Sunday March 29, 1998 Part 2 25 Messages ====================================== From: "Claude Horstmann" To: Subject: catscats Date: Sun, 29 Mar 1998 10:28:48 -0500 Reply-to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Jamie: I also have an old Tom. Grey tabby, 13 years old and MASSIVE. He has been rewarded for his patience with me by having all the overflow from the foods that I have steamed, shredded,diced,pureed,broiled,braised,and baked for Selena..( only to have her reject them after a sniff or two.) McCavity thinks that he has opened the door to OZ, he's reaping the benefits royally ! He and Ariya were great buddies, and altho Ariya died of lymphosarcoma, McCavity has not tested positive for the dis-ease. McCavity and Selena are kept separated. He is free to come and go, the bachelor life here in the country, and she must content herself with windowsills of sunshine. Ann: I am so glad that you made the decision to let your family bond together. May you reap many hours of cat-entment . And, the PLAN B that I mentioned was letting some of us get the Interferon to you for Gretchen. ..marilyn.. -------------------------------------- From: katseven@pcsia.com Date sent: Sun, 29 Mar 1998 11:09:08 -0600 Subject: Ernie & Catnip To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Hiya, After reading all the catnip posts, I put some catnip in Ernie's room yesterday. He tried to roll in it; then he ate some. He sat in it for a while and catnip stuck to his tummy (where the tumor is draining). I gave him more this morning and he did the same thing. He's still in good spirits and he's still eating! We're very happy. I think I'm also going to get some clay after reading recent posts by Cheryl and Pam. It sounds like it's worth a try (for myself, too!). Susan (Once or twice a week all the cats have a catnip party--I've gotten some funny pics that way.) -------------------------------------- From: katseven@pcsia.com Date sent: Sun, 29 Mar 1998 11:19:44 -0600 Subject: Re: Pam's Rissa-Tai To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Pam, That's hilarious about Rissa-Tai and the tub. What an ornery puddy! And what a sense of humor! I am reading all your posts and thinking about you guys all the time. Maybe Rissa-Tai just wants a cool, dark place to sleep and heal. That's what I crave when I'm needing my rest. The equivalent of black-out blinds in the windows, perhaps? Just a thought--also since she knows you know where she is, is she really hiding? Susan -------------------------------------- Date sent: Sun, 29 Mar 1998 11:22:43 -0600 (CST) From: "Nancy A. Schmall" To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Survivors Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Paula, Thanks for the thoughts and info. I hope the increase in pred does the trick. You can always lower it again. I believe when pred is dramatically reduced too fast, it prevents your own natural cortisone from being released which can cause all kinds of problem (I'll let Barb handle that one). Panther is fine; in fact his blood work checked out great and he gained 1# in 2 months! He does seem to be very tired though--moreso than before the FELV, which makes sense. But I thought I'd give Thymus a chance to see if there is any difference. I'm going to start him on DMG. Jake's bloodwork was also good. We are going to try 2.5mg. of prednisone every fourth day. I figure that's equivalent to me taking about 7mg. per day, which isn't too bad. The way I understand it too is if you can take prednisone at least every other day, there is less chance of suppressing your immune system. Perhaps that is something you could eventually try out. Best to you and George. Keep us posted! Nancy -------------------------------------- Date sent: Sun, 29 Mar 1998 11:26:07 -0600 (CST) From: "Nancy A. Schmall" To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Gretchen Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Ann, I was happy to hear that you made a decision (whatever worked out best for you and the kitties). Are you going to try to put all on interferon? That might be a good option. Interesting about Naomi Judd! Thinking of you and your kitties. Nancy -------------------------------------- Date sent: Sun, 29 Mar 1998 11:27:01 -0600 (CST) From: "Nancy A. Schmall" To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Fluffy Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Judy, Sounds good about Fluffy! nancy -------------------------------------- Date sent: Sun, 29 Mar 1998 19:24:50 +0100 To: felvtalk@MailingList.net From: BILL BEAMISH Subject: Our Cats Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Hi Everybody, After a very wintry month (we live in Buffalo!), we finally got 3 beautiful days in a row. Well, this morning I opened some windows that hadn't been opened all winter and my cats went crazy! I was enjoying myself watching them race through the house from one window to the next when I thought how lucky I was that they ALL could do this, that no one is sick - at the moment. I was thinking how lucky I am for each day with them. We all know how quickly their health can change. I was feeling lucky for things owners of "normal" cats take for granted. Caring for Felv & Fiv positive cats is an eye-opener, all right. Wishing the best to everyone & their precious kitties. Judy -------------------------------------- Date sent: Sun, 29 Mar 1998 13:43:42 -0500 From: Andrew Sherrod To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Survivors Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Dear Barb, If you have an extra bathroom (yeah, right) and don't mind losing a few light fixtures and having your medicine cabinet ripped out-you could trap him and have a vet come out and neuter him right on your kitchen table (getting the anethesia in him was the hardest part). Ha, Ha, Paula -------------------------------------- From: "Mandy Crerar" To: Subject: Sad message Date sent: Mon, 30 Mar 1998 01:32:26 +0200 Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Barb Thanks so much for your kinds words. Tragically I lost two kittens today - one was the one that the vet misdiagnosed. I could be wrong and just looking for someone to blame but I am sure that if this vet had taken greater care and diagnosed correctly in the first place, little Precious might have survived. We fought the billary so hard between the two of us, she was so brave. But in the end her little body was just too frail to survive.The other one was also a rescue (as are my entire cat household) who became ill three days ago. He seemed to be recovering nicely then this morning, suddenly began having trouble breathing and within an hour he was gone. The vet did a PM for me and found a burst absess on one of his lungs. Poor little guy. I am hearbroken and devastated. Funny how you dwell at such length and in such pain about the ones that you have lost - somehow at moments like this, the fact that you have saved so many just doesnt count. I hate it when you do your best, and it just isnt good enough. Titch is holding his own but still not eating well. None of the drugs mentioned on the List seem to be available in South Africa or if they are, they are under a different name. We are trying to trace them via the manufacturers - a lengthy process and very tricky if we have to go through the maze of red tape to get permission to import new drugs. Anyway we will proceed because it will be great to help other South Africans whose cats have been diagnosed FeLv +. Are there are any South AFricans subscribing to the list? Please give me a post if there are. I had a small smile when I read about cats in every corner of houses. Because I run a rescue project (KITTEN ACTION) too often the ones that cannot find homes end up as permanent residents. My household is now standing at 42 and trust me, if you vacate your chair in front of the TV for 2 seconds, it's gone!!! Thanks for the support and I leave you with some words that are very relavant to me tonight :- Our pets, oh how we love them We cherish them and care Treasure the joy they give us As our lives they share But they're not ours forever We know that from the start Yet oh the pain and sadness When the moment comes to part It breaks our hearts, and yet In spite of all the pain Oh that we could have the chance To love them once again 'Though nothing can replace The friend that we have lost Be thankful for the memories And never count the cost Mandy -------------------------------------- From: "James G. Wilson" To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Date sent: Sun, 29 Mar 1998 19:01:04 +0000 Subject: South African members of the list Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Hi everyone, First, Mandy I am so sorry to hear your tragic news :( I wish I knew what to say that would help, but I don't. Something in your post did remind me of something I'd forgotten to mention, though. You'd said that many of the drugs we talk about for FeLV aren't available in South Africa? Even Interferon? I've been in contact with folks from South Africa that have successfully treated their cats with a drug called "Moducare" or hypoxin- not available in the US. You can order from your local drug store if I remember correctly. There is a link on our FeLV project web page that talks about this drug in the general sense. I apologize for having not mentioned it before now considering that we have at least three people from your area on the list. Please let me know if you need more information about this drug- or if you can't get it for some reason. I hope Titch is feeling better, and we'll be thinking of you both. Take care, and thank you for doing the kind of work you do for these poor creatures. 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 -------------------------------------- From: AskforArt Date sent: Sun, 29 Mar 1998 19:51:42 EST To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: James G. Wilson Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Naomi Judd didn't just use the drug interferon, sge used a gamut of "complementary" alternative therapies--more whole foods, mineral supplements, thymus glandular extract, just to name a few. See Alternative Medicine Digest, Jan. 1998 issue for more details. Linda P -------------------------------------- Date sent: Sun, 29 Mar 1998 21:15:44 +0100 To: felvtalk@MailingList.net From: BILL BEAMISH Subject: Loss Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Oh, Mandy, I am so sorry for your losses today. I know what you mean about when you lose one, it doesn't seem to matter at the time how many you've saved. My husband has always told me that every loss I have I take as a personal defeat. He also asks me what kind of life would they have had without me and even in the cases of strays who don't live very long with me at all, I feel at least I saved them from a horrible, lonely, maybe very painful death outside. At least with me they knew they were loved and cared for, even if only for a short time. Please remember thats how you should feel about those poor babies you lost today. They knew you were trying to help them and you loved them. I know you dwell on the ones you lose, but you have 42 others who are depending on you and my others keep me going after a tragic loss. Take care. Judy -------------------------------------- From: katseven@pcsia.com Date sent: Sun, 29 Mar 1998 17:55:34 -0600 Subject: re: Sad message To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Mandy, I am so sorry. I hope you can find some comfort in the fact that you've given so many some hope. Thank you for the poem. Though it's hard to accept those realities, it's true. It is ironic that our greatest "weakness" is also our greatest source of strength--our compassion. Love, Susan -------------------------------------- From: "Lynn Stickels" To: "felvtalk" Subject: Stinker Date: Sun, 29 Mar 1998 16:36:28 -0800 Reply-to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Stinker has been going down for the past few days. He has a temperature of 103.5. He is in pain, his mouth, I suppose. I will take him to my vet but I know what he will say. He will say he doesn't know what to do for him. Right now, he isn't at death's door but he could be at any time, as you all know. My vet won't know what to do and I don't know what to do so I guess I am asking you all. A few days ago I switched him to Clavamox from the Antirobe which he has been taking most of his life. I and the vet were worried as to the affect the antirobe would have long term. The aspirin helps, but can only give it every other day and I don't know what to do to help his pain in between. I am able to give him his supplements in the morning and his medicine but he seems to be hurting very much lately. I am not ready for him to go yet! There must be something I am missing. I feel so helpless cause my vet is of no great help to me and I feel so all alone and all I have now is you. Tell me what to do.................Lynn(Stinker) -------------------------------------- From: Newtanator Date sent: Sun, 29 Mar 1998 19:59:30 EST To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Stinker Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Lynn, Sometimes we have done all that can be done. You have done everything conceivable for Stinker. Sometimes the hardest thing to do is to let go. I know, I have been there 4 times now with my cats and 5 times in the last 6 years with dogs. It is so hard and so painful, but sometimes it is the greatest sacrifice we can make for them. There is one thing I can think of that might help his mouth pain. There is a Xylocaine gel that you could put in his mouth, but it will only be temporary. Have you tried Nystatin? It's an antibiotic mouth rinse. Other than that, I am at a loss. I'm sorry. Be strong for Stinker and we will be here to help you, always remember that. barb -------------------------------------- From: "Lynn Stickels" To: "felvtalk" Subject: Stinker Date sent: Sun, 29 Mar 1998 18:33:37 -0800 Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net I gave Stinker an injection of immunoregulin and put him back on the Antirobe. Will see how that works. I am taking him to the vet first thing in the morning. Just thought I'd let you know.:).............Lynn(Stinker) -------------------------------------- From: Newtanator Date sent: Sun, 29 Mar 1998 21:52:41 EST To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Stinker Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Lynn, Good luck tomorrow and let us know how things are going. I hope switching back to the other meds helps. Barb -------------------------------------- From: katseven@pcsia.com Date sent: Sun, 29 Mar 1998 18:18:54 -0600 Subject: Our Cats, Ourselves To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Hi, Judy, I know what you mean--Spring has come. It's in the 60s here in Iowa. Our cats have been getting in the windows, too. Even Ernie tried to jump up on a short bookcase to look out the window. (I had to lift him up.) Now he's up "high" on the back of the futon, napping and looking out. I, too, feel very lucky for the time we all have together. Your'e right. Having Ernie has helped me appreciate all my cats more, especially after reading about Mandy's sad loss. My life, too, has been enriched by my furry guys and gals. Susan -------------------------------------- From: WORKPARK Date sent: Mon, 30 Mar 1998 00:19:42 EST To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: licking concrete & clay Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Hi all, I got a call back from Jean-Pierre at alphaterra (the clay website) earlier today, he is sending me the clay tomorrow. He said it is a detoxifier, works in/on their digestive system, and to give the cats 1/2 teaspoon per day, but take 3 days to work up to that amount. He said that since it is natural, it shouldn't hurt them at all. I should have it soon, I'll let you all know how this turns out. Rissa-Tai has come out a little more today, she is also eating pretty well, actually, much better than we had hoped for right now. Hopefully, she is just hiding so we can't give her medicine, or like Barb says, because she feels vulnerable, and not for any other reasons. However, her "hiding spot" is unfortuately fairly cool, and that worries me some - but she keeps going there even if we move her to a warmer, comfy spot. We'll be back at the vet's tomorrow for her 2nd Epogen injection, hopefully, they'll tell me she's gained some weight back. She looks better and doesn't feel as bony. Pam -------------------------------------- From: "Cheri Gardiner" To: Subject: Re: Sad message Date sent: Sun, 29 Mar 1998 19:35:11 -0600 Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net I am so sorry to hear about your losses. It is terrible to lose a little friend. My prayers and thoughts are with you. Cheri G., Kitty & Chaz In memory of my little boy Mickey -------------------------------------- From: "Claude Horstmann" To: Subject: sad message Date: Sun, 29 Mar 1998 21:28:14 -0500 Reply-to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Dear Mandy ....holding, stroking, loving, being safe and comforted.. these simple acts have a timeless quality for the kittens in our care. They each take a small piece of us with them, but leave so much of themselves in return. My thoughts are with you, you are courage X42 ! .marilyn. -------------------------------------- Date sent: Sun, 29 Mar 1998 22:52:01 -0600 To: felvtalk@MailingList.net From: Ann M Blais Subject: Combined cats Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Hi everyone, Well, last night after Gretchen had spent most of the day trying to become friends with Qetta and Honey, she seemed really tired but didn't want to sleep. I put Gretchen back to 'her room' with a little cuddling and she seemed content to spend the night there so everyone would rest and be fresh for another day to come. Today, Honey's eyes are not quite so big and Qetta has curled up to sleep in Gretchen's bed in 'her room' and sometimes batting paws back and forth with her. I think she and Qetta are all right together now. Honey is still walking very stiff legged, hissing and growling, but not quite so loud as she did yesterday. Gretchen is now almost asleep in a sitting position, this 'making friends' is very tiring to her. I hope the stress does not make her sick. Tomorrow I plan to contact the vet and see if he has ordered Interferon or at least gotten information for it. I'll let you know what he tells me, we may have to go to 'Plan B', Marilyn. I really appreciate the offer of so many of you to help me get the Interferon, it warms my heart knowing there is so much support on this list. Whoops, more hissing and spitting going on. Ann M -------------------------------------- Date sent: Sun, 29 Mar 1998 23:00:34 -0600 To: felvtalk@MailingList.net From: Ann M Blais Subject: Catnip Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Hi again, Just read Barb's message and remembered my old cat Muffin's reaction to some really fresh catnip. He gobbled up some of it, turned around and sprayed on the floor and my legs. Muffin was an outdoor cat, so the next time he got some catnip it was outdoors and out of range of my legs. He had never done this when younger and given catnip, so I think maybe his age had something to do with this reaction. Ann M -------------------------------------- Date sent: Sun, 29 Mar 1998 23:30:23 -0600 To: felvtalk@MailingList.net From: Ann M Blais Subject: Re: Sad Message Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Hello Mandy, I'm so very sorry about your double loss today. Nothing I or anyone else can say will help, but please know that myself and others are thinking of you and understand the pain of your loss. It's a wonderful thing that you are doing there and those kitties are sure lucky to have you. That is a nice poem, so true. Ann M. -------------------------------------- Date sent: Sun, 29 Mar 1998 23:46:21 -0600 To: felvtalk@MailingList.net From: Ann M Blais Subject: Nancy Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Hi Nancy, Thanks for the message. I sure do hope it works out for the best, at least Gretchen is with the rest of the family now. As for the Interferon, I will have to wait to find out more before putting Qetta and Honey on it. I'm sure that we will be getting some information about putting a felv- cat on Interferon sometime soon, at least I hope so. Someone, it may have been Judy, said that she was going to ask her vet about this. It's nice to hear that Jake and Panther are still doing good, keeping my paws crossed that this continues. Ann M. -------------------------------------- END