Conference misery::feline_v1

What is FeLV ?

Charlie

FeLV is Feline Leukemia Virus.  It's a nasty that is often fatal.  In addition,
Cats who look perfectly well can be carriers of this diease (ala Typhoid Mary).
For this reason, just about every cattery ad you see will say "FeLV negative"
or "All cats tested for FeLV."
   I just ripped up all my old Cat magazines and kept only the articles I
thought I'd want to read again.  I think I remember seeing an article about 
FeLV in there.  I'll to remember to read it and type in some more details.

tlh  (formerly RAVEN1::HOLLABAUGH)

trace, have you heard about this vaccine?  i read cat magazines (both of
the only 2 i know of!), and haven't heard about anything being ready to
come out, till my vet just informed me of it...2 (of my 5) had their first
ones the day they got neutered, & the lethargy that i saw during the
next day or so was probably from the anesthesia.

I thought that FeLV was actually a plasmid that grafted itself into the
cat's genetic material. If this is so, then there is no cure for it, short
of gene splicing. I also thought that the danger was of a cat inheriting
the FeLV plasmid, not of "catching" it.

	Jon

   No,  Feline Leukemia can definately be "caught".  That's why they FeLV 
carriers at the "no-kill" shelter my mom works at are in quarantine.

tlh

Feline leukemia can also be carried by a cat but not affect it, no?  A few
years ago, I had 2 cats.  One died of leukemia (sniff).  The other one was
fine.  Eventually, I acquired another cat (Chayna, one of my 2 current ones)
who palled around with the cat (Solomon) who didn't catch leukemia from the
one who had it.  I worried a bit about Chayna catching leukemia via Solomon,
who had been exposed to it.  But so far, so good.  Solomon ran away (sniff
again) a couple years ago, so I didn't have a chance to find out whether he
ever got leukemia himself.  Was I completely off the wall in worrying about
whether one cat could catch leukemia from another who had been exposed to it
but didn't get sick himself?
							-- Nina

i believe some cats may have a natural immunity, some may just be carriers,
and some may become ill...nina, i probably would have been concerned also
...if you're interested in seeing a copy of the pamphlet about this FeLV 
vaccine, send me mail...

			karen

It is definitely possible for a cat to carry the virus without falling
victim to it.  Two of our cats are isolated from the rest for precisely
that reason.  The vaccine can't come a moment to soon as far as I'm
concerned!!
					John

There was an article written in the Boston Globe recently about this
new vaccine.  It was mentioned that the vaccine is rather expensive (but
who cares when it comes to kitty).  It also mentioned that the cat should
be tested first to see if it is potential victim of the disease before
spending all the money on the vaccines.  The article stated that the vaccines
can run up to $60.

There is an article in the Nashua Telegraph (from the AP) about the
vaccine.  It is rather long, but the high points are:

It was developed by Richard Olsen of Ohio State University with financial
support from the National Cancer Institute.  It is being produced and marketed 
by Norden Laboratories.

In tests done with 3,000 cats, it was found to prevent FeLV in 80% of the cats 
that received.

A initial series of three vaccinations is needed.  These are followed by 
booster shots every year.

Norden says that the series of three should run around 50$, but the actual 
charge is up to the vet.

The vaccine caused no adverse reactions in 85% of the cats that received it.
10% of the cats had some pain at the site of infection, less than 5% developed 
fever, vomiting or diarrhea.  All cats recovered from the reactions.

The trade name is Leukocell.

Like all vaccines, it prevents the disease, but cannot cure or reverse it.

Steve

i've been paying $8.00 per shot...my cats take it as well or better than
their yearly booster or rabies vaccine...my vet takes their temperature
first, but hasn't tested my cats for FeLV (he knows i keep them indoors
& that i'm meticulous about their health care)...so the series of three
will cost (me) $24 (X 5 cats!), which is a small price, as far as i'm
concerned...also, although it will not cure the disease, it will not do
harm if the animal happens to have it (it would just be a waste).

			karen

RE .7 -- Thanks, Karen.  I saw a pamphlet about it at the vet's just today.
(Sorry it took me so long to reply; I've been busy, plus I was on vacation.)

							-- Nina

My vet gave me a copy of the FeLV pamphlet when I took Ada in to be spayed.
It's the typical drug company hard-sell:  the pamphlet starts out with a
graphic description of all the horrible things FeLV can do to your cat.

Scare tactics notwithstanding, the vaccine seems like a worthwhile
preventive measure.

					  -  o
					 - -/-->
					-  @~\_

					Roger

JUST TO REINFORCE THE PREVIOUS NOTES, I STARTED MY TOMCAT ON THE
VACCINE THIS WEEK AFTER HIS TEST SHOWED NEGATIVE. THE VET TOLD ME
THAT HE RAN 5 TESTS FOR FLV LAST WEEK AND 2 WERE POSITIVE, SO THE
STUFF'S OUT THERE, & IT IS "WISE TO IMMUNIZE!"

			-FRANK

I took Shadow in for her second shot last Friday and learned a 
little more about this disease. Sometimes, if a cat tests 
positive, it is advisable to retest about a month later. Some 
cats do reject the virus and can then be successfully vaccinated.

Also, the disease itself acts something like AIDS in humans. It 
prevents the cat from recovering from any other disease it 
might contract. My vet said that it is probably the #2 cause of 
death in the cats he has treated (cars are #1).

The cost of immunizations seems to vary from vet to vet. My vet
(Dr. Clough in Merrimack) charges $12 for the first shot (this 
includes a quick physical and a test to see if the cat already 
has the virus). Three weeks later there is an $8 charge for the 
second shot. Three months later there is another $8 charge for 
the third shot. Thereafter the cat needs only a yearly booster.

-nn 

A card sent from my vet indicated that 10% of cat illnesses were
FeLV.

Steve

We brought two cats from Guam with us when we returned to the States,
"momma" is currently 8 1/2 years old, named "Muffin" and apparently in
fine health, her son, Christopher will be 8 in December and is in
great shape - both appear and act younger, a vet estimated their ages
at 3 - 4 years old.  A double pawed, lovable clutz adoped us right
after we arrived in New England - he had been deserted a a family that
moved away.  We had Pete nearly three years and he started losing 
weight and became very ill - he was mute the whole time we had him - 
never heard a word, just purring.  He was yowling in pain the last 
time we took him to the vet and was put to sleep - FeLV.  My other two 
cats tested that they had been exposed.  A test a month later showed 
negative.  The vet said they should be tested in another three months 
since the incubation period for FeLV can be that long.  Has anyone 
else had this happen?  What were the results?  These two cats, 
especially Christopher, have some rather unique and endearing qualities 
(turns off the alarm clock, turns radios and TV on and off, answers 
the phone with a clunk and resounding "meow" if it disturbs his nap, 
and could unlock the door for a stroll at his discretion until we 
installed a deadbolt)that I have never seen in cats before except
others on Guam.  My whole family would be crushed if we lose these two 
members and the three vets we have contacted will not give them the
shots until they are further tested.

There is hope. 

Apparently, some cats can reject the virus. So, if 
you have a cat that tests positive, it is accepted practice to 
retest the cat after a certain amount of time. Also, if your cat 
does have the disease, it is possible that the animal will live 
for some time before it begins to exhibit any symptoms. It was 
explained to me that the disease is similar to AIDS in humans.

However, if your cat does have the disease, you should keep it 
isolated from other cats...as you would not want to spread the 
disease to other animals.

-Roberta

I just got the phone call from my vet telling me that one of my cats, Brindle,
tested positive.  As I sit here in tears with Brindle in my lap, all I can
think of to do is to write this reply in hopes that someone who hasn't had
their cats tested will read it, and have their cats tested.

I have three cats, Pumpkin, Peaches, and Brindle.  Pumpkin was sick last week
and the vet wanted to test her for FelV.  So I took my other cats along.
Pumpkin and Peaches tested negative.  I don't know why I didn't have my cats
tested earlier.  I guess it was a combination of worrying about the $$ and 
also thinking that "It won't happen to MY cats".  Anyway - I'm kicking
myself now for not having them tested sooner.  If I hadn't found out that 
Brindle had it, then maybe a few months down the road I would be crying
over losing all my cats, instead of just one.

I read the previous replies about having a positive cat re-tested in a month,
and it might come up negative.  Unfortunately, Brindle is pregnant, and her
kittens will be born with FelV, so I have no choice but to have her put to 
sleep.  I don't want to contribute to the spreading of this terrible disaster
that is already causing so much pain and sadness for animals and their owners.

The vet says my other cats still aren't out of the woods yet.  My vet wants
to re-test my other cats in 6 months and make sure they're still negative
before she starts their vaccinations.

Sorry if this sounds emotional.  I probably should've waited to write it until
I calmed down.  But it's going to take me a long time to get over this,
and If I can save just one person from going through what I'm going through
right now, then it was worth writing this while I'm crying and holding my dear
sweet Brindle.

Please have your cats tested and vaccinated.  I keep wondering if Brindle has
always had it, or If she just recently got it, and I could have prevented it
by getting her vaccinated.  

- Molly -

    I am very sorry.  Please accept a stranger's sympathy.  I hope your
    other cats will be all right.
    
    Earl Wajenberg

    I've re-read all the items in this topic.  I don't want to dwell
    on a grievous subject, but why does Brindle's pregnancy mean she
    must be put to sleep?  Even if the litter has to be done away with,
    to prevent spread of the disease, how does this affect Brindle?
    Are you sure there is no hope?
    
    Earl Wajenberg

        Earl wrote what my first thoughts were.  
    
    
        PLEASE!   Call ANOTHER vet and ask if there are any other
    solutions.  I've heard of cats that tested positive but were not
    ill who could stay alive as long as they did not come in contact
    with other cats.  Maybe she could just have an abortion/spay.
    
        PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE get a second opinion and let us know
    what happens.
    
        tlh
    
    

Thank you for your kind replies.   I've decided that I definitely want
to try and save Brindle.  I can't stand the thought of putting her to
sleep.  She's such a happy, sweet and loving cat.  And until/if she
starts to suffer from the Leukemia, I want to keep her with me.  
That's my own selfishness I guess.  Because I know the right thing to do
would be to put her to sleep, so that I don't contribute to the spreading
Feline Leukemia.  But I'll keep Brindle inside from now on so that it will
only effect my own cats.  

I called my vet to see if she will agree to do an abortion/spay.  She said
yes.  So it looks like Brindle is saved!!!  And I just have to hope for
the best from now on.  I'm still worried about my other cats.  I'm not sure
how strict an isolation I should do.  I realize that there's no way of 
knowing if my other cats would ever contract the disease or not.  It would
complicate all 6 of our lives (mine, 2 dogs, and 3 cats) to keep Brindle
totally isolated for the rest of her life.  Although it's worth it to keep
my Brindle!  But, what I'm considering... is keeping Brindle isolated until
my other cats finish with their Leukemia shot series, and then returning
everything back to normal (except Brindle can't go outside anymore), and 
taking my chances that the other cats won't contract it.

Does anyone have any suggestions or thoughts about this.  I'd
appreciate any input.  It's kind of hard for me to think straight when I'm
so emotionally attached to the situation, and only other animal lovers/owners
    can really understand what I'm going through.

Thanks,

- Molly -

    I don't know where you are located, but get Brindle referred to
    Dr. Susan Cotter, one of -- if not THE -- most world-renowned authority
    on feline leukemia at Tufts University Veterinary School, Grafton,
    Mass. (near Westboro).  She is one of the kindest people I have
    known, and if anyone can help, she and her great work can.
    Plus, you will know your cat -- no matter how long she lives (and
    I'm sorry I can't be real positive about it, as you will see), you
    will know that she has contributed to finding out more about this
    heartbreaking disease, so that maybe someday no other cats and owners
    will have to go through what we have.
    
    I can't believe you wrote this note today.  Ever since last Wednesday,
    I have been needing to write in this file to ask for support in
    my almost unbearable grief.  My heart so goes out to you; probably
    the worst night of my life (until last Wednesday and all the nights
    since) was when my beautiful black cat Bo, my best friend and constant
    companion, was diagnosed in early December.  
    
    I will be entering a note about this very shortly, but I just can't
    manage it now; it's too soon yet.  I just want you to know about Tufts 
    and Dr. Cotter
    and her work.  She will make Brindle feel better (my Bo improved
    tremendously with medication from her, until he got his last and
    fatal infection), and YOU will feel better knowing she's got the
    best care in the country and just may help in a breakthrough in
    this important work.  (As you may also know, feline leukemia virus
    is very like the AIDS virus, and Dr. Cotter's work has helped in
    some of the advances they've made recently with AIDS.)
    
    Let me know if you need more information.  I know what you're going
    through.  I'm having a very difficult time seeing the terminal screen
    right now; it's just too close for me to write more now.  I loved
    my Bo so much, and it's just been a week.  I'll miss him forever.
    
    Mary Beth Lawler
    this important work.  

    I just dried my eyes enough to read over my previous note, and realized
    that I might possibly have given the wrong impression.  I'm definitely
    NOT talking about any "experiments" being done on your cat.  Dr.
    Cotter will simply monitor her progress (and of course, help and
    advise if there are crises -- as I'm afraid to have to tell you,
    there will be; they pick up infections so easily since their immune
    systems are so weakened) on a monthly basis.  It will be a great
    comfort to you, believe me.  Plus, as I mentioned, my cat had quite
    spectacular results on the medication Dr. Cotter had me give him
    -- it definitely will not hurt, and most likely will help you cat
    a LOT.  
    
    There is also another benefit.  Brindle's medication, blood tests,
    most examinations, etc., will be covered by Dr. Cotter's research
    grant.  That can mean a lot, too -- knowing that your cat is quite
    literally getting the best care in the country, and it will not
    cost as much as your regular vet. (Although you will spend a lot
    of time and money at your vets, too, if Brindle starts getting sick
    a lot.)
    
    Thanks for letting me tell you all this.  Focusing on some of these
    details which I have lived with so intimately for the past few months
    is really helping me take my mind off -- if only for a few minutes
    -- my sadness and loneliness.  On a positive note, many cats (I
    have know several) live for years with this disease; I pray that
    Brindle will be one of those lucky ones.  
    
    Mary Beth

    Thanks for the information on Dr. Cotter.  I'll call her and tell
    her about Brindle and see if she can help.
    
    Thanks again,
    
    - Molly -

    Definately get Brindle retested in a month.  I have a cat who tested
    positive on the first test, and tested negative the second time
    she was tested.  Needless to say, she received her FeLV shots right
    away.  I hope things work out as well for you.
    
    Kathryn

RE: 62.23 by HYDRA::BACON >

         It would complicate all 6 of our lives to keep
         Brindle totally isolated for the rest of her life.
         But, what I'm considering... is keeping Brindle
         isolated until my other cats finish with their
         Leukemia shot series, and then returning everything
         back to normal and taking my chances that the other
         cats won't contract it. 
                                
    Some friends of mine kept one of their cats in isolation form the
    rest for over a year with the knowledge that the work on an Felv
    vaccine was getting closer to a solution. It worked for them
    and now they have a reunited household.
    
    I lost a cat to Felv and have vaccinated each of my cats since
    then. Angus died 6 months before the vaccine became available
    and I won't let that happen again if I can prevent it.
     
    							.wIx.
    

        Good news today!  My two boys, Richard and Harold, who tested
        positive for FeLV twelve months ago, tested negative this time
        around (as well as coming through their annual physicals with
        flying colors), so they're going in to the vet tomorrow for their
        first in the series of shots. 
        
        I'm not taking chances -- even at $18 each it's a bargain, what
        with all I've spent on them over the years, and the joy they
        bring.  (They are my sweeties, after all -- nobody else cuddles up
        with me at night, alas..) 
        
        Tom

On August 15, 1986 Deb and I lost Ginger to lymposarcoma due to FeLV.  He
was a friendly, loving cat and was with Deb for 10 years.  I thought I'd
like to share my feelings about his passing.

Deb found Ginger as a near death kitten in her Grandmother's barn, the
only surviving one of his litter (not unusual for barn cats).  With literally
around the clock care, he was finally nursed back to health but lost one
eye due to systemic infections and the such from his early life ordeal.

I married Deb and was adopted by Ginger (and his year younger brother
Dusty Miller - also an extremely sick sole survivor from the same mother)
in 1983 and moved to California.  It was here we first heard about FeLV.
Deb had ALWAYS take very good medical care of the cats and as soon as
it was available, tests were taken and FeLV was administered, around
June, 1985.

In mid-June, 1986 I was hired by DEC and moved to NH.  Prior to leaving, the
California vet suggested a full physical for both cats.  Expensive (possibly
gouging by the vet), but Deb decided to do it anyway - can't hurt.  Both
cats were pronounced healthy.  A week or two after arriving, Deb noticed
that Ginger was a little more lazy than usual and seemed to be losing
weight.  Took him to the vet (a very good, compassionate one I might add).
She came home alone.  There was a huge tumor growing in his intestine and
the vet wanted to do some tests to determine what kind of cancer.  As
soon as the aspirant was ready, it was sent to the lab, but of course being
summer, the pathologist was on vacation.  Meanwhile we wait and watch
Ginger getting thinner and weaker.  Strange, though, was that his appetite
was the same or more so, and he was showing no signs of pain.  Just getting
thinner.  Finally, the results are back.  Pathologist is pretty sure its
lymphosarcoma but our vet says let's do one more apirant, but this time
down at Tufts with Dr. Sue Cotter looking on (the subject of previous
similar subjects in this confernece).  We've heard about her and
her work with FeLV cats.  Hope is up but she's NOT taking ANY more patients -
working on a grant.  Well, we get the tests anyway.  Results the same.
We decide its time to operate.  The operation goes very badly.  The
cancer is widespread, involving most of the GI tract, pancreas and has
spread to layrnx.  Out vet said it was not uncommon for a cancer to
spread and grow extremely fast.  We have been in NH for 6 weeks.

Our vet said that the FeLV is not a great vaccine.  It is not like
a rabies vaccine which is very effective.  FeLV vaccine has about an 
85% effectivness.  Further, even with the cancer, Ginger had tested
negative to the LIZA test (for FeLV).  Vet said that this could have been
in his system for months, or even years (ala AIDS) and that it
was possibly finally triggered by his age - but at 10 years a cat
is really not THAT ancient.  Noting we had another
cat, he stated that the virus is viable outside the body for only a
matter of minutes, if not seconds, and the only real ways to get it was
by fighting (they rarely did), mutual grooming (which they did) or by
food sharing (Ginger was a pig and ate anything within the approximate
area of their individual food bowls).  Where did he get it?  Don't know.
Could be California.  Could have been born with it (barn cats are not
the cleanest cats in the world).  Also, of the two, Dusty Miller is
the "dirtiest" one, getting into neighborhood fights and seeminly always
getting some infection.  We felt it was probably Dusty who had it and
spread it to Ginger.

We buried Ginger near our house and Deb will mark his site with bulb
plants next spring.  It's saddest for her, as she Ginger had been her
companion (and family) long before I came along.  It's sad for me too,
even though I'm not a real big cat fan, then do tend to grow on you.
Added to that is the probable certainty that Dusty Miller has
FeLV which will essentially prevent getting another fuzzball (with
the background feeling that Dusty too will fall subject to the disease).

About FeLV though, learn one thing from this : if you haven't gotten the
vaccine (and you would like to keep you cat around for a little while),
get it.  If you have gotten it, as the cat gets older, his immune system
naturally starts to deteriorate, possibly to the point where a cancer
or other FeLV malady can now strike.  Watch your cat.  You know
him/her/it the best.  It really doesn't take much time,
since we lost Ginger in only 6 weeks.  Sorry if this is sounds all
doom and gloom, but FeLV is like AIDS in that we've heard about it,
can do a little for it and effectivly little aginst it.


Pete, Deb & Emmy Nishimoto
        

    Since the Felv vaccine is not 100% effective some of you outdoor
    only cat owners might consider testing, vaccinating and then keeping
    your cats inside.  Not only will this help the vaccine protect your
    cat but it will also protect your cat from strays that might be
    infected.  And if your cat does become ill at least you know he
    hasn't help spread the disease to the rest of the cat world.  I
    have lost two cats in the last two years to Felv.  Both of them
    tested negative and then were vaccinated.  I guess we were just
    among the 15% that are vaccinated and still contract the disease.
    
    Jo Ann