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FIV - Any information would be helpful
From: Phil P. - view profile
Date: Fri, Apr 19 2002 5:33 am Email: "Phil P." Groups: rec.pets.cats.health+behav Hi - my name is William Collins, I am a 43 year old college student working on my Bachelor's Degree in Computer Networking. I know that the preface was somewhat off-topic, however, my professor gave me an assignment in which I was to post six or more times. I also have searched for this topic and have found most of the information already, so please understand that even though I have found this information in the newsgroup, it was several years old, so I suppose that I am asking for "updated" information." Any replies would be greatly appreciated not only for my assignment, but so that I have more current information about Pearl. Here is my story: Approximately 2 or 3 months ago a friend at work told me that she had 7 kittens that she needed to give away; a stray cad delivered her litter almost in my friend's arms. Carol cared for the mom and kittens and overall they seemed very healthy. My fiance' and I took a beautiful grey kitten, Pearl, and have had her for about 6 weeks-she is wonderful! Carol just told me that she took the mother to the vets for regualr testing/spaying/nueturing (I really do not know which is which, sorry) and said that the mom cat tested positive for FIV. Since had an appt for Pearl anyway for the regular innoculations, we had her tested too, and of course the results were positive. Above I copied the header of one of Phil P's posts concerning FIV, false positive tests, and longetivity of life, and I was hoping to get some more info concerning FIV from the people who know. I was not the one who went to the vet with Pearl, but from what my fiance' explained to me, the demeanor of the vet was almost one of non-concern. 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? 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. Is it true that the antibodies may "be flushed out of her system" ? Any help would be greatly appreciated, and I again want to apologize for bringing up a topic that was already covered earlier -- If any of the regular posters have been to school/college lately, then you understand how hard it is to "pick a topic," and with the entire 25,000 newsgroups from which to choose, well I had to narrow the field I started in the computer groups, but it seemed that for every few posts that were valid, there was some jerk testing his/her ability to flame. I decided to go with a gentler crowd :-) Have a nice day. Thank you! Bill |
#2
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FIV - Any information would be helpful
"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 |
#3
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FIV - Any information would be helpful
In 1995 I had a full slate of blood tests done on my cat, and it came
back positive for FIV. The vet told me that no cat he knew of had ever lived more than five years after becoming infected. Since my cat hadn't had an FIV test since I first got him as a kitten four years earlier, he might have as little as one year left to live. The vet sold me a bottle of blue pills that might prolong my cat's life a little, but my cat didn't take the pills well (what cat does?), so I quit giving them to him. Fast forward 11 years to 2006. My cat is 15 years old and doing just fine. (And going to a different vet.) So I dunno. Maybe the test wasn't so hot back then, or maybe the virus isn't as predictable as they thought, or maybe the fact that HIV/AIDS was a bigger news item in 1995 played into it somewhat, but it was much ado about nothing for us. |
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FIV - Any information would be helpful
"wjcollins" wrote in message oups.com... From: Phil P. - view profile Date: Fri, Apr 19 2002 5:33 am Email: "Phil P." Groups: rec.pets.cats.health+behav Hi - my name is William Collins, I am a 43 year old college student working on my Bachelor's Degree in Computer Networking. I know that the preface was somewhat off-topic, however, my professor gave me an assignment in which I was to post six or more times. I also have searched for this topic and have found most of the information already, so please understand that even though I have found this information in the newsgroup, it was several years old, so I suppose that I am asking for "updated" information." Any replies would be greatly appreciated not only for my assignment, but so that I have more current information about Pearl. Here is my story: Approximately 2 or 3 months ago a friend at work told me that she had 7 kittens that she needed to give away; a stray cad delivered her litter almost in my friend's arms. Carol cared for the mom and kittens and overall they seemed very healthy. My fiance' and I took a beautiful grey kitten, Pearl, and have had her for about 6 weeks-she is wonderful! Carol just told me that she took the mother to the vets for regualr testing/spaying/nueturing (I really do not know which is which, sorry) and said that the mom cat tested positive for FIV. Since had an appt for Pearl anyway for the regular innoculations, we had her tested too, and of course the results were positive. Above I copied the header of one of Phil P's posts concerning FIV, false positive tests, and longetivity of life, and I was hoping to get some more info concerning FIV from the people who know. I was not the one who went to the vet with Pearl, but from what my fiance' explained to me, the demeanor of the vet was almost one of non-concern. 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? 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. Is it true that the antibodies may "be flushed out of her system" ? Any help would be greatly appreciated, and I again want to apologize for bringing up a topic that was already covered earlier -- If any of the regular posters have been to school/college lately, then you understand how hard it is to "pick a topic," and with the entire 25,000 newsgroups from which to choose, well I had to narrow the field I started in the computer groups, but it seemed that for every few posts that were valid, there was some jerk testing his/her ability to flame. I decided to go with a gentler crowd :-) Have a nice day. Thank you! Bill We rescued 3 kittens from the flooding along the Delaware River last summer. All three tested positive for FIV when we first brought them in . We had them tested again a month or so ago and all three are now negative. W |
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FIV - Any information would be helpful
From the positive reactions I have read from Phil, BZ and yourself, and
from the demeanor that Jan got from the vet, I am now a little bit more hopeful that Pearl has not actually become infected -- At this stage I can only hope. She still is a lively kitten, and I want to thank everyone from their help and support in this matter. I will try to keep you informed time passes on. My next step is to fiance's older cat, Scooter, tested for the same thing (FIV and Feline Leukemia). Scooter was never tested because she was an indoor only cat, and Jan (and myself) always were of the notion that if a cat was infected, that was pretty much the end, therefore we felt it was better not to know. the vet recommendd that we have Scoot tested, and if both cats test negative for F leukemia, have them innoculated against it. To be honest, had Carol not told me of the mother's infection, I would not have thought about having Pearl tested. What are your feelings on this subject, that is, having cats/kittens tested for FIV if they seem to be healthy? Is there actually anything that we can do (if the cat/kitten) is infected that will help? Jan and I always thought that if they had this dreaded disease, that was it. Are my fiance' and I incorrect in our thoughts on this? Thanks again for all of your support! Bill C Wendy wrote: "wjcollins" wrote in message snip Approximately 2 or 3 months ago a friend at work told me that she had 7 kittens that she needed to give away; a stray cad delivered her litter almost in my friend's arms. Carol cared for the mom and kittens and overall they seemed very healthy. My fiance' and I took a beautiful... snip ...posts that were valid, there was some jerk testing his/her ability to flame. I decided to go with a gentler crowd :-) Have a nice day. Thank you! Bill We rescued 3 kittens from the flooding along the Delaware River last summer. All three tested positive for FIV when we first brought them in . We had them tested again a month or so ago and all three are now negative. W |
#6
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FIV - Any information would be helpful
We just had our adult cat tested for FIV and Feline Luekemia and Scooty tested negative; I was curious when the vet recommended against having the kitten and cat innocculated against FIV, and I was hoping you could shed a little more light on this subject for us. Specifically, what our vet said was that the FIV was not "that effective," and should the cat get out (both are indorr-only cats) and someone finds them and takes them to the vets, the vets would be inclined to put the cat down, since the innoculation would give a false positive (because of antibodies from the innoculation) that are indistinguishable form the actual FIV antibodies from real infection. What do you think? I do not know this vet well, yet she seems to really "care" about the animals, and does not seem to "only be doing her job." We are new to this area. What does everyone think? Thank you. On Nov 24, 3:33 pm, "wjcollins" wrote: From the positive reactions I have read from Phil, BZ and yourself, andfrom the demeanor that Jan got from the vet, I am now a little bit more hopeful that Pearl has not actually become infected -- At this stage I can only hope. She still is a lively kitten, and I want to thank everyone from their help and support in this matter. I will try to keep you informed time passes on. My next step is to fiance's older cat, Scooter, tested for the same thing (FIV and Feline Leukemia). Scooter was never tested because she was an indoor only cat, and Jan (and myself) always were of the notion that if a cat was infected, that was pretty much the end, therefore we felt it was better not to know. the vet recommendd that we have Scoot tested, and if both cats test negative for F leukemia, have them innoculated against it. To be honest, had Carol not told me of the mother's infection, I would not have thought about having Pearl tested. What are your feelings on this subject, that is, having cats/kittens tested for FIV if they seem to be healthy? Is there actually anything that we can do (if the cat/kitten) is infected that will help? Jan and I always thought that if they had this dreaded disease, that was it. Are my fiance' and I incorrect in our thoughts on this? Thanks again for all of your support! Bill C Wendy wrote: "wjcollins" wrote in message snip Approximately 2 or 3 months ago a friend at work told me that she had 7 kittens that she needed to give away; a stray cad delivered her litter almost in my friend's arms. Carol cared for the mom and kittens and overall they seemed very healthy. My fiance' and I took a beautiful... snip ...posts that were valid, there was some jerk testing his/her ability to flame. I decided to go with a gentler crowd :-) Have a nice day. Thank you! Bill We rescued 3 kittens from the flooding along the Delaware River last summer. All three tested positive for FIV when we first brought them in . We had them tested again a month or so ago and all three are now negative. W |
#7
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FIV - Any information would be helpful
Unless you let your cats out to roam and they might get into fights and
other 'activities' I don't see why either the FIV or FeLV vaccines are necessary. FIV or FeLV isn't something you can drag in on your shoes. I have also been told that a vaccinated cat will test positive. That puts it at risk of being euthanized right off the bat if it ever gets out and is picked up and tested. I applaud the vet for giving you the straight story and not trying to drum up extra bucks by charging you for a shot that the cat doesn't need. W "wjcollins" wrote in message ps.com... We just had our adult cat tested for FIV and Feline Luekemia and Scooty tested negative; I was curious when the vet recommended against having the kitten and cat innocculated against FIV, and I was hoping you could shed a little more light on this subject for us. Specifically, what our vet said was that the FIV was not "that effective," and should the cat get out (both are indorr-only cats) and someone finds them and takes them to the vets, the vets would be inclined to put the cat down, since the innoculation would give a false positive (because of antibodies from the innoculation) that are indistinguishable form the actual FIV antibodies from real infection. What do you think? I do not know this vet well, yet she seems to really "care" about the animals, and does not seem to "only be doing her job." We are new to this area. What does everyone think? Thank you. On Nov 24, 3:33 pm, "wjcollins" wrote: From the positive reactions I have read from Phil, BZ and yourself, andfrom the demeanor that Jan got from the vet, I am now a little bit more hopeful that Pearl has not actually become infected -- At this stage I can only hope. She still is a lively kitten, and I want to thank everyone from their help and support in this matter. I will try to keep you informed time passes on. My next step is to fiance's older cat, Scooter, tested for the same thing (FIV and Feline Leukemia). Scooter was never tested because she was an indoor only cat, and Jan (and myself) always were of the notion that if a cat was infected, that was pretty much the end, therefore we felt it was better not to know. the vet recommendd that we have Scoot tested, and if both cats test negative for F leukemia, have them innoculated against it. To be honest, had Carol not told me of the mother's infection, I would not have thought about having Pearl tested. What are your feelings on this subject, that is, having cats/kittens tested for FIV if they seem to be healthy? Is there actually anything that we can do (if the cat/kitten) is infected that will help? Jan and I always thought that if they had this dreaded disease, that was it. Are my fiance' and I incorrect in our thoughts on this? Thanks again for all of your support! Bill C Wendy wrote: "wjcollins" wrote in message snip Approximately 2 or 3 months ago a friend at work told me that she had 7 kittens that she needed to give away; a stray cad delivered her litter almost in my friend's arms. Carol cared for the mom and kittens and overall they seemed very healthy. My fiance' and I took a beautiful... snip ...posts that were valid, there was some jerk testing his/her ability to flame. I decided to go with a gentler crowd :-) Have a nice day. Thank you! Bill We rescued 3 kittens from the flooding along the Delaware River last summer. All three tested positive for FIV when we first brought them in . We had them tested again a month or so ago and all three are now negative. W |
#8
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FIV - Any information would be helpful
"wjcollins" wrote in message ps.com... We just had our adult cat tested for FIV and Feline Luekemia and Scooty tested negative; I was curious when the vet recommended against having the kitten and cat innocculated against FIV, and I was hoping you could shed a little more light on this subject for us. Specifically, what our vet said was that the FIV was not "that effective," and should the cat get out (both are indorr-only cats) and someone finds them and takes them to the vets, the vets would be inclined to put the cat down, since the innoculation would give a false positive (because of antibodies from the innoculation) that are indistinguishable form the actual FIV antibodies from real infection. What do you think? I do not know this vet well, yet she seems to really "care" about the animals, and does not seem to "only be doing her job." We are new to this area. What does everyone think? He's right. The present FIV Snap and immunoblot (Western Blot) tests can't differentiate infected cats from vaccinated cats. The new FIV DNA test that does differentiate infected cats from vaccinated cats isn't readily available yet and there isn't an in-house version- and I doubt there ever will be since it involves PCR technology. |
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