Hello,
I am about to have my 8-month-old kitten which has definitively been tested positive for feline AIDS spayed, but I want to see what you all think about how risky that could be. My vet doesn't see any problem, and I expect to have the kitten given pain killers and antibiotics. I just want to get as much feedback as possible before having her spayed.
Also, does anyone have any experience/advice about introducing a new kitten in a household such as mine with a kitten that has feline AIDS? (I only have the one kitten.) There seems to be a wide difference of opinion on this point on the Internet and with vets I've talked to.
Thanks for any response you can give.
Is it risky to have my cat with feline AIDs spayed?
First, how many tests were done to confirm FIV? Were in-clinic snap tests used or was a PCR also included? (PCR would be from an outside lab). Has the kitten also been tested for FELV more than once?
It's important to know that in young kittens, if a snap test results in a positive, then retesting is crucial to confirm, sometimes more than once. Generally, the kitten should be tested no less than every 60 days, since the virus can be latent (delayed) and not show antibodies on just one test. It is recommended to test every 60 days after suspected infection, in most kittens under 6 months of age, however, the latency may require testing even after 8 months of age.
Also of importance: If the kitten's mother was vaccinated for FIV, since the vaccine is controversial in that the vaccine can actually cause a positive result on an antibody test - nursing kittens from an FIV-vaccinated queen can aquire a positive on a test. This is another reason why it's good to retest. Likewise, if you aquired the kitten from a shelter or rescue organization, did THEY vaccinate the kitten for FIV? If she was vaccinated for FIV, the test may show positive when in fact, she may not be infected.
Have you sought a second opinion with another vet and made sure you've tested more than once in the appropriate time frame?
If the kitten is indeed positive, and is healthy, then get a presurgical screen (at least) done prior to the spay. Ideally, you should get a full blood panel done and have her lymph nodes checked. In an otherwise healthy FIV+ kitten, there is generally no reason not to spay or neuter.
Likewise, please educate yourself on FIV ( see here ) and the importance of having your kitten/cat fully evaluated/examined every 6 months or more often if your vet advises, since infected cats can develop secondary bacterial, viral, fungal disease and other health problems due to immunocompromised immune systems. At the first sign of ill health, no matter how minimal it may seem to you, you MUST get kitten/cat to your vet immediately to prevent worsening health, and for timely, effective treatment.
It is generally not recommended to bring other cats into the home with an FIV-infected cat. While biting seems to be the main mode of transmission, it is not all inclusive. Other modes might be sharing of food/water dishes, grooming, etc. Even if you have mild-mannered cats, you cannot gaurantee they won't spar or fight or bite. However, you could discuss with your vet the possibility of adopting another FIV+ kitten, but ONLY after careful consideration.
That careful consideration should be:
Is the first kitten truly FIV-positive? Again, repeat testing is crucial to accurately confirm!
Is the second kitten truly FIV-positive? Same applies, repeat testing is crucial.
Are both kittens otherwise healthy at time of adoption?
Are you prepared for veterinary costs since FIV+ cats are so susceptible to secondary health problems? Are you prepared to keep their environment calm, safe, stress-free at all times? Are you prepared for potential illness that requires veterinary treatment and frequent monitorization by your vet and frequent exams?
It's important to know that in young kittens, if a snap test results in a positive, then retesting is crucial to confirm, sometimes more than once. Generally, the kitten should be tested no less than every 60 days, since the virus can be latent (delayed) and not show antibodies on just one test. It is recommended to test every 60 days after suspected infection, in most kittens under 6 months of age, however, the latency may require testing even after 8 months of age.
Also of importance: If the kitten's mother was vaccinated for FIV, since the vaccine is controversial in that the vaccine can actually cause a positive result on an antibody test - nursing kittens from an FIV-vaccinated queen can aquire a positive on a test. This is another reason why it's good to retest. Likewise, if you aquired the kitten from a shelter or rescue organization, did THEY vaccinate the kitten for FIV? If she was vaccinated for FIV, the test may show positive when in fact, she may not be infected.
Have you sought a second opinion with another vet and made sure you've tested more than once in the appropriate time frame?
If the kitten is indeed positive, and is healthy, then get a presurgical screen (at least) done prior to the spay. Ideally, you should get a full blood panel done and have her lymph nodes checked. In an otherwise healthy FIV+ kitten, there is generally no reason not to spay or neuter.
Likewise, please educate yourself on FIV ( see here ) and the importance of having your kitten/cat fully evaluated/examined every 6 months or more often if your vet advises, since infected cats can develop secondary bacterial, viral, fungal disease and other health problems due to immunocompromised immune systems. At the first sign of ill health, no matter how minimal it may seem to you, you MUST get kitten/cat to your vet immediately to prevent worsening health, and for timely, effective treatment.
It is generally not recommended to bring other cats into the home with an FIV-infected cat. While biting seems to be the main mode of transmission, it is not all inclusive. Other modes might be sharing of food/water dishes, grooming, etc. Even if you have mild-mannered cats, you cannot gaurantee they won't spar or fight or bite. However, you could discuss with your vet the possibility of adopting another FIV+ kitten, but ONLY after careful consideration.
That careful consideration should be:
Is the first kitten truly FIV-positive? Again, repeat testing is crucial to accurately confirm!
Is the second kitten truly FIV-positive? Same applies, repeat testing is crucial.
Are both kittens otherwise healthy at time of adoption?
Are you prepared for veterinary costs since FIV+ cats are so susceptible to secondary health problems? Are you prepared to keep their environment calm, safe, stress-free at all times? Are you prepared for potential illness that requires veterinary treatment and frequent monitorization by your vet and frequent exams?
..........Traci
Re: Is it risky to have my cat with feline AIDs spayed?
Hi Traci,
Thank you for your response. On my vet’s suggestion, I did indeed have a PCR test done from an outside lab and it showed the kitten is indeed FIV+. Some questions and comments:
1. What do you mean by “full blood panel” in regards to making sure spaying is OK for her?
2. Thank you for your input about having another cat. I realize for an FIV+ cat, it is a complicated situation, and one I would like to avoid if possible. Please help resolve a lingering question of mine, though: How much less happy is a cat in a single-cat household than a cat in a multi-cat household (assuming the cats all get along)? I realize this may be a kind of “How many angels can fit on the head of a pin?” question, but please shed as much light on it as you can. She is a very friendly and shows lots of affection. I am willing to show her as much affection as she needs.
3. If it turns out that I cannot afford an FIV+ kitten, what do you suggest I do with her? Do you know of FIV-specific support groups/shelters that may take her? The local shelter I talked to, anyway, just euthanizes FIV+ cats automatically.
Thanks again for your feedback.
Chris
Thank you for your response. On my vet’s suggestion, I did indeed have a PCR test done from an outside lab and it showed the kitten is indeed FIV+. Some questions and comments:
1. What do you mean by “full blood panel” in regards to making sure spaying is OK for her?
2. Thank you for your input about having another cat. I realize for an FIV+ cat, it is a complicated situation, and one I would like to avoid if possible. Please help resolve a lingering question of mine, though: How much less happy is a cat in a single-cat household than a cat in a multi-cat household (assuming the cats all get along)? I realize this may be a kind of “How many angels can fit on the head of a pin?” question, but please shed as much light on it as you can. She is a very friendly and shows lots of affection. I am willing to show her as much affection as she needs.
3. If it turns out that I cannot afford an FIV+ kitten, what do you suggest I do with her? Do you know of FIV-specific support groups/shelters that may take her? The local shelter I talked to, anyway, just euthanizes FIV+ cats automatically.
Thanks again for your feedback.
Chris
Re: Is it risky to have my cat with feline AIDs spayed?
By full blood profile, I mean full chemistry blood profile, that checks numerous enzymes in the blood for kidney, liver, heart function etc and other chemical elements.
The presurgical screen tests for only 4 or so enzymes, those being liver, kidney, protein and blood urea nitrogen. A full chemical profile would be good for a newly diagnosed kitten prior to any anesthetic procedure (i.e., the spay).
But, when was the PCR done, and when was the last snap test done? DID you ever get a second opinion?
To answer your first question, it depends, on you.
You have to be prepared that an FIV-positive kitten is susceptible to various health issues, but usually can be treated effectively, provided you get her seen by your vet immediately at the first sign of any minor illness. Never assume anything that appears minor to you isn't more serious, when it could develop into something more serious unless treatment is initiated right away. Mind you, not every FIV-positive cat will develop multiple or major health issues early in life, you just have to be prepared to get her seen for anything unusual that may occur.
So, with this in mind, are you prepared for those expenses yet having another cat? If both cats are FIV-positive, are you prepared for those expenses if both require treatment more often than an otherwise healthy cat? I'm not trying to persuade you from getting another FIV-positive kitten, and I'm not saying one or both would bankrupt you, I just want you to be prepared and consider your options very carefully first, discuss them with your vet, he probably has other clients in the same situation and can tell you how they manage. Most illnesses can be treated quickly and effectively, but with an immunocompromised immune system, treatment may be longer or costlier, you have to discuss those unforeseeable events with your vet.
As for a single cat vs multiple-cat environment, again, it depends on you. Are you prepared to give equal attention to both if one gets sick and requires treatment?
Ideally, your kitten may be happier with a companion/playmate, and in otherwise healthy kittens and cats, I always advocate more than one, since they most often do appear happier and more secure and enjoy each other's company. But, in your situation, I strongly suggest again, that if you choose to add another FIV-positive kitten to the home, that you seek a second opinion, retest your female kitten, and confer with that second vet about aquiring another FIV-positive kitten and make darn sure the second kitten is also tested several times for complete accuracy.
On the other hand, if your current kitten is provided a good, loving, stable environment, lots of love, attention, playtime and activity, there is little reason to feel another kitten is necessary in the home.
If I were in your position, and once several tests were done properly, and it were determined both kittens were in fact FIV+ (second opinion as well), I would probably consider another FIV+ kitten so they could keep each other company, happier, hopefully a bit healthier. You have to be prepared for not only the disease, but expense if necessary, and make sure you can provide for their medical needs and their overall needs to ensure they are happy and safe and as healthy as possible.
I wouldn't suggest taking on another FIV+ kitten if you cannot prepare in advance for a sort of emergency fund for veterinary care. Again, I'm not saying one or both would have multiple problems or bankrupt you, this is why you want to keep them monitored by your vet frequently so that any minor issues are treated immediately. You can talk to him and flat-out ask him about reduced costs if necessary, since he understands that. In the interest of improving your kitten's life, her comfort, etc, another FIV+ kitten isn't a bad idea, you just have to be prepared in advance.
There are people and organizations that aid in finding good homes for FELV+ and FIV+ cats, and most of them can be found through local rescue organizations, vets, or internet searches, but the latter itself can be a major undertaking, meaning, who are they, can they afford veterinary care, are they trustworthy, etc.
I don't think you have to consider that option. Talk in greater detail with your vet, or get that second opinion, test again, etc first.
The presurgical screen tests for only 4 or so enzymes, those being liver, kidney, protein and blood urea nitrogen. A full chemical profile would be good for a newly diagnosed kitten prior to any anesthetic procedure (i.e., the spay).
But, when was the PCR done, and when was the last snap test done? DID you ever get a second opinion?
To answer your first question, it depends, on you.
You have to be prepared that an FIV-positive kitten is susceptible to various health issues, but usually can be treated effectively, provided you get her seen by your vet immediately at the first sign of any minor illness. Never assume anything that appears minor to you isn't more serious, when it could develop into something more serious unless treatment is initiated right away. Mind you, not every FIV-positive cat will develop multiple or major health issues early in life, you just have to be prepared to get her seen for anything unusual that may occur.
So, with this in mind, are you prepared for those expenses yet having another cat? If both cats are FIV-positive, are you prepared for those expenses if both require treatment more often than an otherwise healthy cat? I'm not trying to persuade you from getting another FIV-positive kitten, and I'm not saying one or both would bankrupt you, I just want you to be prepared and consider your options very carefully first, discuss them with your vet, he probably has other clients in the same situation and can tell you how they manage. Most illnesses can be treated quickly and effectively, but with an immunocompromised immune system, treatment may be longer or costlier, you have to discuss those unforeseeable events with your vet.
As for a single cat vs multiple-cat environment, again, it depends on you. Are you prepared to give equal attention to both if one gets sick and requires treatment?
Ideally, your kitten may be happier with a companion/playmate, and in otherwise healthy kittens and cats, I always advocate more than one, since they most often do appear happier and more secure and enjoy each other's company. But, in your situation, I strongly suggest again, that if you choose to add another FIV-positive kitten to the home, that you seek a second opinion, retest your female kitten, and confer with that second vet about aquiring another FIV-positive kitten and make darn sure the second kitten is also tested several times for complete accuracy.
On the other hand, if your current kitten is provided a good, loving, stable environment, lots of love, attention, playtime and activity, there is little reason to feel another kitten is necessary in the home.
If I were in your position, and once several tests were done properly, and it were determined both kittens were in fact FIV+ (second opinion as well), I would probably consider another FIV+ kitten so they could keep each other company, happier, hopefully a bit healthier. You have to be prepared for not only the disease, but expense if necessary, and make sure you can provide for their medical needs and their overall needs to ensure they are happy and safe and as healthy as possible.
I wouldn't suggest taking on another FIV+ kitten if you cannot prepare in advance for a sort of emergency fund for veterinary care. Again, I'm not saying one or both would have multiple problems or bankrupt you, this is why you want to keep them monitored by your vet frequently so that any minor issues are treated immediately. You can talk to him and flat-out ask him about reduced costs if necessary, since he understands that. In the interest of improving your kitten's life, her comfort, etc, another FIV+ kitten isn't a bad idea, you just have to be prepared in advance.
There are people and organizations that aid in finding good homes for FELV+ and FIV+ cats, and most of them can be found through local rescue organizations, vets, or internet searches, but the latter itself can be a major undertaking, meaning, who are they, can they afford veterinary care, are they trustworthy, etc.
I don't think you have to consider that option. Talk in greater detail with your vet, or get that second opinion, test again, etc first.
..........Traci
Re: Is it risky to have my cat with feline AIDs spayed?
Hi Tracy,
It's been bugging me for a while and I need to ask you about something. I'm not clear from our conversation if I've done all the testing necessary to make sure my cat does indeed have FIV feline AIDS. This is what I have had done:
1. A couple of days after I adopted the cat from the street, a snap test was done at my regular vet. It showed positive for FIV.
2. A couple of weeks later, at a separate vet, a PCR was done (by being sent out to an outside lab). The results received a week or so later showed positive for FIV.
Please let me know if you think any more testing could show my cat does not really have FIV. By the way, the cat, which is 10-11 months old now, has not shown any health issues at all in the three months I've had her (besides a temporary case of ear mites when I first got her), but I know with FIV that doesn't really mean anything. Thanks for all your help.
Turkeycat
It's been bugging me for a while and I need to ask you about something. I'm not clear from our conversation if I've done all the testing necessary to make sure my cat does indeed have FIV feline AIDS. This is what I have had done:
1. A couple of days after I adopted the cat from the street, a snap test was done at my regular vet. It showed positive for FIV.
2. A couple of weeks later, at a separate vet, a PCR was done (by being sent out to an outside lab). The results received a week or so later showed positive for FIV.
Please let me know if you think any more testing could show my cat does not really have FIV. By the way, the cat, which is 10-11 months old now, has not shown any health issues at all in the three months I've had her (besides a temporary case of ear mites when I first got her), but I know with FIV that doesn't really mean anything. Thanks for all your help.
Turkeycat
Re: Is it risky to have my cat with feline AIDs spayed?
Based on testing protocols from the leading feline pros and lab experts, I would suggest the following:
Re-test with the Idexx Snap FIV/FELV Combo NOW. If the test is positive, then tell the vet you want to do a confirmatory test with the Western Blot. (ask him to consult with the the Idexx lab pros).
If the Western Blot is positive as well, then there is a likelihood your kitten is truly positive. HOWEVER, I mentioned earlier that kitten's mother may have been vaccinated with that evil controversial FIV vaccine, so any kitten from an FIV-vaccinated queen could have FIV antibodies showing a positive for up to a year or so and not be clinically FIV-positive.
So, if both the SNAP test and WESTERN BLOT test both show positive, wait for 60 days (2 months), OR, 4-6 months, depending on the vet's opinion and Idexx's opinion and based on kitten's age. Make sure your vet consults properly with Idexx so he knows how to properly interpret the test results.
If ONE of the tests are negative, then this means it is not confirmation of FIV-positive, and a re-testing in 60 days should be done again.
The PCR's are useful testing tools, but they are not always accurate in a large number of cases. They also cannot distinguish between an FIV-positive kitten who may have aquired a false positive from an FIV-vaccinated queen. Since you've already done a PCR, ask the vet to do a Western Blot with Idexx, (plus the Idexx SNAP FIV/FELV combo.)
Please keep me updated and let me know as the vet persues these tests and the results. It is imperative proper testing and interpretation is done and in a recommended time frame.
Re-test with the Idexx Snap FIV/FELV Combo NOW. If the test is positive, then tell the vet you want to do a confirmatory test with the Western Blot. (ask him to consult with the the Idexx lab pros).
If the Western Blot is positive as well, then there is a likelihood your kitten is truly positive. HOWEVER, I mentioned earlier that kitten's mother may have been vaccinated with that evil controversial FIV vaccine, so any kitten from an FIV-vaccinated queen could have FIV antibodies showing a positive for up to a year or so and not be clinically FIV-positive.
So, if both the SNAP test and WESTERN BLOT test both show positive, wait for 60 days (2 months), OR, 4-6 months, depending on the vet's opinion and Idexx's opinion and based on kitten's age. Make sure your vet consults properly with Idexx so he knows how to properly interpret the test results.
If ONE of the tests are negative, then this means it is not confirmation of FIV-positive, and a re-testing in 60 days should be done again.
The PCR's are useful testing tools, but they are not always accurate in a large number of cases. They also cannot distinguish between an FIV-positive kitten who may have aquired a false positive from an FIV-vaccinated queen. Since you've already done a PCR, ask the vet to do a Western Blot with Idexx, (plus the Idexx SNAP FIV/FELV combo.)
Please keep me updated and let me know as the vet persues these tests and the results. It is imperative proper testing and interpretation is done and in a recommended time frame.
..........Traci
Re: Is it risky to have my cat with feline AIDs spayed?
Thank you, Tracy. I'll keep you posted.