#10 showed up...

[Auntie Debbie]

Geez, I'm so sorry about Pumpkin. That really is such sad news. Deciding on what to do now is such a tough decision. You, amber and of course Pumpkin are all in my heart. At least he has whatever help he needs and those who love him.

[Traci]

DeVon, if I may offer some advice....

RE-TEST. Preferrably with a western blot.

I feel it's worth whatever necessary to treat the fever and any other accompanying symptoms. It could be that she is simply immuno-compromized since you don't know her history, she may have been on her own, without sufficient nutrition, etc etc.

Also, the fever may not be related to FELV, kittens are notorious for developing idiopathic fevers and it's worth it to treat and boost the immune system with proper nutrition etc. Once the fever is treated, she may bounce back and may have a great chance at becoming healthier.

Hopefully, the vet has her on IV fluids and other support (IV's are the best for controlling and treating fever activity). Please don't give up on her, and as you know, if a re-test for FELV with a western blot results in a positive, it does NOT mean she can't live a healthy, happy life.

[DeVon]

Traci, as always, I appreciate your advice. She is home now, on antibiotics and a small dose of pred. I will tell Amber about the retesting for FelV.

[Cleo]

Good luck

[DeVon]

She is looking so much better and obviously feeling better too! I was beginning to worry that the medications weren't working.

[Traci]

Good to hear! Please, DeVon, schedule for that test (western blot), but be sure your vet knows the time frame between testing. If she's truly around 12 weeks of age, the original test may have been inaccurate. (while 12 weeks is usually the starting age to test, it's always wise to re-test several weeks later with the western blot)

[Tambrey]

prayers that she continues to improve and the next test is negative

[Auntie Debbie]

i agree about testing with the Western Blot. When i got Sals and Razzeratz they tested pos for FIV as kittens 14 years ago. Back then they were only just coming out with the theory of kittens losing the FIV after the mother's antibodies wear off. it was a chance. i took it. And back then they were retested after a longer wait period. Poor little ones were in my bedroom for three months. Did the W.B. and presto! Healthy kittens
i hope the results will be as good for your little guy!

[k9Karen]

Good to hear! Please, DeVon, schedule for that test (western blot), but be sure your vet knows the time frame between testing. If she's truly around 12 weeks of age, the original test may have been inaccurate. (while 12 weeks is usually the starting age to test, it's always wise to re-test several weeks later with the western blot)

Also, the prednisone she was on could affect antibody level. Ask your vet about that too.

[DeVon]

She's back at the vet's, and for the night. Her temp was back to 104, and she wasn't putting weight on one front leg. The vet took xrays and said the 'good' leg looked like it had been fractured at one point, but healed. The other one doesn't look right in that calcium deposits (?) aren't there that should be? I was at home when Amber took her in so I may be misunderstanding. Now the vet is concerned about metabolic disorders, and was going to do some research tonight. This poor little beanie is really having a rough go of it. Amber just got the bill paid down to the last $30 from the last visit.