Friday January 9, 1998 Part 1 21 Messages ================================== From: "Carol Gentry" To: Subject: Re: Drugs Date: Fri, 9 Jan 1998 00:02:41 -0800 Reply-To: felvtalk@MailingList.net I wish I lived in Michigan but I live in Vancouver, Washington. It sounds like they are a little more progressive out there. But all of you and especially you Barb have inspired me. Tomorrow morning I'm going to get a hold of the Vet and demand that she give me something for Sasha. If she doesn't, I will start calling around until I find someone that will. Your right about the fact that she is my kitty and if I want to spend the money, so be it. Thanks again and I'll keep you posted. Carol ---------------------------------- From: "AZ-HART" To: Subject: Re: Need info Date: Fri, 9 Jan 1998 01:08:49 -0700 Reply-To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Belinda, My vet told me it that if a cat has tested positive more than once, and the cat is an adult, it will not turn negative. I have a beautiful, symptom-free, snowy-white angora named "Stella" that has tested weak positive 3 times. Sometimes when cats are tested as babies, and you retest them after 10 weeks of age, or retest them a few months later, you may find a negative result. Kittens can sometimes shed the virus. Irene Hart Arizona Homeless Animals Rescue Team (AZ-HART) http://home.sprynet.com/sprynet/azhart Email us at: azhart@sprynet.com ----------------------------------- From: macat@webtv.net (belinda sauro) Date: Fri, 9 Jan 1998 01:57:20 -0800 To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Need info Reply-To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Irene, Bailey tested + when I found him at 7 months of age (weak +) we retested about 2 months later still +, then we did immunoregilin but the Vet only had me bring him in for 3 shots, one shot a week. We then moved to the state of Washington and my Vet had us do immunoregilin treatment again, Bailey had started to throw up about once a week and his left eye was dialated he also had days when he wasn't eating very good. He lost alittle weight and his coat was looking greasy and unkempt. After being on the immunoregilin for about 6 or 7 months, he would get so stress out when I opened the closet door to get the carrier out (he always knew when I was opening the door for that reason) and the Vet had such a hard time giving him the shot we stopped the treatment. He had pretty much stopped throwing up. His last shot was in September, hes put the weight back on, he still throws up once in awhile, but he doesn't act like he feels sick when this happens. So I guess I'm just hoping that we've had a miracle. Also it seems like I get different info from different Vets, so I just don't know what to think sometimes. Thank-you for the info, I guess I'll just get my other kitties vaccinated for it and hope they all stay healthy. Thanks again, Belinda Happiness is being owned by cats... www.angelfire.com/ma/macat5 http://members.tripod.com/~macat5/index5.html ---------------------------------------- From: PUFFERINO Date: Fri, 9 Jan 1998 08:05:52 EST To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: JOY TO THE WORLD Reply-To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Dear Barb, I am so glad for you--and lots of love to Merlin. I emailed the woman from Brooklyn and gave her my phone number to get in touch with me. You and Merlin did good! Regards, Joan --------------------------------------- From: "Sheron Gause" Organization: NeuroPsychiatry - RMH To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Date: Fri, 9 Jan 1998 08:53:13 GMT+5 Subject: Re: JOY TO THE WORLD Reply-To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Hi, My name is Sheron and I read your story this morning about Merlin. I have almost the exact story to tell. My cat Tiger was adopted from the shelter and is about 8 months old too. Christmas Eve he wouldn't pay any attention to his kitty stocking or play with his toys at all. I knew something was wrong. I also remembered that for a couple of weeks his right eye had looked "different" to me than the other and he seemed to be spending lots of time curled in a ball sleeping. Monday after Christmas we took him to the vet and were given the diagnosis of feline lukemia. He also at this time had a high fever which I wasn't aware of . The vet said you could tell by feeling the tips of his ears or beneath the pads of his feet. She put him on antibiotics and Nutri-Cat vitamins four times daily. We are only feeding him a high quality canned food now mixxed with his vitamins and he has never gone outside( even before this happended), so I think he has a relatively stress free environment. I really don't know what steps I should take next since even being a cat owner is new to me. He is a very sweet cat and is up and about a little more now. He cries at when I am in the shower or when I am sitting in a chair for example....I think he just wants me to hold him while he sleeps because he doesn't feel well. The worst part is my 8 year old son, who picked him out from the shelter, is quite attached to him too. I keep wondering if I am doing all I could be doing since his only symptoms are the sleeping and fever. His antibiotics will run out this weekend so I guess I am worried what will happen then. He must feel terrible when the fever is there. Nice talking to you and I will be thinking of your cat Merlin. Sheron Gause University of South Carolina School of Medicine Department of Neuropsychiatry & Behavioral Science Phone: (803)434-4250 Email:sg@npsy.ceb.sc.edu -------------------------------------- From: "Lynn or Josiah Stickels" To: "felvtalk" Subject: To: Sharon re:fever Date: Fri, 9 Jan 1998 08:54:17 -0800 Reply-To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Hi, Sharon I just thought I'd give a little suggestion as to what helped my kitty, Stinker when he has a fever. I give him 1/4 of a baby aspirin(every two days). Within a half hour he is feeling quite a bit better. Hope this will help a little..............Lynn(Stinker) ----------------------------------------- From: "Carol Gentry" To: Subject: Re: Need info Date: Fri, 9 Jan 1998 09:10:05 -0800 Reply-To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Belinda- I also live in Washington but in Vancouver. Do you live anywhere around here? I have a kitty that has tested positive for Lukemia and the vet says its in her bones and doesn't want to do anything. I have been giving her Vitamins, Herbs, Minerals and raw liver and lamb. Barb has some idea about a medication that she got from her vet and I just need a little more info before bombarding with my vet with "you need to try something". pLEASE write me back at bitch1@sprynet.com. A.S.A.P. Thanks Carol ----------------------------------------- Date: Fri, 9 Jan 1998 11:37:37 -0600 (CST) From: "Nancy A. Schmall" To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: How & What We Feel Reply-To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Steve, Good going for rescuing the golden retriever! I know what you mean about people trashing animals on this planet. A few years ago I took a cat to the vet that had been hit by a car and somehow was able to crawl to safety (??--safety??). I vented to the vet wondering how people could do this--hit an animal and leave it for dead--the vet looked at me and responsed with amazement, "Look what they do to their kids!" GOOD POINT. I hate it too, but knowing there are folks out there like you and others in felvtalk is encouraging! Nancy ----------------------------------- Date: Fri, 09 Jan 1998 11:49:31 -0600 To: felvtalk@MailingList.net From: Cheryl DeSantis Subject: Re: Has anyone else gone through this?/Fur Loss & Scaley Patches Reply-To: felvtalk@MailingList.net At 06:15 PM 1/8/98 -0700, you wrote: >Cheryl, >From the loss of hair you describe and the fact that his scaly patches are >subsiding, it sounds to me like ringworm, which is not a worm, but a >fungus. Ringworm is a nasty, hard to get rid of thing, especially if you >have more than one cat. But there are some excellent remedies, if you act >fast and be consistent. Thanks for the suggestions. I'm going to try all of the items you mentioned. I really appreciate the advice. I took Copley to the vet this morning, a couple days early for his ImmunoRegulin shot, because I have been so concernend over the fungus and his recent behavior. It turns out that he has had a somewhat high fever. Luckily he has continued to eat, but he has also experienced a slight weight loss. For a two year old neutered cat his slender 7 pounds is already too thin, so every ounce counts. He is slowly creeping under the 7 pounds. Well, I have him on Keflex for the fever and hopefully he'll fight off any bacteria floating around. He is also on a liquid compound of Fluvin (sp?) for the fungus. Tomorrow I will be giving him the shampoo, etc. as suggested. Thanks for the help! - Cheryl DeSantis Account Executive Bradmark, Inc. 4265 San Felipe Suite 800 Houston, TX 77027 800-621-2808 http://www.bradmark.com --------------------------------------- Date: Fri, 9 Jan 1998 11:43:33 -0600 (CST) From: "Nancy A. Schmall" To: felvtalk@MailingList.net cc: rdc@corax.com, apricot@erols.com, army@geneseo.net Subject: Re: JOY TO THE WORLD Reply-To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Barb, I'm so happy for you and Merlin! This is WONDERFUL news! Sending good thoughts, Nancy ---------------------------------- Date: Fri, 9 Jan 1998 11:50:39 -0600 (CST) From: "Nancy A. Schmall" To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Merlin and Lovejoy (fwd) Reply-To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Hi Heather! So glad Aidan has a good home. In time perhaps he and the big "Chance" will become good buddies. My 2 FELV+ cats, Panther and Jake, are great friends! Panther straddles between 14 and 15 pounds and Jake between 9 and 10 pounds. They are both black and look like father and son! What a sweet person you are to visit hime! Nancy --------------------------------- Date: Fri, 9 Jan 1998 11:59:50 -0600 (CST) From: "Nancy A. Schmall" To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Web Site Reply-To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Carol, I don't know what exactly you've been using on Sasha, but please take Barb's offer and START HER ON INTERFERON ASAP. She may also need a transfusion if her gums are that white. My little Jake's blood count was so low he ALMOSt needed a transfusion. Three months later, after immunoregulin, interferon, vitamins, good food and love, he is playing several times a day with our 7 month-old kitten. Sending good thoughts-- Nancy ----------------------------------------- Date: Fri, 9 Jan 1998 12:03:59 -0600 (CST) From: "Nancy A. Schmall" To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Need info Reply-To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Hi Belinda! I have read some anecdotal info that some cats have reverted to negative through immunoregulin. I have also read that they can revert + after being negative. I think there is a good article by Karen Thomas, D.V.M. that has a link through http://www.angelfire.com/il/felv/ under IMMUNOREGULIN. Nancy ------------------------------------- From: "phaedrus" To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Date: Fri, 9 Jan 1998 12:25:43 +0000 Subject: Re: Need info Reply-To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Hi everyone, > From: "AZ-HART" > > Sometimes when cats are tested as babies, and you > retest them after 10 weeks of age, or retest them a few months later, you > may find a negative result. Kittens can sometimes shed the virus. > > Irene Hart Not to nitpick, but the term is "throw off", not "shed". When a cat is shedding the virus, that means that the cat is very contagious and is most likely to transmit the disease to other cats. I know that there are many people on this list reading literature for themselves, so I don't want them to get confused on this already confusing terminology. Anyway, there are three things that can happen when a cat/kitten tests positive for FeLV. First, the cat's immune system can kick in and fight the virus, thus "throwing it off." which means that, after three months (or so), the cat will test negative and remain negative. Second, the cat will acquire the virus, but it will become dormant in the body. These cats will always test positive for FeLV, although they will not show any outward signs of being FeLV+ for a long time (months, or even years later). Thirdly, the cat will test positive and already show signs of the illness. Even with treatments, these cats will always test positive as well. So, I guess through this long-winded explanation my point is, Belinda, that there probably isn't much point in retesting your kitty, especially after the length of time you mentioned between testings. I hope this "explanation" helps. Let me know if you'd like more info about all of this, and I'll see what I can do. Take care, and to everyone on the list, thoughts of health and comfort for your little furries are on their way. In loving memory of Vyvyan: March 20, 1988 - August 15, 1997 James G. Wilson phaedrus@ctnet.net , phaedrus69@hotmail.com , phaedrus69@juno.com, felv@angelfire.com http://www.angelfire.com/il/felv/ http://www.fortunecity.com/skyscraper/sterling/20/tribute.html http://www.litchfieldil.com/members/phaedrus/ http://www.fortunecity.com//skyscraper/sterling/20/niu.html http://www.wapd.org/points/jgwilson.html ------------------------------------- From: "phaedrus" To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Date: Fri, 9 Jan 1998 12:48:09 +0000 Subject: (Fwd) The Light in the Darkness Award Reply-To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Hi everyone, I just wanted to announce that we've won another award for our FeLV project web page. Thanks so much to everyone who made all of this possible- Barb, Joan, Kathy, Steve B., Rena, Steve L., etc. This is a very prestigious award, and I'm proud to have accepted it and posted it on our page. I noticed that Rena (*wave*) has also won this award for her outstanding work on the "Feline Leukemia- Do Something" page. Her page was my first glimpse of hope for FeLV treatments amid all of the negative and nonexistent information regarding these treatments. Thanks again to all who have participated in this project (that includes everyone on this mailing list), and I hope the new year brings many breakthroughs for our continuing fight against FeLV. Miracles such as Merlin and other kitties on this list have made me believe even more in this project and inspires me to keep the research going. Take care, and I wish you all the best of luck with caring for your FeLV+ kitties. ------- Forwarded Message Follows ------- From: "lightaward lightaward" To: phaedrus@ctnet.net Subject: The Light in the Darkness Award Date: Thu, 08 Jan 1998 18:23:00 PST Hi Jim, Your site, New Methods of Treatment for FeLV+ Cats, was anonymously nominated for the Light Award, an award which is presented for selfless and relentless good works on behalf of animals everywhere. This award cannot be applied for and is awarded only to people who are dedicated and committed to the welfare of animals. Therefore, after reviewing your site by our seven member committee, we have unanimously concluded that you and your site does indeed qualify. We hope you accept this award on behalf of animals everywhere. If you do, please link the award back to the site of The Light in the Darkness Award http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Ranch/5265/ Please note the award has been changed - we change the award annually. Your choice of the two awards on our index page is for the 1998 winners. With fond regards, The Light in the Darkness Award Committee Motto - And the search is on for Selflessness, Dedication and Commitment for Animals Through-Out the World! ______________________________________________________ In loving memory of Vyvyan: March 20, 1988 - August 15, 1997 James G. Wilson phaedrus@ctnet.net , phaedrus69@hotmail.com , phaedrus69@juno.com, felv@angelfire.com http://www.angelfire.com/il/felv/ http://www.fortunecity.com/skyscraper/sterling/20/tribute.html http://www.litchfieldil.com/members/phaedrus/ http://www.fortunecity.com//skyscraper/sterling/20/niu.html http://www.wapd.org/points/jgwilson.html ---------------------------------------- From: "Carol Gentry" To: Subject: Thank You for Sasha Date: Fri, 9 Jan 1998 10:50:17 -0800 Reply-To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Nancy- Thanks for the support. I would love to take Barb on her offer but I live in Washington State and she lives in Michigan. I am going to be talking or should I say demanding , that her vet give me some of the medicines other people have talked about. If she doesn't, I will continue to find a Vet that will. So far Sasha is holding her own. In fact she ate Oatmeal this morning, one of her favorites along with her Liver and Lamb. At night I am putting her in my computer room with all her favorites and her littler box. I thought that quiet time was important since we have four other cats. Thanks again for your support. Carol ------------------------------------------ From: "Carol Gentry" To: Subject: Re: Drugs Date: Fri, 9 Jan 1998 10:56:49 -0800 Reply-To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Barb- Since I am going to be talking to the vet later today, please tell me what dosage of interferon you give your kitty or do you go by weight? Sasha weighs 7 pounds or probably a little less now. Also, how do you administer this? I know you said through the nose but there noses aren't very big so I'm assuming you use something to get it there. Please let me know. I really want to be armed when I talk to the Vet. Thanks again. Carol ------------------------------------------ Date: Fri, 09 Jan 1998 13:32:53 -0600 To: felvtalk@MailingList.net From: Cheryl DeSantis Subject: Re: Drugs Reply-To: felvtalk@MailingList.net All, I too have a 7 pound cat that gets Interferon everyday. I am not sure of the dosage since my vet makes this into a liquid for me. All I know is that I give a dropperful each day and I give it orally. I must have missed the conversation about administering this through the nose. Does anyone else know why this is more effective? Also, I heard ImmunoRegulin is more effective given IV. We stopped doing this to my cat because it became such a torturous experience for him. My vet was part of a study that was investigating whether or not IV was truly more effective. Although the study was discontinued before it was complete it was close to the end and the results had shown no difference in effectiveness in how the drugs was administered. I have read several different articles about all sorts of stats etc., but one thing you quickly learn when researching is that nothing in this area is definite. It is all in what the owner feels most comfortable in doing for their cat. However, I have found everyone's experiences on this list to be the most helpful in educating me. Any thoughts would be appreciated! - Cheryl DeSantis Account Executive Bradmark, Inc. 4265 San Felipe Suite 800 Houston, TX 77027 800-621-2808 http://www.bradmark.com --------------------------------------- From: Newtanator Date: Fri, 9 Jan 1998 14:49:08 EST To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Has anyone else gone through this?/Fur Loss & Scaley Patches Reply-To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Cheryl, This is going to sound strange, but when I bounced your problem off the other nurses in the office here was what they said. Most prescription anti- fungals would prob be toxic to a cat, but you should put, I'm serious here, yogart on the areas. Apparently they have found that the bacteria that we all know is crawling all over yogart, LOVES fungus. (Boys, don't read this part) Women are starting to use them for "other" fungus and yeast infections with great success. We all learn something new everyday. What the heck, it can't hurt if he licks it off, which he will and you can do it a hundred times a day if you want. I am gaining more respect for natural things everyday. Barb ------------------------------------------ From: "phaedrus" To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Date: Fri, 9 Jan 1998 13:49:25 +0000 Subject: Re: Drugs Reply-To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Hi Carol, > Barb- > Since I am going to be talking to the vet later today, please tell me > what dosage of interferon you give your kitty or do you go by weight? The recommended dosage is 30 units per day for seven days on and seven days off until the symptoms subside. If you use the address I mentioned a few days ago to get your vet to order the Interferon, they "pre-mix" it so that you will always get the right dose. Weight of the cat doesn't seem to be a factor since these doses are so small anyway. > Sasha weighs 7 pounds or probably a little less now. Also, how do you > administer this? I know you said through the nose but there noses aren't > very big so I'm assuming you use something to get it there. Please let > me know. I really want to be armed when I talk to the Vet. Thanks again. > Carol As Steve Lackow said, under the tongue may be the best way (least struggling with your cat, anway) to administer the Interferon. Drops are given in the nasal passages for URI (upper respiratory infections). If you wish to be best armed, print out the material from our web site at: http://www.angelfire.com/il/felv/ that has the names, addresses and protocols for these drugs. If your vet still acts reluctant, FIND ANOTHER VET ASAP! Sorry for yelling, but I can't seem to stress this enough. Too many vets are of the "old school" and won't treat FeLV+ cats correctly. Hopefully, in a city the size of Vancouver (sp?), you'll find an open-minded vet willing to help your kitty. Take care, and don't hesitate to ask as many questions as you need to in getting your cat the proper care she needs. Best of luck, and please let us know how it goes. In loving memory of Vyvyan: March 20, 1988 - August 15, 1997 James G. Wilson phaedrus@ctnet.net , phaedrus69@hotmail.com , phaedrus69@juno.com, felv@angelfire.com http://www.angelfire.com/il/felv/ http://www.fortunecity.com/skyscraper/sterling/20/tribute.html http://www.litchfieldil.com/members/phaedrus/ http://www.fortunecity.com//skyscraper/sterling/20/niu.html http://www.wapd.org/points/jgwilson.html ------------------------------------- From: Newtanator Date: Fri, 9 Jan 1998 14:57:32 EST To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Drugs Reply-To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Carol, The dose of Interferon is 30units a day, orally, targeting the tonsils or under the tongue. You will get 30units in one cc. We have were it can be purchased on our felv site. Also, the ImmunoRegulin. It is best given IV at least at first and the company will ship overnight. I got my first stuff in 12 hrs flat! The interferon took a little longer, about 4 days. But if you have them UPS it, or request they overnight it, it should come faster. I was fairly close, Wisconson to Michigan. If you have not been to our site,it is www.angelfire.com/il/felv/ Hope you have found a decent vet. THat's half the battle it seems. barb ------------------------------------------- END OF PART 1: You can find part 2 at: http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Spa/9801092.txt