Dear Malone, Bless you for protecting your kitties from your vet's recommendation to euthanize. Yes, the virus can be thrown off. In 2003 I took in a colony of 5 kittens and 1 young adult, who all continued to live together in my 2nd bedroom pending testing. The 5 kittens tested postive twice. The older cat was negative both times. Over the subsequent 21 months or so, 4 of the 5 kittens succumbed to the FeLV. I had the remaining "kitten"--Mickey-- and the older cat--Momcat--retested last year, since I wanted to see if they could be integrated with my general household (I had stopped vaccinating my other cats against FeLV when they all became indoors cats, and didn't want to start again.). Momcat was still negative----and now Mickey tested negative too. (My vet, whom I trust totally, and who has been very supportive re the FeLV, did the testing in his own office, showed me the test device, and said the result was "unambiguous." We were high-fiving.) Throwing off the virus is not that uncommon, according to my vet-- I've forgotten the figure he gave me, but it was substantial--maybe one-third, or even more. I'll ask him again, next time I see him. We can't control the outcome--all we can do is love and care for them as much as possible, and hope that even if they don't throw off the virus they will have long happy lives. Although I was heart-broken to lose my 4, I know that at least their (all too short) lives had quality. They were warm and looked after and had each other, and when they passed I was there to comfort them. There would be no point in separating your 2 babes at this stage since Teaser has already been exposed. And as you've already witnessed, it would upset them dreadfully and needlessly. It's wonderful they have such a bond. And, it's wonderful they have you Malone. Bless you for your compassion and refusal to accept the vet's word. Kerry M. -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Malone Sent: Tuesday, July 17, 2007 9:49 AM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: I need information please (catatonya)
Thank you for the advice. I know he got it from the kitten. He had two tests both negative when he came in the home. He was tested when I picked him up from the humane society and then he was retested when Teaser was retested. They both had two tests before 1 year of age and that was when I vaccinated them for the first time. Basil had 2 other boosters. Teaser is a year older and she had been vaccinated 3 times. When my baby boy died both Basil and Teaser were retested. She is still negative but Basil was positive. My vet then said there was no reason to wait he would be like the kitten in a matter of weeks. He also felt if I kept him I would infect Teaser. I don't think he is a bad vet, but hasn't really dealt with felv much. He is really a vet for most of the ranches in the area. I have an opportunity to share what I learn here with him. That is a blessing. But now I have to wonder if he shouldn't be retested, something my vet said would only cause me more heartache. If I take him to another vet and get a different result that would prove that this virus could be fought off. I just didn't want to get my hopes up too high. That is why I was wondering if anyone here had a cat that was positive end up negative. Thank you to you, Hideyo, and Susan for the advice and assistance. IRS CIRCULAR 230 NOTICE. Any advice expressed above as to tax matters was neither written nor intended by the sender or Mayer, Brown, Rowe & Maw LLP to be used and cannot be used by any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties that may be imposed under U.S. tax law. If any person uses or refers to any such tax advice in promoting, marketing or recommending a partnership or other entity, investment plan or arrangement to any taxpayer, then (i) the advice was written to support the promotion or marketing (by a person other than Mayer, Brown, Rowe & Maw LLP) of that transaction or matter, and (ii) such taxpayers should seek advice based on the taxpayers particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor. This email and any files transmitted with it are intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify the system manager. If you are not the named addressee you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail.
