I really appreciate everyone who responded to my post. It makes me feel a bit more secure knowing there are others rooting for our success.
I think that my keeping Buster on prednisolone is a requirement since he has been on it for so long. I am sure it has compromised his adrenals and that without pred, he will have Cushings (or maybe Addison's). Beth - Buster did have blood work done, in 2009, and it was all fine. ELISA was negative. Before I took in this older cat (her guardian died and the rescue group was unable to find anyone to take her), I asked to have the cat tested. I have 2 other, indoor only, cats and I wanted to make sure that I didn't bring disease into the house. I was told that the new cat tested negative for FIP and FeLV. I do trust the woman who asked me to take in the older kitty, but I have no paperwork to verify. Although Buster lived amicably with my 2nd cat, she hated the new cat. The new cat caused Buster a lot of stress. I tried everything, Rescue Remedy, Feliway etc. Finally, after about a year, things settled down. I never saw any wounds, on either cat, but I know there were 'minor' fights as I found tufts of hair around (including once or twice hanging out of Buster's mouth!) They still hiss, but mostly try to stay out of one another's way My vet didn't want to give me the prednisolone, but I was frantic, unable to pay for any more investigative work, and wanted my cat well. I live over 90 miles, one way, from my (any) vet, and I think she gave me the pred. out of kindness. Regardless of good or bad, Buster has been on 5mg for 2 years. I don't think Buster has stomatitis now, although eating does appear painful at times. Back in 2010, the vet did extract a couple of teeth. And, a tooth, or two just disintegrated when she was cleaning his teeth. Last time he was under (2010) she said his throat appeared inflamed, but I do pill him everyday and I am sure that caused that inflammation He doesn't eat a lot, and he eats small amounts many, many, many times throughout the day. Occasionally, he does stop eating and I need to syringe food. He doesn't/can't eat dry food any more. I will look at his gums tomorrow. Marta, I agree and appreciate your thoughts 'it is what it is'. I am trying my best, by myself, to keep Buster alive. At this point, my focus is only to keep him happy, comfortable and with me. I finally realized, he won't get well. I do think he wants to stay alive. Although failing, he sits with me, sleeps with me, communicates with me etc. He does have muscle weakness in the back end. He can't sit to groom without falling. One odd thing, that I have never been able to figure out, is when he sits, his bottom doesn't touch the floor????? And, now, to lay down he has to kinda settle himself carefully. Something is hurting I am sure. Not sure why this 'phone vet' thought FeLV except for the inappetance. But, when I looked at the Cornell site, Buster had more than half the symptoms. I do know that these are common symptoms for many illnesses. Maybe he doesn't have FeLV, and maybe he does..... It's a great comfort to me to have a sounding board and to hear how others are treating their kitties. Buster has just begun sneezing, just a bit, but no blood. In general, how long do FeLV cats live without Interferon etc? Can they be kept alive with the right drugs, or 3 years is pretty much it, plus or minus? Thanks! PS All my cats share common food and water bowls and litter box. debbie ____________________________________________________________ 60-Year-Old Mom Looks 27 Mom Reveals Free Wrinkle Trick That Has Angered Doctors! http://thirdpartyoffers.netzero.net/TGL3231/4ec489a9942c9157800st01duc _______________________________________________ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
