Ok, here I am back again about the infamous Bootsie. On March 15th Bootsie had 4 kittens. (One got misplaced under the kitchen table for 24 hours and died at 2 days old).
I just sent one of the kittens to my cousin in KY and she took my precious baby Simba to the vet for shots, spaying etc. She tested positive for Feline leukemia and was euthanized.
What are the chances that my other two babies and now Bootsie too are not infected.
I also have 3 outside adult cats and 4 more babies (born April 12) outside. All the kittens share share the same father and Bootsie and Buttons (the mothers) are sisters-litter mates. The kittens have not been mixed together but I have used the same food bowl for both litters.
Do I need to test all my adults and my 6 babies or just the inside cats. I am devastated and confused and so heart broken.
Feline Leukemia Question
Re: Feline Leukemia Question
Jeana,
First, please be aware that if one test is a positive result, it's wise to retest either at that same time with a new test, or wait until 10-12 weeks later to retest for a more accurate result. While most FELV snap tests done in the clinic are highly accurate, false positives and false negatives do occasionally occur....for this reason, a second test may be necessary. I would suggest using the FELV/FIV combo test.
As for testing, I suggest testing them all (your vet would probably discount the price for multiple cats, ask her about it). Start with your inside cats first, if all negative, then start testing your outdoor cats. If one or more of your indoor cats tests positive, chances are, it is one of the queens, passed the virus through in vitro during pregnancy. Sharing food and water dishes is also a method of transmitting, I strongly suggest using seperate dishes for inside and outside cats.
FELV is not necessarily a death sentence. Please, discuss this disease in complete detail before you ever make a decision on euthanasia. Many cats can live relatively normal lives as long as they recieve regular checkups (may require more frequently), and as long as you get your kitties examined at the first hint of any infection, illness, etc. Secondary infections are the most common problem for FELV-positive cats, so it's important to have a good relationship with your vet so that you can recognize signs of illness in which to treat immediately to keep immune support at it's optimal level.
If you do have a positive kitty, it would be wise not to introduce any more cats into your household....and to test all others in the home and vaccinate accordingly.
Please speak to your vet immediately in greater detail....she can discuss the risk factors with you further, as well as the potential need for second testing.
First, please be aware that if one test is a positive result, it's wise to retest either at that same time with a new test, or wait until 10-12 weeks later to retest for a more accurate result. While most FELV snap tests done in the clinic are highly accurate, false positives and false negatives do occasionally occur....for this reason, a second test may be necessary. I would suggest using the FELV/FIV combo test.
As for testing, I suggest testing them all (your vet would probably discount the price for multiple cats, ask her about it). Start with your inside cats first, if all negative, then start testing your outdoor cats. If one or more of your indoor cats tests positive, chances are, it is one of the queens, passed the virus through in vitro during pregnancy. Sharing food and water dishes is also a method of transmitting, I strongly suggest using seperate dishes for inside and outside cats.
FELV is not necessarily a death sentence. Please, discuss this disease in complete detail before you ever make a decision on euthanasia. Many cats can live relatively normal lives as long as they recieve regular checkups (may require more frequently), and as long as you get your kitties examined at the first hint of any infection, illness, etc. Secondary infections are the most common problem for FELV-positive cats, so it's important to have a good relationship with your vet so that you can recognize signs of illness in which to treat immediately to keep immune support at it's optimal level.
If you do have a positive kitty, it would be wise not to introduce any more cats into your household....and to test all others in the home and vaccinate accordingly.
Please speak to your vet immediately in greater detail....she can discuss the risk factors with you further, as well as the potential need for second testing.
..........Traci
Re: Feline Leukemia Question
Thanks so much Traci. I knew nothing about this disease until yesterday. I read about how after a positive test on a kitten then it needed to be retested after age 16 weeks. Which caused me to be even more devastated about Simba.
BUT they called me today and my cousin's boyfriend who has never in his life had a pet (and he is twenty-something) fell absolutely in love with Simba and would not let them put her to sleep. So the baby that I was mourning this time yesterday was saved!!!!!!!
My vet could not believe that a vet reccommended putting an 11 week old kitten down after one test.
Anyway I tok my precious Bootsie in today and she tested positive.
BUT they called me today and my cousin's boyfriend who has never in his life had a pet (and he is twenty-something) fell absolutely in love with Simba and would not let them put her to sleep. So the baby that I was mourning this time yesterday was saved!!!!!!!
My vet could not believe that a vet reccommended putting an 11 week old kitten down after one test.
Anyway I tok my precious Bootsie in today and she tested positive.
Re: Feline Leukemia Question
Jeana, I'm so thrilled to hear about Simba now!
Take Bootsie back in around 4-6 weeks for a second test (or as your vet advises)....until then, I would definately test a couple more of your other cats.
Hang in there, talk to your vet in better detail with your questions and concerns, and let us know how things are going....
Take Bootsie back in around 4-6 weeks for a second test (or as your vet advises)....until then, I would definately test a couple more of your other cats.
Hang in there, talk to your vet in better detail with your questions and concerns, and let us know how things are going....
..........Traci
Re: Feline Leukemia Question
I will do that Traci. The vet told me today that she had tested negative last June when she had the reaction to the flea dip and her tongue turned black. She has been frail since the Hartz drops almost killed her 3 years ago and very succeptible to allergies, etc.
He tested her today and said it was a very weak positive. My husband is balking at checking all the adults and kittens and afraid we will have to keep them all. And I know I can't keep 10 cats. They are all beautiful kittens with bobbed tails and I had promised everyone of them to someone.
I can not believe this is all happening. She is almost 9 and had never ever been out of the house until about 5 months ago. Unfortunately I never got her spayed because she never went out. I just lived with her and her meowing until it was over.
Then my husband put her out one night and the rest is history. I was planning on getting her spayed for sure now but she came into heat sooner than I expected. I kept her in faithfully and one day my 4 year old came to me and told me "Bootsie wanted some fresh air so I let her out" She was gone all day. So I am pretty sure she is expecting again.
That was about a month ago and she is rounding out a little- looks like she swallowed an orange. My vet has advised me to terminate the pregnancy. That kills me to even think about those precious babies too.
My family is pressuring me to euthanize Bootsie and just get rid of the whole problem. But she is my baby and I bottle raised her from when she was just a couple of weeks old. People wh are not cat people can't see the bond you form with your cats.
I told everyone I needed time to sort it out and see which way to go and to leave me alone LOL. I had never even really heard of Feline Leukemia until yesterday. I searched the web and did a lot of reading and know a little more about it.
The people I had promised the outside kittens still want them and are aware of the possibility (the kittens share the same father and my vet said Bootsie had to have gotten it from him) I will keep Bootsie and love her as long as I can and know what can happen and if she gets sick with this then think about the alternative. I think I am going to try and keep the two inside kittens as well if they test positive. And get them and Bootsie and Buttons spayed. My male cats outside are neutered already.
But this pregnancy- don't know what to do.
He tested her today and said it was a very weak positive. My husband is balking at checking all the adults and kittens and afraid we will have to keep them all. And I know I can't keep 10 cats. They are all beautiful kittens with bobbed tails and I had promised everyone of them to someone.
I can not believe this is all happening. She is almost 9 and had never ever been out of the house until about 5 months ago. Unfortunately I never got her spayed because she never went out. I just lived with her and her meowing until it was over.
Then my husband put her out one night and the rest is history. I was planning on getting her spayed for sure now but she came into heat sooner than I expected. I kept her in faithfully and one day my 4 year old came to me and told me "Bootsie wanted some fresh air so I let her out" She was gone all day. So I am pretty sure she is expecting again.
That was about a month ago and she is rounding out a little- looks like she swallowed an orange. My vet has advised me to terminate the pregnancy. That kills me to even think about those precious babies too.
My family is pressuring me to euthanize Bootsie and just get rid of the whole problem. But she is my baby and I bottle raised her from when she was just a couple of weeks old. People wh are not cat people can't see the bond you form with your cats.
I told everyone I needed time to sort it out and see which way to go and to leave me alone LOL. I had never even really heard of Feline Leukemia until yesterday. I searched the web and did a lot of reading and know a little more about it.
The people I had promised the outside kittens still want them and are aware of the possibility (the kittens share the same father and my vet said Bootsie had to have gotten it from him) I will keep Bootsie and love her as long as I can and know what can happen and if she gets sick with this then think about the alternative. I think I am going to try and keep the two inside kittens as well if they test positive. And get them and Bootsie and Buttons spayed. My male cats outside are neutered already.
But this pregnancy- don't know what to do.
Re: Feline Leukemia Question
Jeana,
You will have to wait for a second test if Bootsie is pregnant (will have to retest her later). I must agree with your vet, if Bootsie is positive for FELV, it would be in her best interest to terminate the pregnancy....and if she is positive, there is a high likelihood her newborns would also be positive, they would then be highly susceptible to any number of complications or serious health issues.
I know it's difficult to think of the unborn kittens, but you don't want to put Bootsie at risk for delivery complications, infections, etc...and you sure don't want a litter of FELV+ kittens to have to worry about their health or finding loving homes for them. You also cannot garantee that their new owners would isolate them, or put them in a position to infect other cats.
Don't let your family persuade you to do anything you don't want. FELV can be manageable, providing that exceptional care and support is given should secondary infections or other problems develop. Again, retest her later, and talk to your vet more about terminating the pregnancy (the sooner the better)
You will have to wait for a second test if Bootsie is pregnant (will have to retest her later). I must agree with your vet, if Bootsie is positive for FELV, it would be in her best interest to terminate the pregnancy....and if she is positive, there is a high likelihood her newborns would also be positive, they would then be highly susceptible to any number of complications or serious health issues.
I know it's difficult to think of the unborn kittens, but you don't want to put Bootsie at risk for delivery complications, infections, etc...and you sure don't want a litter of FELV+ kittens to have to worry about their health or finding loving homes for them. You also cannot garantee that their new owners would isolate them, or put them in a position to infect other cats.
Don't let your family persuade you to do anything you don't want. FELV can be manageable, providing that exceptional care and support is given should secondary infections or other problems develop. Again, retest her later, and talk to your vet more about terminating the pregnancy (the sooner the better)
..........Traci