"wjcollins" wrote in message
oups.com...


My
fiance' told me that, according to the vet, many times newborn kittens
will have FIV antibodies in their blood if the mother herself had FIV.
The vet went further, saying that the test seemed to be "weak," and
that we should have her tested the next time we are in and gauge
Pearl's progress, for she seemed to convey that the kitten most likely
was not infected, but is currently carrying the antibodies from her
mother's milk, etc... Is this possible?


Its not only possible-its probable. Kittens of FIV-infected queens usually
acquire antibodies to FIV by passive transfer in colostrum without ever
becoming infected themselves.



From reading earlier posts I
learned that FIV is a slow moving virus, and that Pearly may live her
entire life (or at least a good portion of it) without actually
becoming infected with the virus.

Actually, kittens don't usually become infected with FIV from their
mothers-- or other cats for that matter.


Is it true that the antibodies may
"be flushed out of her system" ?


Yes. Maternally-derived FIV antibodies usually start to dissipate by 5 or 6
months. Most kittens clear all maternally-derived FIV antibodies by 8
months.

If you're really worried about your kitten actually being infected, your vet
can send a blood sample to Dr. Whittier at UC-Davis for FIV DNA testing.
This new PCR assay detects the viral genome directly. The test was
developed to differentiate FIV-infected cats from FIV-vaccinated cats. But I
really don't think its necessary.

I decided to go with a gentler crowd :-)

This is a gentle crowd, alright! lol

Have a nice day.

Thanks- you too.


Thank you!

You're welcome.

hth,

Phil