Feline Leukemia Virus

[livingwith]

Salem adopted us when her mother gave birth under our porch. She was small but had the heart of a lion. Her siblings died at birth but she was a survivor. I wish I knew back then, 12 years ago to have her checked for feline leukemia
Salem never weighed more than 7 lbs and was always fighting congestion, fevers and colds. She had one kitten but it was dead at birth. I always brought her to the vets when she wasn’t feeling well but I never thought of leukemia and the vets never thoug...Read the full article

[BonnieC]

Cheryl...I am so sorry that you lost Salem...it is so hard to say goodbye to a pet, and my heart goes out to you...I have recently adopted a kitten from a local animal shelter...the kitten is very tiny and tested negative for FelV; however, she has been sick with fever and first a high white cell count...treated with antibiotics and sub-Q fluids in the vet hospital for two days...seemed fine...is sick again with fever (103) and lack of appetite and lethargy...her bloodwork now shows the possibility of FelV, but vet is not certain at this point...she shows abnormal cells that look to be immune system related abnormalities and has anemia and low platelets...we can treat her with antibiotics at the present time for any secondary infections, but at this point, if we decide to continue treatment, it will be a waiting game until we can retest her for the FelV after another four weeks...my heart is breaking to think that this beautiful little kitty may have leukemia and have to be euthanized...I also have two other cats, and I am just sick to think that I may have inadvertently exposed them to a possible lethal virus; even though they have been vaccinated, I've read that they still could acquire it and that any cat that tests positive should be removed from the household. So...my sympathy is with you and I certainly know how difficult this time can be...I also lost a beautiful calico cat last year around this time to squamous cell carcinoma...that was heartbreaking as well...take care of yourself and know that you gave Salem a good life while the kitty was with you...

[salem]

Thank you so much for your thoughts , I hope readers know how this forum helps with the loss of a pet. It took me 3 days to find the perfect place to lay Salem to rest, one morning i was looking out of our window as the sun rose it shined it one particular area on our property by a big rock, I knew then that was were I wanted my Salem to be. She was always finding the warmest spots in our home to sleep, and I feel good knowing that each morning the sun will shine on her.

[grauntb]

I took in Oreo, a rescue cat, to my home last week. She tested positive for feline leukemia The vet said we could have her retested in a month and she might have fought it off. The problem is that I have a cat who is healthy and so I cannot keep Oreo. She needs to go into a home with no cats or cats who also tested positive. She is not contagious to people or any other animals, only cats. She's very sweet, though somewhat shy. She has never been in a house before. My husband and his friends at work had been feeding her and taking care of her. She's very friendly and affectionate. We want very much to find her a good home. My home email is [moderator note: e-mail address has been removed].

I'm concerned about your mentioning that a positive feline leukemia test requires the cat to be removed from the household -- we've been keeping her totally separate from our other cat, in a room by herself with her own food, water bowls and litter box and were told that the other cat would be fine as long as they didn't come in contact w/one another -- were we told wrong? I just couldn't jeopardize our healthy cat. It really is a heartbreaker.

And I'm soooo sorry about Salem, I have tears in my eyes. It's just so unfair.

[BonnieC]

Dear "grauntb"...I believe I was the one who mentioned removing the cat from the household...I was only referring to the particular kitten that I have because the other two cats in my house are negative...as it turned out, my kitten is healthy and does not have the feline leukemia virus. She recovered from her illnesses and will soon be starting her vaccination protocol and she will be spayed; however, had it turned out the other way, I would have removed her from the house because I could not keep her isolated forever from the others and I couldn't risk them acquiring the virus...I believe the kitten that you have could live in a home with other cats who have also tested positive and mingle within the group, but if in a home with cats that are negative, it would have to be kept separated. The kitten is also at risk for other infections because of a compromised immune system and could be ill off and on for its entire life. Just my opinion, but it seems like it would be very difficult to keep them separated in that case and maybe not be a very happy life for the sick kitty...that's why we would have chosen to euthanize had this kitten been ill with the feline leukemia virus. It's also a very individual choice whether to keep a kitten that may be ill alot of the time. Many people can't afford the care and/or maybe do not have the time to devote to taking care of a sick kitty...very personal and individual choice, and it's a difficult choice to make...there is no one answer or an easy answer...as long as the adopter has the knowledge of the illness, then at least a choice can be made of what is best for the family and the kitty...best of luck to you...

[grauntb]

Thank you. For the time being, we're holding on to her in the hopes of finding another home. I don't know how long we can do it, but I just can't see putting her down when all that's wrong with her is that she tested positive -- she's not sick at all. It's very difficult. And I know we can't do it forever, but until I explore every option available I can't in good conscience condemn her. Thanks for your information.