Lynne, I know how sad and disheartened you are, but please be aware, as Kelley says, that all FIP tests are not created equal. Most of the tests only show the *presence* of the coronavirus, which actually is present in huge numbers of cats without ever turning into FIP. It has to mutate to become FIP and make them ill, and it usually only happens in cats that are genetically predisposed for this mutation. I'm not saying that BooBoo doesn't have FIP, just that unless the specific test Kelley mentions is performed, the diagnosis can be inaccurate. The general wisdom is that FIP can only really be accurately diagnosed by necropsy. That being said, I'm so sorry you're going through this. Hugs to both of you and BooBoo. You're doing a great job. Diane R.
________________________________ From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Lynne Sent: Wednesday, February 27, 2008 3:05 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: more bad news I don't know Kelly. He sent it off to a lab and specifically tested for it along with culturing the fluid. I have to assume if he tested positive and all the symptoms he has are those of an infected animal that he has it. Don't I wish there could have been an error but I'm at the point where I have to accept where this is going. I just want to keep him unstressed and comfortable. Unless there is some miracle drug that can repair all his blood vessels I'm screwed. Lynne ----- Original Message ----- From: Kelley Saveika <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wednesday, February 27, 2008 3:55 PM Subject: Re: more bad news Wait, wait. What test did the vet use to test for FIP? There *is* an FIP test which is fairly accurate, but most vets don't even know about it. It is called Rivalta's test: This is a test with which few veterinarians are familiar but it can be very helpful in the diagnosis of FIP. A test tube is filled with distilled water and one drop of 98% acetic acid is added. To this mixture one drop of effusion is added. If the drop dissipates, the test is negative. If the drop retains its shape, the test is positive. A negative Rivalta's test is 97% accurate in ruling out FIP. A positive test is 86% accurate in ruling in FIP. Source: http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_fip.html If you are talking about a titer test - almost all cats will test positive for coronavirus titers. On 2/27/08, Lynne <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Well just when you think it can't get any worse it does. BooBoo's cytology came back today and he has FIP as well as feline leukemia. There was no bacteria in it. There is nothing left for us to do for him. There was no bacteria in the culture, just protein and fibres, because his blood vessels are leaky. The vet says all we can do is make him comfortable and at this point it is all about quality of life. He will continue to drain his lungs every week to 10 days and keep him on this antibiotic until it is finished and only Lasix once a day, which I guess does nothing for this lung fluid. If he becomes worse, ie he has to have the fluid drained more frequently then we will have to do the obvious. We will put on a good face for our dear boy and do everything we can to keep him with us as long as we can but it isn't looking too good at the moment. The vet said they had another cat in this week that tested positive for FIP but not leukemia. He said BooBoo has been hit with a double blow and unfortunately the end is near. I don't know if the Factor stuff will make it here before Boo dies but I'm trying to be realistic here now and face the inevitable. My husband and I are horribly sad about this but I'm getting angry now at these criminals who owned him and lied to me about his being healthy and vaccinated. We have several top notch lawyers in our practice who like me a lot and would do me a favor if I asked. I'm seriously considering consulting with one of them when this tragedy is over. Lynne -- Rescuties - Saving the world, one cat at a time. http://www.rescuties.org Vist the Rescuties store and save a kitty life! http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect-home?tag=rescuties-20 http://www.zazzle.com/rescuties* Please help Clarissa! http://rescuties.chipin.com/clarissasheart http://www.change.org/rescuties This electronic mail transmission and any attachments are confidential and may be privileged. They should be read or retained only by the intended recipient. If you have received this transmission in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete the transmission from your system. In addition, in order to comply with Treasury Circular 230, we are required to inform you that unless we have specifically stated to the contrary in writing, any advice we provide in this email or any attachment concerning federal tax issues or submissions is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, to avoid federal tax penalties.
