 
the farm when the house was finished as an outside cat.  I found ways.  I could 
not kill a perfectly healthy cat (much to my vets' relief).  I am not sure how 
but things do work out.  You must relax enough to think.  

If you have an alternative vet close please talk to him/her.   I hope your 
regular vet is open-minded.  

Take deep breaths..think...ask your Creator..and 
ask your cats...it will work out. 





 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: [EMAIL PROTECTED] 
  To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 
  Sent: Tuesday, August 21, 2007 1:08 PM
  Subject: New Diagnosis


  Hello Everyone,

  My name is Michael Roberts.  I just received word a few hours ago about one 
of my "babies" being diagnosed, so bear with me if this takes me a while to get 
out.

  First of all, a bit of background information.  I currently have three cats, 
all Siamese and all from rescues.  The oldest, and the one with the FeLV 
diagnosis, is approximately 6-7 years old, and the other two are a little over 
two.  The first one came from a local rescue shelter here in Tennessee called 
Angel Wings, which has since been shut down. The other two came from VA Siamese 
Rescue, an organization that my partner and I are still somewhat active in.  We 
volunteer to transport on occasion and remain in the newsgroups/email lists.

  I took all three for their checkups today, and the vet asked if we watned 
them tested for FeLV, to which we agreed.  The test on Grizzabella came back 
positive. The test on Penelope was negative, and they ran out of tests, so 
Poppy hasn't been tested yet.  I did request them to retest Grizzabella (even 
though they charged me again), and the blood was drawn and sent out for 
Grizzabella's retest and Poppy's test today, and we should have results by 
tomorrow.

  Here's my issuethis is my first time dealing with FeLV, and I don't know 
what to do or what to expect.  All three of those cats are our children, and I 
can't bear the thought of seperat

Re: New Diagnosis

[Susan Dubose]

Hi Michael,

Yes, you are correct, SR always tests their adoption cats and the Virginia 
Center has a very good reputation for strict protacol.

I would still consider the L Lysine, it cannot hurt, only help.

Good luck, and please keep us posted.

Susan J. DuBose  >^..^<
www.PetGirlsPetsitting.com
www.Tx.SiameseRescue.org
www.shadowcats.net
  "As Cleopatra lay in state,
   Faithful Bast at her side did wait,
   Purring welcomes of soft applause,
   Ever guarding with sharpened claws."
 Trajan Tennent




  - Original Message - 
  From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] 
  To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 
  Sent: Tuesday, August 21, 2007 2:52 PM
  Subject: Re: New Diagnosis


  Here's the information on the stages and such, from Wiki: 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feline_leukemia_virus

  The information on different types also came from here:
  http://www.animalhealthchannel.com/FeLV/

  I do not have Siamese Rescue's records, but I do know they test.  I also took 
them to my vet when I got them, and I'm pretty sure we tested then. I wasn't 
aware of the high false positive rate when I initially posted, so I'm breathing 
now. I've had a few hours to settle down, and I'm going to take things slowly 
and a day at a time.  The IFA test was done in the office today, and I should 
have those results tomorrow.  I'll also have her retested in 3-6 months, as 
recommended.  As for the vet, when I took them today I was terribly 
disappointed that my vet had retired :( The new guy was nice enough, but I am 
going to look for a specialist or a vet more familiar with FeLV.  One day at a 
time. One step at a time.   The next step will be to see if someone else is 
positive.  And if not, to verify Bella's diagnosis, and see where to go from 
there.  Thanks for all the advice, guys. 

  M

Re: New Diagnosis

[Kelley Saveika]

You might be able to get SR's records from Siamese Rescue.

When I fostered I provided a copy of all medical information to the
adopter and kept a copy as backup.   I believe different fosters do
things differently, though.

Thanks for the info from Wikipedia, I had not seen that before.  Nor
the other.

It does appear the Wiki article doesnt' have citiations, though.  That
doesn't necessarily mean it is wrong.  But there is a ton of
inaccurate infomation out there.  Some from Cornell.

On 8/21/07, [EMAIL PROTECTED] <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> Here's the information on the stages and such, from Wiki:
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feline_leukemia_virus
>
> The information on different types also came from here:
> http://www.animalhealthchannel.com/FeLV/
>
> I do not have Siamese Rescue's records, but I do know they test.  I also
> took them to my vet when I got them, and I'm pretty sure we tested then. I
> wasn't aware of the high false positive rate when I initially posted, so I'm
> breathing now. I've had a few hours to settle down, and I'm going to take
> things slowly and a day at a time.  The IFA test was done in the office
> today, and I should have those results tomorrow.  I'll also have her
> retested in 3-6 months, as recommended.  As for the vet, when I took them
> today I was terribly disappointed that my vet had retired :( The new guy was
> nice enough, but I am going to look for a specialist or a vet more familiar
> with FeLV.  One day at a time. One step at a time.   The next step will be
> to see if someone else is positive.  And if not, to verify Bella's
> diagnosis, and see where to go from there.  Thanks for all the advice, guys.
>
> M
>
>
>
>
> -Original Message-----
> From: Kelley Saveika <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
> Sent: Tue, 21 Aug 2007 2:26 pm
> Subject: Re: New Diagnosis
>
> Hi Michael and welcome

On 8/21/07, [EMAIL PROTECTED] <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> wrote:
> Hello Everyone,
>
> My name is Michael Roberts. I just received
> word a few hours ago about one
> of my "babies" being diagnosed, so bear
> with me if this takes me a while to
> get out.

Ok, first of all, you don't
> have a diagnosis or anything else yet.
What you have is one positive result
> on a test that has a 20% false
positive rate. You need to get an IFA test to
> confirm.
Recommendation is usually 3-6 months from time of first positive
> test.

http://www.felineleukemia.org/felvhlth.html
>
>
> First of all, a bit of background information. I currently have three
> cats,
> all Siamese and all from rescues. The oldest, and the one with the
> FeLV
> diagnosis, is approximately 6-7 years old, and the other two are a
> little
> over two. The first one came from a local rescue shelter here in
> Tennessee
> called Angel Wings, which has since been shut down. The other
> two came from
> VA Siamese Rescue, an organization that my partner and I are
> still somewhat
> active in. We volunteer to transport on occasion and remain
> in the
> newsgroups/email lists.
>
> I took all three for their checkups
> today, and the vet asked if we watned
> them tested for FeLV, to which we
> agreed. The test on Grizzabella came back
> positive. The test on Penelope
> was negative, and they ran out of tests, so
> Poppy hasn't been tested yet.
> I did request them to retest Grizzabella
> (even though they charged me
> again), and the blood was drawn and sent out
> for Grizzabella's retest and
> Poppy's test today, and we should have results
> by tomorrow.

OK, well,
> Angel Wings was a bad situation with lots of FELV+ cats.

I used to
> volunteer with Siamese Rescue and at that time we combo
tested *all* adult
> cats. I would be surprised if these 2 had not
already been combo tested. Do
> you have their medical records from
Siamese Rescue?
>
> Here's my
> issuethis is my first time dealing with FeLV, and I don't know
> what to
> do or what to expect. All three of those cats are our children, and
> I
> can't bear the thought of seperating them or giving Grizzabella up because
>
> she's sick, but I don't know how likely it is the other two will contract
>
> the disease, or how to seperate them.

I definitely wouldn't "give up" a cat
> that was sick, anymore than I
would "give up" a human child because they had
> leukemia. I
personally would not separate at this point. I would vaccinate
> and if
your other 2 have not gotten it, they probably will not.
> Healthy
adult cats have a ~85% natural immunity to FELV.

 I'm not sure what
> to do about
> treatment, either. I&#x

Re: New Diagnosis

[ofalegend]

Here's the information on the stages and such, from Wiki: 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feline_leukemia_virus

The information on different types also came from here:
http://www.animalhealthchannel.com/FeLV/

I do not have Siamese Rescue's records, but I do know they test.? I also took 
them to my vet when I got them, and I'm pretty sure we tested then. I wasn't 
aware of the high false positive rate when I initially posted, so I'm breathing 
now. I've had a few hours to settle down, and I'm going to take things slowly 
and a day at a time.? The IFA test was done in the office today, and I should 
have those results tomorrow.? I'll also have her retested in 3-6 months, as 
recommended.? As for the vet, when I took them today I was terribly 
disappointed that my vet had retired :(?The new guy was nice enough, but I am 
going to look for a specialist or a vet more familiar with FeLV.? One day at a 
time. One step at a time.?? The next step will be to see if someone else is 
positive.? And if not, to verify Bella's diagnosis, and see where to go from 
there.? Thanks for all the advice, guys. 

M




-Original Message-
From: Kelley Saveika <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
Sent: Tue, 21 Aug 2007 2:26 pm
Subject: Re: New Diagnosis



Hi Michael and welcome

On 8/21/07, [EMAIL PROTECTED] <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> Hello Everyone,
>
> My name is Michael Roberts.  I just received word a few hours ago about one
> of my "babies" being diagnosed, so bear with me if this takes me a while to
> get out.

Ok, first of all, you don't have a diagnosis or anything else yet.
What you have is one positive result on a test that has a 20% false
positive rate.  You need to get an IFA test to confirm.
Recommendation is usually 3-6 months from time of first positive test.

http://www.felineleukemia.org/felvhlth.html
>
> First of all, a bit of background information.  I currently have three cats,
> all Siamese and all from rescues.  The oldest, and the one with the FeLV
> diagnosis, is approximately 6-7 years old, and the other two are a little
> over two.  The first one came from a local rescue shelter here in Tennessee
> called Angel Wings, which has since been shut down. The other two came from
> VA Siamese Rescue, an organization that my partner and I are still somewhat
> active in.  We volunteer to transport on occasion and remain in the
> newsgroups/email lists.
>
> I took all three for their checkups today, and the vet asked if we watned
> them tested for FeLV, to which we agreed.  The test on Grizzabella came back
> positive. The test on Penelope was negative, and they ran out of tests, so
> Poppy hasn't been tested yet.  I did request them to retest Grizzabella
> (even though they charged me again), and the blood was drawn and sent out
> for Grizzabella's retest and Poppy's test today, and we should have results
> by tomorrow.

OK, well, Angel Wings was a bad situation with lots of FELV+ cats.

I used to volunteer with Siamese Rescue and at that time we combo
tested *all* adult cats.  I would be surprised if these 2 had not
already been combo tested.  Do you have their medical records from
Siamese Rescue?
>
> Here's my issuethis is my first time dealing with FeLV, and I don't know
> what to do or what to expect.  All three of those cats are our children, and
> I can't bear the thought of seperating them or giving Grizzabella up because
> she's sick, but I don't know how likely it is the other two will contract
> the disease, or how to seperate them.

I definitely wouldn't "give up" a cat that was sick, anymore than I
would "give up"  a human child because they had leukemia.  I
personally would not separate at this point.  I would vaccinate and if
your other 2 have not gotten it, they probably will not.  Healthy
adult cats have a ~85% natural immunity to FELV.

 I'm not sure what to do about
> treatment, either.  I've heard there's no treatment, then I've heard there's
> meds, and diet changes.

There are meds, and there are diet changes, and there is treatment.
If your vet is not up on these things you need ot find a new vet.

http://www.felineleukemia.org/treatmnt.html

 I'm just not sure what my next step should be.  I
> noticed there are six stages to the disease, and four different types...I
> don't have any of that inforomation yet.

I've never heard of this in my life and I've been around this list a
while.  Where did you get this information?


Can anyone give me a heads up and
> let me know where we should start with this?  Not sure what I need to do,
> guys.  I know lots of you have a lot of experience with this, and i'd be
> interested in any advice you can give.
>
Take a dee

Re: New Diagnosis

[Angela Lewis]

Dear Michael,
  I am new to this issue too. I just lost my kitty last ngiht to FelV, 
which I didn't even know he had. I have two other kitties that are to be tested 
today at 4pm. I can't help you because you and I are in the same boat, I don't 
know my next steps either. I can tell you that everyone I have talked to thru 
this site have been very helpful to me today. My prayers are with you, please 
keep us in your prayers too.
  Ang

[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
  Hello Everyone,

My name is Michael Roberts.  I just received word a few hours ago about one of 
my "babies" being diagnosed, so bear with me if this takes me a while to get 
out.

First of all, a bit of background information.  I currently have three cats, 
all Siamese and all from rescues.  The oldest, and the one with the FeLV 
diagnosis, is approximately 6-7 years old, and the other two are a little over 
two.  The first one came from a local rescue shelter here in Tennessee called 
Angel Wings, which has since been shut down. The other two came from VA Siamese 
Rescue, an organization that my partner and I are still somewhat active in.  We 
volunteer to transport on occasion and remain in the newsgroups/email lists.

I took all three for their checkups today, and the vet asked if we watned them 
tested for FeLV, to which we agreed.  The test on Grizzabella came back 
positive. The test on Penelope was negative, and they ran out of tests, so 
Poppy hasn't been tested yet.  I did request them to retest Grizzabella (even 
though they charged me again), and the blood was drawn and sent out for 
Grizzabella's retest and Poppy's test today, and we should have results by 
tomorrow.

Here's my issuethis is my first time dealing with FeLV, and I don't know 
what to do or what to expect.  All three of those cats are our children, and I 
can't bear the thought of seperating them or giving Grizzabella up because 
she's sick, but I don't know how likely it is the other two will contract the 
disease, or how to seperate them.  I'm not sure what to do about treatment, 
either.  I've heard there's no treatment, then I've heard there's meds, and 
diet changes.  I'm just not sure what my next step should be.  I noticed there 
are six stages to the disease, and four different types...I don't have any of 
that inforomation yet.  Can anyone give me a heads up and let me know where we 
should start with this?  Not sure what I need to do, guys.  I know lots of you 
have a lot of experience with this, and i'd be interested in any advice you can 
give.

Thanks in advance.
-
  AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from 
AOL at AOL.com.



   
-
Boardwalk for $500? In 2007? Ha! 
Play Monopoly Here and Now (it's updated for today's economy) at Yahoo! Games.

Re: New Diagnosis

[Susan Dubose]

Hi Michael,

First, I want to tell you that I am sorry that Grizzabella has tested felv+, 
but I also want to tell you thanks so much for adopting a rescue kitty.

Angel Wings, I believe (someone correct me if I am wrong) was originally "set 
up" as a felv+sanctuary.

They were closed down about 2 yrs. ago due to animal neglect, cruelty, abuse & 
misrepresentation.

The case is still pending in court, I believe, if it hasn't been "pleaded out".

We took several cats from them, and they were absorbed into our headquarters in 
Dallas.

First, I recommend beginning the process of boosting your cats (all of them) 
immune systems w/ the usual things that we do.

I would begin w/L Lysine, (available anywhere that sells vitamins, get the 
capsules that you can open) and ask your vet about "Missing Link" supplement.

If you get the professional strength (prescription item) it also has a detox 
properties.

Mix both of the above supplements into moist food.

W/the Missing Link, you will want to start small and work your way up to the 
recommended dosage.

I also sprinkle a bit of nutrional yeast onto my cats dry food.

Feed them a high quality dry food, I feed Innova Evo mixed w/Wellness Core only.

This is a good start.

As far as separating them now, your other younger cats have a natural immunity 
to this disease about 80 % or so.

And lastly, talk to your vet and see what will work for you, because this is 
what is working for me now.

Thanks, please keep in touch.


Susan J. DuBose  >^..^<
www.PetGirlsPetsitting.com
www.Tx.SiameseRescue.org
www.shadowcats.net
  "As Cleopatra lay in state,
   Faithful Bast at her side did wait,
   Purring welcomes of soft applause,
   Ever guarding with sharpened claws."
 Trajan Tennent




  - Original Message - 
  From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] 
  To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 
  Sent: Tuesday, August 21, 2007 1:08 PM
  Subject: New Diagnosis


  Hello Everyone,

  My name is Michael Roberts.  I just received word a few hours ago about one 
of my "babies" being diagnosed, so bear with me if this takes me a while to get 
out.

  First of all, a bit of background information.  I currently have three cats, 
all Siamese and all from rescues.  The oldest, and the one with the FeLV 
diagnosis, is approximately 6-7 years old, and the other two are a little over 
two.  The first one came from a local rescue shelter here in Tennessee called 
Angel Wings, which has since been shut down. The other two came from VA Siamese 
Rescue, an organization that my partner and I are still somewhat active in.  We 
volunteer to transport on occasion and remain in the newsgroups/email lists.

  I took all three for their checkups today, and the vet asked if we watned 
them tested for FeLV, to which we agreed.  The test on Grizzabella came back 
positive. The test on Penelope was negative, and they ran out of tests, so 
Poppy hasn't been tested yet.  I did request them to retest Grizzabella (even 
though they charged me again), and the blood was drawn and sent out for 
Grizzabella's retest and Poppy's test today, and we should have results by 
tomorrow.

  Here's my issuethis is my first time dealing with FeLV, and I don't know 
what to do or what to expect.  All three of those cats are our children, and I 
can't bear the thought of seperating them or giving Grizzabella up because 
she's sick, but I don't know how likely it is the other two will contract the 
disease, or how to seperate them.  I'm not sure what to do about treatment, 
either.  I've heard there's no treatment, then I've heard there's meds, and 
diet changes.  I'm just not sure what my next step should be.  I noticed there 
are six stages to the disease, and four different types...I don't have any of 
that inforomation yet.  Can anyone give me a heads up and let me know where we 
should start with this?  Not sure what I need to do, guys.  I know lots of you 
have a lot of experience with this, and i'd be interested in any advice you can 
give.

  Thanks in advance.

--
  AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from 
AOL at AOL.com.

Re: New Diagnosis

[Kelley Saveika]

Hi Michael and welcome

On 8/21/07, [EMAIL PROTECTED] <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> Hello Everyone,
>
> My name is Michael Roberts.  I just received word a few hours ago about one
> of my "babies" being diagnosed, so bear with me if this takes me a while to
> get out.

Ok, first of all, you don't have a diagnosis or anything else yet.
What you have is one positive result on a test that has a 20% false
positive rate.  You need to get an IFA test to confirm.
Recommendation is usually 3-6 months from time of first positive test.

http://www.felineleukemia.org/felvhlth.html
>
> First of all, a bit of background information.  I currently have three cats,
> all Siamese and all from rescues.  The oldest, and the one with the FeLV
> diagnosis, is approximately 6-7 years old, and the other two are a little
> over two.  The first one came from a local rescue shelter here in Tennessee
> called Angel Wings, which has since been shut down. The other two came from
> VA Siamese Rescue, an organization that my partner and I are still somewhat
> active in.  We volunteer to transport on occasion and remain in the
> newsgroups/email lists.
>
> I took all three for their checkups today, and the vet asked if we watned
> them tested for FeLV, to which we agreed.  The test on Grizzabella came back
> positive. The test on Penelope was negative, and they ran out of tests, so
> Poppy hasn't been tested yet.  I did request them to retest Grizzabella
> (even though they charged me again), and the blood was drawn and sent out
> for Grizzabella's retest and Poppy's test today, and we should have results
> by tomorrow.

OK, well, Angel Wings was a bad situation with lots of FELV+ cats.

I used to volunteer with Siamese Rescue and at that time we combo
tested *all* adult cats.  I would be surprised if these 2 had not
already been combo tested.  Do you have their medical records from
Siamese Rescue?
>
> Here's my issuethis is my first time dealing with FeLV, and I don't know
> what to do or what to expect.  All three of those cats are our children, and
> I can't bear the thought of seperating them or giving Grizzabella up because
> she's sick, but I don't know how likely it is the other two will contract
> the disease, or how to seperate them.

I definitely wouldn't "give up" a cat that was sick, anymore than I
would "give up"  a human child because they had leukemia.  I
personally would not separate at this point.  I would vaccinate and if
your other 2 have not gotten it, they probably will not.  Healthy
adult cats have a ~85% natural immunity to FELV.

 I'm not sure what to do about
> treatment, either.  I've heard there's no treatment, then I've heard there's
> meds, and diet changes.

There are meds, and there are diet changes, and there is treatment.
If your vet is not up on these things you need ot find a new vet.

http://www.felineleukemia.org/treatmnt.html

 I'm just not sure what my next step should be.  I
> noticed there are six stages to the disease, and four different types...I
> don't have any of that inforomation yet.

I've never heard of this in my life and I've been around this list a
while.  Where did you get this information?


Can anyone give me a heads up and
> let me know where we should start with this?  Not sure what I need to do,
> guys.  I know lots of you have a lot of experience with this, and i'd be
> interested in any advice you can give.
>
Take a deep breath and don't make any rash decisions.  Love yourself,
your partner and your kitties:)

Kelley
-- 
Rescuties - Saving the world, one cat at a time.

http://www.rescuties.org

Vist the Rescuties store and save a kitty life!

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Re: new diagnosis

[catatonya]

Hi,
   
  It sounds like you are doing all the right things.  The only thing I can 
think that I would do right now is giver lysine.
   
  Welcome to the list.
  tonya

Jane Lyons <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
  Hello everyone
I just joined this group as I have just had two FeLV
positive test results on my year old kitten.

I adopted her from a cat shelter two months ago
with many health issues (upper respiratory, diarrhea
giardia, stomatits). I was told that she was FeLV negative
and figured I could deal with all of the above because they were
not life threatening and once I got her out of the shelter 'colony'
and to our vets, that she would get well. She didn't.

On Friday I took her to my homeopathic vet who insisted that
she be tested "again" for FeLV, and the test came back positive
and the second test result which I got on Saturday was also positive.

Needless to say I am devastated. Both of the vets that I use are being
supportive and hopeful. When I adopted a positive kitten 20 years ago
I was told that she had to be put down because she would infect my 
other cat.
This is not the case now. We have two Scotties and had recently lost a 
19 year old
cat, and a 21 year old the year before.

This cat, MeMe, is an absolute love. My homeopath put her on a 
probiotic that
she is excited about "FortiFlora", and liquid DMG as well as help in 
weaning her
to Archetype food as she is addicted to Fancy Feast which my vet calls 
'kitty crack'.

I have been overwhelmed with the amount of information I am finding on 
the Web.
Some of it seems very optimistic, some, bordering on fantasy. I joined 
this group hoping to
share information with real people who are living and coping with this 
disease. I keep
re-reading the Home page on this site which states that Feline Leukemia 
is not a death
sentence. I would appreciate any information which could be helpful to 
MeMe.

Thank you
Jane

Re: new diagnosis

[wendy]

Jane, 

You are so right about the overwhelming amount of FeLV
info. on the Internet-some of it odd.  Take a deep
breath.  You will successfully wade through it all. 
Just give yourself time to ingest it all and cyphon
back out what you don't need.

:)
Wendy

--- Jane Lyons <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

> Hello everyone
> I just joined this group as I have just had two FeLV
> positive test results on my year old kitten.
> 
> I adopted her from a cat shelter two months ago
> with many health issues (upper respiratory, diarrhea
> giardia, stomatits). I was told that she was FeLV
> negative
> and figured I could deal with all of the above
> because they were
> not life threatening and once I got her out of the
> shelter 'colony'
> and to our vets, that she would get well. She
> didn't.
> 
> On Friday I took her to my homeopathic vet who
> insisted that
> she be tested "again" for FeLV, and the test came
> back positive
> and the second test result which I got on Saturday
> was also positive.
> 
> Needless to say I am devastated. Both of the vets
> that I use are being
> supportive and hopeful. When I adopted a positive
> kitten 20 years ago
> I was told that she had to be put down because she
> would infect my 
> other cat.
> This is not the case now. We have two Scotties and
> had recently lost a 
> 19 year old
> cat, and a 21 year old the year before.
> 
> This cat, MeMe, is an absolute love. My homeopath
> put her on a 
> probiotic that
> she is excited about "FortiFlora", and liquid DMG as
> well as help in 
> weaning her
> to Archetype food as she is addicted to Fancy Feast
> which my vet calls 
> 'kitty crack'.
> 
> I have been overwhelmed with the amount of
> information I am finding on 
> the Web.
> Some of it seems very optimistic, some, bordering on
> fantasy. I joined 
> this group hoping to
> share information with real people who are living
> and coping with this 
> disease. I keep
> re-reading the Home page on this site which states
> that Feline Leukemia 
> is not a death
> sentence. I would appreciate any information which
> could be helpful to 
> MeMe.
> 
> Thank you
> Jane
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 


"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the 
world - indeed it is the only thing that ever has!" ~~~ Margaret Meade ~~~



   
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Re: new diagnosis

[Taylor Scobie Humphrey]

I raised three little foundlings--The 3 Orange Boyz--and they tested  
FeLV-.  Then at nine months one of them, Sammy, tested not only FeLV+  
but with mediastinal lymphoma.  He is now in the Wisconsin/Madison  
chemotherapy protocol and is doing just wonderfully and after four  
treatments he is in "apparent remission."  Amazing!


So little negatives can switch to positive.  The shelter was not  
pulling your leg when they said she was negative.


And the reason your vets are being so supportive is because times  
have changed.  FeLV positive cats are no longer routinely marked for  
death the way they were years ago because many of them live a long  
time.  My beloved Mamie lived for nine years after her diagnosis when  
she was a wee one (she was found on a golf course in Michigan in  
really pitiful shape:  fleas, URI, tapeworm, other parasites, just a  
wreck--and she persevered through all--and when she was well I  
brought her home where she had a fabulous life until I got divorced  
and she lost her idyllic life when I moved to an apartment.  The  
change really affected her negatively (and me, too) and caused her  
immune system to really go downhill.


The most important thing is to keep little MeMe healthy and give her  
all the opportunities a little cat can have.  Mamie was leash-trained  
and also, thank God, had a very safe neighborhood in which to roam  
and a kitty-door that was always available.  (She always was inside  
at night.)  I think the fact that she was out in the sun and the rain  
and was able to have fun spying on the birds and "rescuing" mice,  
voles and chipmunks.


You can have your little darling girl for along time!

Taylor Scobie Humphrey
[EMAIL PROTECTED]


On May 27, 2007, at 1:15 PM, Kelly L wrote:


At 10:24 AM 5/27/2007, you wrote:

Welcome..and THANK YOU
No it is not a death sentence as you will see here. i just returned  
from Best friends where I met Many old,,,15-22 year old cats ..  
Unfortunately when kittens get it they seem to have a shorter life  
span, My guy is a year and a half,
Best Friends give their leukemia cats   1/4 cc immuno regulin I.M  
each month,,I use that and alferon natural interferon,,, a good  
diet and lots of love!!! and have other cats also and do not worry  
about it spreading to my adult vaccinated cats, But Max my FELV cat  
live primarily away form the others with his own friends,,, I do  
not want him catching anything else.

Kelly
www.kellyscats.zoomshare.com



Hello everyone
I just joined this group as I have just had two FeLV
positive test results on my year old kitten.

I adopted her from a cat shelter two months ago
with many health issues (upper respiratory, diarrhea
giardia, stomatits). I was told that she was FeLV negative
and figured I could deal with all of the above because they were
not life threatening and once I got her out of the shelter 'colony'
and to our vets, that she would get well. She didn't.

On Friday I took her to my homeopathic vet who insisted that
she be tested "again" for FeLV, and the test came back positive
and the second test result which I got on Saturday was also positive.

Needless to say I am devastated. Both of the vets that I use are  
being

supportive and hopeful. When I adopted a positive kitten 20 years ago
I was told that she had to be put down because she would infect my  
other cat.
This is not the case now. We have two Scotties and had recently  
lost a 19 year old

cat, and a 21 year old the year before.

This cat, MeMe, is an absolute love. My homeopath put her on a  
probiotic that
she is excited about "FortiFlora", and liquid DMG as well as help  
in weaning her
to Archetype food as she is addicted to Fancy Feast which my vet  
calls 'kitty crack'.


I have been overwhelmed with the amount of information I am  
finding on the Web.
Some of it seems very optimistic, some, bordering on fantasy. I  
joined this group hoping to
share information with real people who are living and coping with  
this disease. I keep
re-reading the Home page on this site which states that Feline  
Leukemia is not a death
sentence. I would appreciate any information which could be  
helpful to MeMe.


Thank you
Jane






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Re: new diagnosis

[Nina]

Hello Jane and welcome.  Every one of us on this list has lived through 
the fear and confusion you are facing.  This list has been a haven for 
me and so many others, I'm so very glad you've found us.  It sounds like 
you have a wonderful vet and that MeMe, (very cute name, I can just 
picture how she came to name herself that), is in loving and capable 
hands.  You are both blessed to have found each other.  I'm praying that 
she recovers from her symptoms and that you have many years together.  
Take a look at our archives using key words to search for advice on her 
symptoms.  Ask as many questions on specifics as you like and feel free 
to vent, cry or just share how special she is.  Give that little angel a 
head butt from me. 
Nina


Jane Lyons wrote:

Hello everyone
I just joined this group as I have just had two FeLV
positive test results on my year old kitten.

I adopted her from a cat shelter two months ago
with many health issues (upper respiratory, diarrhea
giardia, stomatits). I was told that she was FeLV negative
and figured I could deal with all of the above because they were
not life threatening and once I got her out of the shelter 'colony'
and to our vets, that she would get well. She didn't.

On Friday I took her to my homeopathic vet who insisted that
she be tested "again" for FeLV, and the test came back positive
and the second test result which I got on Saturday was also positive.

Needless to say I am devastated. Both of the vets that I use are being
supportive and hopeful. When I adopted a positive kitten 20 years ago
I was told that she had to be put down because she would infect my 
other cat.
This is not the case now. We have two Scotties and had recently lost a 
19 year old

cat, and a 21 year old the year before.

This cat, MeMe, is an absolute love. My homeopath put her on a 
probiotic that
she is excited about "FortiFlora", and liquid DMG as well as help in 
weaning her
to Archetype food as she is addicted to Fancy Feast which my vet calls 
'kitty crack'.


I have been overwhelmed with the amount of information I am finding on 
the Web.
Some of it seems very optimistic, some, bordering on fantasy. I joined 
this group hoping to
share information with real people who are living and coping with this 
disease. I keep
re-reading the Home page on this site which states that Feline 
Leukemia is not a death
sentence. I would appreciate any information which could be helpful to 
MeMe.


Thank you
Jane

Re: new diagnosis

[Kelly L]

At 10:24 AM 5/27/2007, you wrote:

Welcome..and THANK YOU
No it is not a death sentence as you will see here. i just returned 
from Best friends where I met Many old,,,15-22 year old cats .. 
Unfortunately when kittens get it they seem to have a shorter life 
span, My guy is a year and a half,
Best Friends give their leukemia cats   1/4 cc immuno regulin I.M 
each month,,I use that and alferon natural interferon,,, a good diet 
and lots of love!!! and have other cats also and do not worry about 
it spreading to my adult vaccinated cats, But Max my FELV cat live 
primarily away form the others with his own friends,,, I do not want 
him catching anything else.

Kelly
www.kellyscats.zoomshare.com



Hello everyone
I just joined this group as I have just had two FeLV
positive test results on my year old kitten.

I adopted her from a cat shelter two months ago
with many health issues (upper respiratory, diarrhea
giardia, stomatits). I was told that she was FeLV negative
and figured I could deal with all of the above because they were
not life threatening and once I got her out of the shelter 'colony'
and to our vets, that she would get well. She didn't.

On Friday I took her to my homeopathic vet who insisted that
she be tested "again" for FeLV, and the test came back positive
and the second test result which I got on Saturday was also positive.

Needless to say I am devastated. Both of the vets that I use are being
supportive and hopeful. When I adopted a positive kitten 20 years ago
I was told that she had to be put down because she would infect my other cat.
This is not the case now. We have two Scotties and had recently lost 
a 19 year old

cat, and a 21 year old the year before.

This cat, MeMe, is an absolute love. My homeopath put her on a probiotic that
she is excited about "FortiFlora", and liquid DMG as well as help in 
weaning her
to Archetype food as she is addicted to Fancy Feast which my vet 
calls 'kitty crack'.


I have been overwhelmed with the amount of information I am finding 
on the Web.
Some of it seems very optimistic, some, bordering on fantasy. I 
joined this group hoping to
share information with real people who are living and coping with 
this disease. I keep
re-reading the Home page on this site which states that Feline 
Leukemia is not a death

sentence. I would appreciate any information which could be helpful to MeMe.

Thank you
Jane






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No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.472 / Virus Database: 
269.8.0/819 - Release Date: 5/26/2007 10:47 AM





--
No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.472 / Virus Database: 
269.8.0/819 - Release Date: 5/26/2007 10:47 AM

Re: new diagnosis

[Dianne K Perry, Ph.D.]

Wendy,

Thanks for all the tips.

Just a note:  I live in Bradenton, use to live in Ft. Myers briefly. 
Originally from Michigan


Dianne


- Original Message - 
From: "wendy" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

To: 
Sent: Friday, November 24, 2006 12:54 AM
Subject: Re: new diagnosis



Hi Dianne,

Welcome to the FeLV group, and although I'm sorry Asia
has tested positive for FeLV, you have found the best
place to be while dealing with this unpredictable
disease.

I was surprised to read that Asia tested negative for
FeLV last December.  It's possible it was a false
negative; they do happen.  Has Asia been exposed to
other cats since this test?

As others have said, FeLV is not a death sentence.  I
like the way Phaewryn explained that FeLV isn't what's
actually making kitty sick; it's what's stemming from
her weakened immune system that needs to be addressed.
It could be something simple like a cold; it could be
anemia, which sometimes is treatable, but other times
not; it could be lymphoma.  No matter what it is, it's
a VERY good sign that Asia is responding to the
treatment she's been given so far and eating a little,
drinking, and eliminating.  Make sure Asia gets
bloodwork done tomorrow, especially the red blood cell
count, before you make any decisions.  It might be
Monday before you can get a full panel back, but they
can do the RBC count on the spot, so get that done
asap.  If Asia is found to be anemic, which causes
lethargy, make sure the vet gives her a (3 week I
think) course of doxycycline, which is used to treat
hemobartanella, a blood parasite.  Hemobartanella is
extremely hard to see on a test, so often times is
missed and not treated, and left untreated, kitty is
terminal.  A course of the doxy will not hurt your
baby but might save her as it has countless others
from anemia.

A great diet, supplements like Vitamin C and L-lysine
(without additives, one of which causes blood issues
in cats), and a stress-free environment are key to
keeping the FeLV from affecting Asia's immune system.
I have my kitties on Innova Evo food, dry and wet.
It's a great food in my opinion.  A lot of people here
use it.

No matter what, make sure you are getting food into
Asia.  Cats are not like other animals or people, who
can go without food for two weeks or longer and still
be alive.  Cats, if they don't eat, get what is called
Feline Lipidosis (fatty liver disease) and it is
terminal if not treated.  The fatter the cat, the
quicker it can set in.  Make sure you are getting food
into her, even if you have to fight her.  The A/D is
GREAT stuff.  I water it down some and make it creamy
before syringe feeding.  It has lots of calories.
Keep fighting the good fight with the A/D.

I hope the rest of your week gets better Dianne.  I
know it can be hard, the not knowing, but Asia will
pick up on your panic and/or fear, so try to stay calm
until you know what you're dealing with.  Please keep
us posted as to what happens tomorrow with the vet you
choose for the second opinion.  I would not waste any
more money with the one who wanted to pts.  Find one
who is more up to date on FeLV.  I called around and
spoke with different vets to figure out who would work
with me before I spent money on an office visit.
Michelle's suggestion of an internist is a great idea.

:)
Wendy
Dallas, TX

P.S. I saw from your email addy that you're in
Florida.  My dad went to Fort Myers H.S. and they
currently live in Naples.




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Re: new diagnosis

[Gina WN]

I'm glad you found this group!  There are so many people here with a lot of 
knowledge, as well as it being a great support group.  My kitten Pippin tested 
positive for FeLV (ELISA test) when she was 7 weeks old and then tested 
negative at six months of age on the IFA test.  When I first found out she 
tested positive, I was thinking it was a death sentence and I might have made 
the wrong decision if not for this group.
   
  I will keep Asia and you in my prayers.  I hope whatever she has is treatable.
   
  Gina
   

cindy reasoner <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
  It sounds like you need to find another vet. I had to
find a new one when my Smokey was diagnosed with being
felv+. They were recomending euthanasia and I am so
glad I didn't do it. I will give him love , a home
and all the medical help I can until his time comes. 
Really we never really know how long we will have any
of our babies. I hope your kitty starts feeling
better and you find a vet that understands this
disease.

Cindy Reasoner
--- "Dianne K Perry, Ph.D." 
wrote:

> Thank you so much Kelley! I was feeling very alone.
> My friend and I were talking this morning and she
> is going to go with me tomorrow (hopefully we can
> get into oncologist)I saw the AAFP list and
> there are 3 in the area so maybe if not the
> oncologist one of them can see us.
> 
> He gave her a steroid shot of the same type they
> give when animal is in shock. They gave her fluids
> and sent her home with lasix. She just ate some
> white chicken (canned)...and more of the cat milk. 
> Got a crushed up pill in her.
> 
> Dianne
> - Original Message - 
> From: Kelley Saveika 
> To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 
> Sent: Thursday, November 23, 2006 9:43 AM
> Subject: Re: new diagnosis
> 
> 
> Did the vet recommend euthanization based on her
> diagnosis alone? If so I would find another vet. 
> No matter what I would get a second opinion. There
> are too many vets out there who don't understand
> this disease.
> 
> If no one out there has a recommendation for a vet
> in your area, I would try one who is a member of the
> AAFP, they seem to be more up on things.
> 
> http://www.aafponline.org/
> 
> Do you know what the shot was, or did they just
> give her fluids?
> 
> Hugs to you and what a way to spend your
> Thanksgiving - sorry:(
> 
> FELV is treatable and I would take the eating and
> drinking and litterbox using as a good sign...but
> there are a lot of others more knowledgeable than me
> on this list. I just wanted you to not feel alone.
> 
> On 11/23/06, Dianne K Perry, Ph.D.
> wrote: 
> Hi,
> 
> I just joined this list today, Thanksgiving Day.
> Yesterday my kitty was diagnosed with feline
> leukemia, she is just barely one year old and I have
> had her less than a year (by a few weeks). 
> 
> She has not been her usual self, not getting
> into everything, not eating, lethargic, breathing
> labored. Vet said the test results were strong and
> came back very quickly (a blue response in a little
> white tester almost like a home pregnancy test
> instrument), they administered fluids to her for
> dehydration and the spot where they inserted the
> needle bled alot, did not coagulate very well. 
> 
> Vet is recommending euthanasia and soon
> (tomorrow), she has responded today to probably the
> shot he gave her, she has gone to the bathroom and
> this am drank a small amount of catsmilk from
> Wisker's, licked some cat food off my fingers but
> not much. 
> 
> I am thinking of trying to get a second opinion
> tomorrow. I need some guidance here so I joined
> this list.
> 
> Thanks for any help anyone can provide.
> 
> Dianne
> 
> 
> 
> -- 
> Vist the Rescuties store and save a kitty life!
> 
> http://astore.amazon.com/rescuties-20 





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Re: new diagnosis

[wendy]

Hi Dianne,

Welcome to the FeLV group, and although I'm sorry Asia
has tested positive for FeLV, you have found the best
place to be while dealing with this unpredictable
disease.  

I was surprised to read that Asia tested negative for
FeLV last December.  It's possible it was a false
negative; they do happen.  Has Asia been exposed to
other cats since this test?  

As others have said, FeLV is not a death sentence.  I
like the way Phaewryn explained that FeLV isn't what's
actually making kitty sick; it's what's stemming from
her weakened immune system that needs to be addressed.
 It could be something simple like a cold; it could be
anemia, which sometimes is treatable, but other times
not; it could be lymphoma.  No matter what it is, it's
a VERY good sign that Asia is responding to the
treatment she's been given so far and eating a little,
drinking, and eliminating.  Make sure Asia gets
bloodwork done tomorrow, especially the red blood cell
count, before you make any decisions.  It might be
Monday before you can get a full panel back, but they
can do the RBC count on the spot, so get that done
asap.  If Asia is found to be anemic, which causes
lethargy, make sure the vet gives her a (3 week I
think) course of doxycycline, which is used to treat
hemobartanella, a blood parasite.  Hemobartanella is
extremely hard to see on a test, so often times is
missed and not treated, and left untreated, kitty is
terminal.  A course of the doxy will not hurt your
baby but might save her as it has countless others
from anemia.  

A great diet, supplements like Vitamin C and L-lysine
(without additives, one of which causes blood issues
in cats), and a stress-free environment are key to
keeping the FeLV from affecting Asia's immune system. 
I have my kitties on Innova Evo food, dry and wet. 
It's a great food in my opinion.  A lot of people here
use it.  

No matter what, make sure you are getting food into
Asia.  Cats are not like other animals or people, who
can go without food for two weeks or longer and still
be alive.  Cats, if they don't eat, get what is called
Feline Lipidosis (fatty liver disease) and it is
terminal if not treated.  The fatter the cat, the
quicker it can set in.  Make sure you are getting food
into her, even if you have to fight her.  The A/D is
GREAT stuff.  I water it down some and make it creamy
before syringe feeding.  It has lots of calories. 
Keep fighting the good fight with the A/D.

I hope the rest of your week gets better Dianne.  I
know it can be hard, the not knowing, but Asia will
pick up on your panic and/or fear, so try to stay calm
until you know what you're dealing with.  Please keep
us posted as to what happens tomorrow with the vet you
choose for the second opinion.  I would not waste any
more money with the one who wanted to pts.  Find one
who is more up to date on FeLV.  I called around and
spoke with different vets to figure out who would work
with me before I spent money on an office visit. 
Michelle's suggestion of an internist is a great idea.

:)
Wendy
Dallas, TX

P.S. I saw from your email addy that you're in
Florida.  My dad went to Fort Myers H.S. and they
currently live in Naples.


 

Do you Yahoo!?
Everyone is raving about the all-new Yahoo! Mail beta.
http://new.mail.yahoo.com

Re: new diagnosis

[Lernermichelle]

 
actually, hematocrit has to do with the concentration of the blood cells, I  
believe, not the iron levels per se.
Michelle
 
In a message dated 11/23/2006 4:50:26 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,  
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:

hemocrit (that's the amount of iron in the blood) and see if she's  anemic. 


 

Re: new diagnosis

[Lernermichelle]

 
There is a window when they can test negative but be positive, like with  
humans and HIV.  So she may have been exposed and harboring it while in the  
shelter, without yet testing positive.
Michelle
 
In a message dated 11/23/2006 6:39:44 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,  
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:

Thanks Jennifer.  I will get the other cat  milk right away.  He gave me 
prescription A/Dshe won't eat it...and  fights the syringe.  She did eat 
some 
fine pieces of chicken  today.
 
Here is a NEW DILEMMA:  I just found her  paperwork from when I adopted her 
last Dec. 14she was tested then for  feline leukemia and tested 
negative   so now  what??
 
I am taking this paper to the vet tomorrow (even  though he will not be 
there, his partner will be in)and see what they  say.  I agree about a CBC, 
he 
was going to do that but did the Feline  Leukemia Combo test first and went no 
further.
 
Dianne



 

Re: new diagnosis

[cindy reasoner]

It sounds like you need to find another vet.  I had to
find a new one when my Smokey was diagnosed with being
felv+.  They were recomending euthanasia and I am so
glad I didn't do it.  I will give him love , a home
and all the medical help I can until his time comes. 
Really we never really know how long we will have any
of our babies.  I hope your kitty starts feeling
better and you find a vet that understands this
disease.

Cindy Reasoner
--- "Dianne K Perry, Ph.D." <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
wrote:

> Thank you so much Kelley!  I was feeling very alone.
>  My friend and I were talking this morning and she
> is going to go with me tomorrow (hopefully we can
> get into oncologist)I saw the AAFP list and
> there are 3 in the area so maybe if not the
> oncologist one of them can see us.
> 
> He gave her a steroid shot of the same type they
> give when animal is in shock.  They gave her fluids
> and sent her home with lasix.  She just ate some
> white chicken (canned)...and more of the cat milk. 
> Got a crushed up pill in her.
> 
> Dianne
>   - Original Message - 
>   From: Kelley Saveika 
>   To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 
>   Sent: Thursday, November 23, 2006 9:43 AM
>   Subject: Re: new diagnosis
> 
> 
>   Did the vet recommend euthanization based on her
> diagnosis alone?  If so I would find another vet. 
> No matter what I would get a second opinion.  There
> are too many vets out there who don't understand
> this disease.
> 
>   If no one out there has a recommendation for a vet
> in your area, I would try one who is a member of the
> AAFP, they seem to be more up on things.
> 
>   http://www.aafponline.org/
> 
>   Do you know what the shot was, or did they just
> give her fluids?
> 
>   Hugs to you and what a way to spend your
> Thanksgiving - sorry:(
> 
>   FELV is treatable and I would take the eating and
> drinking and litterbox using as a good sign...but
> there are a lot of others more knowledgeable than me
> on this list.  I just wanted you to not feel alone.
>
>   On 11/23/06, Dianne K Perry, Ph.D.
> <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: 
> Hi,
> 
> I just joined this list today, Thanksgiving Day.
>  Yesterday my kitty was diagnosed with feline
> leukemia, she is just barely one year old and I have
> had her less than a year (by a few weeks). 
> 
> She has not been her usual self, not getting
> into everything, not eating, lethargic, breathing
> labored.  Vet said the test results were strong and
> came back very quickly (a blue response in a little
> white tester almost like a home pregnancy test
> instrument), they administered fluids to her for
> dehydration and the spot where they inserted the
> needle bled alot, did not coagulate very well. 
> 
> Vet is recommending euthanasia and soon
> (tomorrow), she has responded today to probably the
> shot he gave her, she has gone to the bathroom and
> this am drank a small amount of catsmilk from
> Wisker's, licked some cat food off my fingers but
> not much. 
> 
> I am thinking of trying to get a second opinion
> tomorrow.  I need some guidance here so I joined
> this list.
> 
> Thanks for any help anyone can provide.
> 
> Dianne
> 
> 
> 
>   -- 
>   Vist the Rescuties store and save a kitty life!
> 
>   http://astore.amazon.com/rescuties-20 



 

Yahoo! Music Unlimited
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Re: new diagnosis

[Dianne K Perry, Ph.D.]

Thanks Jennifer.  I will get the other cat milk right away.  He gave me 
prescription A/Dshe won't eat it...and fights the syringe.  She did eat 
some fine pieces of chicken today.

Here is a NEW DILEMMA:  I just found her paperwork from when I adopted her last 
Dec. 14she was tested then for feline leukemia and tested negative   so 
now what??

I am taking this paper to the vet tomorrow (even though he will not be there, 
his partner will be in)and see what they say.  I agree about a CBC, he was 
going to do that but did the Feline Leukemia Combo test first and went no 
further.

Dianne
  - Original Message - 
  From: Jennifer Phaewryn O'Gwynn 
  To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 
  Sent: Thursday, November 23, 2006 4:29 PM
  Subject: Re: new diagnosis


  Hi Dianne, sorry you had to find us, but I am glad you did!

  Yes, you do need to find a more sympathetic vet! First off, JUST doing a FELV 
test is NOT really good enough to make such a drastic decision on. Your vet 
needs to pull a CBC (that's a full blood testing panel), or at least check her 
hemocrit (that's the amount of iron in the blood) and see if she's anemic. 
Anemia is the #1 cause of FELV+ cats feeling under the weather, and VERY OFTEN, 
it is totally treatable. If her hemocrit comes back below 10, you should do a 
blood transfusion. You should also have your vet test for Hemobartonella if she 
is anemic, as that is a major CURABLE cause of anemia in cats.

  You may also want to consider a course of Immunoregulin, and start her on 
oral Interferon, as an immune booster. You can find the info about those 
treatments on our treatment webpage. On your own, you can go ahead and start 
her on vitamin C supplements, and feed the VERY BEST food you can afford. 
Wellness, Innova, Chicken Soup, and California Natural are all very good cat 
food brands. The Whiskers brand cat milk is OK, but they do make BETTER liquid 
diets for cats, try Catsure, Formula V, Clinicare, or Rebound brands:
  
https://secure.petag.com/products_details.asp?ItemID=1666&CategoryID=2&SubCategoryID=13
 
  
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=14075&N=2002+113617
 
  http://www.allivet.com/Rebound-Feline-Liquid-Diet-p/12070.htm 
  
http://www.southernagriculture.com/southag/product.asp?dept_id=3028&pf_id=PABBFKMPKIBH
 

  Your vet can also prescribe easy to digest and easy to mix with liquid canned 
food, called Prescription A/D. You can blend this with one of the liquid cat 
food diets, and syringe feed it to her using an oral syringe:
  
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=3393&Ntt=feeding%20syringe&Ntk=All&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Np=1&N=2002&Nty=1
 

  Here's a few sites on WHY and HOW to syringe feed:
  http://www.assistfeed.com/FelineAnorexia.htm
  http://www.felinecrf.org/persuading_cat_to_eat.htm



  Phaewryn

  PLEASE SAVE WHITEY: http://ucat.us/Whitey.html 
  Please adopt a cat from Little Cheetah Cat Rescue!!! 
http://ucat.us/adopt.html 
  Low cost Spay&Neuter services in VT, and Emergency Financial Assistance for 
cat owners:
  http://ucat.us/VermontLowCost.html
  Special Needs Cat Resources: http://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html 

Re: new diagnosis

[Peggy Ankney]

Dianne,
 
I'm sorry you had to find the list in this way, but I guess that's how
we all came here.  Is Asia drinking enough?  My Scooter (11 months old)
was dehydrated when I took him to the vet, and he wasn't eating and was
also lethargic.  His blood work looked good but he had a tissue mass
behind one molar which made it painful to eat.  We treated it with
antibiotics and I made the liver shake I found on this site (do a search
and you'll find the recipe) and he ate it right up.  But not long
afterward he became even more lethargic and cried in discomfort when he
was picked up so we took him back to the vet.  The vet took an x-ray and
discovered his kidneys were enlarged, but she suggested we take him to a
specialist for an ultrasound because she thought it might be lymphoma.
Scooter also had problems urinating.  Sadly, he got so bad so quickly
that we didn't get a chance to get the ultrasound.  As someone else
mentioned, this is probably the worst case, so I don't mean to panic you
but it may help to know what to look for.  I'm hoping it's something
simpler that can be cleared up quickly.  I wish you and Asia the best!  
 
-Peggy

Re: new diagnosis

[Jennifer Phaewryn O'Gwynn]

Some members here use both Transfer Factor AND Rescue Remedy, both of which
are flower essence derived products, I believe. I know many here use
L-Lysine, Vitamin C, Co-enzyme-Q-10, and Pet-tinic or another
vitamin/mineral supplement. I personally swear by Nutri-Cal gel, Lixo-Tinic
(the HORSE version of Pet-tinic), Vitamin C, and Interferon, and I feed
Innova or California Natural foods. I am now trying Emu oil... my dad swears
it can cure anything, and I'm trying it for my itchy skinned cat, but the
label says it's good for all kinds of things, so I'm open to suggestions. I
would try the Transfer Factor or Rescue Remedy if I had a sick cat, and I'm
more and more convinced by member's experiences with both Acemannan and
ImmunoRegulin, members here have seen AMAZING results with both of those
treatments. I'm an old member here, my FELV+ cat died way back in 2002, so
I'm now blessed with no sick kitties for the time being. If I had one get
sick, I would try any and/or all of those things.

Phaewryn

PLEASE SAVE WHITEY: http://ucat.us/Whitey.html
Please adopt a cat from Little Cheetah Cat Rescue!!!
http://ucat.us/adopt.html
Low cost Spay&Neuter services in VT, and Emergency Financial Assistance for
cat owners:
http://ucat.us/VermontLowCost.html
Special Needs Cat Resources: http://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html

Re: new diagnosis

[Jennifer Phaewryn O'Gwynn]

Hi Dianne, sorry you had to find us, but I am glad you did!

Yes, you do need to find a more sympathetic vet! First off, JUST doing a
FELV test is NOT really good enough to make such a drastic decision on. Your
vet needs to pull a CBC (that's a full blood testing panel), or at least
check her hemocrit (that's the amount of iron in the blood) and see if she's
anemic. Anemia is the #1 cause of FELV+ cats feeling under the weather, and
VERY OFTEN, it is totally treatable. If her hemocrit comes back below 10,
you should do a blood transfusion. You should also have your vet test for
Hemobartonella if she is anemic, as that is a major CURABLE cause of anemia
in cats.

You may also want to consider a course of Immunoregulin, and start her on
oral Interferon, as an immune booster. You can find the info about those
treatments on our treatment webpage. On your own, you can go ahead and start
her on vitamin C supplements, and feed the VERY BEST food you can afford.
Wellness, Innova, Chicken Soup, and California Natural are all very good cat
food brands. The Whiskers brand cat milk is OK, but they do make BETTER
liquid diets for cats, try Catsure, Formula V, Clinicare, or Rebound brands:
https://secure.petag.com/products_details.asp?ItemID=1666&CategoryID=2&SubCategoryID=13
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=14075&N=2002+113617
http://www.allivet.com/Rebound-Feline-Liquid-Diet-p/12070.htm
http://www.southernagriculture.com/southag/product.asp?dept_id=3028&pf_id=PABBFKMPKIBH

Your vet can also prescribe easy to digest and easy to mix with liquid
canned food, called Prescription A/D. You can blend this with one of the
liquid cat food diets, and syringe feed it to her using an oral syringe:
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=3393&Ntt=feeding%20syringe&Ntk=All&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Np=1&N=2002&Nty=1

Here's a few sites on WHY and HOW to syringe feed:
http://www.assistfeed.com/FelineAnorexia.htm
http://www.felinecrf.org/persuading_cat_to_eat.htm



Phaewryn

PLEASE SAVE WHITEY: http://ucat.us/Whitey.html
Please adopt a cat from Little Cheetah Cat Rescue!!!
http://ucat.us/adopt.html
Low cost Spay&Neuter services in VT, and Emergency Financial Assistance for
cat owners:
http://ucat.us/VermontLowCost.html
Special Needs Cat Resources: http://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html

Re: new diagnosis

[catatonya]

I would definitely get a second opinion from a specialist before I put her to 
sleep.  Positive cats can live long normal lives.  It sounds like you need to 
get her eating and get bloodwork done to see what is going on.  A positive on a 
leukemia test is not a reason to pts.
   
  tonya

"Dianne K Perry, Ph.D." <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
  Hi,
   
  I just joined this list today, Thanksgiving Day.  Yesterday my kitty was 
diagnosed with feline leukemia, she is just barely one year old and I have had 
her less than a year (by a few weeks).
   
  She has not been her usual self, not getting into everything, not eating, 
lethargic, breathing labored.  Vet said the test results were strong and came 
back very quickly (a blue response in a little white tester almost like a home 
pregnancy test instrument), they administered fluids to her for dehydration and 
the spot where they inserted the needle bled alot, did not coagulate very well.
   
  Vet is recommending euthanasia and soon (tomorrow), she has responded today 
to probably the shot he gave her, she has gone to the bathroom and this am 
drank a small amount of catsmilk from Wisker's, licked some cat food off my 
fingers but not much.
   
  I am thinking of trying to get a second opinion tomorrow.  I need some 
guidance here so I joined this list.
   
  Thanks for any help anyone can provide.
   
  Dianne

Re: new diagnosis

[Lernermichelle]

 
If he gave her lasix, then he thinks she has fluid in her lungs and that is  
not pneumonia.  You need to find out if he knows for sure it is not  
pneumonia, or get a second opinion. My positive Patches had pneumonia a few  
years ago, 
and recovered with Baytril and Immuno-Regulin shots.
 
   The other main causes of fluid in or near the lungs are  mediastinal 
lymphoma, which responds very well to chemotherapy in many cats, and  heart 
problems. Given Felv status, mediastinal lymphoma is more likely.   But you 
need a 
specialist to diagnose this, and then consider treatment options.  Personally 
if 
it is lymphoma I would do chemo.  Lymphoma in the chest can  respond very 
well to it for months or years. And then, if/when it stops working,  or if you 
don't do chemo, dexamethasone and depomedrol shots.
 
 
   But again, you need a proper diagnosis to assess.  Make  sure it is not 
just pneumonia.
 
Michelle
 
In a message dated 11/23/2006 10:58:05 A.M. Eastern Standard Time,  
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:

 
He gave her a steroid shot of the same type they  give when animal is in 
shock.  They gave her fluids and sent her home  with lasix.  She just ate some 
white chicken (canned)...and more of the  cat milk.  Got a crushed up pill in  
her.



 

Re: new diagnosis

[Lernermichelle]

 
Diane,
   Definitely do not euthanize! If you can, take her to a  board-certified 
internist, usually you can fine one at a big veterinary  hospital, a vet school 
hospital, or a veterinary referral center. They are more  skilled at diagnosis.
 
  All the feline leukemia virus means is that her immune system is  
compromised. It is like having HIV.  FeLV, like HIV, makes someone more  
susceptible to 
other viruses, and to some cancers and blood disorders. FeLV  itself is not 
the diagnosis of what is wrong with your cat right now, it is just  the root 
cause of her immune system not fighting off whatever else she  has.  What you 
need to know is what is causing her symptoms right now, and  treat that if it 
is 
treatable.  
 
My FeLV+ cat Lucy, who is about 5 years old at this  point, got sick a 
few weeks ago and would not eat and was very lethargic. It  turned out she had 
a 
fever, which antibiotics brought down within one day and  she started eating 
again.  The vet then gave her two Immuno-regulin shots  (there are articles 
about this medicine on the felineleukemia.org website) and  she got better from 
the cold.  It is possible this is all that is going on  for your cat.
 
Or your cat could be anemic, from something treatable,  which happens 
with FeLV+ cats.  Someone on this list almost lost a positive  to anemia 
several 
years ago and completely cured the anemia with acemannan  shots.  There are 
other treatments too.  But you need to know if she  is anemic in order to treat 
for anemia.
 
It could be lymphoma; that would be one of the worst  case scenarios, and 
FeLV+cats are prone to it. But they also respond well to  chemo sometimes, 
and do not suffer from chemo the way humans do.  If no  chemo, steroid shots 
can 
keep them very comfortable and happy for months with  lymphoma.  But lymphoma 
is a worst case scenario.  There are other,  more treatable things she can 
have.
 
   Bottom line is that you have to find out what is causing her  symptoms, 
and then assess treatment options. She could have something that is  very 
treatable.  To euthanize her without knowing would be insane, but  
unfortunately 
many vets react to felv this way.  
 
 Michelle

Re: new diagnosis

[Dianne K Perry, Ph.D.]

Kitty with new diagnosis is Asia, she is a beautiful blue gray cat, she was 
adopted from a local rescue group last Dec., she was born the end of Sept or 
first of Oct.I selected Sept. 29 for her birthdate as that is also my son's 
birthday.

So she is 14 months old and she has been with me a little less than a year.  I 
also rescue Shih Tzu's and think this young puppy that has been in the house 2 
1/2 weeks may have brought the stress on her for this initial episode.  She 
loves the other dogs in the house, especially the ones that were here when she 
came home with me, she played with them and so forth, they show their love to 
each other by nose touching/sniffing and rubbing up against each other.  She is 
not playing now.  However, she just got up in her cat tree in her room for the 
first time in a few days.  She did eat some from my hand and will try that 
again before I go to my mom's for dinner and again when I come homeI figure 
if I can get her to eat a little every hour or so that will help her build her 
strength up.

What are some of the other treatments that have been successful, not only the 
stuff the vet should use but also supplements I can give her to boost her 
immune system? 

I have heard of the pet tinic.

I got lots of tears yesterday, cried alot, but did not want to do anything then 
as I know that I have to process the information and do my research.  So glad I 
did.  A night's sleep helpedand talking with animal friends and family 
members.

Dianne and Asia
  - Original Message - 
  From: ETrent 
  To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 
  Sent: Thursday, November 23, 2006 10:57 AM
  Subject: Re: new diagnosis


  Dianne,
  First of all -- welcome!  You won't find a nicer, smarter group of people 
anywhere.  We're glad you are here!

  Second - take a deep breath.  FeVL+ is not always a death sentence.  
Euthanasia is standard operating procedures in some vet circles.   Same thing 
happened to me last May when I took Mama Kitty in to the vet.  She had lost a 
lot of weight and was so scary thin.  She was extremely lethargic and not 
eating.  Vet said she tested positive for FeVL and was very anemic and 
recommended putting her to sleep.  I got big tears in my eyes and said - well 
I'm just not ready to say goodbye.  He put Mama Kitty on antibiotics and gave 
her a steroid shot and put her on pet tinic (which she despises, but that's 
another story)

  That's when I became a google fiend and found this group.  I read everything 
I could find and I decided to try Acemannan.  My vet had never heard of it but 
said he would be willing to try it.  He found out the protocols and procedures 
and I supplied him with a distributor.  He got it within two days.  It's a bit 
expensive..it was $300 for 5 shots - given once a week in the tummy...but to 
us, it was worth every penny.

  Within a few days, Mama Kitty began to get her appetite back.  She visibly 
felt better.  By the time she had her second and third shots - her coat was 
looking better and she was beginning to gain weight.  By the fifth shot - she 
was playing with her toys!  She has continued to improve and has for all 
practical purposes reverted to kittenhood.  My neighbors have commented on the 
remarkable difference.

  I don't want to give you false hope.  FeVL is an evil disease.  Most of the 
cats who perish from it do so not because of the feline leukemia itself, but 
because their immune system is so weakened, they are more prone to infection 
and other diseases.  There ARE treatments available, however, and people on 
this list have tried a number of things with success.  Some cats live many, 
many years after testing positive.  Most important is to start your baby on a 
good healthy diet and keep her stress-free...give her lots of love and remember 
that every day is precious.  

  Third, love and prayers to you and your baby.  What's kitty's name?  How old 
is he/she?

  elizabeth



  In a message dated 11/23/06 08:32:02 Central Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] 
writes:
Hi,

I just joined this list today, Thanksgiving Day.  Yesterday my kitty was 
diagnosed with feline leukemia, she is just barely one year old and I have had 
her less than a year (by a few weeks).

She has not been her usual self, not getting into everything, not eating, 
lethargic, breathing labored.  Vet said the test results were strong and came 
back very quickly (a blue response in a little white tester almost like a home 
pregnancy test instrument), they administered fluids to her for dehydration and 
the spot where they inserted the needle bled alot, did not coagulate very well.

Vet is recommending euthanasia and soon (tomorrow), she has responded today 
to probably the shot he gave her, she has gone to the bathroom and this am 
drank a small amount of catsmilk from Wisker's, licked some cat food off my 
fingers but not much.

I am think

Re: new diagnosis

[Kelley Saveika]

It sounds like she is doing a lot better then if she is able to eat so
much!

I like the AAFP vets because they are supposed to abide by the following
guidelines, per the information on that site:


All cats should be tested for infection with feline leukemia virus

(FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV).

■ Cats infected with FeLV or FIV may live for many years.

A decision for euthanasia should never be made solely on the basis of

whether or not a cat is infected.

■ A confirmed positive test result should be considered only

an indication of retrovirus infection, not clinical disease.

Diseases in cats infected with FeLV or FIV may not necessarily be a

result of retrovirus infection.

■ No test is 100% accurate at all times and under all conditions.

Therefore, all test results should be interpreted in light of the patient's

health and prior likelihood of infection.

I know it would not do any good to tell you not to worry at all, but please
try to relax a little.  You don't need to make a decision right away.



On 11/23/06, Dianne K Perry, Ph.D. <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:


 Thank you so much Kelley!  I was feeling very alone.  My friend and I
were talking this morning and she is going to go with me tomorrow (hopefully
we can get into oncologist)I saw the AAFP list and there are 3 in the
area so maybe if not the oncologist one of them can see us.

He gave her a steroid shot of the same type they give when animal is in
shock.  They gave her fluids and sent her home with lasix.  She just ate
some white chicken (canned)...and more of the cat milk.  Got a crushed up
pill in her.

Dianne

- Original Message -
*From:* Kelley Saveika <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
*To:* felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
*Sent:* Thursday, November 23, 2006 9:43 AM
*Subject:* Re: new diagnosis


Did the vet recommend euthanization based on her diagnosis alone?  If so I
would find another vet.  No matter what I would get a second opinion.  There
are too many vets out there who don't understand this disease.

If no one out there has a recommendation for a vet in your area, I would
try one who is a member of the AAFP, they seem to be more up on things.

http://www.aafponline.org/

Do you know what the shot was, or did they just give her fluids?

Hugs to you and what a way to spend your Thanksgiving - sorry:(

FELV is treatable and I would take the eating and drinking and litterbox
using as a good sign...but there are a lot of others more knowledgeable than
me on this list.  I just wanted you to not feel alone.

On 11/23/06, Dianne K Perry, Ph.D. <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
>  Hi,
>
> I just joined this list today, Thanksgiving Day.  Yesterday my kitty was
> diagnosed with feline leukemia, she is just barely one year old and I have
> had her less than a year (by a few weeks).
>
> She has not been her usual self, not getting into everything, not
> eating, lethargic, breathing labored.  Vet said the test results were strong
> and came back very quickly (a blue response in a little white tester almost
> like a home pregnancy test instrument), they administered fluids to her for
> dehydration and the spot where they inserted the needle bled alot, did not
> coagulate very well.
>
> Vet is recommending euthanasia and soon (tomorrow), she has responded
> today to probably the shot he gave her, she has gone to the bathroom and
> this am drank a small amount of catsmilk from Wisker's, licked some cat food
> off my fingers but not much.
>
> I am thinking of trying to get a second opinion tomorrow.  I need some
> guidance here so I joined this list.
>
> Thanks for any help anyone can provide.
>
> Dianne
>



--
Vist the Rescuties store and save a kitty life!

http://astore.amazon.com/rescuties-20





--
Vist the Rescuties store and save a kitty life!

http://astore.amazon.com/rescuties-20

Re: new diagnosis

[ETrent]

Dianne,
First of all -- welcome!  You won't find a nicer, smarter group of people 
anywhere.  We're glad you are here!

Second - take a deep breath.  FeVL+ is not always a death sentence.  Euthanasia 
is standard operating procedures in some vet circles.   Same thing happened to 
me last May when I took Mama Kitty in to the vet.  She had lost a lot of weight 
and was so scary thin.  She was extremely lethargic and not eating.  Vet said 
she tested positive for FeVL and was very anemic and recommended putting her to 
sleep.  I got big tears in my eyes and said - well I'm just not ready to say 
goodbye.  He put Mama Kitty on antibiotics and gave her a steroid shot and put 
her on pet tinic (which she despises, but that's another story)

That's when I became a google fiend and found this group.  I read everything I 
could find and I decided to try Acemannan.  My vet had never heard of it but 
said he would be willing to try it.  He found out the protocols and procedures 
and I supplied him with a distributor.  He got it within two days.  It's a bit 
expensive..it was $300 for 5 shots - given once a week in the tummy...but to 
us, it was worth every penny.

Within a few days, Mama Kitty began to get her appetite back.  She visibly felt 
better.  By the time she had her second and third shots - her coat was looking 
better and she was beginning to gain weight.  By the fifth shot - she was 
playing with her toys!  She has continued to improve and has for all practical 
purposes reverted to kittenhood.  My neighbors have commented on the remarkable 
difference.

I don't want to give you false hope.  FeVL is an evil disease.  Most of the 
cats who perish from it do so not because of the feline leukemia itself, but 
because their immune system is so weakened, they are more prone to infection 
and other diseases.  There ARE treatments available, however, and people on 
this list have tried a number of things with success.  Some cats live many, 
many years after testing positive.  Most important is to start your baby on a 
good healthy diet and keep her stress-free...give her lots of love and remember 
that every day is precious.  

Third, love and prayers to you and your baby.  What's kitty's name?  How old is 
he/she?

elizabeth



In a message dated 11/23/06 08:32:02 Central Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] 
writes:
Hi,

I just joined this list today, Thanksgiving Day.  Yesterday my kitty was 
diagnosed with feline leukemia, she is just barely one year old and I have had 
her less than a year (by a few weeks).

She has not been her usual self, not getting into everything, not eating, 
lethargic, breathing labored.  Vet said the test results were strong and came 
back very quickly (a blue response in a little white tester almost like a home 
pregnancy test instrument), they administered fluids to her for dehydration and 
the spot where they inserted the needle bled alot, did not coagulate very well.

Vet is recommending euthanasia and soon (tomorrow), she has responded today to 
probably the shot he gave her, she has gone to the bathroom and this am drank a 
small amount of catsmilk from Wisker's, licked some cat food off my fingers but 
not much.

I am thinking of trying to get a second opinion tomorrow.  I need some guidance 
here so I joined this list.

Thanks for any help anyone can provide.

Dianne

Re: new diagnosis

[FORGETMENOTPETS]

Dianne,
You have come to the right place. Please do not euthanize ! Feline Leukemia  
is not always a immediate death sentence. Get her on some strong immune system 
 boosters excellent quality cat food and interferon and she could live a very 
 long happy life.
You find this list supportive and very informative, in fact they often know  
more about felv than most vets. Hang in there and we will all send strong  
healing prayers to your fur kid.
What is her name?
Karen

Re: new diagnosis

[Kelley Saveika]

Did the vet recommend euthanization based on her diagnosis alone?  If so I
would find another vet.  No matter what I would get a second opinion.  There
are too many vets out there who don't understand this disease.

If no one out there has a recommendation for a vet in your area, I would try
one who is a member of the AAFP, they seem to be more up on things.

http://www.aafponline.org/

Do you know what the shot was, or did they just give her fluids?

Hugs to you and what a way to spend your Thanksgiving - sorry:(

FELV is treatable and I would take the eating and drinking and litterbox
using as a good sign...but there are a lot of others more knowledgeable than
me on this list.  I just wanted you to not feel alone.

On 11/23/06, Dianne K Perry, Ph.D. <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:


 Hi,

I just joined this list today, Thanksgiving Day.  Yesterday my kitty was
diagnosed with feline leukemia, she is just barely one year old and I have
had her less than a year (by a few weeks).

She has not been her usual self, not getting into everything, not eating,
lethargic, breathing labored.  Vet said the test results were strong and
came back very quickly (a blue response in a little white tester almost like
a home pregnancy test instrument), they administered fluids to her for
dehydration and the spot where they inserted the needle bled alot, did not
coagulate very well.

Vet is recommending euthanasia and soon (tomorrow), she has responded
today to probably the shot he gave her, she has gone to the bathroom and
this am drank a small amount of catsmilk from Wisker's, licked some cat food
off my fingers but not much.

I am thinking of trying to get a second opinion tomorrow.  I need some
guidance here so I joined this list.

Thanks for any help anyone can provide.

Dianne





--
Vist the Rescuties store and save a kitty life!

http://astore.amazon.com/rescuties-20

Re: new diagnosis (sub-q links)

[Jennifer Ross]

Thanks for the helpful websites.  I am actually a nurse, so could probably get the supplies needed from work and this makes me more comfortable even considering doing the procedure, but our four-legged friends are very different than humans!  So I appreciate seeing how easy (if Allie would stay still!) it is do for a cat.  I will have to talk to my vet about doing it at home if Allie needs fluids again (the vet seems very willing to work with me an let me do things which is a big help- Allie hates going to the vet and being admitted to the hospital!)[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:  Sub-Q fluids. That's the user friendly terminology for subcutaneousfluids. They use a big needle attached to an IV type bag, they just give the fluidunder the skin rather than in
 a vein. You can use either lactated ringers solution,or saline solution, personally, I would go with saline, as it's got less in it, andis less apt to cause any reactions.http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/clientED/cat_fluids.asp (here's a webpage that shows theprocedure, the third method is the one I have always seen used, and the most commonin the USA)http://www.felinecrf.com/managh.htm (here's a DYI instructions from the chronic renalfailure website, for learning how to do it yourself at home)http://www.felinecrf.org/giving_sub-qs_giving_set.htm (more home sub-q fliudtechniques with pictures)  Phaewryn (was Jenn, changed name)http://ucat.us http://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html Adopt a cat from Little Cheetah (UCAT) Cat Rescue:http://ucat.us/adopt.html PLEASE DONATE TO THE TANGLE FUND:Tangle is a cat in Greece that was severely injured when someone wrapped wire around his neck to strangle him,Little Cheetah Cat Rescue is raising funds to bring Tangle to Vermont to find him a good home!http://ucat.us/tangle-fund.htmlDONATE: We could really use a power saw (for construction), a digital camera (for pictures), and more towels! No virus found in this outgoing message.Checked by AVG Free Edition.Version: 7.1.392 / Virus Database: 268.5.5/333 - Release Date: 5/5/2006
		How low will we go? Check out Yahoo! Messenger’s low  PC-to-Phone call rates.

Re: new diagnosis (sub-q links)

[felv]

Sub-Q fluids. That's the user friendly terminology for 
subcutaneousfluids. They use a big needle attached to an IV type bag, they 
just give the fluidunder the skin rather than in a vein. You can use either 
lactated ringers solution,or saline solution, personally, I would go with 
saline, as it's got less in it, andis less apt to cause any reactions.http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/clientED/cat_fluids.asp 
(here's a webpage that shows theprocedure, the third method is the one I 
have always seen used, and the most commonin the USA)http://www.felinecrf.com/managh.htm 
(here's a DYI instructions from the chronic renalfailure website, for 
learning how to do it yourself at home)http://www.felinecrf.org/giving_sub-qs_giving_set.htm 
(more home sub-q fliudtechniques with pictures)
Phaewryn (was Jenn, changed name)http://ucat.us http://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html 
Adopt a cat from Little Cheetah (UCAT) Cat Rescue:http://ucat.us/adopt.html PLEASE DONATE 
TO THE TANGLE FUND:Tangle is a cat in Greece that was severely injured when 
someone wrapped wire around his neck to strangle him,Little Cheetah Cat 
Rescue is raising funds to bring Tangle to Vermont to find him a good 
home!http://ucat.us/tangle-fund.htmlDONATE: 
We could really use a power saw (for construction), a digital camera (for 
pictures), and more towels! 
No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.1.392 / Virus Database: 268.5.5/333 - Release Date: 5/5/2006

Re: new diagnosis (Sub-Q)

[Kerry MacKenzie]

I second that. And believe me if *I* can do sub-Qs anyone 
can. I also found it a bonding experience with my little foster Pookie. I don't 
know if he felt the same way about it, but he was very good about accepting the 
fluids and always kept pretty still. It's said that cats feel the benefits of 
sub-Qs immediately so that always made me feel better about having to put a 
needle into him. It was usually a 2-minute session--over and done with quickly. 

Kerry

  - Original Message - 
  From: 
  Susan 
  Hoffman 
  To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 
  
  Sent: Saturday, May 06, 2006 6:28 
PM
  Subject: Re: new diagnosis (Sub-Q)
  As someone with a needle phobia let me assure you that Sub-Q is 
  easy.  You can learn to do this yourself.  Don't worry about the 
  size of the needle (18 gauge).  The purpose of the large needle is so 
  that the fluids flow in quickly.  With a small needle it is actually more 
  stressful for the cat and for you since you have to keep the cat relatively 
  still while the fluids go in.  I am eternally grateful to the person who 
  showed me how to do this and gave me the stuff I needed.  It's saved a 
  couple of cats' lives and saved me a lot of money in vet bills.  If I can 
  do this, anyone can.  [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: 
  



Hi Jen, you might consider having you vet show you how to give her 
Sub-Q fluids at home, this will save you quite a few vet visits for 
fever/fluids. You vet needs to show you and give you the supplies, but if 
you still need advise and reassurance, I have several website links on how 
to do it yourself. (I'll get those later tonight for you... I'll flag this 
message so I remember)
Phaewryn (was Jenn, changed name)http://ucat.us http://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html 
Adopt a cat from Little Cheetah (UCAT) Cat Rescue:http://ucat.us/adopt.html PLEASE 
DONATE TO THE TANGLE FUND:Tangle is a cat in Greece that was severely 
injured when someone wrapped wire around his neck to strangle him,Little 
Cheetah Cat Rescue is raising funds to bring Tangle to Vermont to find him a 
good home!http://ucat.us/tangle-fund.htmlDONATE: 
We could really use a power saw (for construction), a digital camera (for 
pictures), and more towels! No virus found in this outgoing 
message.Checked by AVG Free Edition.Version: 7.1.392 / Virus 
Database: 268.5.5/333 - Release Date: 
5/5/2006

Re: new diagnosis (Sub-Q)

[Susan Hoffman]

As someone with a needle phobia let me assure you that Sub-Q is easy.  You can learn to do this yourself.  Don't worry about the size of the needle (18 gauge).  The purpose of the large needle is so that the fluids flow in quickly.  With a small needle it is actually more stressful for the cat and for you since you have to keep the cat relatively still while the fluids go in.  I am eternally grateful to the person who showed me how to do this and gave me the stuff I needed.  It's saved a couple of cats' lives and saved me a lot of money in vet bills.  If I can do this, anyone can.  [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:  Hi Jen, you might consider having you vet show you how to give her Sub-Q fluids at home, this will save you quite a few vet visits for
 fever/fluids. You vet needs to show you and give you the supplies, but if you still need advise and reassurance, I have several website links on how to do it yourself. (I'll get those later tonight for you... I'll flag this message so I remember)  Phaewryn (was Jenn, changed name)http://ucat.us http://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html Adopt a cat from Little Cheetah (UCAT) Cat Rescue:http://ucat.us/adopt.html PLEASE DONATE TO THE TANGLE FUND:Tangle is a cat in Greece that was severely injured when someone wrapped wire around his neck to strangle him,Little Cheetah Cat Rescue is raising funds to bring Tangle to Vermont to find him a good home!http://ucat.us/tangle-fund.htmlDONATE: We could really use a power saw (for construction), a digital camera (for pictures),
 and more towels! No virus found in this outgoing message.Checked by AVG Free Edition.Version: 7.1.392 / Virus Database: 268.5.5/333 - Release Date: 5/5/2006

Re: new diagnosis

[felv]

Hi Jen, you might consider having you vet show you how to give her Sub-Q 
fluids at home, this will save you quite a few vet visits for fever/fluids. You 
vet needs to show you and give you the supplies, but if you still need advise 
and reassurance, I have several website links on how to do it yourself. (I'll 
get those later tonight for you... I'll flag this message so I remember)
Phaewryn (was Jenn, changed name)http://ucat.us http://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html 
Adopt a cat from Little Cheetah (UCAT) Cat Rescue:http://ucat.us/adopt.html PLEASE DONATE 
TO THE TANGLE FUND:Tangle is a cat in Greece that was severely injured when 
someone wrapped wire around his neck to strangle him,Little Cheetah Cat 
Rescue is raising funds to bring Tangle to Vermont to find him a good 
home!http://ucat.us/tangle-fund.htmlDONATE: 
We could really use a power saw (for construction), a digital camera (for 
pictures), and more towels! 
No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.1.392 / Virus Database: 268.5.5/333 - Release Date: 5/5/2006

Re: new diagnosis

[Jennifer Ross]

Thanks for your advice and support.  It's so nice not to be going through this alone!  And all of you who have experienced this are the best sources of knowledge available.  Hearing how many kitties are still thriving is reassuring, though my heart goes out to those that are suffering or have left us.  Message: 8Date: Thu, 4 May 2006 16:21:22 EDTFrom: [EMAIL PROTECTED]Subject: Re: new diagnosisTo: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgMessage-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Jen,   A few members on this list have  experienced the same  thing.  What seems to work best to get them over this round of fevers is  Immuno-Regulan, also known as Equistim.  There are articles about it on  this group's web page (_www.felineluekemia.org_ (http://www.felineluekemia.org) ) and you can do  a search of the archived messages for information on how Smokey was treated for  it when he had unremitting fevers.  Bandy also had this issue and was  treated with steroids
 (dexamethasone) and some other things. He took longer to  respond, I think, but eventually did, although he is having some eye problems  now.   I will forward some old emails from the archive about Smokey to  you-- I saved them on my computer. Michelle In a message dated 5/4/2006 3:29:25 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:My 10 year old domestic short hair just got diagnosed with FIV and FELV  last week.  She was lethargic, not eating and drinking, etc which is why  I brought her in and how we found out the diagnosis.  She ended up with a  105.9 fever and was hospitalized for several days with IV fluids and 
 antibiotics.  The fever broke and she came home on Friday night.   She has been an outdoor cat all her life (I adopted her 4 1/2 years ago) and  she is now an indoor cat due to the diagnoses.  We were just back at the  vet today because she is limping and I didn't know what was wrong with her  leg.  Turns out the leg is fine, but her temp is 106.9!!!  They gave  her some subcutaneous fluid and an injection to bring down the fever and let  me take her home as long as I monitor her temp hourly.  The vet said it  is all from the FELV virus, but I'm wondering if this is how the whole rest of  her life is going to be- constant trips to the vet for high fevers,  dehydration, fluids and medication.  I want my cat to be happy and  comfortable.  Allie is truly like my child and I am completely 
 devistated.  I find myself watching her like a hawk now, and spending  every waking moment with her not knowing if I have one more day, one more week  or one more year.  I have done a lot of research, but because I don't  know how long she has had the disease it's hard to know what's going to  happen-- I thought she had kicked this infection and it turns out she  hadn't...  Anyone else experienced these unremitting fevers and  infections?  Does this mean it is close to the end?  I obviously  want to have Allie with me as long as I can, but I am not willing to torture  her becuase I would not want to be tortured if it were me.  I am just so  overwhelmed and so devistated right now, I can't even think straight!   One vet had mentioned interferon injections to boost her immune system.   I am
 considering looking into those, but I don't know if it would be more  tortuous to put my kitty through injections or have her get sick all the  time...  Does anyone have any experience with interferon?  Thanks  for listening!Jen -- next part --An HTML attachment was scrubbed...URL: /pipermail/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org/attachments/20060504/6fc8cfeb/attachment.htm--Message: 9Date: Thu, 4 May 2006 16:26:36 EDTFrom: [EMAIL PROTECTED]Subject: Re: new diagnosisTo: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgMessage-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Jen,  Here are some old emails from this list: 1.  I started Smokey on immuno-regulan last Wednesday.   Herecieved shots for 4 days and then 2 shots per week. His problem was a  recurring fever.  So far he is feverfree.  He has been eating good  and playing.  He isalso taking Baytril and Clavamox but I think  theimmuno-regulan has
 helped him with his fevers.  I amkeeping my  fingers crossed.  This has been the 1stweek in over a month that we  haven't had to make atrip to the vet or go in as an  emergency.Cindy 2.  Hi all,Hope you are all doing well these days...I have been sort of out of touch  the last month.Just wanted to give you all an update on my Bandy..His last vet visit was a few weeks ago and his PCV was holding at  27.  He has gained another 4oz. so he is up to 7# 2oz. which is almost his  top weight...He is looking good and eating well.We are on interferon alpha daily and 1/2cc baytril still...I don't know how  long he will have to be on that as he has been on it for months now..I am alternating supplements too..I just want to make sure he keeps eating  good so I just rotate things around for now...I give him Co Q 10, bone meal 

Re: new diagnosis

[Lernermichelle]

Jen, 
 
Here are some old emails from this list:
 
1.  I started Smokey on immuno-regulan last Wednesday.  
Herecieved shots for 4 days and then 2 shots per week. His problem was a 
recurring fever.  So far he is feverfree.  He has been eating good 
and playing.  He isalso taking Baytril and Clavamox but I think 
theimmuno-regulan has helped him with his fevers.  I amkeeping my 
fingers crossed.  This has been the 1stweek in over a month that we 
haven't had to make atrip to the vet or go in as an 
emergency.Cindy
 
2. 
Hi all,
Hope you are all doing well these days...I have been sort of out of touch 
the last month.
Just wanted to give you all an update on my Bandy..
His last vet visit was a few weeks ago and his PCV was holding at 
27.  He has gained another 4oz. so he is up to 7# 2oz. which is almost his 
top weight...He is looking good and eating well.
We are on interferon alpha daily and 1/2cc baytril still...I don't know how 
long he will have to be on that as he has been on it for months now..
I am alternating supplements too..I just want to make sure he keeps eating 
good so I just rotate things around for now...I give him Co Q 10, bone meal 
powder, bovine colostrum, Vit.E 400 weekly, omega fatty acids (missing link 
version), and astragalus. 
He went 2 weeks without the temp going up but then it jumped to 105.2 again 
so I give him .75mg of a dex pill.. then the temp will go back to normal...We 
still haven't figured out anything about that other than it is due to 
inflammation..He also gets a fill once daily for that which is for arthritis in 
cats...I still believe the fever is due to his previous leg injury in 2001 and 
has something to do with infection in the bone, but the vets don't know. I am 
going to try to get them to treat him as if he had a bone infection to see if 
that might not remedy the problem..
Any ideas on that would be appreciated...
My best to you all and your kittes,
Kerry and Bandy
 
 
In a message dated 5/4/2006 3:29:25 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, 
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:

  My 10 year old domestic short hair just got diagnosed with FIV and FELV 
  last week.  She was lethargic, not eating and drinking, etc which is why 
  I brought her in and how we found out the diagnosis.  She ended up with a 
  105.9 fever and was hospitalized for several days with IV fluids and 
  antibiotics.  The fever broke and she came home on Friday night.  
  She has been an outdoor cat all her life (I adopted her 4 1/2 years ago) and 
  she is now an indoor cat due to the diagnoses.  We were just back at the 
  vet today because she is limping and I didn't know what was wrong with her 
  leg.  Turns out the leg is fine, but her temp is 106.9!!!  They gave 
  her some subcutaneous fluid and an injection to bring down the fever and let 
  me take her home as long as I monitor her temp hourly.  The vet said it 
  is all from the FELV virus, but I'm wondering if this is how the whole rest of 
  her life is going to be- constant trips to the vet for high fevers, 
  dehydration, fluids and medication.  I want my cat to be happy and 
  comfortable.  Allie is truly like my child and I am completely 
  devistated.  I find myself watching her like a hawk now, and spending 
  every waking moment with her not knowing if I have one more day, one more week 
  or one more year.  I have done a lot of research, but because I don't 
  know how long she has had the disease it's hard to know what's going to 
  happen-- I thought she had kicked this infection and it turns out she 
  hadn't...  Anyone else experienced these unremitting fevers and 
  infections?  Does this mean it is close to the end?  I obviously 
  want to have Allie with me as long as I can, but I am not willing to torture 
  her becuase I would not want to be tortured if it were me.  I am just so 
  overwhelmed and so devistated right now, I can't even think straight!  
  One vet had mentioned interferon injections to boost her immune system.  
  I am considering looking into those, but I don't know if it would be more 
  tortuous to put my kitty through injections or have her get sick all the 
  time...  Does anyone have any experience with interferon?  Thanks 
  for listening!
  Jen

 

Re: new diagnosis

[Lernermichelle]

Jen,
   A few members on this list have  experienced the same 
thing.  What seems to work best to get them over this round of fevers is 
Immuno-Regulan, also known as Equistim.  There are articles about it on 
this group's web page (www.felineluekemia.org) and you can do 
a search of the archived messages for information on how Smokey was treated for 
it when he had unremitting fevers.  Bandy also had this issue and was 
treated with steroids (dexamethasone) and some other things. He took longer to 
respond, I think, but eventually did, although he is having some eye problems 
now.
 
  I will forward some old emails from the archive about Smokey to 
you-- I saved them on my computer.
 
Michelle
 
In a message dated 5/4/2006 3:29:25 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, 
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:

  My 10 year old domestic short hair just got diagnosed with FIV and FELV 
  last week.  She was lethargic, not eating and drinking, etc which is why 
  I brought her in and how we found out the diagnosis.  She ended up with a 
  105.9 fever and was hospitalized for several days with IV fluids and 
  antibiotics.  The fever broke and she came home on Friday night.  
  She has been an outdoor cat all her life (I adopted her 4 1/2 years ago) and 
  she is now an indoor cat due to the diagnoses.  We were just back at the 
  vet today because she is limping and I didn't know what was wrong with her 
  leg.  Turns out the leg is fine, but her temp is 106.9!!!  They gave 
  her some subcutaneous fluid and an injection to bring down the fever and let 
  me take her home as long as I monitor her temp hourly.  The vet said it 
  is all from the FELV virus, but I'm wondering if this is how the whole rest of 
  her life is going to be- constant trips to the vet for high fevers, 
  dehydration, fluids and medication.  I want my cat to be happy and 
  comfortable.  Allie is truly like my child and I am completely 
  devistated.  I find myself watching her like a hawk now, and spending 
  every waking moment with her not knowing if I have one more day, one more week 
  or one more year.  I have done a lot of research, but because I don't 
  know how long she has had the disease it's hard to know what's going to 
  happen-- I thought she had kicked this infection and it turns out she 
  hadn't...  Anyone else experienced these unremitting fevers and 
  infections?  Does this mean it is close to the end?  I obviously 
  want to have Allie with me as long as I can, but I am not willing to torture 
  her becuase I would not want to be tortured if it were me.  I am just so 
  overwhelmed and so devistated right now, I can't even think straight!  
  One vet had mentioned interferon injections to boost her immune system.  
  I am considering looking into those, but I don't know if it would be more 
  tortuous to put my kitty through injections or have her get sick all the 
  time...  Does anyone have any experience with interferon?  Thanks 
  for listening!
  Jen