[Felvtalk] My heart is broken
My darling ginger cat has been diagnosed with feline leukemia. I am devastated because the vet says that there is nothing he can do to help us. We try our uttermost best to feed our cat but don't know what to do to help our darling. Is there some kind of medication that we could recommend to our vet? Could someone PLEASE help us to get through this traumatic experience? We live in South Africa and don't know where to get help. Please help us! Marinda Sent via my BlackBerry from Vodacom - let your email find you! ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] My heart is broken
is she eating, using box and drinking ok??. not all cats that have FeLV actually get it, and some throw the disease off From: botha.marin...@gmail.com botha.marin...@gmail.com To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Sunday, February 5, 2012 5:16 PM Subject: [Felvtalk] My heart is broken My darling ginger cat has been diagnosed with feline leukemia. I am devastated because the vet says that there is nothing he can do to help us. We try our uttermost best to feed our cat but don't know what to do to help our darling. Is there some kind of medication that we could recommend to our vet? Could someone PLEASE help us to get through this traumatic experience? We live in South Africa and don't know where to get help. Please help us! Marinda Sent via my BlackBerry from Vodacom - let your email find you! ___ 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
Re: [Felvtalk] My heart is broken
And even if they don't, they can live a marvelous loving life. My Dixie did. Her life was far too short but she was happy and healthy until she left this world. On Feb 5, 2012, at 2:27 PM, john pollack wrote: is she eating, using box and drinking ok??. not all cats that have FeLV actually get it, and some throw the disease off From: botha.marin...@gmail.com botha.marin...@gmail.com To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Sunday, February 5, 2012 5:16 PM Subject: [Felvtalk] My heart is broken My darling ginger cat has been diagnosed with feline leukemia. I am devastated because the vet says that there is nothing he can do to help us. We try our uttermost best to feed our cat but don't know what to do to help our darling. Is there some kind of medication that we could recommend to our vet? Could someone PLEASE help us to get through this traumatic experience? We live in South Africa and don't know where to get help. Please help us! Marinda Sent via my BlackBerry from Vodacom - let your email find you! ___ 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 ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] My heart is broken
Is she showing any symptoms? It has ben a while since I had a FELV kitty. For now feed her the best you can. Treat any infections she may get as her immune system may not fight them off. Others here may advise treatment. Sally Feb 5, 2012 at 5:16 PM, botha.marin...@gmail.com wrote: My darling ginger cat has been diagnosed with feline leukemia. I am devastated because the vet says that there is nothing he can do to help us. We try our uttermost best to feed our cat but don't know what to do to help our darling. Is there some kind of medication that we could recommend to our vet? Could someone PLEASE help us to get through this traumatic experience? We live in South Africa and don't know where to get help. Please help us! Marinda Sent via my BlackBerry from Vodacom - let your email find you! ___ 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
[Felvtalk] Your ginger kitty
Where are you in South Africa?..I'm guessing that there like everywhere else you can get better opinions where there are more vets..like for example, large cities. FeLV is not a death sentence and like you have been told they can live good lives..I had had two cats with FeLV, the one right now was supossed to live at most a few months, it will be one year and he's doing so much better, fat and sassy;) Tell us what symptoms you kitty has; if she's eating and all normal but just tested positive for FeLV, don't despair, she might get it over and or be with you a long lifetime. I hope she and you will be okay..sending light from Fairbury, Nebraska, U.S.! Marta http://homelessnomore.webs.com/___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
[Felvtalk] (no subject)
Sunday, February 5, 2012 3:44 PM My cat Moses tested positive for FeLv. Since I have many other cats, I isolated him in a room in my house, retested three months later and he tested negative. That was about 6 years ago. He's still going strong and happy. If Ginger is an only cat, just allow her to continue her life, retest in about two or three months. Even if she's still positive, that's NOT a death sentence if she's happy and free from stress and physical danger. Feed her good food, clean water. Think simple. If she has a problem with something, it may be just a normal cat situation, not related to leukemia but always have it checked out. Most important, get a second opinion and a vet who is going to treat Ginger as if she has years of life ahead of her. Be happy and don't look at her as if she's a pending fatality. Look at her the same way you have been doing all along. A wonderful cat enjoying her life. ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] (no subject)
Hi, everyone: OK - I guess this is where I should come in and explain about what happened to me, based on the note below: If anyone can remember, about 3 1/2 yrs ago, Eliot Spitty, was diagnosed by the ELISA test to be FeLV positive. I couldn't find him a home, so I found another positive cat for him after 2 years of him being all alone (they became close buddies almost overnight). After I joined the group, I learned about the IFA test, had them both tested in June, they were negative. I introduced them to the rest of the cats (I operate a cat rescue group from our home). Eliot died of renal failure in September (euthanized), and Mr. Tux being such a snuggle bunny, was adopted three weeks ago to a home where another cat was adopted from me over 10 years ago. A week ago, Mr. Tux started losing appetite, and developed 105 temperature. The woman's sister is a veterinarian, knowing his history, she immediately tested him ELISA IFA - both were positive, and his virus is already in his bone marrow. They are heartbroken because their 7-yr old daughter and Mr. Tux fell in love at first sight - he slept under her arm, the other cat, Riley, at her side. The cats were friendly, but not close (but as we know, FeLV is a very sneaky virus). They will have to test Riley in about 5 weeks, Mr. Tux went to live with the vet who has a real animal-loving 3-yr old and a dog (Mr. Tux likes dogs). Bottom line is: All my cats have been exposed to Eliot and Mr. Tux since mid-June. Since the youngest and oldest or not-so-healthy cats are at most risk, I started with our 6-month old Hammie who was only 5 weeks old when he came to us. We also tested a cat that had to have another blood tests for his ongoing renal problem - both were NEGATIVE! However, little Hammie has a 1045.2 temperature, yet was exposed to Mr. Tux long enough to have shown reliable results. Hammie had an episode of unknown origin in September, of 104.4 temperature. I will test the youngest ones first, then the oldest and weakest. The middle class will come last. I don't know what the results will be, I hope that they're all OK - but if it isn't, I am already doing research into natural things, changing their diets (even if it means I have to cook for them). I am re-reading Anitra Frazier's The New Natural Cat and Dr. Pitcairn's Natural Health for Dogs and Cats - have had the books for years. Will also check out my Nicholas Dodd The Cat that Cried for Help, maybe there's some advice ion there. The more I read about the tests, the more it becomes obvious that even if the IFA comes back negative after a positive ELISA, it only means that the virus just isn't in the bone marrow yet. If the cat tests positive on ELISA and negative on a follow-up ELISA, then the cat is negative. Unless, of course, the ELISA was a false positive, and again a false positive, which I assume can also happen - there are so many variables, and it's a shame that so many false positives occur, and so many vets tell people to euthanize their cats just because they have tested positive. I have privately sent some info I found to the other two who have reported cats diagnosed with FeLV, too large to send to this group. I will send it to Lee as well. I am keeping my hopes up that my household won't become a FeLV clinic.. Natalie =^..^= From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Lee Evans Sent: Sunday, February 05, 2012 4:31 PM To: felvtalk Subject: [Felvtalk] (no subject) Sunday, February 5, 2012 3:44 PM My cat Moses tested positive for FeLv. Since I have many other cats, I isolated him in a room in my house, retested three months later and he tested negative. That was about 6 years ago. He's still going strong and happy. If Ginger is an only cat, just allow her to continue her life, retest in about two or three months. Even if she's still positive, that's NOT a death sentence if she's happy and free from stress and physical danger. Feed her good food, clean water. Think simple. If she has a problem with something, it may be just a normal cat situation, not related to leukemia but always have it checked out. Most important, get a second opinion and a vet who is going to treat Ginger as if she has years of life ahead of her. Be happy and don't look at her as if she's a pending fatality. Look at her the same way you have been doing all along. A wonderful cat enjoying her life. ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
[Felvtalk] Feline Leukemia, how contagious is it?
There are cats who test positive who are not and cats who test negative who are not. The tests in general are not very reliable. However, I have had quite a lot of experience with cats who tested positive for FeLV. Taco and Smooch were two who tested positive for both FeLv and FIV. They lived together in good health for almost three years. Taco developed lymphoma and passed away quickly at home. Smooch developed a non-specific illness, never really stopped eating but suffered from non-absorption. He passed away a couple of months after his roommate. I had kept them both isolated from the rest of my group. I miss them both terribly but I gave them the best chance they could get to live the longest that they were meant to live. I have one more who tested positive for both. I'm going to retest him this week, finally get him neutered now that he is fat and healthy (street rescue). If he's still positive for FeLv I will try to find him a roommate. If he's negative for FeLv he will go with my FIV+ cats. In the past, I have had a group of cats living with one who tested false negative for feline leukemia. All lived together for about 7 years. When Tiger became ill, he was about 13, never having been outside or exposed to any cats not in his family for all those years. Aside from the fact that he developed renal failure, he tested positive for feline leukemia. His 8 housemates were tested some time after he passed. All were negative and remained negative for the rest of their lives. The last of his mates passed two years ago at the age of 16. I don't recommend mixing FeLV+ cats with others but it's also not a death sentence and not as contagious as the vets will make you think, unless the cat is actually showing symptoms of the illness. However, everyone needs to use her/his own judgment. ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] My heart is broken
Also, what tests were used? On Sun, Feb 5, 2012 at 12:13 PM, Sally Davis putty...@gmail.com wrote: Is she showing any symptoms? It has ben a while since I had a FELV kitty. For now feed her the best you can. Treat any infections she may get as her immune system may not fight them off. Others here may advise treatment. Sally Feb 5, 2012 at 5:16 PM, botha.marin...@gmail.com wrote: My darling ginger cat has been diagnosed with feline leukemia. I am devastated because the vet says that there is nothing he can do to help us. We try our uttermost best to feed our cat but don't know what to do to help our darling. Is there some kind of medication that we could recommend to our vet? Could someone PLEASE help us to get through this traumatic experience? We live in South Africa and don't know where to get help. Please help us! Marinda Sent via my BlackBerry from Vodacom - let your email find you! ___ 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 -- Go Get a Life---Go Get a Shelter Animal! Ask your local animal pound to start saving over 90% of their intake by implementing the No Kill Equation: http://www.nokilladvocacycenter.org/ Legislate better animal pound conditions: http://www.rescue50.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] Feline Leukemia, how contagious is it?
They can be free of symptoms, still be carriers that can pass it on, unfortunately! From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Lee Evans Sent: Sunday, February 05, 2012 5:51 PM To: felvtalk Subject: [Felvtalk] Feline Leukemia, how contagious is it? There are cats who test positive who are not and cats who test negative who are not. The tests in general are not very reliable. However, I have had quite a lot of experience with cats who tested positive for FeLV. Taco and Smooch were two who tested positive for both FeLv and FIV. They lived together in good health for almost three years. Taco developed lymphoma and passed away quickly at home. Smooch developed a non-specific illness, never really stopped eating but suffered from non-absorption. He passed away a couple of months after his roommate. I had kept them both isolated from the rest of my group. I miss them both terribly but I gave them the best chance they could get to live the longest that they were meant to live. I have one more who tested positive for both. I'm going to retest him this week, finally get him neutered now that he is fat and healthy (street rescue). If he's still positive for FeLv I will try to find him a roommate. If he's negative for FeLv he will go with my FIV+ cats. In the past, I have had a group of cats living with one who tested false negative for feline leukemia. All lived together for about 7 years. When Tiger became ill, he was about 13, never having been outside or exposed to any cats not in his family for all those years. Aside from the fact that he developed renal failure, he tested positive for feline leukemia. His 8 housemates were tested some time after he passed. All were negative and remained negative for the rest of their lives. The last of his mates passed two years ago at the age of 16. I don't recommend mixing FeLV+ cats with others but it's also not a death sentence and not as contagious as the vets will make you think, unless the cat is actually showing symptoms of the illness. However, everyone needs to use her/his own judgment. ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] (no subject)
Yes, that is correct. A positive Elisa a negative IFA means the Cat IS positive, the virus is just not replicating in the bone marrow yet. That's why I worry when people get so excited about a negative IFA. It really only means the cat may still throw off the virus. It's strange your vet didn't make that clear. But then some vets seem clueless when it comes to this virus. Hoping for the best for your babies. Beth GRAS g...@optonline.net wrote: Hi, everyone: OK - I guess this is where I should come in and explain about what happened to me, based on the note below: If anyone can remember, about 3 1/2 yrs ago, Eliot Spitty, was diagnosed by the ELISA test to be FeLV positive. I couldn't find him a home, so I found another positive cat for him after 2 years of him being all alone (they became close buddies almost overnight). After I joined the group, I learned about the IFA test, had them both tested in June, they were negative. I introduced them to the rest of the cats (I operate a cat rescue group from our home). Eliot died of renal failure in September (euthanized), and Mr. Tux being such a snuggle bunny, was adopted three weeks ago to a home where another cat was adopted from me over 10 years ago. A week ago, Mr. Tux started losing appetite, and developed 105 temperature. The woman's sister is a veterinarian, knowing his history, she immediately tested him ELISA IFA - both were positive, and his virus is already in his bone marrow. They are heartbroken because their 7-yr old daughter and Mr. Tux fell in love at first sight - he slept under her arm, the other cat, Riley, at her side. The cats were friendly, but not close (but as we know, FeLV is a very sneaky virus). They will have to test Riley in about 5 weeks, Mr. Tux went to live with the vet who has a real animal-loving 3-yr old and a dog (Mr. Tux likes dogs). Bottom line is: All my cats have been exposed to Eliot and Mr. Tux since mid-June. Since the youngest and oldest or not-so-healthy cats are at most risk, I started with our 6-month old Hammie who was only 5 weeks old when he came to us. We also tested a cat that had to have another blood tests for his ongoing renal problem - both were NEGATIVE! However, little Hammie has a 1045.2 temperature, yet was exposed to Mr. Tux long enough to have shown reliable results. Hammie had an episode of unknown origin in September, of 104.4 temperature. I will test the youngest ones first, then the oldest and weakest. The middle class will come last. I don't know what the results will be, I hope that they're all OK - but if it isn't, I am already doing research into natural things, changing their diets (even if it means I have to cook for them). I am re-reading Anitra Frazier's The New Natural Cat and Dr. Pitcairn's Natural Health for Dogs and Cats - have had the books for years. Will also check out my Nicholas Dodd The Cat that Cried for Help, maybe there's some advice ion there. The more I read about the tests, the more it becomes obvious that even if the IFA comes back negative after a positive ELISA, it only means that the virus just isn't in the bone marrow yet. If the cat tests positive on ELISA and negative on a follow-up ELISA, then the cat is negative. Unless, of course, the ELISA was a false positive, and again a false positive, which I assume can also happen - there are so many variables, and it's a shame that so many false positives occur, and so many vets tell people to euthanize their cats just because they have tested positive. I have privately sent some info I found to the other two who have reported cats diagnosed with FeLV, too large to send to this group. I will send it to Lee as well. I am keeping my hopes up that my household won't become a FeLV clinic.. Natalie =^..^= From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Lee Evans Sent: Sunday, February 05, 2012 4:31 PM To: felvtalk Subject: [Felvtalk] (no subject) Sunday, February 5, 2012 3:44 PM My cat Moses tested positive for FeLv. Since I have many other cats, I isolated him in a room in my house, retested three months later and he tested negative. That was about 6 years ago. He's still going strong and happy. If Ginger is an only cat, just allow her to continue her life, retest in about two or three months. Even if she's still positive, that's NOT a death sentence if she's happy and free from stress and physical danger. Feed her good food, clean water. Think simple. If she has a problem with something, it may be just a normal cat situation, not related to leukemia but always have it checked out. Most important, get a second opinion and a vet who is going to treat Ginger as if she has years of life ahead of her. Be happy and don't look at her as if she's a pending fatality. Look at her the same way you have been doing all along. A wonderful cat enjoying her life. ___ Felvtalk mailing
Re: [Felvtalk] (no subject)
A positive Elisa a negative IFA means the Cat IS positive - Yes, UNLESS the ELISA was a false positive, which means that ideally, one should retest with the ELISA and see how it comes out (both positive or positive and negative) and then go from there Yes, it is amazing with all the misinformation...I remember reading things last year that are different this year (from the same sources...) makes one really wonder! Natalie -Original Message- From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Beth Sent: Sunday, February 05, 2012 7:22 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] (no subject) Yes, that is correct. A positive Elisa a negative IFA means the Cat IS positive, the virus is just not replicating in the bone marrow yet. That's why I worry when people get so excited about a negative IFA. It really only means the cat may still throw off the virus. It's strange your vet didn't make that clear. But then some vets seem clueless when it comes to this virus. Hoping for the best for your babies. Beth GRAS g...@optonline.net wrote: Hi, everyone: OK - I guess this is where I should come in and explain about what happened to me, based on the note below: If anyone can remember, about 3 1/2 yrs ago, Eliot Spitty, was diagnosed by the ELISA test to be FeLV positive. I couldn't find him a home, so I found another positive cat for him after 2 years of him being all alone (they became close buddies almost overnight). After I joined the group, I learned about the IFA test, had them both tested in June, they were negative. I introduced them to the rest of the cats (I operate a cat rescue group from our home). Eliot died of renal failure in September (euthanized), and Mr. Tux being such a snuggle bunny, was adopted three weeks ago to a home where another cat was adopted from me over 10 years ago. A week ago, Mr. Tux started losing appetite, and developed 105 temperature. The woman's sister is a veterinarian, knowing his history, she immediately tested him ELISA IFA - both were positive, and his virus is already in his bone marrow. They are heartbroken because their 7-yr old daughter and Mr. Tux fell in love at first sight - he slept under her arm, the other cat, Riley, at her side. The cats were friendly, but not close (but as we know, FeLV is a very sneaky virus). They will have to test Riley in about 5 weeks, Mr. Tux went to live with the vet who has a real animal-loving 3-yr old and a dog (Mr. Tux likes dogs). Bottom line is: All my cats have been exposed to Eliot and Mr. Tux since mid-June. Since the youngest and oldest or not-so-healthy cats are at most risk, I started with our 6-month old Hammie who was only 5 weeks old when he came to us. We also tested a cat that had to have another blood tests for his ongoing renal problem - both were NEGATIVE! However, little Hammie has a 1045.2 temperature, yet was exposed to Mr. Tux long enough to have shown reliable results. Hammie had an episode of unknown origin in September, of 104.4 temperature. I will test the youngest ones first, then the oldest and weakest. The middle class will come last. I don't know what the results will be, I hope that they're all OK - but if it isn't, I am already doing research into natural things, changing their diets (even if it means I have to cook for them). I am re-reading Anitra Frazier's The New Natural Cat and Dr. Pitcairn's Natural Health for Dogs and Cats - have had the books for years. Will also check out my Nicholas Dodd The Cat that Cried for Help, maybe there's some advice ion there. The more I read about the tests, the more it becomes obvious that even if the IFA comes back negative after a positive ELISA, it only means that the virus just isn't in the bone marrow yet. If the cat tests positive on ELISA and negative on a follow-up ELISA, then the cat is negative. Unless, of course, the ELISA was a false positive, and again a false positive, which I assume can also happen - there are so many variables, and it's a shame that so many false positives occur, and so many vets tell people to euthanize their cats just because they have tested positive. I have privately sent some info I found to the other two who have reported cats diagnosed with FeLV, too large to send to this group. I will send it to Lee as well. I am keeping my hopes up that my household won't become a FeLV clinic.. Natalie =^..^= From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Lee Evans Sent: Sunday, February 05, 2012 4:31 PM To: felvtalk Subject: [Felvtalk] (no subject) Sunday, February 5, 2012 3:44 PM My cat Moses tested positive for FeLv. Since I have many other cats, I isolated him in a room in my house, retested three months later and he tested negative. That was about 6 years ago. He's still going strong and happy. If Ginger is an only cat, just
Re: [Felvtalk] My heart is broken
Marinda, we all understand how devastated you are. I've lost 10 FeLV + kitties. All I can recommend is to feed the best food you can, give lots of love, watch for other illnesses and treat them immediately. There is no cure. Many including myself have tried various supplements. I can't say they helped. Hugs to your ginger darling Sharyl - Original Message - From: botha.marin...@gmail.com botha.marin...@gmail.com To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Cc: Sent: Sunday, February 5, 2012 5:16 PM Subject: [Felvtalk] My heart is broken My darling ginger cat has been diagnosed with feline leukemia. I am devastated because the vet says that there is nothing he can do to help us. We try our uttermost best to feed our cat but don't know what to do to help our darling. Is there some kind of medication that we could recommend to our vet? Could someone PLEASE help us to get through this traumatic experience? We live in South Africa and don't know where to get help. Please help us! Marinda Sent via my BlackBerry from Vodacom - let your email find you! ___ 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
Re: [Felvtalk] (no subject)
Yes, alwsys retest on a positive SNAP test, but there seems to be a lot of people who think a negstive IFA means the cat is negative. Thats just as scary as people not understanding to always retest a positive. GRAS g...@optonline.net wrote: A positive Elisa a negative IFA means the Cat IS positive - Yes, UNLESS the ELISA was a false positive, which means that ideally, one should retest with the ELISA and see how it comes out (both positive or positive and negative) and then go from there Yes, it is amazing with all the misinformation...I remember reading things last year that are different this year (from the same sources...) makes one really wonder! Natalie -Original Message- From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Beth Sent: Sunday, February 05, 2012 7:22 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] (no subject) Yes, that is correct. A positive Elisa a negative IFA means the Cat IS positive, the virus is just not replicating in the bone marrow yet. That's why I worry when people get so excited about a negative IFA. It really only means the cat may still throw off the virus. It's strange your vet didn't make that clear. But then some vets seem clueless when it comes to this virus. Hoping for the best for your babies. Beth GRAS g...@optonline.net wrote: Hi, everyone: OK - I guess this is where I should come in and explain about what happened to me, based on the note below: If anyone can remember, about 3 1/2 yrs ago, Eliot Spitty, was diagnosed by the ELISA test to be FeLV positive. I couldn't find him a home, so I found another positive cat for him after 2 years of him being all alone (they became close buddies almost overnight). After I joined the group, I learned about the IFA test, had them both tested in June, they were negative. I introduced them to the rest of the cats (I operate a cat rescue group from our home). Eliot died of renal failure in September (euthanized), and Mr. Tux being such a snuggle bunny, was adopted three weeks ago to a home where another cat was adopted from me over 10 years ago. A week ago, Mr. Tux started losing appetite, and developed 105 temperature. The woman's sister is a veterinarian, knowing his history, she immediately tested him ELISA IFA - both were positive, and his virus is already in his bone marrow. They are heartbroken because their 7-yr old daughter and Mr. Tux fell in love at first sight - he slept under her arm, the other cat, Riley, at her side. The cats were friendly, but not close (but as we know, FeLV is a very sneaky virus). They will have to test Riley in about 5 weeks, Mr. Tux went to live with the vet who has a real animal-loving 3-yr old and a dog (Mr. Tux likes dogs). Bottom line is: All my cats have been exposed to Eliot and Mr. Tux since mid-June. Since the youngest and oldest or not-so-healthy cats are at most risk, I started with our 6-month old Hammie who was only 5 weeks old when he came to us. We also tested a cat that had to have another blood tests for his ongoing renal problem - both were NEGATIVE! However, little Hammie has a 1045.2 temperature, yet was exposed to Mr. Tux long enough to have shown reliable results. Hammie had an episode of unknown origin in September, of 104.4 temperature. I will test the youngest ones first, then the oldest and weakest. The middle class will come last. I don't know what the results will be, I hope that they're all OK - but if it isn't, I am already doing research into natural things, changing their diets (even if it means I have to cook for them). I am re-reading Anitra Frazier's The New Natural Cat and Dr. Pitcairn's Natural Health for Dogs and Cats - have had the books for years. Will also check out my Nicholas Dodd The Cat that Cried for Help, maybe there's some advice ion there. The more I read about the tests, the more it becomes obvious that even if the IFA comes back negative after a positive ELISA, it only means that the virus just isn't in the bone marrow yet. If the cat tests positive on ELISA and negative on a follow-up ELISA, then the cat is negative. Unless, of course, the ELISA was a false positive, and again a false positive, which I assume can also happen - there are so many variables, and it's a shame that so many false positives occur, and so many vets tell people to euthanize their cats just because they have tested positive. I have privately sent some info I found to the other two who have reported cats diagnosed with FeLV, too large to send to this group. I will send it to Lee as well. I am keeping my hopes up that my household won't become a FeLV clinic.. Natalie =^..^= From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Lee Evans Sent: Sunday, February 05, 2012 4:31 PM To: felvtalk Subject: [Felvtalk] (no subject) Sunday, February 5, 2012 3:44 PM My cat Moses
Re: [Felvtalk] (no subject)
Natalie, It could be that Mr. Tux had the FeLV virus but it was dormant. When it is dormant they won't test positive on either test and they can't spread it. Maybe the stress of changing homes re-activated the virus. If that was the case then none of your cats have been exposed to it. Let's hope it was something like that so none of your cats have been exposed and they will all be negative. Maureen Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2012 21:30:30 -0500 From: create_me_...@yahoo.com To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] (no subject) Yes, alwsys retest on a positive SNAP test, but there seems to be a lot of people who think a negstive IFA means the cat is negative. Thats just as scary as people not understanding to always retest a positive. GRAS g...@optonline.net wrote: A positive Elisa a negative IFA means the Cat IS positive - Yes, UNLESS the ELISA was a false positive, which means that ideally, one should retest with the ELISA and see how it comes out (both positive or positive and negative) and then go from there Yes, it is amazing with all the misinformation...I remember reading things last year that are different this year (from the same sources...) makes one really wonder! Natalie -Original Message- From: felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org [mailto:felvtalk-boun...@felineleukemia.org] On Behalf Of Beth Sent: Sunday, February 05, 2012 7:22 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] (no subject) Yes, that is correct. A positive Elisa a negative IFA means the Cat IS positive, the virus is just not replicating in the bone marrow yet. That's why I worry when people get so excited about a negative IFA. It really only means the cat may still throw off the virus. It's strange your vet didn't make that clear. But then some vets seem clueless when it comes to this virus. Hoping for the best for your babies. Beth GRAS g...@optonline.net wrote: Hi, everyone: OK - I guess this is where I should come in and explain about what happened to me, based on the note below: If anyone can remember, about 3 1/2 yrs ago, Eliot Spitty, was diagnosed by the ELISA test to be FeLV positive. I couldn't find him a home, so I found another positive cat for him after 2 years of him being all alone (they became close buddies almost overnight). After I joined the group, I learned about the IFA test, had them both tested in June, they were negative. I introduced them to the rest of the cats (I operate a cat rescue group from our home). Eliot died of renal failure in September (euthanized), and Mr. Tux being such a snuggle bunny, was adopted three weeks ago to a home where another cat was adopted from me over 10 years ago. A week ago, Mr. Tux started losing appetite, and developed 105 temperature. The woman's sister is a veterinarian, knowing his history, she immediately tested him ELISA IFA - both were positive, and his virus is already in his bone marrow. They are heartbroken because their 7-yr old daughter and Mr. Tux fell in love at first sight - he slept under her arm, the other cat, Riley, at her side. The cats were friendly, but not close (but as we know, FeLV is a very sneaky virus). They will have to test Riley in about 5 weeks, Mr. Tux went to live with the vet who has a real animal-loving 3-yr old and a dog (Mr. Tux likes dogs). Bottom line is: All my cats have been exposed to Eliot and Mr. Tux since mid-June. Since the youngest and oldest or not-so-healthy cats are at most risk, I started with our 6-month old Hammie who was only 5 weeks old when he came to us. We also tested a cat that had to have another blood tests for his ongoing renal problem - both were NEGATIVE! However, little Hammie has a 1045.2 temperature, yet was exposed to Mr. Tux long enough to have shown reliable results. Hammie had an episode of unknown origin in September, of 104.4 temperature. I will test the youngest ones first, then the oldest and weakest. The middle class will come last. I don't know what the results will be, I hope that they're all OK - but if it isn't, I am already doing research into natural things, changing their diets (even if it means I have to cook for them). I am re-reading Anitra Frazier's The New Natural Cat and Dr. Pitcairn's Natural Health for Dogs and Cats - have had the books for years. Will also check out my Nicholas Dodd The Cat that Cried for Help, maybe there's some advice ion there. The more I read about the tests, the more it becomes obvious that even if the IFA comes back negative after a positive ELISA, it only means that the virus just isn't in the bone marrow yet. If the cat tests positive on ELISA and negative on a follow-up ELISA, then the cat is negative. Unless, of course, the ELISA was a false positive, and again a false positive, which I assume can also happen - there are so many variables, and it's a shame that so
Re: [Felvtalk] My heart is broken
Does she have any symtoms or just diagnosed? How old is she? My 2 were diagnsed after the age of 1 year and doing well with no treaatment other than good food, lots of love and taking them to the vet whenever I notice aything different. Will keep both of you in my prayers. Sally Davis putty...@gmail.com wrote: Is she showing any symptoms? It has ben a while since I had a FELV kitty. For now feed her the best you can. Treat any infections she may get as her immune system may not fight them off. Others here may advise treatment. Sally Feb 5, 2012 at 5:16 PM, botha.marin...@gmail.com wrote: My darling ginger cat has been diagnosed with feline leukemia. I am devastated because the vet says that there is nothing he can do to help us. We try our uttermost best to feed our cat but don't know what to do to help our darling. Is there some kind of medication that we could recommend to our vet? Could someone PLEASE help us to get through this traumatic experience? We live in South Africa and don't know where to get help. Please help us! Marinda Sent via my BlackBerry from Vodacom - let your email find you! ___ 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
Re: [Felvtalk] (no subject)
My 2 felv cats are part of a 7 cat pride. They share everything , have an occassional boxing. hissing match, go outside (usually for 2 hrs) in nice weather and get lots of attention, love . The others all get their vaccination for felv. They have been together for almost 5 years now and all are health, happy, contented cats. I think the most important factors are good food, love, lack of stress and prompt vet care. My 2 girls couldn't be healthier, sleek, shiny coats, well muscled and spoiled rotten. Don't despair. Love them and lt them enjoy the life they are meant to have, that is ll we can do. The rest is up to God. Lee Evans moonsiste...@yahoo.com wrote: Sunday, February 5, 2012 3:44 PM My cat Moses tested positive for FeLv. Since I have many other cats, I isolated him in a room in my house, retested three months later and he tested negative. That was about 6 years ago. He's still going strong and happy. If Ginger is an only cat, just allow her to continue her life, retest in about two or three months. Even if she's still positive, that's NOT a death sentence if she's happy and free from stress and physical danger. Feed her good food, clean water. Think simple. If she has a problem with something, it may be just a normal cat situation, not related to leukemia but always have it checked out. Most important, get a second opinion and a vet who is going to treat Ginger as if she has years of life ahead of her. Be happy and don't look at her as if she's a pending fatality. Look at her the same way you have been doing all along. A wonderful cat enjoying her life. ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
