Hello. I agree with everyone about testing them all. I was fostering a Mama cat and her four nursing kittens. I had them all tested about two weeks after they came to me, when the kittens were approximately 5 weeks old. Mama tested negative, two kittens tested negative, and two kittens tested positive. We used a snap test. Mama's blood was also sent to the lab for an ELISA test, and those results were negative, too. I'm still fostering the two positive kittens; someone else is fostering the negative Mama and her negative babies. The latter three were retested (with a snap test) two weeks later and are still negative. I'm waiting another two weeks to test my positive kittens.
I was told that the negative ones can convert to positive, and there's a chance that the positive ones can fight off the virus and become negative. I've worked in animal rescue/sheltering for more than a decade and had no idea about this. What I've been told is that the mom could have had the virus and and gave it to the babies, but she fought it off as did two of the kittens. I would have thought that even if this is the case, the fact that they were so close (nursing, grooming, etc...), they would all have it. While it's cost effective to only test the Mom or the Mom and one baby, I wouldn't recommend taking the risk. I know that Veterinarians need to make a living, but it's a shame there's such a high mark up on the cost of snap tests. Best wishes to everyone and their kitties. Adrienne -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Wed, 1 Oct 2008 8:56 am Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Testing New Kittens - Need Help Morning. I would have to agree with those that would test all of them. After running a Felv sanctuary for the last 7 years, and dealing with nothing but feLv cats i have found that the test are very inaccurate when it comes to kittens one can be positive and 2 weeks later be a weak pos, then be neg all together. it is a good idea to have them tested more than once, and to use a better test than just a snap test. i know this can get expensive, but i have found it to be quit heart warming in the long run. i have 9 of our furry kids that currently reside at our home aged 13-3 and all are in great health. michael In a message dated 9/30/2008 6:55:20 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Agree 100% with Carmen. -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Carmen Conklin Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2008 6:49 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] Testing New Kittens - Need Help Michelle, I am relatively new to the group, but I do agree with Beth that it is important to test all the kittens. We used to do what your vet said y ears ago, then discovered on more than one occasion since, that if a mom is negative it does not mean the kittens ARE negative. We had a case where mom was negative all the time and 2 of her five kittens were positive FeLV and the rest were always negative. If there is no hurry, I'd do what you can this month and test another or two the next month to help with expenses. Do you have a rescue group nearby that uses the IDEXX tests and does their own testing? WE can do it for way less than the vets can even order the tests and they might help you too. good luck with them. Carmen and furballs at C & W Rustic Hollow Shelter. > From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org> Date: Tue, 30 Sep 2008 20:15:37 +0000> Subject: [Felvtalk] Testing New Kittens - Need Help> > > I have four 7 week old kittens and their mother that came from the pound that I need to test for FELV/FIV and my vet said that I would only need to test the mother and one kitten and not test all kittens.> > Do you think that will be reliable? It's $30 per snap test, so I think they're wanting to save me money, which I appreciate, just not sure if some of the kittens could contract a disease and others wouldn't. > > Any input would be GREATLY appreciated. Michelle Brockman > _________________________________________________________________> See how Windows Mobile brings your life together-at home, work, or on the go.> http://clk.atdmt.com/MRT/go/msnnkwxp1020093182mrt/direct/01/> _______________________________________________> Felvtalk mailing list> Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org> http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org _________________________________________________________________ Want to do more with Windows Live? Learn "10 hidden secrets" from Jamie. http://windowslive.com/connect/post/jamiethomson.spaces.live.com-Blog-cns!55 0F681DAD532637!5295.entry?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_domore_092008 _______________________________________________ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org _______________________________________________ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org **************Looking for simple solutions to your real-life financial challenges? Check out WalletPop for the latest news and information, tips and calculators. (http://www.walletpop.com/?NCID=emlcntuswall00000001) _______________________________________________ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org _______________________________________________ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
