Tuesday May 12, 1998 22 Messages ====================================== From: Boonedagel Date sent: Tue, 12 May 1998 01:42:04 EDT To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Copies to: jhummeli@direct.ca (Kelly), richard@greenvalley1.com Subject: Re: FeLLC (a bit long) Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Hi, My calico cat, Pooters II, who is FeLV+, was diagnosed with Toxoplasmosis about 6 weeks ago. Another ailment, Uveitis, was cross-associated with this condition, in Larry Tilley's very important book, The 5 Minute Veterinary Consult Canine and Feline. In this book, Toxoplasmosis and Uveitis are discussed in great detail. I believe I recall that there is medication available to treat the Uveitis. You should get to a library or a Barnes and Noble store and read about these conditions (as well as the FeLLC) as soon as possible, AND, consult with another vet before having the eye removed, for a very good reason: I have another cat, Shadow, with a "dead" eye, from some sort of trauma to inflicted to it outside before I rescued him a few years back. I was able to discover a very good vet, Dr. Tracy McFarland, The Cat Doctor, here in Santa Clarita, California (near L.A.), not long ago. She has seen Shadows eye. I was concerned that it was causing Shadow pain because of its enlarged size. The Doc said there is glaucoma in the eye and prescribed Timolol Maleate Ophthalmic Solution USP, 0.5%, one drop twice a day. This is a human medication that had to be obtained at a pharmacy. It has relieved the pressure in Shadow's dead eye, and since it is also a Beta Blocker, it slows his heart rate some and consequently calms him as well. Now to the point of this. I asked The Doc about removing Shadow's dead eye. She was adamantly opposed to it at this point. The reason is there is a considerable danger of blinding the good eye in the process of removing the dead eye. Apparently, in cats the optic nerves of both eyes cross very closely in such a way as to make it quite difficult and risky to remove an eye without possibly blinding the other eye in the process. Dr. McFarland's web page is THE CAT DOCTOR WEB PAGES . If the preceding link does not Link for you in this email, the web page's url is: http://www.catdoctor.com/ In addition, on her page is a new item, another link, VET USA LISTING SERVICE- Veterinarian Referral... . The url is: http://www.vetworld.com/vetusa/index.html This new addition is great because it provides a nationwide listing of excellent vets who will be knowledgeable and caring, and, not necessarily surgery happy, not that your vet is, but please check out this resource right away before you risk the eye removal. This is not to say that your cat may not still need the eye removed, but, it is risky, and you need to avail yourself of more info and a second opinion as quickly as you can before you have the eye removed. It is possible the Uveitis is treatable, as I mentioned above. Good luck. Please keep me posted. And... what is your kitty's name? Sincerely, Greg Sherrow BOONE'S FARM "Home At Last" Animal Rescue & Sanctuary -------------------------------------- From: Boonedagel Date sent: Tue, 12 May 1998 02:30:41 EDT To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Arnie's gone Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Jean, So sorry to hear about your Arnie. Greg -------------------------------------- From: WORKPARK Date sent: Tue, 12 May 1998 02:52:18 EDT To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Arnie's gone Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Jean, I think Steve has said it well. In the meantime, know that he is no longer in pain and is now chasing butterflies at the Bridge, waiting to be with you once again. Pam -------------------------------------- From: WORKPARK Date sent: Tue, 12 May 1998 03:27:43 EDT To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: We are now searchable!!! Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Jim, This is wonderful! Even those of us on AOL can access it this time! Thanks for all your hard work :) Pam -------------------------------------- Date sent: Tue, 12 May 1998 00:51:17 -0500 To: felvtalk@MailingList.net From: Ann M Blais Subject: Chicken Broth, etc. Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Hi All, First, Jean, my sympathy for your loss of Arnie. The Wells household surely felt a great sadness on Mothers Day. I read a prayer in the "Dear Abby" column yesterday and one line held so much meaning for me, maybe you will find it meaningful also. "Thou has gone from me, but the bond which unites our souls can never be severed; thine image lives within my heart." Nina, I hope you find out what was making your cats sick so you can inform any potential new parents what they may need to deal with. It must be so hard to part with them, I'll be thinking about you. Concerning the chicken broth; Anitra Frazier mentions in another section of her book that broiled chicken neck "vertebrae bones" make a great snack for cats because they crumble up rather that splinter and to use only these bones for cats as treats, no other cooked bones. (She recommends feeding uncooked bones to cats). Could the reason she wants these bones in the soup be because they crumble up and release more calcium? Just a thought, not a fact. I have made this broth using a whole chicken if I can't find the backs and necks easily. The cats seem to like it just as well. Kathleen, good luck healing that ulcer on Kettainya's tongue. Pam, sounds as though Rissa-Tai will be with you for a long time, that is so great. After reading your post I had to go and check my three for lumps, two didn't mind being checked out, Gretchen just wouldn't hold still long enough, I ended up with lumpy scratches for being too persistent. Steve, those cats are so adorable they should be called "Steve's Angels". What little beauties! Nice to hear Jack is settling in. Good going Leia! Keep it up! Lynn, could Stinker just have been dreaming? Lastly, I got a memo from the vets office last week reminding me that Qetta and Honey are due in for their Felv vaccination. My concern is....they have been together with Gretchen, my felv positive kitty, for almost 2 months now. All three seem to be well and healthy, should Qetta and Honey be tested for felv before getting their vaccinations or do I just go ahead and hope for the best? I really hate to have them go through taking blood from their jocular vein, this has got to be so painful, but what would happen to them should they be felv positive now and still have a vaccination? Ann M -------------------------------------- Date sent: Tue, 12 May 1998 10:24:59 +0200 From: Nina van Reenen To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Arnie's gone Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Jean... I am so sorry.......what can I say...... Nina -------------------------------------- Date sent: Tue, 12 May 1998 10:33:53 +0200 From: Nina van Reenen To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: FIP Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Susan I have been thinking along the lines of foster parents - most of my cats are well and healthy (although they are obviously carriers.) Having so many cats in the new environment is a problem as they cannot come and go as they used to (too many dogs around and then of course I have to take responsibility for the illness.......). I will be trying to find them parents but I shudder to think what anyone's reaction will be on hearing that the cat they are adopting has FIP...... Hubby is pressuring me like mad - he is much younger than I though and I think he is not coping too well - the cats have cost us thousands over the last few months and he is not the type who is prepared to spend anything just to cure an animal. So I am trying to keep him happy by spending as little money as possible but I have to make sure that my babies get the best treatment...quite a problem to me. Susan, I have simply adopted the attitude that whatever is wrong with them, no matter.....I look after them for as long as their quality of life permits it... Nina -------------------------------------- Date sent: Tue, 12 May 1998 07:28:40 -0400 (EDT) From: Kat To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Chicken Broth, etc. Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Ann, Dr Meyer has said that he recommends giving even FeLV+ cats the vaccine. He says it couldn't hurt, and it may even help in the long run. Kat -------------------------------------- From: katseven@pcsia.com Date sent: Tue, 12 May 1998 05:59:18 -0600 Subject: Re: We are now searchable!!! To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Very nice, Jim! This will be a wonderful resource for all concerned w/ FeLV. I know what you can do *for* yourself--relax, take a nice walk (if it's not raining!), take a bath etc. That is, INDULGE yourself! You deserve it! Susan -------------------------------------- Date sent: Tue, 12 May 1998 08:14:08 -0400 From: Kathy Giddings To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: We are now searchable!!! Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Great job Jim - works great!!!! Now how about taking some time for YOU!!! I know Moxy and LG will be glad to play with you!!!!! -- Kathy G and the 3 furries in Daytona Beach =^.^= Rusty =^.^= Smokey =^.^= Money see us at: http://cgi.gambitsys.com/homey/webdoc5.htm The Cat: Mother Nature's Masterpiece -------------------------------------- Date sent: Tue, 12 May 1998 09:13:54 -0400 From: Kathy Giddings To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: FIP Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Nina, Just sending you heaps of vibes that things will work out ok for all of your babies, and that your hubby will calm and come around too!!! Best of luck. Kathy G and the 3 furries in Daytona Beach =^.^= Rusty =^.^= Smokey =^.^= Money see us at: http://cgi.gambitsys.com/homey/webdoc5.htm The Cat: Mother Nature's Masterpiece -------------------------------------- Date sent: Tue, 12 May 1998 11:13:11 -0400 To: felvtalk@MailingList.net From: Angela Holderby Subject: Re: FIP Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Nina: I can honestly say that I understand how you feel about this. My husband is not very tolerant of me spending much on my cats either. I am not going nuts and doing things like letting my bills go unpaid or my kids starve, but I do want to give Poncho and Lefty the best chance possible. I made LOTS of phone calls and am constantly reminding the vet that I will refer others to her and that I just don't have a lot of money to spend on these cats. She seems to be very willing to help. She didn't charge me extra for Poncho being in heat when she spayed her (usually a $14.00 extra charge), and although they told me a regular office call was $24.00, when I went, they only charged $15.00 and $10.00 for the Immuno-regulon injection. She seems very willing to work with me--unlike some of the others I have spoken with. I have a home-based graphics business and every time I go into a business for anything I always ask if they have regular printing done and if so, could I have a shot at their business. It is amazing how people will respond when they find out I am willing to take trade for printing. We both come out ahead that way. I do the same thing with web page design. I have been able to barter tanning bed time, food at restaurants, and all sorts of services. I told the vet that I would be willing to work on a trade-basis if she wanted printing or a web page done. People are always looking for a good deal. I know businesses around here who let people come in and clean for them or work for someone who is off for vacation to help pay off their credit. It is always worth a try. I wish you good luck with your kitties. Just wanted you to know that I am in the same boat with my hubby! Angela. -------------------------------------- Date sent: Tue, 12 May 1998 12:27:54 -0400 To: felvtalk@MailingList.net From: Angela Holderby Subject: FINALLY--Immuno-Regulon treatment Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net At last, after 3 weeks of trying, my new vet was able to locate and order the Immuno-Regulon drug for Lefty. I took him in today for his first injection since his transfusion. When I took him in 3 weeks ago (the day of his transfusion), he weighed 5 lbs. and 7 oz. and now he is up to 8 1/2 lbs. I am thrilled at how great he seems to be doing, but she did tell me that in a couple of weeks, the donor blood cells should start dying off and if Lefty starts to go downhill fast, there isn't much we can do then. I am just praying for the best and trying to prepare for the worst. -------------------------------------- Date sent: Tue, 12 May 1998 13:42:08 +0100 To: felvtalk@MailingList.net From: BILL BEAMISH Subject: Re: FINALLY--Immuno-Regulon treatment Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Angela, That's wonderful about Lefty! That's 3 lbs. in only three weeks!! Great! I'm praying for him, too, that he will continue to improve. Judy -------------------------------------- From: "Steve Lackow" To: Subject: Re: FINALLY--Immuno-Regulon treatment Date sent: Tue, 12 May 1998 10:26:56 -0700 Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Angela, ask if Lefty's bloodwork shows immature red blood cells. -- Steve -------------------------------------- From: "Steve Lackow" To: Subject: Re: We are now searchable!!! Date sent: Tue, 12 May 1998 10:39:56 -0700 Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Jim, that's a big event indeed in the history of FeLV Talk. Now everyone, let's search the archive before posting questions. -- Steve -------------------------------------- From: "Steve Lackow" To: Subject: Re: Stinker/pillows?? Date sent: Tue, 12 May 1998 10:59:48 -0700 Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net I'll get the info on the pillows and let you know. -- Steve -------------------------------------- From: Newtanator Date sent: Tue, 12 May 1998 20:50:27 EDT To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: We are now searchable!!! Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net JIm, Well done. Imagine what you will be able to do with that new computer! barb -------------------------------------- From: Newtanator Date sent: Tue, 12 May 1998 20:58:50 EDT To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: FeLLC Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Kelly, I took in recently a one eyed cat. I suspect he had shot out with a bb gun. Anyway, when I asked my vet about removing what was left, (generally, when the eyeball if punctured, the fluid drains out and the eyeball collapses) he said no, to risky and VERY involved. He didn't elaborate, but Jack seems just fine with it. He just has a hole really. You can see something in there, but vet said unless something dreadful happens to just leave it alone. I am thinking of getting a little pirate outfit with a patch for him. I would try the treatment someone mentioned, but leave the eye alone and you may consider a cat scan to rule out a tumor behind the eye. When my little felv positive Merlin developed that eye problem, that is what he had and I lost him about 5 months later. Felv cats are very prone to eye and mouth problems it seems and, unfortunately, to cancer of all types. barb -------------------------------------- From: "Moermond, Barbara" To: "'FELVTALK@MAILINGLIST.NET'" Subject: kitty pillows Date sent: Tue, 12 May 1998 16:39:24 -0500 Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Steve, I would also like info on those pillows; Ninja had had her own pillow (she claimed it), but with all the accidents she's had with the seizures, I had to throw it away. During the winter, she sleeps at the head of the bed on her pillow and as the weather gets warmer in the spring, she works her way down the bed and sleeps at the foot of the bed in the summer. In the fall, she works her way back up the bed!! She is quite a personality and is a vocal feminist. Angela and Lefty: Keep up the good work!! That is such wonderful news! Jim, it sounds like you have earned some time off for yourself and your furbabies! Good Job!! Take care all!! Barb+Ninja -------------------------------------- From: "Steve Lackow" To: Subject: Re: kitty pillows Date sent: Tue, 12 May 1998 14:49:57 -0700 Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Ninja does sound like a character. Gotta love cats like that who are such individuals. Pillow info should be forthcoming later this week. -- Steve -------------------------------------- From: "RobertCWhite" To: Subject: Re: FINALLY--Immuno-Regulon treatment Date sent: Tue, 12 May 1998 19:20:36 -0400 Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Angela, I just read your letter and wanted to share with you what I have been trying with my cat. She went from 7.5 pounds down to 4.2 in three weeks. This past Thursday night she was so run down from all the conventional drugs, i.e. neupogen, interferon, antibiotics, etc., that I feared I would lose her that night or shortly after. She could not stand or keep her head still enough to even eat ---she landed in her food bowls a few times. I decided to take her off everything since it was obviously not working for her. I started to give her acidophilous (as suggested by a fellow cat lover on this listserve) in her food ( saucer of gravy from cat food or baby food that was watered down ) & my boyfriend suggested that I give her plant enzymes, too . . . this way her body would have a way to break down the proteins, starches, & fiber that she was ingesting. So, he gave me some capsules which had a blend of protease, amylase, lipase, cellulase, lactase, papain, & bromelain to mix with her food. We are vegetarians, so that blend that we have has no egg, meat, or dairy products. The next day after feeding this to her she was able to stand and walk. She is still underweight and she is just now starting to have more normal bowel movements, but it is such an improvement & she is not in pain. I just wanted to let you know that if the Immuno-regulon doesn't help much maybe there is something holistic you can try or if he starts to lose weight & is unable to keep his strength maybe what I did with Kettainya will help your Lefty. I hope he does well! --Kathleen at robertcwhite@ij.net -------------------------------------- END