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FeLV kittens, questions
We had a litter of 5 kittens dumped at the shelter yesterday. They were
left in a carrier with a pillow in front of the carrier (so we wouldn't see them? not sure what the pillow was for) at the fence. They range in size from 3 lbs to 1 lbs, all have conjunctivitis and URI. The two biggest kittens tested positive for FeLV on the snap test. We weren't able to test the littlest one because she wasn't giving up any blood. The other two came up negative. We are going to run IFA tests next week. Going by size, they seem to be different litters, but they look very similar, all orange / orange and white. Our shelter is not no-kill, it is in the bylaws that we are not to keep FeLV+ cats/kittens. We do not have anywhere in the shelter to keep these kittens, they are in a cage in the thrift store we run, under the guise of having "severe URI" and no one can take them home to their cats or be in the shelter with the others. All of our foster homes have other cats. If the IFA test is positive, does that mean they definitely have FeLV? If not, how long to re-test? Can they be in homes with other cats? It doesn't seem to make sense to me that the two bigger kittens were positive. I would think the smaller ones would, and the bigger ones not, if they are growing out of it. -- -Kelly kelly at farringtons dot net www.kelltek.com Check out www.snittens.com |
#2
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"KellyH" wrote in message news:Hsjbd.252274$3l3.72250@attbi_s03... We had a litter of 5 kittens dumped at the shelter yesterday. They were left in a carrier with a pillow in front of the carrier (so we wouldn't see them? not sure what the pillow was for) at the fence. They range in size from 3 lbs to 1 lbs, all have conjunctivitis and URI. The two biggest kittens tested positive for FeLV on the snap test. We weren't able to test the littlest one because she wasn't giving up any blood. The other two came up negative. We are going to run IFA tests next week. Going by size, they seem to be different litters, but they look very similar, all orange / orange and white. Our shelter is not no-kill, it is in the bylaws that we are not to keep FeLV+ cats/kittens. We do not have anywhere in the shelter to keep these kittens, they are in a cage in the thrift store we run, under the guise of having "severe URI" and no one can take them home to their cats or be in the shelter with the others. All of our foster homes have other cats. If the IFA test is positive, does that mean they definitely have FeLV? If not, how long to re-test? Can they be in homes with other cats? It doesn't seem to make sense to me that the two bigger kittens were positive. I would think the smaller ones would, and the bigger ones not, if they are growing out of it. -- -Kelly kelly at farringtons dot net www.kelltek.com Check out www.snittens.com This might help with your question about retesting. http://www.angelfire.com/il/felv/felvsick.htm |
#3
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"KellyH" wrote in message news:Hsjbd.252274$3l3.72250@attbi_s03... We had a litter of 5 kittens dumped at the shelter yesterday. They were left in a carrier with a pillow in front of the carrier (so we wouldn't see them? not sure what the pillow was for) at the fence. They range in size from 3 lbs to 1 lbs, all have conjunctivitis and URI. The two biggest kittens tested positive for FeLV on the snap test. We weren't able to test the littlest one because she wasn't giving up any blood. The other two came up negative. We are going to run IFA tests next week. Going by size, they seem to be different litters, but they look very similar, all orange / orange and white. Our shelter is not no-kill, it is in the bylaws that we are not to keep FeLV+ cats/kittens. We do not have anywhere in the shelter to keep these kittens, they are in a cage in the thrift store we run, under the guise of having "severe URI" and no one can take them home to their cats or be in the shelter with the others. All of our foster homes have other cats. If the IFA test is positive, does that mean they definitely have FeLV? If not, how long to re-test? Can they be in homes with other cats? It doesn't seem to make sense to me that the two bigger kittens were positive. I would think the smaller ones would, and the bigger ones not, if they are growing out of it. -- -Kelly kelly at farringtons dot net www.kelltek.com Check out www.snittens.com This might help with your question about retesting. http://www.angelfire.com/il/felv/felvsick.htm |
#4
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"KellyH" wrote in message news:Hsjbd.252274$3l3.72250@attbi_s03... Hiya Kelly, We had a litter of 5 kittens dumped at the shelter yesterday. They were left in a carrier with a pillow in front of the carrier (so we wouldn't see them? not sure what the pillow was for) at the fence. I used to get enraged when people did that - I called them "cowards", but then I thought about it and was thankful they didn't "dispose" of the cats in a river or dumpster or some other cruel manner. They range in size from 3 lbs to 1 lbs, all have conjunctivitis and URI. The two biggest kittens tested positive for FeLV on the snap test. We weren't able to test the littlest one because she wasn't giving up any blood. The other two came up negative. We are going to run IFA tests next week. Going by size, they seem to be different litters, but they look very similar, all orange / orange and white. Our shelter is not no-kill, it is in the bylaws that we are not to keep FeLV+ cats/kittens. We do not have anywhere in the shelter to keep these kittens, they are in a cage in the thrift store we run, under the guise of having "severe URI" and no one can take them home to their cats or be in the shelter with the others. Good call. All of our foster homes have other cats. If the IFA test is positive, does that mean they definitely have FeLV? Usually, but not always. An IFA+ can mean the cat either has a productive FeLV infection in the bone marrow cells or is rejecting a transient marrow-origin infection. Unfortunately, an IFA+ usually means the cat has a persistent marrow infection. If not, how long to re-test? 1 to 3 months. I test IFA+s every month for three months, then 3 months later, then 6 months later. I've had a few IFA+s turn - after 3 and 6 months. :-))) Can they be in homes with other cats? Its a tough call. An IFA+ means the cats are probably shedding virus. Older cats (4 months) are generally resistant to FeLV, but age-related resistance isn't a certainty - older cats can become infected. It doesn't seem to make sense to me that the two bigger kittens were positive. It gets a little confusing here. The ELISA+ could be detecting a transient infection - most ELISA+s usually are (because they're so sensitive). The ELISA could also be detecting a local tissue infection in some nonmyeloid part of the body. Also, an ELISA - can turn + if the test isn't run properly. You'll get a lot of -s on the retests. Good thing the Snap kits only cost $5! I would think the smaller ones would, and the bigger ones not, if they are growing out of it. Although the ELISA- snaps are reliable, I would question a - result in a high-risk situation and opt for a retest. I would even retest an IFA- cat from a high-risk situation in 3 months just to make sure she isn't incubating the virus. FeLV is very frustrating product of hell. You're a real trooper, Kelly. Best of luck. Phil (Any word on Antonio?) -- -Kelly kelly at farringtons dot net www.kelltek.com Check out www.snittens.com |
#5
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"KellyH" wrote in message news:Hsjbd.252274$3l3.72250@attbi_s03... Hiya Kelly, We had a litter of 5 kittens dumped at the shelter yesterday. They were left in a carrier with a pillow in front of the carrier (so we wouldn't see them? not sure what the pillow was for) at the fence. I used to get enraged when people did that - I called them "cowards", but then I thought about it and was thankful they didn't "dispose" of the cats in a river or dumpster or some other cruel manner. They range in size from 3 lbs to 1 lbs, all have conjunctivitis and URI. The two biggest kittens tested positive for FeLV on the snap test. We weren't able to test the littlest one because she wasn't giving up any blood. The other two came up negative. We are going to run IFA tests next week. Going by size, they seem to be different litters, but they look very similar, all orange / orange and white. Our shelter is not no-kill, it is in the bylaws that we are not to keep FeLV+ cats/kittens. We do not have anywhere in the shelter to keep these kittens, they are in a cage in the thrift store we run, under the guise of having "severe URI" and no one can take them home to their cats or be in the shelter with the others. Good call. All of our foster homes have other cats. If the IFA test is positive, does that mean they definitely have FeLV? Usually, but not always. An IFA+ can mean the cat either has a productive FeLV infection in the bone marrow cells or is rejecting a transient marrow-origin infection. Unfortunately, an IFA+ usually means the cat has a persistent marrow infection. If not, how long to re-test? 1 to 3 months. I test IFA+s every month for three months, then 3 months later, then 6 months later. I've had a few IFA+s turn - after 3 and 6 months. :-))) Can they be in homes with other cats? Its a tough call. An IFA+ means the cats are probably shedding virus. Older cats (4 months) are generally resistant to FeLV, but age-related resistance isn't a certainty - older cats can become infected. It doesn't seem to make sense to me that the two bigger kittens were positive. It gets a little confusing here. The ELISA+ could be detecting a transient infection - most ELISA+s usually are (because they're so sensitive). The ELISA could also be detecting a local tissue infection in some nonmyeloid part of the body. Also, an ELISA - can turn + if the test isn't run properly. You'll get a lot of -s on the retests. Good thing the Snap kits only cost $5! I would think the smaller ones would, and the bigger ones not, if they are growing out of it. Although the ELISA- snaps are reliable, I would question a - result in a high-risk situation and opt for a retest. I would even retest an IFA- cat from a high-risk situation in 3 months just to make sure she isn't incubating the virus. FeLV is very frustrating product of hell. You're a real trooper, Kelly. Best of luck. Phil (Any word on Antonio?) -- -Kelly kelly at farringtons dot net www.kelltek.com Check out www.snittens.com |
#6
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"Phil P." wrote in message
... I used to get enraged when people did that - I called them "cowards", but then I thought about it and was thankful they didn't "dispose" of the cats in a river or dumpster or some other cruel manner. I know.. you gotta be thankful for the little things, huh? Usually, but not always. An IFA+ can mean the cat either has a productive FeLV infection in the bone marrow cells or is rejecting a transient marrow-origin infection. Unfortunately, an IFA+ usually means the cat has a persistent marrow infection. 1 to 3 months. I test IFA+s every month for three months, then 3 months later, then 6 months later. I've had a few IFA+s turn - after 3 and 6 months. :-))) OK, then it seems our biggest obstacle is going to be finding somewhere for these kittens to stay while they go through retesting. They really shouldn't be in the store. That's going to go over like a fart in church with some of the by-the-book people. Its a tough call. An IFA+ means the cats are probably shedding virus. Older cats (4 months) are generally resistant to FeLV, but age-related resistance isn't a certainty - older cats can become infected. So if someone has young adult healthy cats, and the kittens are in a separate room, the resident cats should be OK? I wish I could take them, but I have my PSS kitten and I absolutely cannot risk her getting infected. My other cats are all healthy adults. Plus, I'm taking in a foster today who's going to need my foster room. It gets a little confusing here. The ELISA+ could be detecting a transient infection - most ELISA+s usually are (because they're so sensitive). The ELISA could also be detecting a local tissue infection in some nonmyeloid part of the body. Also, an ELISA - can turn + if the test isn't run properly. You'll get a lot of -s on the retests. Good thing the Snap kits only cost $5! So the bigger kittens could be going through the shedding process, and that's why they were positive and the smaller ones negative? That makes sense. We're going to re-run the snap tests on Tuesday when the vet comes in. Although the ELISA- snaps are reliable, I would question a - result in a high-risk situation and opt for a retest. I would even retest an IFA- cat from a high-risk situation in 3 months just to make sure she isn't incubating the virus. FeLV is very frustrating product of hell. Yes, it is! And I could kick these people for not coming up to the shelter and turning them in! If they did, we could maybe test the mother and find out where these kittens came from. It would be nice to have a history. We are also talking to some other rescues that take in FeLV+ cats to see if maybe they can take these babies. (Any word on Antonio?) No. :-( I've got 5 traps out now. Caught my first raccoon yesterday. I was out checking the traps late last night and found the guy in the trap, very frightening! I opened it with a stick. I didn't know raccoons hiss! -- -Kelly kelly at farringtons dot net www.kelltek.com Check out www.snittens.com |
#7
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"Phil P." wrote in message
... I used to get enraged when people did that - I called them "cowards", but then I thought about it and was thankful they didn't "dispose" of the cats in a river or dumpster or some other cruel manner. I know.. you gotta be thankful for the little things, huh? Usually, but not always. An IFA+ can mean the cat either has a productive FeLV infection in the bone marrow cells or is rejecting a transient marrow-origin infection. Unfortunately, an IFA+ usually means the cat has a persistent marrow infection. 1 to 3 months. I test IFA+s every month for three months, then 3 months later, then 6 months later. I've had a few IFA+s turn - after 3 and 6 months. :-))) OK, then it seems our biggest obstacle is going to be finding somewhere for these kittens to stay while they go through retesting. They really shouldn't be in the store. That's going to go over like a fart in church with some of the by-the-book people. Its a tough call. An IFA+ means the cats are probably shedding virus. Older cats (4 months) are generally resistant to FeLV, but age-related resistance isn't a certainty - older cats can become infected. So if someone has young adult healthy cats, and the kittens are in a separate room, the resident cats should be OK? I wish I could take them, but I have my PSS kitten and I absolutely cannot risk her getting infected. My other cats are all healthy adults. Plus, I'm taking in a foster today who's going to need my foster room. It gets a little confusing here. The ELISA+ could be detecting a transient infection - most ELISA+s usually are (because they're so sensitive). The ELISA could also be detecting a local tissue infection in some nonmyeloid part of the body. Also, an ELISA - can turn + if the test isn't run properly. You'll get a lot of -s on the retests. Good thing the Snap kits only cost $5! So the bigger kittens could be going through the shedding process, and that's why they were positive and the smaller ones negative? That makes sense. We're going to re-run the snap tests on Tuesday when the vet comes in. Although the ELISA- snaps are reliable, I would question a - result in a high-risk situation and opt for a retest. I would even retest an IFA- cat from a high-risk situation in 3 months just to make sure she isn't incubating the virus. FeLV is very frustrating product of hell. Yes, it is! And I could kick these people for not coming up to the shelter and turning them in! If they did, we could maybe test the mother and find out where these kittens came from. It would be nice to have a history. We are also talking to some other rescues that take in FeLV+ cats to see if maybe they can take these babies. (Any word on Antonio?) No. :-( I've got 5 traps out now. Caught my first raccoon yesterday. I was out checking the traps late last night and found the guy in the trap, very frightening! I opened it with a stick. I didn't know raccoons hiss! -- -Kelly kelly at farringtons dot net www.kelltek.com Check out www.snittens.com |
#8
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"KellyH" wrote in message news:4Vwbd.391381$Fg5.289075@attbi_s53... "Phil P." wrote in message ... Usually, but not always. An IFA+ can mean the cat either has a productive FeLV infection in the bone marrow cells or is rejecting a transient marrow-origin infection. Unfortunately, an IFA+ usually means the cat has a persistent marrow infection. 1 to 3 months. I test IFA+s every month for three months, then 3 months later, then 6 months later. I've had a few IFA+s turn - after 3 and 6 months. :-))) OK, then it seems our biggest obstacle is going to be finding somewhere for these kittens to stay while they go through retesting. They really shouldn't be in the store. That's going to go over like a fart in church with some of the by-the-book people. Its a tough call. An IFA+ means the cats are probably shedding virus. Older cats (4 months) are generally resistant to FeLV, but age-related resistance isn't a certainty - older cats can become infected. So if someone has young adult healthy cats, and the kittens are in a separate room, the resident cats should be OK? Should be. Effective virus transmission requires prolonged close, moist, contact - e.g., mutual grooming, sharing food/water bowls and litterboxes, or a single bite wound. I wish I could take them, but I have my PSS kitten and I absolutely cannot risk her getting infected. My other cats are all healthy adults. Plus, I'm taking in a foster today who's going to need my foster room. It gets a little confusing here. The ELISA+ could be detecting a transient infection - most ELISA+s usually are (because they're so sensitive). The ELISA could also be detecting a local tissue infection in some nonmyeloid part of the body. Also, an ELISA - can turn + if the test isn't run properly. You'll get a lot of -s on the retests. Good thing the Snap kits only cost $5! So the bigger kittens could be going through the shedding process, "Shedding" means infective to other cats; shedding virus in the saliva, blood, urine... It dosen't mean "shed" as in "getting rid of". An ELISA+ does not mean the cats are shedding virus (infective to susceptible cats) ; it only means FeLV viral antigen (P-27) is circulating in the blood. IOW, an ELISA + indicates FeLV antigenemia but not necessarily viremia. OTOH, an IFA+ indicates the presence of virus in WBC and platelets or bone marrow cells, and viral shedding (infective). and that's why they were positive and the smaller ones negative? No. The older cats were probably exposed to the virus earlier than the kittens. That makes sense. We're going to re-run the snap tests on Tuesday when the vet comes in. Good idea. Hopefully, the kittens will remain - and the older cats will seroconvert. Although the ELISA- snaps are reliable, I would question a - result in a high-risk situation and opt for a retest. I would even retest an IFA- cat from a high-risk situation in 3 months just to make sure she isn't incubating the virus. FeLV is very frustrating product of hell. Yes, it is! And I could kick these people for not coming up to the shelter and turning them in! If they did, we could maybe test the mother and find out where these kittens came from. It would be nice to have a history. We are also talking to some other rescues that take in FeLV+ cats to see if maybe they can take these babies. Good luck. (Any word on Antonio?) No. :-( I've got 5 traps out now. Caught my first raccoon yesterday. I was out checking the traps late last night and found the guy in the trap, very frightening! I opened it with a stick. I didn't know raccoons hiss! Often, you'll trap every type of animal but the cat! Just be careful. Good luck. Phil -- -Kelly kelly at farringtons dot net www.kelltek.com Check out www.snittens.com |
#9
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"KellyH" wrote in message news:4Vwbd.391381$Fg5.289075@attbi_s53... "Phil P." wrote in message ... Usually, but not always. An IFA+ can mean the cat either has a productive FeLV infection in the bone marrow cells or is rejecting a transient marrow-origin infection. Unfortunately, an IFA+ usually means the cat has a persistent marrow infection. 1 to 3 months. I test IFA+s every month for three months, then 3 months later, then 6 months later. I've had a few IFA+s turn - after 3 and 6 months. :-))) OK, then it seems our biggest obstacle is going to be finding somewhere for these kittens to stay while they go through retesting. They really shouldn't be in the store. That's going to go over like a fart in church with some of the by-the-book people. Its a tough call. An IFA+ means the cats are probably shedding virus. Older cats (4 months) are generally resistant to FeLV, but age-related resistance isn't a certainty - older cats can become infected. So if someone has young adult healthy cats, and the kittens are in a separate room, the resident cats should be OK? Should be. Effective virus transmission requires prolonged close, moist, contact - e.g., mutual grooming, sharing food/water bowls and litterboxes, or a single bite wound. I wish I could take them, but I have my PSS kitten and I absolutely cannot risk her getting infected. My other cats are all healthy adults. Plus, I'm taking in a foster today who's going to need my foster room. It gets a little confusing here. The ELISA+ could be detecting a transient infection - most ELISA+s usually are (because they're so sensitive). The ELISA could also be detecting a local tissue infection in some nonmyeloid part of the body. Also, an ELISA - can turn + if the test isn't run properly. You'll get a lot of -s on the retests. Good thing the Snap kits only cost $5! So the bigger kittens could be going through the shedding process, "Shedding" means infective to other cats; shedding virus in the saliva, blood, urine... It dosen't mean "shed" as in "getting rid of". An ELISA+ does not mean the cats are shedding virus (infective to susceptible cats) ; it only means FeLV viral antigen (P-27) is circulating in the blood. IOW, an ELISA + indicates FeLV antigenemia but not necessarily viremia. OTOH, an IFA+ indicates the presence of virus in WBC and platelets or bone marrow cells, and viral shedding (infective). and that's why they were positive and the smaller ones negative? No. The older cats were probably exposed to the virus earlier than the kittens. That makes sense. We're going to re-run the snap tests on Tuesday when the vet comes in. Good idea. Hopefully, the kittens will remain - and the older cats will seroconvert. Although the ELISA- snaps are reliable, I would question a - result in a high-risk situation and opt for a retest. I would even retest an IFA- cat from a high-risk situation in 3 months just to make sure she isn't incubating the virus. FeLV is very frustrating product of hell. Yes, it is! And I could kick these people for not coming up to the shelter and turning them in! If they did, we could maybe test the mother and find out where these kittens came from. It would be nice to have a history. We are also talking to some other rescues that take in FeLV+ cats to see if maybe they can take these babies. Good luck. (Any word on Antonio?) No. :-( I've got 5 traps out now. Caught my first raccoon yesterday. I was out checking the traps late last night and found the guy in the trap, very frightening! I opened it with a stick. I didn't know raccoons hiss! Often, you'll trap every type of animal but the cat! Just be careful. Good luck. Phil -- -Kelly kelly at farringtons dot net www.kelltek.com Check out www.snittens.com |
#10
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"Shedding" means infective to other cats; shedding virus in the saliva,
blood, urine... It dosen't mean "shed" as in "getting rid of". An ELISA+ does not mean the cats are shedding virus (infective to susceptible cats) ; it only means FeLV viral antigen (P-27) is circulating in the blood. IOW, an ELISA + indicates FeLV antigenemia but not necessarily viremia. OTOH, an IFA+ indicates the presence of virus in WBC and platelets or bone marrow cells, and viral shedding (infective). Gotcha. I was a little confused on the "shedding". I'll keep you posted on these little guys. -- -Kelly kelly at farringtons dot net www.kelltek.com Check out www.snittens.com |
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