Sunday April 5, 1998 Part 1 25 Messages ====================================== Date sent: Sat, 04 Apr 1998 23:29:58 +0000 From: LawBet Organization: Home for Wayward Felines To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: catscatscats Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Marilyn, Please, please don't wear your one good silk dress. Our kitties could never resist such a beautifully appealing target! Not to say what having to replace it would do to my wallet!! Larry -------------------------------------- Date sent: Sat, 04 Apr 1998 23:34:01 +0000 From: LawBet Organization: Home for Wayward Felines To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Ernie's sleeping over Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Uncle J. Not as weird as you may think. Our first cat, Tuffy, loved stringbeans and we have a couple more just as fond of macaroni and cheese. The only dog we've ever had (gone now) also loved peanuts. Larry -------------------------------------- Date sent: Sat, 04 Apr 1998 23:36:20 +0000 From: LawBet Organization: Home for Wayward Felines To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Linda & her husband Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Nothing here and I've been talking her through some of her computer problems on AOL's Instant Messenger. Barb asked me the same question on Thursday. Larry -------------------------------------- Date sent: Sat, 04 Apr 1998 23:44:10 +0000 From: LawBet Organization: Home for Wayward Felines To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Barb Re: Duncan Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Ann, No, no. No fair cheating. Besides, looking back only causes chronic neck pain. Larry -------------------------------------- Date sent: Sat, 04 Apr 1998 23:55:04 +0000 From: LawBet Organization: Home for Wayward Felines To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Ernie's sleeping over Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Unc, I've never lost one to a car either but an idiot neighbor left a deaf cat, a deaf cat!!! run outside. The poor thing never even heard the car that killed it!! That type of conduct, to me, is criminal and bears no relation to freedom. But, I agree with Barb: to each his own. Larry -------------------------------------- From: AskforArt Date sent: Sun, 5 Apr 1998 01:16:59 EST To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Chloe Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Steve--Found two of the three things I was looking for--over a year of reseach on this stuff has left me with too many files! First, from Fuchs, J. et al: Studies on lipoate effects on blood redox state in human immuno-dificiency virsu (HIV-1) replication. Kim Wochenschr 69;722-4, 1991: "...individuals infected with the human immunodificiency virus (HIV) have a compromised antioxidant defense system. Blood antioxidants are decreased and peroxidation products of lipids and proteins are increased in these patients. This blood profile may contribute to the progression of AIDS, because antioxidants, such as glutathione, prevent viral replication while reactive oxidants tend to stimulate the virus. ...a small pilot study was designed to determine the short-term effect of [alpha]lipoic acid supplementation (150 mg. three times daily) in HIV positive patients. Lipoic acid supplementation increased plasma ascorbate in 9 of 10 patients, total glutathione in 7 of 7 patients, total plasma surphur groups in 8 of 9 patients; T helper lymphocytes and T helper/suppressor cell ratio in 6 of 10 patients, while the level of free radical damage decreased in 8 of 9 patients. The results of this study indicated that lipoic supplementation led to significant beneficial changes in the blood of HIV infected patients." Oh, what I'd give for a scanner! In another study (I didn't copy the source on this one, just copied the info from a medical journal) stated that alpha lipoic acid inhibits the replication of HIV by lowering the activity of reverse transcriptase. Next bit of info: go to http://www.simplynaturalproducts.com--they have a freeze dried whole aloe vera with a certified MPS analysis. They also have a aloe vera liquid with the guaranteed analysis, but they use sodium benzoate as a preservative (toxic to kitties). Finally, the file I can't find........a study was recently begun to study the effect of hypericum (St. John's Wort) on HIV, and preliminary results look promising. I'll continue to look for the source and the rest of the info on the study. Maybe one of these would be of help to Chloe. My 3 Felv+s have been on the alpha lipoic acid for several months now. Hope that by the time you read this you won't need it. Also, is there any possibility she could have eaten anything she shouldn't have while she was outside? Hoping for good news soon, Linda P -------------------------------------- From: AskforArt Date sent: Sun, 5 Apr 1998 01:40:46 EST To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Chloe Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Steve-- the end of that letter didn't sound right--I meant I hoped Chloe was doing better, and that's why you wouldn't need the info. Linda P -------------------------------------- From: WORKPARK Date sent: Sun, 5 Apr 1998 04:00:01 EDT To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Rissa-Tai & steroids Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Barb, Actually, this amount of Prednisone is much less than she was on before. At the time I took her to see the Oncologist on March 10, she said that we no longer had to give her the 15 mg. per day that she was taking, and we dropped it down to 5 mg. per day. She started itching really badly and so my regular vet told me to take it up to 7 1/2 mg. per day. I wish it wasn't so much, she hates all the pills, but we've made other adjustments to her meds recently, and I'm worried too much change could hurt her. It seemed that the last time we made big changes in her meds, is when this lethargy and low rbc count became a real problem. Maybe Dr. Myers would have some suggestions. Her current regimen is: Prednisone: 5 mg. in am, 2 1/2 mg. in pm Interferon: 1 cc every third day (we're just starting this today, she's had it every day for a few weeks now) Immunoregulin: 0.4 mg/cc IV injection 1 time a week (starting this next week, she's had it 2 times a week for about two months) Doxycycline: 1/4 100 mg. tab per day (for the Hemobart - 7 more days left) Alkeran (chemo): 1/4 2 mg. tab every third day (for the Plasma Cell Myoloma) Pet-Tinic: 1 mL 2 times a day Ambrotose: 1/8 tsp. 2 times a day (we rarely get it all into her). She has also had Neupogen for her previous low wbc, it worked well, but the vet said she no longer needed it, and Epogen for low rbc, but we stopped because it did nothing. Dr. Myers, do you have any other suggestions that would not be too strenuous on her? She's really starting to fight us on all the pills, injections, you name it. Pam PS Does everyone have a regimen like this? It might be helpful to see what others are doing. -------------------------------------- From: "Claude Horstmann" To: Subject: Re: Selena Date sent: Sun, 5 Apr 1998 00:41:42 -0500 Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net >Ann M. Hey Ann, Let me tell ya, the broth took my breath away, THE WHOLE DAY OVER A SIMMERING CAULDRON...????? She has NO choice but to like it.. I'm armed and dangerous with my feeding syringe ! She may very well succumb to the dis-ease, but she won't die from mal-nutrition ! thanks, marilyn -------------------------------------- Date sent: Sat, 04 Apr 1998 21:43:07 -0800 From: Dana Crow Organization: Magical Moments Preschool To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Barb Re: Duncan Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Hi Ann, I trapped 3 feral kittens at our summer property quite a way from here. They never really had contact other than sniffing one another before I realized that the tortie female was not well. Kuckily for me, the vet had bells & whistles going off due to the gingivitis & the chronic diarreha (sp) which caused a thickness of the bowel muscle. I can luckily say that all 3 are now very healthy, no diarrehea or gigivitis & eating well. They (currently) take Vit C, Paau D'Arco, DMG,& Steve's Elixir of Yam extract & aloe vera. I am awaiting the ambrotose. I took the flea chance today & put one on a harness out to the forest where we were clearing debris. he had a great time even venturing up a little tree. He loved the sunshine & the feel of the dirt on his feet. I think I'll take another out tomorrow. They have their own little house & outdoor run for fresh air & we go in & pet them plenty as well as bring them in to the house supervised. Best get to bed now! Dana -------------------------------------- From: Newtanator Date sent: Sun, 5 Apr 1998 12:28:09 EDT To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Elevated Protein levels Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Pam, I think folks need to understand the complexity of the immune system. People (and cats to I'm guessing) occasionally produce a deformed cell. The immune system, if working properly, sees it, does not recognize it, and destroys it. Obviously, sometimes this system breaks down and cancer gets a foothold. Sometimes these cells can't reproduce themselves and just die. Felv and FIV cats are much more prone to cancer development than a healthy cat with a properly working immune system. Technically, I could say, none of my cats died from felv. Two died from pulmonary tumors, one from a brain tumor and two from lymphosarcoma. Would they have developed these tumors had then not had felv....more than likely, they would not have. Old age often produces cancer also. They feel that the cells have reproduced so many times the replication process breaks down and the immune system isn't what it was and then the cancer develops. I guess I am a little concerned that the vast consequences of this disease are still not fully understood. I would bet a months pay that Rissa-Tai's Plasma Cell Myoloma is a direct result of the felv. I have a cat book, given to me by my MUCH OLDER brother and his wife Bette, who is not so much older, called the "Cat Owner's Home Verterinary Handbook" and in it she says at least half of all cancer's in cats is directly related to felv and fiv. Those are scary numbers and demonstrates the visiousness of this relentless little virus. To the epogen. I know the drug works but I'm afraid with Rissi's bone marrow involement, where most of the rbc's are formed, esp. in the long bones like femors etc, it may not have what it needs to work properly. I hope that if Rissi can get thru the critical stage of the chemo killing the cancer cells so her body can produce normal bone marrow and hense produce normal rbc's. Are they doing bone marrow transplants in Cats?? I don't know if they do that yet but it has had some success with humans. You have a rough road ahead with Rissa-Tai, but I am sure rooting for the both of you. Maybe since you have done so much research on this type of cancer, you could do a q and a on it for the information page. Thinking of you and Rissa. Barb -------------------------------------- Date sent: Sun, 05 Apr 1998 08:35:32 -0400 From: Andrew Sherrod To: "felvtalk@MailingList.net" Subject: Arnie Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Dear Jean, I read about Arnie-I have no suggestions since George is following the same pattern as Arnie. Thanks for including the treatment-I may have my vet test George for hemobart. I'll pass on any suggestions if I figure out how to get her to eat Paula -------------------------------------- From: Newtanator Date sent: Sun, 5 Apr 1998 12:36:28 EDT To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Ernie Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Susan, My deepest sympathies to you and your husband. Ernie is now at the bridge with all of mine where there is no pain, no difficult breathing, no shots or pills. You did everything you could possibly do and now, once the pain eases a little, you will remember the good times. barb -------------------------------------- Date sent: Sun, 05 Apr 1998 08:44:10 -0400 From: Andrew Sherrod To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: George isn't doing so well :( Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Thank you for your reply! We looked into Acemannan a few months ago and, from what the vet told us, it was insanely expensive. I'll look through my old messages to see if any of you guys are getting it cheaper....believe me, it must have been expensive for us not to try it!!! Thanks for the suggestion..... Paula -------------------------------------- Date sent: Sun, 05 Apr 1998 08:47:31 -0400 From: Andrew Sherrod To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: George isn't doing so well :( Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Thank you, Barb. You know, I feel blessed that Georgie really hadn't had any bad days since November(she started treatments right after Bubbles died and wasn't in really bad shape then). Now that she isn't feeling well I'm just wacko (well, more wacko!!!). George has been eating just a TINY bit (some feline "get em fat" formula). She' s lost quite a bit of weight and just looks sluggish..........I'll update you on Monday-her cbc results from yesterday will be back (ugh!) Paula -------------------------------------- From: AskforArt Date sent: Sun, 5 Apr 1998 13:01:19 EDT To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Elevated Protein levels Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net For Barb and Pam--There have been clinical trials done with bone marrow transplants for cats, but to date they have proven unsuccessful, and far too costly. Linda P -------------------------------------- From: "Helen Elizabeth Kennebeck" To: "felv mailinglist" Subject: Judy and Comet Date sent: Sun, 5 Apr 1998 08:10:58 -0500 Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Judy, I'm so sorry about Comet. What a wonderful person to take her in as you did and care for her so tenderly. You say she was with you for a few years-----I think all she would need was a day or two to know that you loved her and wanted her there with you. Sometimes there is no (human) explanation for why these tragedies take place. It will take some time to be at peace about her, but know she is in a happy place right now, enjoying herself with many playmates. I truly believe that there is a hereafter (Rainbow Bridge) for these little creatures who steal our hearts. Look forward to the day you will see her again, and how happy you both will be. Liz and Samantha In memory of Buddy 3-13-98 -------------------------------------- Date sent: Sun, 05 Apr 1998 15:12:34 +0200 From: Pieter Organization: N/A To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Let's get back On-Topic Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Hi... could you let me know which other lists exist concerning other topics as well? I am learning a lot regarding FeLV ( I have 25 cats myself and I have had problems with this disease) but I would like to make contact regarding other topics too... Thanks a lot :) Nina -------------------------------------- Date sent: Sun, 05 Apr 1998 14:08:35 +0000 From: LawBet Organization: Home for Wayward Felines To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Let's get back On-Topic Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Nina, A news group I'm familiar with is: rec.pets.cats. That might be helpful to you for other topics. Larry -------------------------------------- Date sent: Sun, 05 Apr 1998 09:13:51 -0500 From: topcat@cstone.net (Ronald Herfurth) To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Let's get back On-Topic Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net I plead guilty, sorry. The good news is there seems to be a lot of people taking an active part in fighting Felv. I trapped a feral a work 5 years ago and took her straight to the vet to get spayed. He said first he'd test her for Felv and Fiv and if positive he would put her to sleep. I didn't know any better at the time so I said ok and sat in the waiting room 15 minutes till I got the good news that she was neg. When March tested pos for Felv 3 years ago I had a different vet and she started suggesting treatments before I even had a chance to ask if she should be put to sleep. Things are getting better. -------------------------------------- Date sent: Sun, 05 Apr 1998 14:15:53 +0000 From: LawBet Organization: Home for Wayward Felines To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Ernie Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Susan, "What we have enjoyed, we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us." Larry -------------------------------------- Date sent: Sun, 5 Apr 1998 09:59:25 -0500 (CDT) From: "Nancy A. Schmall" To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Ernie's sleeping over Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Susan, I know what you mean about Ernie not wanting you to bother him. I make a habit of rewarding my cats when I have to pill them--like with those Pounce Treats (tartar) or a piece of chicken, but then that will only work when a cat is eating. I hope Ernie will turn around soon! Barb can probably tell you what CBC stands for--definitely NOT Buffy Coat (hah)! nancy -------------------------------------- Date sent: Sun, 5 Apr 1998 10:03:43 -0500 (CDT) From: "Nancy A. Schmall" To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Elevated Protein levels Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Pam, Thanks for the info on elevated proteins--I guess I'll just have to hope for the best with Jake. I am slowly but surely realizing that you just never know what's going to happen--with animals and people--that's what makes every moment precious. It's hard to deal with sometimes. Nancy -------------------------------------- Date sent: Sun, 5 Apr 1998 10:09:17 -0500 (CDT) From: "Nancy A. Schmall" To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Latest on Rissa-Tai Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Pam, Sorry to hear that Rissa-Tai is not where you hope she would be. Have you tried NutraCal (force fed)? That might help her gain weight. Also digestive enzymes mixed with her food or pill? I use both beef and chicken livers for Panther and jake every day--just a little so as not to overwhelm them with richness or Vit.A. I don't know if it's contributed to their improvement or not--I had heard that someone answering a survey in Prevention Magazine used them everyday and their FELV cat got better so . . . Also, Pet Tinnic is proven to help anemia in many cases--my cats get that too. Also 1000 mg. Vit. C. I have to apologize in asking you these questions--I just can't remember who uses what. My best--Nancy. -------------------------------------- Date sent: Sun, 5 Apr 1998 10:15:55 -0500 (CDT) From: "Nancy A. Schmall" To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Latest on Rissa-Tai Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Barb and Pam, Hasn't someone mentioned that wild yam extract could take the place of part of the steroids--also Anita Frazier "The Natural Cat" mentions something else--I'm going to look it up. Nancy -------------------------------------- END