[Felvtalk] Xana, FelV positive - interferon?
I am new to this group. I live in Spain and have some language difficults, so, sorry for the faults. I am an active member of a cat rescue group. In july I found a kitten in the street with the eyes seriously dammaged. We went to the vet and all was well, excep the positive result to FelV. A friend on mine is fostering her. She seems to be healthy and hapy. I want to give her an opportunity to live with good QOL as long as possible. Unfortunately most vets does not share my opinion, and they think it is not worth. I insist... I read all I can find. I am giving Xana L-Lysina (for her eye condicion) Vetinmune (as inmunomodulator) And I insist to put her on interferon. The vet said that -in that subclinic stadium- the alfa (humane) interferon is the election treatment. When symtoms appear, then it will be the moment to give the omega interferon... My questions are: 1) HAVE ANYONE EXPERIENCE IN THE USE OF FELINE OMEGA INTERFERON WITH ASYMPTOMATIC CATS?? I know it can not clear the virus, but ... Can it to prevent the development of any of the illness related with FelV?? 2) About propiobacterium acnes. I cant find it in Spain. The laboratory does not produce it anymore, and change it for a new product: Corynebacterium parvum (inmufort complex (R). It is used for cows. A colegue (that has a FelV shelter) wrote me to advice she is using it in her 8 FelV+ cats... she said is working well... her oldest cat is now 8 years old. 3) Xana has also chronic diarrhea, in spite I put her on intestinal diet, does no make solid faeces... Any other non invasive tratment can be usefull??? Thanks for your atention Esther ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] PA Sanctuary
fyi, there is no evidence that FIVs are any less able to throw off FeLV than are other cats--in fact, FIVs tend to be the healthiest populations in all sanctuary settings. while it might not be the optimum arrangement, until there are more places who are willing to take positive of both sorts in, it beats the alternative of just killing one or the other group. i don't know if best little cat house vaccinates their FIVs against FeLV, but if they do, that makes problems almost non-existent. -- Spay Neuter Your Neighbors! Maybe That'll Make The Difference MaryChristine Special-Needs Coordinator, Purebred Cat Breed Rescue (www.purebredcats.org) Member, SCAT (Special-Cat Action Team) ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Sally and Lukey
great information, jenny. thanks for sharing it with us, as it can make such a difference when we know the right things to discuss with our vets! On Fri, Sep 25, 2009 at 4:13 PM, jbero tds.net -- Spay Neuter Your Neighbors! Maybe That'll Make The Difference MaryChristine Special-Needs Coordinator, Purebred Cat Breed Rescue (www.purebredcats.org) Member, SCAT (Special-Cat Action Team) ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Xana, FelV positive - interferon?
That's great news to hear Michael, you sure are doing something right!! -- Belinda happiness is being owned by cats ... http://bemikitties.com http://BelindaSauro.com ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Xana, FelV positive - interferon?
Michael, you are doing such a wonderful thing with your FelV sanctuary, and I agree that love and a stress free environment are what keeps them going. I am not in favor of heroic measures, that are extremely stressful and often painful for our fur babies. Lorrie On 09-27, Second Chance Meows wrote: I run a FeLV sanctuary here in the states and have found that the best treatment is love and attention. Having spent almost a year on interferon, I know the side effects of it very well, and would not wish them on any living being.( human or feline). spend time with them, show them that you really care about them when no one else did. Let them spend hours in your lap, sleep on the bed, sun in the window just as any other healthy cat would do. just so you know Esther, my oldest cat here is about 16 and has had FeLV since birth, the rest are all about 3-6 yrs old and doing well Michael Johnson Founder/Owner Second Chance Meows A FeLV Sanctuary ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] FW: Q re Staph Protein A
Thanks, Diane. As it turns out, I took Lukey to the vet today and his HCT was down to 12 and they thought it best to transfuse. He is still getting the blood as I write and after that they will be putting in the e-tube. The good news is that both his lymphocyte and reticulocyte counts were up significantly today from Friday, so the LTCI is definitely working. We just had to buy him some more time to give the new cells time to mature and hopefully the transfusion will give us the time we need. I appreciate all of your thoughts, prayers and concern. It has been a stressful weekend for Lukey and me but hopefully after today things will start looking up for my little man. He's such a little fighter. Sally Jewell -Original Message- From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org [mailto:felvtalk- boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Diane Rosenfeldt Sent: Saturday, September 26, 2009 10:40 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] FW: Q re Staph Protein A I understand perfectly -- *after* or maybe because of being put under to have this procedure, MY Luc (negative but possible pancreatitis followed by hepatic lipidosis) didn't react well to anesthetic. He's got a harmless wheeze now sometimes, and we haven't even wanted to put him under for teeth cleaning. I'm sure your vet will make the right decisions about which kind of feeding is best. Continued good wishes for you and Lukey. Luc sends four-pack-a-day-sounding purrs your way. Diane R. -Original Message- From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Tower Laboratories Corporation Sent: Saturday, September 26, 2009 4:41 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] FW: Q re Staph Protein A Thanks so much, Diane. I appreciate your concern and good vibes coming our way! We vacillated about which type of feeding tube and because his RBC count is so low and he's pretty weak, we were leery about putting him to sleep to put the esophageal tube in. It may come to that but for now the other seems to be staying put, though understandably, he doesn't like it much. Sally Snyder Jewell Sally Snyder Jewell, Marketing Director Tower Laboratories Corporation Manufacturers of Pauling Therapy Formulas for Coronary Heart Disease Since 1996 http://www.HeartTech.com E-mail: sa...@towerlaboratories.com Toll Free: 1-877-TOWER-LABS (1-877.869.3752) Voice: 502.368.2720; 502.368.2721 Fax: 502.368.0019 Pauling Therapy Information Web site: http://www.HeartTech.com Pauling Therapy Order Link: http://www.PaulingTherapyStore.com The information provided herein is educational and is not intended as either diagnosis or treatment. The content of this transmission is intended only for the person or entity to which it is directly addressed or copied. It may contain material of confidential and/or private nature. Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon, this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is not allowed. If you received this message and the information contained therein by error, please contact the sender and delete the material from your/any storage medium. -Original Message- From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org [mailto:felvtalk- boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Diane Rosenfeldt Sent: Friday, September 25, 2009 3:23 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] FW: Q re Staph Protein A Here are vibes that Lukey gets the time he needs to bounce back! Just curious, why naso tube instead of esophageal? I thought the latter were easier on the cat and easier to work with. Diane R. -Original Message- From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Tower Laboratories Corporation Sent: Friday, September 25, 2009 12:28 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] FW: Q re Staph Protein A Hi, Jenny and all, Lukey is not doing well. He has become much more anemic while we've been waiting on the LTCI to work. The good news is that though his lymphocytes are way down, his RBCs appear to be regenerating somewhat, so there is still hope if we can keep him from crashing from the anemia. I'm wondering if you can tell me what Autumn's numbers were when it was decided that a transfusion was necessary? My vet has advised against it because of the risk, though I don't want to wait too long if that is what it will take to save him while the LTCI continues to work on his RBCs. The vet is putting in a nasogastric feeding tube because he continues to fight us on the syringe feeding and is now bone thin. He is also getting intravenous fluids and high doses of vitamin C. He doesn't seem to be
Re: [Felvtalk] FW: Q re Staph Protein A
Thanks, Diane. As it turns out, I took Lukey to the vet today and his HCT was down to 12 and they thought it best to transfuse. He is still getting the blood as I write and after that they will be putting in the e-tube. The good news is that both his lymphocyte and reticulocyte counts were up significantly today from Friday, so the LTCI is definitely working. We just had to buy him some more time to give the new cells time to mature and hopefully the transfusion will give us the time we need. I appreciate all of your thoughts, prayers and concern. It has been a stressful weekend for Lukey and me but hopefully after today things will start looking up for my little man. He's such a little fighter. Sally Jewell -Original Message- From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org [mailto:felvtalk- boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Diane Rosenfeldt Sent: Saturday, September 26, 2009 10:40 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] FW: Q re Staph Protein A I understand perfectly -- *after* or maybe because of being put under to have this procedure, MY Luc (negative but possible pancreatitis followed by hepatic lipidosis) didn't react well to anesthetic. He's got a harmless wheeze now sometimes, and we haven't even wanted to put him under for teeth cleaning. I'm sure your vet will make the right decisions about which kind of feeding is best. Continued good wishes for you and Lukey. Luc sends four-pack-a-day-sounding purrs your way. Diane R. -Original Message- From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Tower Laboratories Corporation Sent: Saturday, September 26, 2009 4:41 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] FW: Q re Staph Protein A Thanks so much, Diane. I appreciate your concern and good vibes coming our way! We vacillated about which type of feeding tube and because his RBC count is so low and he's pretty weak, we were leery about putting him to sleep to put the esophageal tube in. It may come to that but for now the other seems to be staying put, though understandably, he doesn't like it much. Sally Snyder Jewell Sally Snyder Jewell, Marketing Director Tower Laboratories Corporation Manufacturers of Pauling Therapy Formulas for Coronary Heart Disease Since 1996 http://www.HeartTech.com E-mail: sa...@towerlaboratories.com Toll Free: 1-877-TOWER-LABS (1-877.869.3752) Voice: 502.368.2720; 502.368.2721 Fax: 502.368.0019 Pauling Therapy Information Web site: http://www.HeartTech.com Pauling Therapy Order Link: http://www.PaulingTherapyStore.com The information provided herein is educational and is not intended as either diagnosis or treatment. The content of this transmission is intended only for the person or entity to which it is directly addressed or copied. It may contain material of confidential and/or private nature. Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon, this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is not allowed. If you received this message and the information contained therein by error, please contact the sender and delete the material from your/any storage medium. -Original Message- From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org [mailto:felvtalk- boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Diane Rosenfeldt Sent: Friday, September 25, 2009 3:23 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] FW: Q re Staph Protein A Here are vibes that Lukey gets the time he needs to bounce back! Just curious, why naso tube instead of esophageal? I thought the latter were easier on the cat and easier to work with. Diane R. -Original Message- From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Tower Laboratories Corporation Sent: Friday, September 25, 2009 12:28 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] FW: Q re Staph Protein A Hi, Jenny and all, Lukey is not doing well. He has become much more anemic while we've been waiting on the LTCI to work. The good news is that though his lymphocytes are way down, his RBCs appear to be regenerating somewhat, so there is still hope if we can keep him from crashing from the anemia. I'm wondering if you can tell me what Autumn's numbers were when it was decided that a transfusion was necessary? My vet has advised against it because of the risk, though I don't want to wait too long if that is what it will take to save him while the LTCI continues to work on his RBCs. The vet is putting in a nasogastric feeding tube because he continues to fight us on the syringe feeding and is now bone thin. He is also getting intravenous fluids and high doses of vitamin C. He doesn't seem to be
Re: [Felvtalk] FW: Q re Staph Protein A
Hi, Jenny, Got a new CBC today and his lymphocyte and reticulocyte numbers are much better than Friday. Call me when you get time and I'll go over them with you. They went ahead and did the transfusion and e-tube placement today and I've been a nervous wreck. Still waiting to hear how it all went. Hope you had a good weekend, and kisses and hugs to Autumn and your gang. Sally Jewell -Original Message- From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org [mailto:felvtalk- boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of jbero tds.net Sent: Friday, September 25, 2009 4:09 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] FW: Q re Staph Protein A Sally, Not a good report, but not entirely without hope either. Do you happen to know the specific numbers on the CBCs? Get a copy of the reports. Read them carefully - vets miss things sometimes and don't always remember to convey all the information they have when they meet with you. It happens, not intentionally or maliciously. Here is specifically what I would like to know: 1. Reticulocyte count for each CBC you had done- if this number is increasing (I would like to see by way of thousands or tens of thousands) than you are certainly on the right path and need only wait until those cells become mature enough to replenish the RBCs in the peripheral blood. A regenerating anemia is defined as a reticulocyte count greater than 15,000 (for most labs). An exact number and change in numbers over time would give me a better idea of what is going on in his bone marrow. Understand that it takes time for these cells to mature before they become fully functional for his needs - in the meantime a blood transfusion could be necessary. 2.Hematocrit - most vets will transfuse around 18 or 19. If this is his first transfusion and he has a hematocrit around 14-15, I would not hesitate to transfuse. In general the first transfusion is kind of a freebee. They generally do not have a reaction until subsequent transfusions. Your vet, however, should make sure that the transfused blood is a match for Lukey. You can do a type and cross or a full panel (~$100.00). If she is uncomfortable about this I would go to an emergency vet or someone who feels comfortable doing them. It should be a slow transfusion and he should be monitored for any signs of a reaction. If there is, you simply stop the transfusion. It is a risk/benefit analysis. In my opinion, a hematocrit of 15 is certainly worth transfusing. I would not hesitate - not even one day. Again, I would like to see the numbers. 3. Lymphocytes - this number should be increasing as a sign of stimulated immune response (a sign the LTCI is working)- I would like to know all results from the first to the last blood draws. 4. Platlets - an increase in these also suggests a stimulated bone marrow indicating the LTCI is working. Autumn had a hematocrit of 10, I believe, when I brought her in for the first visit. She had a hematocrit of 4 when I transfused her. I would not recommend waiting this long. She was dying, a matter of hours and she would have died. Do not wait until this point. Here's the concept. Mature RBCs live about 2 1/2 to 3 months in most cats, at the end of that time, the spleen destroys the old cells in anticipation of new ones. It is likely that Lukey has had a suppressed production of RBCs for quite some time and now the old RBCs are being destroyed. If his bone marrow sort of woke up after the LTCI injection, it takes weeks for the bone marrow to generate the cells and then more time for them to mature. So in the cycle of normal bone marrow production of RBCs and destruction by the spleen, Lukey's cycle was interrupted and now weeks later when the old RBCs are dying there aren't any new mature ones to take their place. If there is evidence that the bone marrow is waking up (increased reticulocyte count, lymphocyte count and platelet count) what you need to do is provide supportive care until those cells can mature and do their job. This may very well include a transfusion. I would not fear the transfusion because of a reaction if he is that severely anemic. Everyday his old cells are dying. It is a race between new maturing RBCs and destruction of the old ones. The statement that Lukey has a regenerative anemia is very promising. Right now is a very difficult time for you and for him as he is in the lull between the suppressing effects of Felv+ and the hopefully productive effects of LTCI. You are seeing a clinically diminishing status but his lab work suggests improvement. I would rely on the labs and take heart in the promising numbers. If you give me the numbers I can tell you how happy or not happy I would be with the presence of and rate of improvement. Take heart knowing that the clnical improvement will be slow and delayed from the lab
Re: [Felvtalk] FW: Q re Staph Protein A
Hi, Jenny, Got a new CBC today and his lymphocyte and reticulocyte numbers are much better than Friday. Call me when you get time and I'll go over them with you. They went ahead and did the transfusion and e-tube placement today and I've been a nervous wreck. Still waiting to hear how it all went. Hope you had a good weekend, and kisses and hugs to Autumn and your gang. Sally Jewell -Original Message- From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org [mailto:felvtalk- boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of jbero tds.net Sent: Friday, September 25, 2009 4:09 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] FW: Q re Staph Protein A Sally, Not a good report, but not entirely without hope either. Do you happen to know the specific numbers on the CBCs? Get a copy of the reports. Read them carefully - vets miss things sometimes and don't always remember to convey all the information they have when they meet with you. It happens, not intentionally or maliciously. Here is specifically what I would like to know: 1. Reticulocyte count for each CBC you had done- if this number is increasing (I would like to see by way of thousands or tens of thousands) than you are certainly on the right path and need only wait until those cells become mature enough to replenish the RBCs in the peripheral blood. A regenerating anemia is defined as a reticulocyte count greater than 15,000 (for most labs). An exact number and change in numbers over time would give me a better idea of what is going on in his bone marrow. Understand that it takes time for these cells to mature before they become fully functional for his needs - in the meantime a blood transfusion could be necessary. 2.Hematocrit - most vets will transfuse around 18 or 19. If this is his first transfusion and he has a hematocrit around 14-15, I would not hesitate to transfuse. In general the first transfusion is kind of a freebee. They generally do not have a reaction until subsequent transfusions. Your vet, however, should make sure that the transfused blood is a match for Lukey. You can do a type and cross or a full panel (~$100.00). If she is uncomfortable about this I would go to an emergency vet or someone who feels comfortable doing them. It should be a slow transfusion and he should be monitored for any signs of a reaction. If there is, you simply stop the transfusion. It is a risk/benefit analysis. In my opinion, a hematocrit of 15 is certainly worth transfusing. I would not hesitate - not even one day. Again, I would like to see the numbers. 3. Lymphocytes - this number should be increasing as a sign of stimulated immune response (a sign the LTCI is working)- I would like to know all results from the first to the last blood draws. 4. Platlets - an increase in these also suggests a stimulated bone marrow indicating the LTCI is working. Autumn had a hematocrit of 10, I believe, when I brought her in for the first visit. She had a hematocrit of 4 when I transfused her. I would not recommend waiting this long. She was dying, a matter of hours and she would have died. Do not wait until this point. Here's the concept. Mature RBCs live about 2 1/2 to 3 months in most cats, at the end of that time, the spleen destroys the old cells in anticipation of new ones. It is likely that Lukey has had a suppressed production of RBCs for quite some time and now the old RBCs are being destroyed. If his bone marrow sort of woke up after the LTCI injection, it takes weeks for the bone marrow to generate the cells and then more time for them to mature. So in the cycle of normal bone marrow production of RBCs and destruction by the spleen, Lukey's cycle was interrupted and now weeks later when the old RBCs are dying there aren't any new mature ones to take their place. If there is evidence that the bone marrow is waking up (increased reticulocyte count, lymphocyte count and platelet count) what you need to do is provide supportive care until those cells can mature and do their job. This may very well include a transfusion. I would not fear the transfusion because of a reaction if he is that severely anemic. Everyday his old cells are dying. It is a race between new maturing RBCs and destruction of the old ones. The statement that Lukey has a regenerative anemia is very promising. Right now is a very difficult time for you and for him as he is in the lull between the suppressing effects of Felv+ and the hopefully productive effects of LTCI. You are seeing a clinically diminishing status but his lab work suggests improvement. I would rely on the labs and take heart in the promising numbers. If you give me the numbers I can tell you how happy or not happy I would be with the presence of and rate of improvement. Take heart knowing that the clnical improvement will be slow and delayed from the lab
