Thursday April 30, 1998 Part 1 20 Messages ====================================== Date sent: Wed, 29 Apr 1998 22:32:56 -0400 To: felvtalk@MailingList.net From: Angela Holderby Subject: Immuno-Regulon Question Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net It has been a week since Lefty had his transfusion. They started him on Immunoregulon shots then also. I have been giving him the Pet-tinic, Baytril, and Interferon at home, but I was going to get a local vet to give him the other injection (along with a B-12 shot). I am a bit concerned because the vet who transfused him said their Immuno-regulon had expired so they wanted this other vet to order some for me. They forgot to call and request that so I called to see if it had come in so I could bring him for the injection and they hadn't even ordered it yet. Then, after they ordered it, they called and said that it would be at least Thursday afternoon or Friday before it came in. Do you all think this will hurt him. I would die if it caused him to have a re-lapse or something. The vet's assistant said that if his appetite was still good that he would be okay for a few more days. He seems to be doing great. He has gained almost all of his weight back, he plays just like before he got sick, he is eating well, drinking water...pretty much all the stuff he did before. He has even begun to ambush me from the stairs when I walk by (a wonderful surprise I thought that I would never experience again!). The only thing unusual is that he still occasionally goes to the basement to lick the floor. He seems to lick the same spot so it is possible that there is something on it that he is licking, but he doesn't appear to be anemic again. His gums are pink (not as pink as Poncho's, but still more pink than white) and he has plenty of energy and does eat the cat litter anymore. Am I being overly-cautious? I panic at the least little abnormality now and I will be so upset if this delay in treatment causes him problems. I have so little experience in this area that I was wondering what some of you experts have to say. Thanks. Angela. -------------------------------------- From: WORKPARK Date sent: Thu, 30 Apr 1998 01:38:53 EDT To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Immuno-Regulon Question Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Angela, Regarding Lefty - my vet had some sort of problem also when ordering the Immunoregulin for Rissa-Tai, and it took almost two weeks. As long as Lefty hangs in there, he should be okay. Rissa-Tai still licks the concrete thoroughly on the patio when she gets the chance, even though her pcv and rbc levels have improved. It's just something anemic cats do. She also still occasionally goes for the litter, but not really that much, and stops pretty quickly. Just another quirk with this disease. Would you mind reposting why he is on Baytrill? Does he have some sort of infection? I don't understand why he is on an antibiotic if there is no reason for it. Keep in mind that Baytrill can cause stomach irritation if you notice anythng, like vomiting or nausea or lack of appetite. If so, call the vet and see what they say. Pet-Tinic is good for them, provides the iron they need. Last of all, we all have panicked at times with this disease. Another quirk. This mailing list is a great way to blow off those neuroses we all have developed :) Pam PS Glad to hear he is doing so much better!! -------------------------------------- Date sent: Thu, 30 Apr 1998 11:43:03 -0500 To: felvtalk@MailingList.net From: Ann M Blais Subject: Tessie Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Marilyn, I'm so very sorry that Tessie lost her battle with this terrible disease, but thankful that she had the extra time to spend with you. She was fortunate to have had you for her person. Ann M. -------------------------------------- Date sent: Thu, 30 Apr 1998 11:49:21 -0500 To: felvtalk@MailingList.net From: Ann M Blais Subject: Marilyn, Selena Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Marilyn, Sorry about the name mistake, I meant to say Selena. There are just too darn many kitties being lost to this virus! My prayers are that we have cheesecake yesterday, not later! -------------------------------------- Date sent: Thu, 30 Apr 1998 11:53:46 -0500 To: felvtalk@MailingList.net From: Ann M Blais Subject: Re: Tessie Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Saliha, My sympathy on your loss of Tessie, she is now pain free and playing with lots of other kitties at the Rainbow Bridge. Ann M. -------------------------------------- From: "James G. Wilson" To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Date sent: Thu, 30 Apr 1998 17:05:16 +0000 Subject: (Fwd) Leia Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net ------- Forwarded Message Follows ------- From: Newtanator Date: Thu, 30 Apr 1998 17:59:11 EDT To: army@geneseo.net Cc: phaedrus@ctnet.net Subject: Leia Larry, Bette, Jim, Just got back from the drs. Here is what was found: "Grade 5/6 systolic murmer. Large left to right muscular ventricular septal defect, severe volume overload of left atrium and ventricle. Leia is at high risk for developing Congestive Heart Failure. Longterm prognosis for Leia is guarded to poor. A pulmonary artery banding procedure could be considered to palliate Leia's condition." Translation. She has a hole between the ventricles. Since the pressure in the left ventricle is so much higher than on the right, a good portion of the blood on the left is shooting thru the hole back into the right and adding increased pressure not only on the heart, but to the lungs, forcing the left ventricle to work twice as hard to get blood out to the body. Her heart is already somewhat enlarged, but a lot of this will reverse after the surgery. What the banding does is raise the pressure on the right so that very little of the blood comes into the right thru the hold. He said up until a few years ago, this is what they did for babies until they were big enough for open heart surg. Unfortunately, they do not have equiptment (heart/lung machine) small enough to do open heart on a kitten that weighs a pound and a half. This dr was very honest with Larry. Without surg she will die, there is no doubt about that, but did not want him to make a decision on the spot about surgery. He has done two of them. One, six years ago and the cat is alive and well and one four months ago and that kitten is also alive and well. The reason he has only done two is most people don't realize the kitten even has a problem until they come home and find it dead or dying, then it's to late or, they don't wish to pay for the surgery since it is easier to just get a healthy kitten and have the sick one put to sleep. He put her on 1mg of Lasix to prevent the Congestive Heart Failure, which she is not yet in, one good thing anyway. So, Larry's options are: surgery, put her to sleep now, wait a week or two until she goes into failure and then put her to sleep, or just wait until she dies. (which would be within 2-3 wks more than likely) It took him about half the ride home to make his decision. She will have the surgery next week and he is already frantic that something will happen to her before then. She took the whole thing rather well and slept most of the ride home, (over an hour) and the last time I saw her, all I saw was her little bottom with her face in the food bowl. So, there it is. Jim, you can post this to the list if you want, but I know it is off topic so I didn't want to do it without your ok. barb In loving memory of Vyvyan: March 20, 1988 - August 15, 1997 James G. Wilson- phaedrus@ctnet.net http://www.angelfire.com/il/felv/ http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Spa/8025/ http://www.fortunecity.com//skyscraper/sterling/20/niu.html -------------------------------------- Date sent: Thu, 30 Apr 1998 14:02:38 -0500 To: felvtalk@MailingList.net From: Ann M Blais Subject: Linda P Re: Mega C Plus Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Linda, No, I don't have the Diane Stein book--yet, but have been giving Calcium. The only problem is that now after reading the latest posts, I believe that I probably have been giving the wrong one. I have been giving a half a capsule 2 x's daily of Solgar Ester-C Plus 500 mg Vitamin C non-acidic highly absorbable bioflavonoid complex capsules. Although I've read the label through and through, I can't find where it says sodium abscorbate anywhere. I purchased this at the local health food store and it was the only one they pointed out to me as non-acidic. Guess the search is on for another kind. Ann M. -------------------------------------- From: "Steve Lackow" To: Subject: Re: New Family for Steve Date sent: Thu, 30 Apr 1998 11:20:54 -0700 Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Actually Ann, the kitties are ON my person most of the time. I have never been so thrilled to see animals eat, run and play in my whole life. -------------------------------------- Date sent: Thu, 30 Apr 1998 13:25:24 -0500 To: felvtalk@MailingList.net From: Ann M Blais Subject: Fitz Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Rachel, Doug and Armstrong, Fitz is running and playing now, free of pain. He will be waiting there for you all at the Rainbow Bridge. Give Armstrong some extra loving and take care of yourselves. Ann M. -------------------------------------- Date sent: Thu, 30 Apr 1998 13:35:11 -0500 To: felvtalk@MailingList.net From: Ann M Blais Subject: New Family for Steve Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Hi Steve, Just read your message (computer crashed for a couple days), and seeing your post has made my day! What fortunate kitties to have you for their person. Congratulations on the new family. Chloe probably has her paws in this somehow. Ann M. -------------------------------------- Date sent: Thu, 30 Apr 1998 13:42:03 -0500 To: felvtalk@MailingList.net From: Ann M Blais Subject: Rissa-Tai Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Pam, It's great news on Rissa-Tai. After coming on and reading such sad news on the deaths of so many kitties, reading about Rissa-Tai and Steve's new family has somewhat cheered me up. The only other thing good enough to completely cheer me up would have been to come on and find that they have discovered a cure for felv. Still looking forward to cheesecake! Ann M. -------------------------------------- From: WORKPARK Date sent: Thu, 30 Apr 1998 18:33:25 EDT To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Rissa-Tai Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Ann, thank you. It's hard posting when she is doing so well when we've just lost precious furbabies on the list, but I do this for just that purpose you mentioned - to being a little ray of hope and light into our lives. Pam -------------------------------------- From: mferguson@ibm.net Date sent: Thu, 30 Apr 1998 11:55:16 -0700 To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Linda P Re: Mega C Plus Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net FYI, In case it helps, I got my Sodium Ascorbate powder at Whole Foods Market (a chain). Their website (http://www.wholefoods.com) lists their stores around the country (under different names: Bread & Circus,Fresh Fields, others I can't think of) It's made by NutriBioti in Lakeport,CA. Mary Mindy and Brodie -------------------------------------- From: bmoermon@mail.state.wi.us To: "EMX -ownerfel (052)" Subject: RE: Welcome to felvtalk Date sent: Thu, 30 Apr 1998 14:04:50 -0500 Hi! My Ninja has been newly diagnosed (this past Monday) as positive. My old vet hadn't thought it necessary to test her since she's been strictly indoor with me. However, I got her as an adult and don't know much about her previous health care. I do know from her behavior that she is imprinted on humans and was abused. Last fall, she starved herself (from 9.5 to 6 pounds). She responded well to the new food (she had been on prescription c/d from a bladder infection last summer - now she gets ProPlan) and started putting weight back on. But, in January, she started to have seizures. They were one every three weeks and then this month they were 2 at 2 weeks and 5 at 10 days (this past Saturday, absolutely awful - the 1st was at about 9:30 in the morning and the 5th was at 11 at night). I don't have the money for expensive diagnostics (like MRIs etc), but I have been talking to a neurologist at the UW-Madison vet school. She thinks it's likely that Ninja has a meningioma - a type of brain tumor. The possibilities that she thought would be feasible to test for were leukemia, fiv, and toxoplasmosis. We were only able to get enough blood for the leuk/fiv test. She was feeling well enough to fight the needle! So, I found out Monday that Ninja is positive and combined with the seizures and her heart murmur, things don't look good. I am starting her on prednisone therapy today and am praying that this will buy her some comfort and some time. I would like to have some feedback from someone who has had to deal with the leukemia combined with seizures /a brain tumor. Needless to say, I have been under unbelievable stress watching my baby going through these seizures and not being able to do anything. Finding out about her leukemia status was almost a relief; at least now I have a partial picture of what's wrong with her. Barb -------------------------------------- From: "James G. Wilson" To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Date sent: Thu, 30 Apr 1998 14:36:26 +0000 Subject: RE: Welcome to felvtalk Copies to: bmoermon@mail.state.wi.us Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Hi Barb, I'm so sorry to hear that Ninja is having all of these difficulties of late. I've sent your message to our resident veterinarian to get his opinion of Ninja's symptoms. When I hear back from him, I'll forward it to you and the list. For now, the best recommendation I could make would be for you to have your current vet look into obtaining a drug called Acemannan. If Ninja does indeed suffer from a brain tumor, this may be her best bet. Though this drug is usually injected directly into tumors on or close to the surface of the body, it can also be effective as a systemic treatment (it is injected into the abdomen once a week). Also, Interferon is a good bet to help inhibit both the FeLV progression and the tumor growth. You (and your vet) can find instructions on how to order these drugs from our web site at: http://www.angelfire.com/il/felv/ When ordering the Acemannan, you'll want to have your vet ask for Dr. Yates- he'll be able to provide the specifics to your vet. Also, since tumors are apparent, Immunoregulin isn't much of an option- especially since you are giving Ninja Prednisone. Though you'll hear alot of oposition to the use of Prednisone, it is likely one of the better things to give your cat if tumors are present- just DON'T let your vet use steroid therapy as the only means for treating these symptoms. If you have any further questions or comments about this information, please do not hesitate to let me (or the rest of this fine group) know. We are here to help in any way we can. BTW: When you post to the group, you can use the address: felvtalk@MailingList.net . Take care, and I hope we can be of help to you and your precious little one. In loving memory of Vyvyan: March 20, 1988 - August 15, 1997 James G. Wilson- phaedrus@ctnet.net http://www.angelfire.com/il/felv/ http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Spa/8025/ http://www.fortunecity.com//skyscraper/sterling/20/niu.html -------------------------------------- From: mferguson@ibm.net Date sent: Thu, 30 Apr 1998 12:10:03 -0700 To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Linda P Re: Mega C Plus Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Sorry, that's NutriBiotic. -------------------------------------- From: AskforArt Date sent: Thu, 30 Apr 1998 19:58:54 EDT To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: (Fwd) Leia Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Barb--Why don't you give Larry some Ambrotose. Leia could get started on it to help her immune system get ready for the surgery, and then afterwards to help with recovery. Linda P -------------------------------------- From: "Lynn Stickels" To: "felvtalk" Subject: Stinker...... Date: Thu, 30 Apr 1998 18:25:27 -0700 Reply-to: felvtalk@MailingList.net It's been awhile since I have written about Stinker. It has been so sad on the list lately that I thought some good news may help.:) I have fought the leukemia in Stinker now for three years. As of lately, since I started the Ambrotose, I have seen a cat that I thought I would never see again. He isn't perfect, but he now runs and plays and isn't at all as sickly as he had been before. I just watch him in amazement and joy, just having him feel good for change. He still has the trouble with his mouth and gingivitis but he is much happier and playful now. I just thought I would share a little bit of hope.:)...............Lynn(Stinker) -------------------------------------- Date sent: Thu, 30 Apr 1998 20:43:52 +0000 From: LawBet Organization: Home for Wayward Felines To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Stinker...... Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Lynn, Where there is love, there is always hope. The Lurker -------------------------------------- From: katseven@pcsia.com Date sent: Thu, 30 Apr 1998 20:26:48 -0600 Subject: New Arrival To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Hi, guys, Wednesday at 5:00 pm I looked out my livingroom window and thought I saw Ernie (only briefly). I went outside and tried to call the cat over. He came. I realized he wasn't full grown, not quite Ernie's size. He didn't have a collar. I try, but I'm not the most rational person in the world. I brought the kitty to the porch and began feeding him. He was wolfing down the food, so I decided he was either a stray or a poorly cared for cat,(he ended up eating two cans of food) and I brought him in and put him in Ernie's room which had been cleaned, just last weekend as a matter of fact--we'd left everything as it was when Ernie went to the bridge, but last Saturday we decided it was time to put his things away. I felt like I had been sent this kitty which physically resembles Ern ( although the he is a mackerel tabby and Ern a classic tabby). I took him to the vet's for an examine; he has ear mites and an animal-bite abscess, but tested negative for FeLV. Because of the bite, the vet says he needs to be retested in six months. Barb, I hope you don't mind, but we named him Duncan. (We tried out Phil and Steve, but Duncan has the cutest rhyme: pumpkin.). Duncan's approximately 8 months old and a real sweetheart. Susan -------------------------------------- END