Do a full haematology panel (including the reticulocyte count) and do liver enzymes (biochemistry).
Ask for all your cat's results to date. If you let me know what they are, I can decipher them for you. You will probably see are reduction in red cells and haematocrit results, and you may see a reduction in platelets and white cells. FeLV can attack any or all of the three cell lines (red cells, white cells or platelets). The problem is that it shuts down the bone marrow where precursors of these cells are produced. Winstrol turns back on the bone marrow's production of these cells, so you will hopefully see an increase in any low levels in these results (most likely the red cells and haematocrit results). When the bone marrow starts to produce these cells again, you will also see a rise in the reticulocyte count (which is also a reflection of the level of activity in the bone marrow). With respect to the liver enzymes, if your vet is not firmly working with you, expect that he/she will insist that you stop the Winstrol when the enzymes rise. RESIST. You've got to let the Winstrol work and it takes a long time. The liver enzymes will go up but will come down after Winstrol is discontinued and the more important thing is to reverse the FeLV crisis. If you think the vet will not listen to you and leave your cat on the Winstrol, then don't ask for the liver enzymes. After a few weeks on Winstrol or perhaps a month, run the lab tests again to see if you are getting a response. However, I would be surprised if you wouldn't already see a difference in your cat's eating, playing and overall wellbeing. Amani From: Felvtalk [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Ardy Robertson Sent: March-08-16 12:22 AM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] TIGGER What type of blood work would you suggest I ask for? They don't tell me much about his red or white blood cells. Thank you, Ardy From: Felvtalk [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Amani Oakley Sent: Monday, March 7, 2016 9:32 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org<mailto:felvtalk@felineleukemia.org> Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] TIGGER The Winstrol will boost his appetite and you won't need to give him anything else. The Winstrol works very very well on the bone marrow. If it were me, I wouldn't waste any more time getting him on the Winstrol. Amani From: Felvtalk [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Ardy Robertson Sent: March-07-16 10:29 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org<mailto:felvtalk@felineleukemia.org> Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] TIGGER Thanks Amani, I will call the vet tomorrow and ask if they will get some for me. Some time ago, the other vet in this practice said they would, if other options failed. I am just so worried that his Leukemia has spread to his bones. They also did not want to keep him on the appetite stimulant unless he really needed it. Thank you, Ardy From: Felvtalk [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Amani Oakley Sent: Sunday, March 6, 2016 1:06 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org<mailto:felvtalk@felineleukemia.org> Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] TIGGER Ardy I would definitely try the Winstrol now. Get bloodwork if you can, beforehand, so you can compare it afterwards, to gauge if the Winstrol is working. I have had others online tell me that when they started the Winstrol, they got an immediate and marked improvement both physically and in the blood results. If it were me, I would be trying the Winstrol now to see if Tigger is one of the cats which respond well to it. Please let us know how things progress and I am keeping my fingers crossed for you and Tigger. Amani From: Felvtalk [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Ardy Robertson Sent: March-06-16 11:39 AM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org<mailto:felvtalk@felineleukemia.org> Subject: [Felvtalk] TIGGER Hello everyone, I haven't commented on Tigger for a while, and now I have some questions so I am seeking advice. My 5-1/2 year old male kitty - Tigger - has FeLV and last fall had a serious bout of fevers, weight loss, dehydration and all of that......he pulled through with syringe feedings, fluids, Convenia (14-day antibiotic) shots, several series of "Interferon" along with lots of prayers and love. He returned to eating, drinking, etc. and was doing fine, playing - nearly back to normal. He later had a blown out anal gland from constipation, which was remedied with pumpkin in his diet, along with antibiotic site injections. Bowel/bladder habits returned to normal and he healed. Then, a re-test in December confirmed that he is still FeLV positive, but at that time symptom free. Two weeks ago he seemed to be in pain, a bit feverish and not eating much. It turned out he had a "raging" urinary tract infection. I feel very bad that I did not know it. Two more Convenia shots, urinalysis with culture etc., x-ray to see if there were stones was negative, however I believe they said he has crystals - of magnesium and a couple other things. We switched him to Hills prescription food - C/D for urinary tract health, and surprisingly he likes it. I also got him a water fountain which encourages him to drink more water. However after two weeks and all of that he is still in some pain - they had given him Buprenorphine for the pain and that does take it away for about 18 hours (actually makes him a bit loopy!!). Now I have it in a bottle to give as needed, so I cut the dose in thirds and only give when necessary. When he is pain free he eats, otherwise, not so much. His healthy weight was a little over 11 lbs., and he had gained back to 10.7 lbs. Two weeks ago at the vet he was 10.2 and now he is 9.5 lbs. They are suggesting a Convenia shot every two weeks for a while and pain meds as needed. The pain seems to be brought on by eating/drinking, or by jumping down from something. Amani - if you are reading.........do you feel this is the time to ask for Winstrol? They say the UTI is over with, urine is fine, but that it is the Lukemia that is making him feel like this. One of the vets there is a vet chiropractor and she gave him a spinal manipulation which seemed to keep the pain at bay for over 24 hours. One of my questions is - what can I give him for pro-biotics? I bought some Vetri-Science UT Strength Feline treats that have pro-biotics in them, and he will not eat them. I even tried chopping them to bits and putting with his fish oil and he refuses. I don't want to force feed these to him. He hates yogurt but I could syringe a little of it if necessary. Any ideas are appreciated!! Thank you, Ardy Robertson Osseo, Wisconsin
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