RE: My Little Luna
Title: Message Dear Kris, I'm so sorry. Please know you're in my thoughts as you grieve for your sweet Luna. It's ok to cry and cry and let it all out. Everyone's different, but picking up on what you say here I know it's also helped me when the pain of loss seemed overwhelming to remember that he, or she, was no longer in pain, and no longer suffering. I'm just glad that Luna knew what it was to be so loved and cared for and knew he could trust you to do the best for him. hugs, Kerry Thank you. It's been hours, and I still have my other cats, but I still can't find peace within myself. I know he's probably content now; he's not in pain and he's not suffering. But I'm grieving so terribly bad. I can't stop. It has not been like this for my other kitties. I don't mean I didn't grieve, I did. But the crying would stop. I just can't seem to with Luna's death. It just seems so much more unfair because he was so little still. This was the hardest thing I've ever experienced in my life. Maybe it was because he died in my arms and my others didn't. - Original Message From: Kris Kulak <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgSent: Sunday, October 15, 2006 4:21:02 PMSubject: Re: My Little LunaHe died in my arms. He was so weak. I couldn't bear the pain he was having.[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I am so, so, so sorry. Did he die during the transfusion? It's ok if you can not write about it, but it might help us in the future to know this. Michelle IRS CIRCULAR 230 NOTICE. Any advice expressed above as to tax matters was neither written nor intended by the sender or Mayer, Brown, Rowe & Maw LLP to be used and cannot be used by any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties that may be imposed under U.S. tax law. If any person uses or refers to any such tax advice in promoting, marketing or recommending a partnership or other entity, investment plan or arrangement to any taxpayer, then (i) the advice was written to support the promotion or marketing (by a person other than Mayer, Brown, Rowe & Maw LLP) of that transaction or matter, and (ii) such taxpayers should seek advice based on the taxpayers particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor. This email and any files transmitted with it are intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify the system manager. If you are not the named addressee you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail.
Re: My Little Luna
Hi Kris, I"m sorry that Luna didn't make it. It sounds like you were facing an uphill battle and did all you could. I'm so sorry. tonyaKris Kulak <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: My Little Luna didn't make it. He died because I guess of all the stress. His levels had dropped even lower than Friday. He's at peace now. It was too much for him. God I feel awful.Belinda <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: You may want to go ahead with the transfusion to buy time, the epogen can take up to three weeks to work. With Bailey my vet feels it was mainly the prednisolone that helped with his anemia but we can't say for sure since he was on both. Bailey started epogen when his HCT was at 18%, it went down before it went up. He got as low as 15%, but within 5 or 6 weeks with the epogen and pred his HCT was back up to 40%, even after he passed it was still at 33%, which is very normal. He started epogen at 3 times a week and after his anemia was corrected we went to 1 time a week and very gradually lowered his pred from 20mgs to 5mgs a day over a period of weeks, pred has to be tapered very slowly, their bodies stop producing it when they get it supplemented in high doses.-- Belindahappiness is being owned by cats ...Be-Mi-Kittieshttp://bemikitties.comPost Adoptable FeLV/FIV/FIP Cats/Kittenshttp://adopt.bemikitties.comFeLV Candlelight Servicehttp://bemikitties.com/clsHostDesign4U.com [affordable hosting & web design]http://HostDesign4U.comBMK Designs [non-profit animals websites]http://bmk.bemikitties.com
RE: My Little Luna
I am so sorry for your loss of your special Luna --- I think actually “crying” helps… I just lost my Tsubomi a week ago and have lost seven other kitties within the past year, and the pains never gets easier.. but it really helps me to know that the bond that I have had with them will continue to live and they will be always in my heart.. and Luna’s soul is right besides you as well.. From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Kris Kulak Sent: Sunday, October 15, 2006 7:14 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: My Little Luna Thank you. It's been hours, and I still have my other cats, but I still can't find peace within myself. I know he's probably content now; he's not in pain and he's not suffering. But I'm grieving so terribly bad. I can't stop. It has not been like this for my other kitties. I don't mean I didn't grieve, I did. But the crying would stop. I just can't seem to with Luna's death. It just seems so much more unfair because he was so little still. This was the hardest thing I've ever experienced in my life. Maybe it was because he died in my arms and my others didn't. Barb Moermond <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Oh Kris, I'm so so sorry. GLOW to light his path and ease your pain. Barb+Smoky the House Puma+El Bandito Malito "My cat the clown: paying no mind to whom he should impress. Merely living his life, doing what pleases him, and making me smile." - Anonymous - Original Message From: Kris Kulak <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Sunday, October 15, 2006 4:21:02 PM Subject: Re: My Little Luna He died in my arms. He was so weak. I couldn't bear the pain he was having. [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I am so, so, so sorry. Did he die during the transfusion? It's ok if you can not write about it, but it might help us in the future to know this. Michelle
Re: My Little Luna
Yes, perhaps it is that he died in your arms and was so young which makes it so much more painful. I know it was very hard for you, but I am glad that he was in your loving arms when he passed. What a gift to him that his last moments he knew your love and warmth. (((Kris))) Gina Kris Kulak <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:Thank you. It's been hours, and I still have my other cats, but I still can't find peace within myself. I know he's probably content now; he's not in pain and he's not suffering. But I'm grieving so terribly bad. I can't stop. It has not been like this for my other kitties. I don't mean I didn't grieve, I did. But the crying would stop. I just can't seem to with Luna's death. It just seems so much more unfair because he was so little still. This was the hardest thing I've ever experienced in my life. Maybe it was because he died in my arms and my others didn't. Barb Moermond <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:Oh Kris, I'm so so sorry. GLOW to light his path and ease your pain. Barb+Smoky the House Puma+El Bandito Malito"My cat the clown: paying no mind to whom he should impress. Merely living his life, doing what pleases him, and making me smile." - Anonymous - Original Message From: Kris Kulak <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgSent: Sunday, October 15, 2006 4:21:02 PMSubject: Re: My Little LunaHe died in my arms. He was so weak. I couldn't bear the pain he was having.[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I am so, so, so sorry. Did he die during the transfusion? It's ok if you can not write about it, but it might help us in the future to know this. MichelleVisit my Tigger Tales site! See my cats' gallery at Zazzle Yahoo! Messenger with Voice. Make PC-to-Phone Calls to the US (and 30+ countries) for 2¢/min or less.
Re: My Little Luna
I am so sorry Kris! Gina Kris Kulak <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: My Little Luna didn't make it. He died because I guess of all the stress. His levels had dropped even lower than Friday. He's at peace now. It was too much for him. God I feel awful.Belinda <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: You may want to go ahead with the transfusion to buy time, the epogen can take up to three weeks to work. With Bailey my vet feels it was mainly the prednisolone that helped with his anemia but we can't say for sure since he was on both. Bailey started epogen when his HCT was at 18%, it went down before it went up. He got as low as 15%, but within 5 or 6 weeks with the epogen and pred his HCT was back up to 40%, even after he passed it was still at 33%, which is very normal. He started epogen at 3 times a week and after his anemia was corrected we went to 1 time a week and very gradually lowered his pred from 20mgs to 5mgs a day over a period of weeks, pred has to be tapered very slowly, their bodies stop producing it when they get it supplemented in high doses.-- Belindahappiness is being owned by cats ...Be-Mi-Kittieshttp://bemikitties.comPost Adoptable FeLV/FIV/FIP Cats/Kittenshttp://adopt.bemikitties.comFeLV Candlelight Servicehttp://bemikitties.com/clsHostDesign4U.com [affordable hosting & web design]http://HostDesign4U.comBMK Designs [non-profit animals websites]http://bmk.bemikitties.comVisit my Tigger Tales site! See my cats' gallery at Zazzle Get your own web address for just $1.99/1st yr. We'll help. Yahoo! Small Business.
RE: My Little Luna
Kris, I'm so sorry Luna had to leave you. Gentlest of Bridge vibes to him, and comfort to you. Our Patches came to us as a stray at the beginning of July and left for the Bridge in mid-August, so we barely had time to find out what a sweet little guy he was before he was gone. It was almost worse than if he had been with us for years because we were trying to learn about this disease "on the fly" and give him some decent "face time" even though we had to keep him isolated the whole time he was here, and going crazy when he stopped eating and knowing we didn't have the resources to take extraordinary measures if they were called for. It was like his whole time with us was crisis mode, and we would have loved to just relax and enjoy him. He was older than your boy, probably 3-4 years, and we're hoping he has a chance to come back to us so we can really get to know him. Maybe your Luna will do the same. Diane R. -Original Message-From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]On Behalf Of Kris KulakSent: Sunday, October 15, 2006 4:17 PMTo: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgSubject: Re: My Little LunaMy Little Luna didn't make it. He died because I guess of all the stress. His levels had dropped even lower than Friday. He's at peace now. It was too much for him. God I feel awful.Belinda <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: You may want to go ahead with the transfusion to buy time, the epogen can take up to three weeks to work. With Bailey my vet feels it was mainly the prednisolone that helped with his anemia but we can't say for sure since he was on both. Bailey started epogen when his HCT was at 18%, it went down before it went up. He got as low as 15%, but within 5 or 6 weeks with the epogen and pred his HCT was back up to 40%, even after he passed it was still at 33%, which is very normal. He started epogen at 3 times a week and after his anemia was corrected we went to 1 time a week and very gradually lowered his pred from 20mgs to 5mgs a day over a period of weeks, pred has to be tapered very slowly, their bodies stop producing it when they get it supplemented in high doses.-- Belindahappiness is being owned by cats ...Be-Mi-Kittieshttp://bemikitties.comPost Adoptable FeLV/FIV/FIP Cats/Kittenshttp://adopt.bemikitties.comFeLV Candlelight Servicehttp://bemikitties.com/clsHostDesign4U.com [affordable hosting & web design]http://HostDesign4U.comBMK Designs [non-profit animals websites]http://bmk.bemikitties.com
Re: My Little Luna
I am so very sorry. elizabeth In a message dated 10/15/2006 4:17:37 P.M. Central Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: My Little Luna didn't make it. He died because I guess of all the stress. His levels had dropped even lower than Friday. He's at peace now. It was too much for him. God I feel awful.Belinda <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: You may want to go ahead with the transfusion to buy time, the epogen can take up to three weeks to work. With Bailey my vet feels it was mainly the prednisolone that helped with his anemia but we can't say for sure since he was on both. Bailey started epogen when his HCT was at 18%, it went down before it went up. He got as low as 15%, but within 5 or 6 weeks with the epogen and pred his HCT was back up to 40%, even after he passed it was still at 33%, which is very normal. He started epogen at 3 times a week and after his anemia was corrected we went to 1 time a week and very gradually lowered his pred from 20mgs to 5mgs a day over a period of weeks, pred has to be tapered very slowly, their bodies stop producing it when they get it supplemented in high doses.-- Belindahappiness is being owned by cats ...Be-Mi-Kittieshttp://bemikitties.comPost Adoptable FeLV/FIV/FIP Cats/Kittenshttp://adopt.bemikitties.comFeLV Candlelight Servicehttp://bemikitties.com/clsHostDesign4U.com [affordable hosting & web design]http://HostDesign4U.comBMK Designs [non-profit animals websites]http://bmk.bemikitties.com If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow man. ~St. Francis
Re: My Little Luna
Thank you. It means a lot to know so many care.Sally Davis <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Hi Kristina,I am so sorry and understand your dilemma. I still question the decision I made about one of my cats. I think you will know in your heart when the time is right.Bless you,SallyAt 07:42 AM 10/15/2006 -0700, you wrote:>Hi Everyone,>>It's been awhile since I have posted, but I've been keeping up. I have two >FeLV cats and 2 that aren't. From information I have gathered here, I >learned that I should isolate the non-FeLV cats ffom the positives. >They've been mixed for almost two years now. I've also learned about >different medications and which would be the best to give them.>>Unfortunately, one of my FeLV cats, Luna who's always been a tiny little >thing, has recently become extremely lethargic. We took him into the vet >on Friday and were told that the leukemia is now getting to him. He's so >very anemic and he's become quite bony. We were told that he won't have >long. Yet, he's very alert; his eyes aren't glossed over as you would >expect a sick cat's to be. He's still interested in things going on around >him, but just doesn't have the enregy to participate. It's so sad to >watch. And it's breaking my heart. My daughter's too. My husband has been >so helpful and supportive, but I still don't know what to do.>>He has so little energy, that he is having trouble making it to the litter >box. I've picked him up to take him to it and two days in a row, out of >the many times I have picked him up to do this, he has peed on me. He's >most often going to the bathroom properly if I am able to place him there. >It was just these two times.>>He also has so little energy, that he is not eating and drinking on his >own. I have diluted canned food that is chopped fine and put it in a large >syringe and have force fed him. He didn't like this, so I just put the >food on my finger and he licks it off. So, at least he's still interested >in food and going to the bathroom properly. I even took him back to the >vet yesterday and they showed me how to insert an IV into him to keep him >from being dehydrated and to keep fluids in him.>>I have asked them about a transfusion, but, then I feel this will just >prolong the inevitable and we will all have to go through this again >later.I can't see putting Luna through all this again later. I can't stand >watching my daughter suffer. I also can't stand the pain this is putting >me through. I am willing to do all sorts of things for my little Luna, but >how much should I do? I wish he could talk so that he could tell me what >he would like for me to do. Is he suffering, and if so, how much? Should I >keep putting him through the IV's, feeding him the way I've been doing, >and helping him go to the bathroom? It's hard on my family, specifically >me who's tending to him, and I can only imagine what Luna is feeling. Can >anybody advise me? I was so hoping I had longer than two years with this >little fella. It just seems so unfair.>>Thank you all.>>Kristina>>>No virus found in this incoming message.>Checked by AVG Free Edition.>Version: 7.1.408 / Virus Database: 268.13.4/475 - Release Date: 10/13/2006-- No virus found in this outgoing message.Checked by AVG Free Edition.Version: 7.1.408 / Virus Database: 268.13.4/475 - Release Date: 10/13/2006
Re: My Little Luna
Thank you so much. It's so hard right now.[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:I am so sorry for your loss. Luna is happy now at the bridge. I'll pray that you find comfort till you can be together again. Sheila
Re: My Little Luna
Thank you. It's been hours, and I still have my other cats, but I still can't find peace within myself. I know he's probably content now; he's not in pain and he's not suffering. But I'm grieving so terribly bad. I can't stop. It has not been like this for my other kitties. I don't mean I didn't grieve, I did. But the crying would stop. I just can't seem to with Luna's death. It just seems so much more unfair because he was so little still. This was the hardest thing I've ever experienced in my life. Maybe it was because he died in my arms and my others didn't. Barb Moermond <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:Oh Kris, I'm so so sorry. GLOW to light his path and ease your pain. Barb+Smoky the House Puma+El Bandito Malito"My cat the clown: paying no mind to whom he should impress. Merely living his life, doing what pleases him, and making me smile." - Anonymous- Original Message From: Kris Kulak <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgSent: Sunday, October 15, 2006 4:21:02 PMSubject: Re: My Little LunaHe died in my arms. He was so weak. I couldn't bear the pain he was having.[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I am so, so, so sorry. Did he die during the transfusion? It's ok if you can not write about it, but it might help us in the future to know this. Michelle
Re: My Little Luna
Hi Kristina, I am so sorry and understand your dilemma. I still question the decision I made about one of my cats. I think you will know in your heart when the time is right. Bless you, Sally At 07:42 AM 10/15/2006 -0700, you wrote: Hi Everyone, It's been awhile since I have posted, but I've been keeping up. I have two FeLV cats and 2 that aren't. From information I have gathered here, I learned that I should isolate the non-FeLV cats ffom the positives. They've been mixed for almost two years now. I've also learned about different medications and which would be the best to give them. Unfortunately, one of my FeLV cats, Luna who's always been a tiny little thing, has recently become extremely lethargic. We took him into the vet on Friday and were told that the leukemia is now getting to him. He's so very anemic and he's become quite bony. We were told that he won't have long. Yet, he's very alert; his eyes aren't glossed over as you would expect a sick cat's to be. He's still interested in things going on around him, but just doesn't have the enregy to participate. It's so sad to watch. And it's breaking my heart. My daughter's too. My husband has been so helpful and supportive, but I still don't know what to do. He has so little energy, that he is having trouble making it to the litter box. I've picked him up to take him to it and two days in a row, out of the many times I have picked him up to do this, he has peed on me. He's most often going to the bathroom properly if I am able to place him there. It was just these two times. He also has so little energy, that he is not eating and drinking on his own. I have diluted canned food that is chopped fine and put it in a large syringe and have force fed him. He didn't like this, so I just put the food on my finger and he licks it off. So, at least he's still interested in food and going to the bathroom properly. I even took him back to the vet yesterday and they showed me how to insert an IV into him to keep him from being dehydrated and to keep fluids in him. I have asked them about a transfusion, but, then I feel this will just prolong the inevitable and we will all have to go through this again later.I can't see putting Luna through all this again later. I can't stand watching my daughter suffer. I also can't stand the pain this is putting me through. I am willing to do all sorts of things for my little Luna, but how much should I do? I wish he could talk so that he could tell me what he would like for me to do. Is he suffering, and if so, how much? Should I keep putting him through the IV's, feeding him the way I've been doing, and helping him go to the bathroom? It's hard on my family, specifically me who's tending to him, and I can only imagine what Luna is feeling. Can anybody advise me? I was so hoping I had longer than two years with this little fella. It just seems so unfair. Thank you all. Kristina No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.408 / Virus Database: 268.13.4/475 - Release Date: 10/13/2006 -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.408 / Virus Database: 268.13.4/475 - Release Date: 10/13/2006
Re: My Little Luna
I am so sorry for your loss. Luna is happy now at the bridge. I'll pray that you find comfort till you can be together again. Sheila
Re: My Little Luna
Oh Kris, I'm so so sorry. GLOW to light his path and ease your pain. Barb+Smoky the House Puma+El Bandito Malito"My cat the clown: paying no mind to whom he should impress. Merely living his life, doing what pleases him, and making me smile."- Anonymous- Original Message From: Kris Kulak <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgSent: Sunday, October 15, 2006 4:21:02 PMSubject: Re: My Little LunaHe died in my arms. He was so weak. I couldn't bear the pain he was having.[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I am so, so, so sorry. Did he die during the transfusion? It's ok if you can not write about it, but it might help us in the future to know this. Michelle
Re: My Little Luna
Oh Kris, I'm so sorry. Of course you feel awful, poor little Angel. I hope you can take some comfort in knowing that little Luna was blessed in finding someone to love him and care about him enough to try so hard to save him. It's not the length of time we spend together that determines the mark they leave on our hearts. My deepest condolences in your grief, Nina Kris Kulak wrote: My Little Luna didn't make it. He died because I guess of all the stress. His levels had dropped even lower than Friday. He's at peace now. It was too much for him. God I feel awful.
Re: My Little Luna
He died in my arms. He was so weak. I couldn't bear the pain he was having.[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I am so, so, so sorry. Did he die during the transfusion? It's ok if you can not write about it, but it might help us in the future to know this. Michelle
Re: My Little Luna
I am so, so, so sorry. Did he die during the transfusion? It's ok if you can not write about it, but it might help us in the future to know this. Michelle
Re: My Little Luna
My Little Luna didn't make it. He died because I guess of all the stress. His levels had dropped even lower than Friday. He's at peace now. It was too much for him. God I feel awful.Belinda <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: You may want to go ahead with the transfusion to buy time, the epogen can take up to three weeks to work. With Bailey my vet feels it was mainly the prednisolone that helped with his anemia but we can't say for sure since he was on both. Bailey started epogen when his HCT was at 18%, it went down before it went up. He got as low as 15%, but within 5 or 6 weeks with the epogen and pred his HCT was back up to 40%, even after he passed it was still at 33%, which is very normal. He started epogen at 3 times a week and after his anemia was corrected we went to 1 time a week and very gradually lowered his pred from 20mgs to 5mgs a day over a period of weeks, pred has to be tapered very slowly, their bodies stop producing it when they get it supplemented in high doses.-- Belindahappiness is being owned by cats ...Be-Mi-Kittieshttp://bemikitties.comPost Adoptable FeLV/FIV/FIP Cats/Kittenshttp://adopt.bemikitties.comFeLV Candlelight Servicehttp://bemikitties.com/clsHostDesign4U.com [affordable hosting & web design]http://HostDesign4U.comBMK Designs [non-profit animals websites]http://bmk.bemikitties.com
Re: My Little Luna
I would try Acemannan shots. At least one person, and I think actually two, on this list, have had acemannan shots completely turn around serious anemia in positive cats. If it is an immune weakness thing and not cancer (or maybe even if it is cancer?) it sounds like something that has a good chance of working. If it were me, I would get the transfusion and then do acemannan and epogen and steroids. Michelle
Re: My Little Luna
At 10:56 AM 10/15/2006, you wrote: It is also my understanding that the first ransfusion doe not need ot be cross matched as Luna does not have antibodies from a prior transfusion, I use Immuno Regulin... Please keep us posted when you get back from the ER vet,, Kelly Hi Kris, I'm so sorry about Luna feeling so poorly right now. There is hope that you can help him feel better and recover from his anemia. A blood transfusion will help "buy him time", but you need to know what is causing the anemia in order to treat it. From what I understand it is not as necessary to make sure the blood donor is the same type the first time a transfusion is performed. As for treatment... Different sources of anemia require different treatments. Hemobartinella is a blood parasite and is treated with antibiotics, (usually Doxycycline), Epogen might be used for cancer related anemia, I've heard that Immuno Regulin helps with some forms of anemia. You need to get to the bottom of Luna's particular anemia in order to treat it properly. It's not just because he's positive, that's the contributing factor in creating the weakened immune condition in which secondary illness can take hold at such a young age. You have to treat the diseases that take hold as individual, just like you would any negative cat. I'm sending you a word document of a bunch of "cut and pastes" from previous discussions on anemia. It's not organized in any particular order, but there might be something in there to help you in your fight. Blessings to you and your family, we all know how difficult this time for you can be. It sounds like you are in tune enough with him to know he wants you to try and help him get better. Sometimes no matter what we do, we lose them, but if we don't try the "what ifs" can haunt us. Hell, they can haunt us anyway, so we have to make absolutely sure that we are clear in our decisions. Just to let you know, my Gracie had symptoms of anemia. She was in a terrible state when she first became symptomatic. My vet was wise and experienced enough to suspect Hemobart, even though she tested neg for it. I did finally lose her to this terrible disease, but we were able to turn her anemia around and give her a lot more time feeling very, very good. Nina Kris Kulak wrote: Thank you so much. THis makes me feel a little better. I'm taking him into the emergency clinic right now. I'm going to get him the transfusion and the medication. I'll keep you all posted. Thank you again. -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.408 / Virus Database: 268.13.4/476 - Release Date: 10/14/2006
Re: My Little Luna
Hi Kris, I'm so sorry about Luna feeling so poorly right now. There is hope that you can help him feel better and recover from his anemia. A blood transfusion will help "buy him time", but you need to know what is causing the anemia in order to treat it. From what I understand it is not as necessary to make sure the blood donor is the same type the first time a transfusion is performed. As for treatment... Different sources of anemia require different treatments. Hemobartinella is a blood parasite and is treated with antibiotics, (usually Doxycycline), Epogen might be used for cancer related anemia, I've heard that Immuno Regulin helps with some forms of anemia. You need to get to the bottom of Luna's particular anemia in order to treat it properly. It's not just because he's positive, that's the contributing factor in creating the weakened immune condition in which secondary illness can take hold at such a young age. You have to treat the diseases that take hold as individual, just like you would any negative cat. I'm sending you a word document of a bunch of "cut and pastes" from previous discussions on anemia. It's not organized in any particular order, but there might be something in there to help you in your fight. Blessings to you and your family, we all know how difficult this time for you can be. It sounds like you are in tune enough with him to know he wants you to try and help him get better. Sometimes no matter what we do, we lose them, but if we don't try the "what ifs" can haunt us. Hell, they can haunt us anyway, so we have to make absolutely sure that we are clear in our decisions. Just to let you know, my Gracie had symptoms of anemia. She was in a terrible state when she first became symptomatic. My vet was wise and experienced enough to suspect Hemobart, even though she tested neg for it. I did finally lose her to this terrible disease, but we were able to turn her anemia around and give her a lot more time feeling very, very good. Nina Kris Kulak wrote: Thank you so much. THis makes me feel a little better. I'm taking him into the emergency clinic right now. I'm going to get him the transfusion and the medication. I'll keep you all posted. Thank you again.
Re: My Little Luna
You may want to go ahead with the transfusion to buy time, the epogen can take up to three weeks to work. With Bailey my vet feels it was mainly the prednisolone that helped with his anemia but we can't say for sure since he was on both. Bailey started epogen when his HCT was at 18%, it went down before it went up. He got as low as 15%, but within 5 or 6 weeks with the epogen and pred his HCT was back up to 40%, even after he passed it was still at 33%, which is very normal. He started epogen at 3 times a week and after his anemia was corrected we went to 1 time a week and very gradually lowered his pred from 20mgs to 5mgs a day over a period of weeks, pred has to be tapered very slowly, their bodies stop producing it when they get it supplemented in high doses. -- Belinda happiness is being owned by cats ... Be-Mi-Kitties http://bemikitties.com Post Adoptable FeLV/FIV/FIP Cats/Kittens http://adopt.bemikitties.com FeLV Candlelight Service http://bemikitties.com/cls HostDesign4U.com [affordable hosting & web design] http://HostDesign4U.com BMK Designs [non-profit animals websites] http://bmk.bemikitties.com
Re: My Little Luna
Please make sure they cross match the blood if at all possible. -- Belinda happiness is being owned by cats ... Be-Mi-Kitties http://bemikitties.com Post Adoptable FeLV/FIV/FIP Cats/Kittens http://adopt.bemikitties.com FeLV Candlelight Service http://bemikitties.com/cls HostDesign4U.com [affordable hosting & web design] http://HostDesign4U.com BMK Designs [non-profit animals websites] http://bmk.bemikitties.com
Re: My Little Luna
Thank you so much. THis makes me feel a little better. I'm taking him into the emergency clinic right now. I'm going to get him the transfusion and the medication. I'll keep you all posted. Thank you again.kelly <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: At 09:38 AM 10/15/2006, you wrote:the transfusion buys them the time for the Epogen to work,the epogen causes them to produce their own Red Blood Cells, that is the simple explanation, It is not without it's risks which are not common,,, but the alternative is he willnot make it, I would suggest taking one of your othr cats with you to use as a donner,,,Kelly I will ask my vet first thing tomorrow about the epogen and prednisolone. His blood levels are at 11%, very low. As a matter of a fact, I may call the emergency clinic today and see what they recommend. I don't know what else to do. He's only 2 years old this month. You are sure that these meds. helped? The only thing that helped me when I was anemic was a transfusion. I don't just want to get him a tansfusion just prolong his pain. I don't want him going through all this again within the next few months. It's hard on him and us. I can't move him without him meowing like it's painful. It is just an awful sound. It is terrible just watching him suffer. I appreciate all your help (more than you know). Thank you so very much. KrisBelinda <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:Bailey got epogen and his anemia was corrected, a transfusion would buy you time until you can find a vet how is willing to work with you to try and treat your baby, your vet is not doing his job in my opinion. Just because a cat tests positive and gets sick is no reason to not try and treat what is wrong. Please either get your vet to become proactive or run to another vet and get this kitty treatment. Too many vets just say "it's the FeLV kicking in and there's nothing we can do". Bailey's HCT number got as low as 15%, we got him back up to 40% with epogen and pred, Bailey was FeLV+. Your kitty need immediate treatment, what is his HCT? Bailey had a bone marrow aspirate to find out what was causing his anemia and it was the FeLV in his bone marrow. We found out also after he passed 5 months later he had pancreatic cancer, we knew he had cancer but we just couldn't find it. We did every test imaginable to try and pinpoint where but never did find it so we could treat it. The anemia however was corrected and epogen along with a high dose prednisolone (20mg daily in two doses of 10 twice a day). Bailey was 11 years old when I lost him in May, he was positive at 5 months of age when I found him. -- Belinda happiness is being owned by cats ... Be-Mi-Kitties http://bemikitties.com Post Adoptable FeLV/FIV/FIP Cats/Kittens http://adopt.bemikitties.com FeLV Candlelight Service http://bemikitties.com/cls HostDesign4U.com [affordable hosting & web design] http://HostDesign4U.com BMK Designs [non-profit animals websites] http://bmk.bemikitties.comNo virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG Free Edition.Version: 7.1.408 / Virus Database: 268.13.4/476 - Release Date: 10/14/2006
Re: My Little Luna
At 09:38 AM 10/15/2006, you wrote: the transfusion buys them the time for the Epogen to work,the epogen causes them to produce their own Red Blood Cells, that is the simple explanation, It is not without it's risks which are not common,,, but the alternative is he willnot make it, I would suggest taking one of your othr cats with you to use as a donner,,, Kelly I will ask my vet first thing tomorrow about the epogen and prednisolone. His blood levels are at 11%, very low. As a matter of a fact, I may call the emergency clinic today and see what they recommend. I don't know what else to do. He's only 2 years old this month. You are sure that these meds. helped? The only thing that helped me when I was anemic was a transfusion. I don't just want to get him a tansfusion just prolong his pain. I don't want him going through all this again within the next few months. It's hard on him and us. I can't move him without him meowing like it's painful. It is just an awful sound. It is terrible just watching him suffer. I appreciate all your help (more than you know). Thank you so very much. Kris Belinda <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Bailey got epogen and his anemia was corrected, a transfusion would buy you time until you can find a vet how is willing to work with you to try and treat your baby, your vet is not doing his job in my opinion. Just because a cat tests positive and gets sick is no reason to not try and treat what is wrong. Please either get your vet to become proactive or run to another vet and get this kitty treatment. Too many vets just say "it's the FeLV kicking in and there's nothing we can do". Bailey's HCT number got as low as 15%, we got him back up to 40% with epogen and pred, Bailey was FeLV+. Your kitty need immediate treatment, what is his HCT? Bailey had a bone marrow aspirate to find out what was causing his anemia and it was the FeLV in his bone marrow. We found out also after he passed 5 months later he had pancreatic cancer, we knew he had cancer but we just couldn't find it. We did every test imaginable to try and pinpoint where but never did find it so we could treat it. The anemia however was corrected and epogen along with a high dose prednisolone (20mg daily in two doses of 10 twice a day). Bailey was 11 years old when I lost him in May, he was positive at 5 months of age when I found him. -- Belinda happiness is being owned by cats ... Be-Mi-Kitties http://bemikitties.com Post Adoptable FeLV/FIV/FIP Cats/Kittens http://adopt.bemikitties.com FeLV Candlelight Service http://bemikitties.com/cls HostDesign4U.com [affordable hosting & web design] http://HostDesign4U.com BMK Designs [non-profit animals websites] http://bmk.bemikitties.com No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.408 / Virus Database: 268.13.4/476 - Release Date: 10/14/2006
Re: My Little Luna
I will ask my vet first thing tomorrow about the epogen and prednisolone. His blood levels are at 11%, very low. As a matter of a fact, I may call the emergency clinic today and see what they recommend. I don't know what else to do. He's only 2 years old this month. You are sure that these meds. helped? The only thing that helped me when I was anemic was a transfusion. I don't just want to get him a tansfusion just prolong his pain. I don't want him going through all this again within the next few months. It's hard on him and us. I can't move him without him meowing like it's painful. It is just an awful sound. It is terrible just watching him suffer. I appreciate all your help (more than you know). Thank you so very much. Kris Belinda <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Bailey got epogen and his anemia was corrected, a transfusion would buy you time until you can find a vet how is willing to work with you to try and treat your baby, your vet is not doing his job in my opinion. Just because a cat tests positive and gets sick is no reason to not try and treat what is wrong. Please either get your vet to become proactive or run to another vet and get this kitty treatment. Too many vets just say "it's the FeLV kicking in and there's nothing we can do".Bailey's HCT number got as low as 15%, we got him back up to 40% with epogen and pred, Bailey was FeLV+. Your kitty need immediate treatment, what is his HCT? Bailey had a bone marrow aspirate to find out what was causing his anemia and it was the FeLV in his bone marrow. We found out also after he passed 5 months later he had pancreatic cancer, we knew he had cancer but we just couldn't find it. We did every test imaginable to try and pinpoint where but never did find it so we could treat it. The anemia however was corrected and epogen along with a high dose prednisolone (20mg daily in two doses of 10 twice a day). Bailey was 11 years old when I lost him in May, he was positive at 5 months of age when I found him.-- Belindahappiness is being owned by cats ...Be-Mi-Kittieshttp://bemikitties.comPost Adoptable FeLV/FIV/FIP Cats/Kittenshttp://adopt.bemikitties.comFeLV Candlelight Servicehttp://bemikitties.com/clsHostDesign4U.com [affordable hosting & web design]http://HostDesign4U.comBMK Designs [non-profit animals websites]http://bmk.bemikitties.com
Re: My Little Luna
Bailey got epogen and his anemia was corrected, a transfusion would buy you time until you can find a vet how is willing to work with you to try and treat your baby, your vet is not doing his job in my opinion. Just because a cat tests positive and gets sick is no reason to not try and treat what is wrong. Please either get your vet to become proactive or run to another vet and get this kitty treatment. Too many vets just say "it's the FeLV kicking in and there's nothing we can do". Bailey's HCT number got as low as 15%, we got him back up to 40% with epogen and pred, Bailey was FeLV+. Your kitty need immediate treatment, what is his HCT? Bailey had a bone marrow aspirate to find out what was causing his anemia and it was the FeLV in his bone marrow. We found out also after he passed 5 months later he had pancreatic cancer, we knew he had cancer but we just couldn't find it. We did every test imaginable to try and pinpoint where but never did find it so we could treat it. The anemia however was corrected and epogen along with a high dose prednisolone (20mg daily in two doses of 10 twice a day). Bailey was 11 years old when I lost him in May, he was positive at 5 months of age when I found him. -- Belinda happiness is being owned by cats ... Be-Mi-Kitties http://bemikitties.com Post Adoptable FeLV/FIV/FIP Cats/Kittens http://adopt.bemikitties.com FeLV Candlelight Service http://bemikitties.com/cls HostDesign4U.com [affordable hosting & web design] http://HostDesign4U.com BMK Designs [non-profit animals websites] http://bmk.bemikitties.com
Re: My Little Luna
At 07:42 AM 10/15/2006, you wrote: Did they do anything to treat the Anemia??that is the reason for the lethargy..I am not too familiar with the use of Egogen on FELV cats,,,only CRF cats,,,If it feasible to do a transfusion from one of your other cats which gives some good time and perhaps start on EPOGEN. I couold be way off so someone please correct me if I am Kelly Hi Everyone, It's been awhile since I have posted, but I've been keeping up. I have two FeLV cats and 2 that aren't. From information I have gathered here, I learned that I should isolate the non-FeLV cats ffom the positives. They've been mixed for almost two years now. I've also learned about different medications and which would be the best to give them. Unfortunately, one of my FeLV cats, Luna who's always been a tiny little thing, has recently become extremely lethargic. We took him into the vet on Friday and were told that the leukemia is now getting to him. He's so very anemic and he's become quite bony. We were told that he won't have long. Yet, he's very alert; his eyes aren't glossed over as you would expect a sick cat's to be. He's still interested in things going on around him, but just doesn't have the enregy to participate. It's so sad to watch. And it's breaking my heart. My daughter's too. My husband has been so helpful and supportive, but I still don't know what to do. He has so little energy, that he is having trouble making it to the litter box. I've picked him up to take him to it and two days in a row, out of the many times I have picked him up to do this, he has peed on me. He's most often going to the bathroom properly if I am able to place him there. It was just these two times. He also has so little energy, that he is not eating and drinking on his own. I have diluted canned food that is chopped fine and put it in a large syringe and have force fed him. He didn't like this, so I just put the food on my finger and he licks it off. So, at least he's still interested in food and going to the bathroom properly. I even took him back to the vet yesterday and they showed me how to insert an IV into him to keep him from being dehydrated and to keep fluids in him. I have asked them about a transfusion, but, then I feel this will just prolong the inevitable and we will all have to go through this again later.I can't see putting Luna through all this again later. I can't stand watching my daughter suffer. I also can't stand the pain this is putting me through. I am willing to do all sorts of things for my little Luna, but how much should I do? I wish he could talk so that he could tell me what he would like for me to do. Is he suffering, and if so, how much? Should I keep putting him through the IV's, feeding him the way I've been doing, and helping him go to the bathroom? It's hard on my family, specifically me who's tending to him, and I can only imagine what Luna is feeling. Can anybody advise me? I was so hoping I had longer than two years with this little fella. It just seems so unfair. Thank you all. Kristina No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.408 / Virus Database: 268.13.4/476 - Release Date: 10/14/2006
My Little Luna
Hi Everyone, It's been awhile since I have posted, but I've been keeping up. I have two FeLV cats and 2 that aren't. From information I have gathered here, I learned that I should isolate the non-FeLV cats ffom the positives. They've been mixed for almost two years now. I've also learned about different medications and which would be the best to give them. Unfortunately, one of my FeLV cats, Luna who's always been a tiny little thing, has recently become extremely lethargic. We took him into the vet on Friday and were told that the leukemia is now getting to him. He's so very anemic and he's become quite bony. We were told that he won't have long. Yet, he's very alert; his eyes aren't glossed over as you would expect a sick cat's to be. He's still interested in things going on around him, but just doesn't have the enregy to participate. It's so sad to watch. And it's breaking my heart. My daughter's too. My husband has been so helpful and supportive, but I still don't know what to do. He has so little energy, that he is having trouble making it to the litter box. I've picked him up to take him to it and two days in a row, out of the many times I have picked him up to do this, he has peed on me. He's most often going to the bathroom properly if I am able to place him there. It was just these two times. He also has so little energy, that he is not eating and drinking on his own. I have diluted canned food that is chopped fine and put it in a large syringe and have force fed him. He didn't like this, so I just put the food on my finger and he licks it off. So, at least he's still interested in food and going to the bathroom properly. I even took him back to the vet yesterday and they showed me how to insert an IV into him to keep him from being dehydrated and to keep fluids in him. I have asked them about a transfusion, but, then I feel this will just prolong the inevitable and we will all have to go through this again later.I can't see putting Luna through all this again later. I can't stand watching my daughter suffer. I also can't stand the pain this is putting me through. I am willing to do all sorts of things for my little Luna, but how much should I do? I wish he could talk so that he could tell me what he would like for me to do. Is he suffering, and if so, how much? Should I keep putting him through the IV's, feeding him the way I've been doing, and helping him go to the bathroom? It's hard on my family, specifically me who's tending to him, and I can only imagine what Luna is feeling. Can anybody advise me? I was so hoping I had longer than two years with this little fella. It just seems so unfair. Thank you all. Kristina
