Wednesday March 25, 1998 21 Messages ====================================== From: Boonedagel Date sent: Wed, 25 Mar 1998 01:40:40 EST To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Ernie's Report Card & Pooters II tumor Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net In a message dated 98-03-24 18:51:24 EST, you write: << Subj: Ernie's Report Card Date: 98-03-24 18:51:24 EST From: katseven@pcsia.com Sender: owner-felvtalk@MailingList.net Reply-to: felvtalk@MailingList.net To: felvtalk@MailingList.net hello all, pooters II has a hard cyst or tumor, that is about the size of a small pea, on the left side of her neck. i discovered it within the last couple months. it doesn't seem to have gotten any larger, but i am not sure. i am concerned after reading this post about Ernie's hard tumor. my question is, what are the pros and cons of surgically removing Pooters' tumor or cyst versus using this Acemannan stuff. and, what is the lidocaine for? thanks. greg -------------------------------------- From: WORKPARK Date sent: Wed, 25 Mar 1998 02:57:31 EST To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Rissa-Tai Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Hello, I brought Rissa-Tai back to the vet today for her Immunoregulin. She'd lost weight, as she's now 6 lbs. 15 oz. About what we'd expect after she hadn't really eaten for four days. I'm not sure if this came through with my last post, so I'm resending it. If it did, I apologize, just ignore the rest of this then. And I'm sorry it's a little long. I guess I was kind of wordy. Yes, I think it's a good possibility that she was somewhat depressed. If I remember, it isn't uncommon for the FeLV+ kitties to have a few bad days a month, I think Steve Lackow mentioned this in the past. Hopefully, that's what it was, and we'll just love her if it happens again. All the vet could suggest was force-feeding her A/D. Personally, I didn't think that was a good enough solution, but I'm sure they're frustrated with setbacks with her too. They do love her there, and the whole staff knows who we are. I spoke with the Oncologist today, and she suggested we start up the chemo again, but at a quarter pill every third day, for a minimum of six months. We also don't need to do the neupogen anymore, unless there's another problem. She also suggested we do a cbc every week to keep an eye on it so it doesn't get so dangerously low again, and we can catch any problems earlier. She suggested that we continue with the Immunoregulin as an IV until she won't tolerate it any longer, and then switch to sub-Q, and keep at 2 times a week for now. Also, to stay with the Interferon every day, at least for now, since that seems to work best for her. If she has any other changes, we'll do the bone marrow aspirate then. We figure we've held off this long, we can wait until there's more of a problem. She also wants updates on the cbc every week, so she can keep track. Does anyone here have any other suggestions? I'm always open to all the knowledge that's here. About her name - when I was about six, my family got our first cat. She was a Siamese, and my mother picked the name Tai-Tai, as that was the name of the King's favorite wife/queen in Siam (I don't know from which era). When she had babies, they were crossed with a Korat, and we kept one which we named Ling-Tai. Tai-Ling was the second favored wife/queen, but we figured that the first part of their names would sound too similar, so just switched it around. Then, we moved to AZ, and about six months after we got here, heard a cat crying in our apartment's backyard. She happened to be a pure-bred Siamese kitten that was dumped, and we named her Bou-Tai (pronounced like Bow tie). She, out of these three, is still alive, and a little old noisy lady of 16 or so at my parent's house. When I finally convinced my husband it was time to get a cat, we looked for a Siamese or a Siamese cross, and found a Siamese with white toes on her back paws from Lend-A-Paw, a rescue league in Virginia (where we were living at the time, just south of DC). She was 14 months old, and her name was Candy, but she didn't seem to like ithe name, and neither did we, so we renamed her Lai-Tai (my husband was taking Chinese at the time, and Lai means something in Chinese, I can't remember). She responded to Lai-Tai from the very beginning, and we've now had her for 4 1/2 years. She was really lonely, so in 1995 after we'd had her for 1 1/2 years, we decided to get a second cat. I went to the Animal Welfare League in Alexandria, VA, and asked them to call me when they got a Siamese or a Siamese cross, preferably a kitten, since Lai-Tai was older and it wouldn't challenge her that much. They called me about one cat, but ended up putting her to sleep because of some kind of nerve disease. Then, we got a call about a 10 week old kitten, named Marissa. Well, she was ours within two days, and the vet said she was probably only about six weeks old. After thinking hard, and being unable to come up with another name, we shortened Marissa to Rissa and added the Tai. That's how she got her name, and she is a very lovey baby who still mews like a kitten. She doesn't meow. One day, hopefully soon, I'll get her picture online for you all to see so you know who I fuss over so much. Sorry for rambling off the subject. It's an involved story. Bet you're sorry you asked! We have no idea what to call the next one, when we get one in the future. Tai-Tai's other babies were called Mai-Tai, and other Tai's by their owners, so we have a long history here, and we're running out of cute names! Til next time, Pam. -------------------------------------- From: WORKPARK Date sent: Wed, 25 Mar 1998 03:02:52 EST To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Computer Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net We'd also like to help, let us know what the plan is. Pam & Chuck -------------------------------------- From: AskforArt Date sent: Wed, 25 Mar 1998 04:37:56 EST To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Computer Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Count me in, too. Linda P -------------------------------------- Date sent: Wed, 25 Mar 1998 07:43:55 -0500 (EST) From: Kat To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Jim's Computer Status Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Count me in - I'd much rather see Jim have his own computer and let the state go... well you know. Kat (New Jersey) -------------------------------------- From: "James G. Wilson" To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Date sent: Wed, 25 Mar 1998 13:46:32 +0000 Subject: (Fwd) Re: hydrazine sulfate Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net ------- Forwarded Message Follows ------- Date: Wed, 25 Mar 1998 08:10:34 -0500 From: Tookie Myers Reply-to: ccmyers1@erols.com To: phaedrus@ctnet.net Subject: Re: hydrazine sulfate James G. Wilson wrote: > > Hello Dr. Myers, > > Someone mentioned to me a substance called hydrazine sulfate for use with > FeLV+ cats. Have you used it, or do you know much about it? My internet > research has been inconclusive about use with cats, so I don't want to mention > it to the list yet. Here is an exerpt from a web page about this drug: > > -------------------------------------------------------------- > Hydrazine Sulfate is a chemical that supporters believe works against cancer > by blocking a liver enzyme in your body. This blocking process is thought to > deprive tumours of the energy they need to grow. Supporters do not claim > that it cures cancer, but they believe it shrinks tumours. They also report > that Hydrazine Sulfate works to reverse cachexia and decrease pain. > --------------------------------------------------------------- > > Any thoughts on this? Thanks again for all of your help. Take care, and best > wishes. > > In loving memory of Vyvyan: March 20, 1988 - August 15, 1997 > > James G. Wilson > phaedrus@ctnet.net, phaedrus69@hotmail.com, felv@angelfire.com > http://www.angelfire.com/il/felv/ > http://www.litchfieldil.com/members/phaedrus/ > http://www.fortunecity.com//skyscraper/sterling/20/niu.html I have been unable to contact the institute that touts this treatment. When I checked with a chemical company for a material safety data sheet there are some serious toxicities related to the product use as well as its being carcinogenic. I certainly would not recommend its use at this time. My question is if they have spent enough funds to find out how it is supposed to work, why aren't there any controlled animal trials to demonstrate safety and efficacy? M. W. Myers, D.V.M. -------------------------------------- Date sent: Wed, 25 Mar 1998 08:57:23 -0600 (CST) From: "Nancy A. Schmall" To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Jake & Panther Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Ann, Jake and Panther are doing very well. In fact Jake is so good, he has reverted to his old "bad self." He's a very small black kitty with kind of a Siamese-shaped head and thinks he's very HOT stuff. He will taunt most of the other cats and for some reason, they let him get away with it. He is on Prednisone and Immunoregulin, in addition to Interferon because he was so anemic when he got sick--almost to point of transfusing. It was odd because the only symptom he had was seeming to be slightly lethargic. The prednisone was given to suppress whatever was kiling his RBCs--he is still on but at a very small dose--2.5 mg. every 3 days. I am hoping his bloodwork will be so good this Saturday that she'll lower it even more. At first the Interferon didn't seem to be helping him much so I asked to have him on Immunoregulin and it has made a world of difference. Panther is doing well also--he has a great appetite, but he does seem to be more lethargic that he was before he got the disease. His bloodwork seems normal however, so I attribute the lethargy to the disease process. All cats were vaccinated when the first came down with FELV. All had been tested and they have been vaccinated yearly since. I left our Humane Society a little money in exchange for finding homes (or putting down, if necessary because of the FELV)--it won't be much, but it will help them out a little and help me while I'm alive feel that my animals are cared for. My friend will oversee the operation to ensure that everyone stays honest (we have a wonderful shelter now, but who knows what the future will hold). Yes, I have a wonderful family and my husband puts up with a lot. When I ask him what he likes/loves most about me, he replies, "The way you look after little animals." I guess that says it all . . . I think I've answered your questions; if you have more, please feel free to ask. I am hoping that whatever decision you come to, you'll find peace with it. I know this can be very difficult. Nancy -------------------------------------- Date sent: Wed, 25 Mar 1998 09:01:05 -0600 (CST) From: "Nancy A. Schmall" To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Rissa-Tai Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Pam, I'm so glad Rissa-Tai is improving--she sounds like a lovely cat . . . and your other as well! I think the Immunoregulin IV is a good idea--it's helped 2 of my cats so much . . . and checking her blood each week will help keep the vet up-to-date and ahead of any problems. It may be a pain to transport RIssa-TAI that often, but in the end, it may help a great deal! Nancy -------------------------------------- Date sent: Wed, 25 Mar 1998 09:08:31 -0600 (CST) From: "Nancy A. Schmall" To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Ernie Update Cyprohepatadine Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Larry, How interesting--I'll have to try those on my cats. To make a long story short, I had a dog with severe pancreatitis. He had been eating those chews all his 10 years of life and the vet told me to stop them. I felt terrible because Moose had always enjoyed them so much. I called several vets and was met with conflicting opinions. In the end, I never gave Moose any more, he died within several months, and to this day I regret not giving him another one--I feel psychologically it may have helped him to keep on chewing. My current vet thinks they're alright accept for the ones with the knots (if the dogs swallows those). Some do and some don't. But the vet thinks if the dogs swallows them whole, they may end up accumulating in the stomach. This vet also thinks the others are good for dogs and they seem to help keep their teeth clean. We have one dog now--a Golden Retriever, but she does not like the chews. Hope this helps. Let me know what kind of chews and how the kitties like them. I may try them since my kitties have a lot of tartar built up. Nancy -------------------------------------- Date sent: Wed, 25 Mar 1998 15:07:57 -0600 (CST) From: "Nancy A. Schmall" To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Jim's Computer Status Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Larry, Although I can't contribute much (I'm going to school on loans), I'll be happy to give a small pittance. It's no reflection on James' work--I think what he's doing is WONDERFUL! Maybe someday when I'm rich and famous . . . Nancy -------------------------------------- From: Newtanator Date sent: Wed, 25 Mar 1998 16:25:35 EST To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Jim's Computer Status Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Nancy, Tho Larry will be handling most of this, once we get it set up, but I want to get right on the problem of those who's financial situation is such that they can't give, or give very much. None of us want anyone to tax their monthly budget. That is the last thing Jim or any of us would want. We all know how expensive a sick cat can be and that must come first, always. barb -------------------------------------- Date sent: Wed, 25 Mar 1998 13:44:28 -0500 To: felvtalk@MailingList.net From: "Michele R. Brooks" Subject: Michele from PA Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net I'll help Jim, too...I don't know whatI'd have done without him and this list. Michele R. Brooks mrb2@psu.edu 814-865-6557 University Health Services Pennsylvania State University University Park, PA 16802 In loving memory of my precious Benny......My precious little angel.. Until we're together again...... Love an animal today....they depend on you.... unconditional love guaranteed.............. -------------------------------------- Date sent: Wed, 25 Mar 1998 15:06:13 -0600 (CST) From: "Nancy A. Schmall" To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Ernie's Report Card Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Susan, I'm so glad to hear Ernie's improving. I am sending some positive energy your way in hopes that his jaw tumor will shrink soon. No doubt that will improve his appetite. Nancy -------------------------------------- Date sent: Wed, 25 Mar 1998 22:23:10 +0000 From: LawBet Organization: Home for Wayward Felines To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Ernie Update Cyprohepatadine Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Nancy, I must say that our cats refuse to chew them but rather just use them as toys. :-( They are rawhide sticks about 6" long and look like brown straws. We are currently walking on them as the kitties have strewn them about the house without a whole lot of chewing. I guess another experiment gone bad. Larry (the Lurker) -------------------------------------- From: Newtanator Date sent: Wed, 25 Mar 1998 23:05:56 EST To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Ernie's Report Card & Pooters II tumor Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Greg, Your vet may be able to a needle aspirite to see what the tumor is, a needle biopsy of sorts. But you should get it checked. Good it hasn't grown in several months, which makes me think it may not be anything serious, but best to find out. barb -------------------------------------- From: Newtanator Date sent: Wed, 25 Mar 1998 23:07:47 EST To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Ernie, Naomi Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Naomi, Maybe Keigan would like a new friend. I know he is positive, so maybe another positive kitty might be the answer. But not everyone wants to take that on considering expense and worst of all, the heartache. But lord knows they are out there. Barb -------------------------------------- From: katseven@pcsia.com Date sent: Wed, 25 Mar 1998 17:33:30 -0600 Subject: Re: Ernie's Report Card & Pooters II tumor To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Hi, Greg, Get the growth checked out right away by your vet. Ernie has had two surgeries already, but still has more tumors. The stress of surgery might kill him, and might not get rid of the cancer anyway, so we are using the Acemannan to work on the tumors (also more traditional chemotherapy). Your vet might want to biopsy the growth, especially if Pooters is FeLv+. I would have preferred to have the tumors removed if that were an option AND use the Acemannan to work on any remaining cancer cells. (Fibroid sarcoma is normally a locally aggressive cancer, but when a cat is FeLV+ the sarcoma binds with the FeLV DNA and reproduces in other sites in the body.) The lidocaine would just numb the area in which Ernie was to be injected. Hope this answers some questions. Susan -------------------------------------- To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Date sent: Wed, 25 Mar 1998 20:38:35 -0500 Subject: Re: Ernie, Naomi From: naohalloran@juno.com (Naomi J O'Halloran) Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Hi Susan, Keigan is doing fine. He's as crazy as ever! He misses Moira, though. He walks around crying sometimes, and spends a lot more time with me. He sleeps with me every night now. He used to spend the nights chasing Moira around. Always getting in trouble. :-) Everything seems to be fine though. We're still waiting for the Acemannan to come in (I'm beginning to think my vet forgot to order it), but Keigan is doing really well with the interferon and the vitamins. He doesn't mind taking them at all, which is very surprising, but great. Thanks for askng about him! Naomi In loving memory of Moira 5/95-3/18/98 -------------------------------------- Date sent: Wed, 25 Mar 1998 22:05:39 -0600 To: felvtalk@MailingList.net From: Ann M Blais Subject: Nancy, thanks for Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Namcy, Thanks for the information, I guess it does answer my question, but it didn't help me in making my decision. I was hoping you would say that your cats had not received felv preventative shots before they came down with felv. I had been thinking that the immunization shots maybe would help prevent felv a bit and that the more yearly shots that they had had, the more protection they would have. I didn't realize that they should get the yearly preventative immunizations after they come down with felv, I would have thought that was adding fuel to the fire. This is such a hard decision to make. Some say that it is difficult for a cat to come down with felv and others say it is easy for them to get it. Today, I think all three of the cats at one time or another have sneezed. Each time, I stop what I am doing, freeze, watch the cat for a couple of minutes, (don't ask me what I am watching for, I couldn't answer if my life depended on it), then after a couple of worrysome minutes, continue whatever I was doing. I'm sure that just about everyone on the list knows exactly what I mean. Is Jake a small cat normally or do you think the felv kept him small? Gretchen weighed 5.3 lbs. before being spayed and has lost even more since. She seems not to have the appetite she had before the operation, though. I'm wondering what changed that. Anyway, the vet told me that her small size was because her mother probably passed the felv on to her and she was a sickly kitten. I sure would like to know her story. When I saw her sitting on the edge of the road that cold night last October, she looked so sad and dejected, with her little head bent down so low her chin just about touched her chest, I thought she was a small kitten that had somehow gotten out of the house and got lost by mistake. After checking around, everyone seemed to think she either had been thrown into the river and somehow managed to get out and had been trying to survive or had just been thrown away. To get on with this, I thought she was a kitten because of her size, but the vet said that she had 6 month molars then, so I really don't know how old she is. She has grown a little bit more since then. He put her age down at 10 months old now. You must be very happy to have Jake back to being his normal 'Bad Boy' self. That was a wonderful thing your husband said to you about why he loves you. That's the stuff romance novels are written about. Ann M. -------------------------------------- Date sent: Wed, 25 Mar 1998 23:05:42 -0600 To: felvtalk@MailingList.net From: Ann M Blais Subject: Interferon Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Checked in with my vet today to inquire about Interferon. He said he'll have to look it up, but he thought that it was expensive. Now that doesn't sound too promising, I had hoped he would know about it. I wanted to know a little something about this medicine so I can try it on Gretchen. Can I order it and administer it? How long has it been used on felines? Where can I get it and is it really that expensive? Is there a list for felv informed vets and is there one in Maine? Sorry to be asking so many questions. I only wish that my vet was a little more informed and probably a bit more concerned about helping felv cats instead of putting them to death as he wanted to do to Gretchen. Ann M -------------------------------------- From: "James G. Wilson" To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Date sent: Wed, 25 Mar 1998 22:23:57 +0000 Subject: Re: Interferon Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Hi Ann, > Checked in with my vet today to inquire about Interferon. He said he'll > have to look it up, but he thought that it was expensive. This brings back chilling memories of what my *former* vet did regarding my Vyvyan :( Don't wait for him to look it up- that's generally their way of blowing you off. This drug (for feline use) is quite INexpensive- roughly $100.00 will provide enough Interferon to last five cats for a year! > Now that doesn't > sound too promising, I had hoped he would know about it. I wanted to know a > little something about this medicine so I can try it on Gretchen. Can I > order it and administer it? How long has it been used on felines? Where can > I get it and is it really that expensive? Your vet has to order it, but once s/he does, you can administer it yourself since it is given orally. You can find a reliable address for ordering info at our FeLV project web page at: http://www.angelfire.com/il/felv/ The earliest studies that I can recall reading about for use of this drug on felines is 1995. Many people on this list will testify to its remarkable effectiveness, though. > Is there a list for felv informed vets and is there one in Maine? Yes, there is a list of FeLV-informed vets at: http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Spa/8025/ look for the directory there. Unfortunately, only five people have submitted vet names, and none of them are in Maine :(. > Sorry to be asking so many questions. I only wish that my vet was a little > more informed and probably a bit more concerned about helping felv cats > instead of putting them to death as he wanted to do to Gretchen. > > Ann M Again, chilling memories I don't want to relive :( Your best bet would be to call around and try to find another vet. Once a vet shows this kind of reluctance, you're not likely to get far with him/her. This is not bashing- just a reality that too many of us have dealt with. Please keep asking questions- it does benefit others on the list as well. Let us know what you find out, and I wish you and Gretchen well. In loving memory of Vyvyan: March 20, 1988 - August 15, 1997 James G. Wilson phaedrus@ctnet.net, phaedrus69@hotmail.com, felv@angelfire.com http://www.angelfire.com/il/felv/ http://www.litchfieldil.com/members/phaedrus/ http://www.fortunecity.com//skyscraper/sterling/20/niu.html -------------------------------------- END