Felv And Testing Concerns

[kassandranoriega]

Today I took in my two year old cat, Ruby, to a specialist after a month of trying to figure out what was wrong with her. Her current veterinarian did all the testing she could to tell me Ruby’s results were all negative. She had swollen lymph nodes, a fever and was very mellow. After antibiotics she went 85% back to normal then fell ill again two weeks later but this time her weight was declining and had to be put on wet food. We got a second opinion at the ER and they said the same thing and both her current veterinarian and the ER referred me to the specialist. He did more blood work to tell me she had a “faint positive” of leukemia and I fell apart. My baby is the sweetest soul and I felt like I was gonna lose her right then and there. I guess it’s normal to have all of these thoughts racing through your head. Tomorrow morning we go for a biopsy to get a for sure answer and hope to find out Wednesday or Thursday. How did some of y’all process this? I’ve been crying so much. I don’t wanna leave her side and it’s hard when I’m a full time college student and working part time Monday- Friday. All I wanna do is be with her every second. My concern is that after all of this testing, work sent to specialist, all last month and everything comes back negative until today? I’m not accusing any of them as her veterinarian is someone I trust, but it kills me to see Ruby like this when she’s always outgoing and rubbing herself between my legs and enjoying life. And I went without answers for a month. Any advice?

 

[Furballsmom]

Hello, I'm sorry things have been so rough. Try very hard to hang in there

Can you try some holy basil or l-tryptophan, and chamomile tea with honey.

For her since she might be picking up in your stress, try some music. There is classical harp music, there's an app called Relax My Cat and there is MusicForCats . com.

I'm sending lots of good thoughts and prayers for you both!

 

[kittyluv387]

Is she an outdoor cat? I know you're scared but I wouldn't fall apart just yet. It's not rare for the snap test to produce false positives/ faint positives. Which test is the vet performing exactly?

 

[kassandranoriega]

Ruby is a indoor cat. I should’ve added that. She’ll be 3 next month. Today he took blood and didn’t come back until 30 minutes later. Then he gave me two options for tests to get a for sure answer. The one he recommended was for tomorrow morning to do a biopsy and send them to get definite results. I’m not sure what it’s called but he said the small procedure will take 20-30 minutes? I’m sorry I’m new to this. Ruby was tested last year durning her annual and it had come back negative as well. It’s just something I’m having a hard time processing.

 

[kassandranoriega]

Hello, I'm sorry things have been so rough. Try very hard to hang in there

Can you try some holy basil or l-tryptophan, and chamomile tea with honey.

For her since she might be picking up in your stress, try some music. There is classical harp music, there's an app called Relax My Cat and there is MusicForCats . com.

I'm sending lots of good thoughts and prayers for you both!

Thank you so much for this. It means the world

 

[kittyluv387]

Ruby is a indoor cat. I should’ve added that. She’ll be 3 next month. Today he took blood and didn’t come back until 30 minutes later. Then he gave me two options for tests to get a for sure answer. The one he recommended was for tomorrow morning to do a biopsy and send them to get definite results. I’m not sure what it’s called but he said the small procedure will take 20-30 minutes? I’m sorry I’m new to this. Ruby was tested last year durning her annual and it had come back negative as well. It’s just something I’m having a hard time processing.

Ok if she's an indoor cat her risks are really mininal. This is really an outdoor cat disease. I went through a false positive scare and read everything I could about this disease.

Some info:
-As mentioned snap tests are known for false positives. So try to calm down. Next step is definitely further testing.
-IFA test. This is normally the next step. They will take a sample of your cat's bone marrow to confirm if your cat has an active infection.
-Feline Leukemia can lay dormant. At this time your cat is not contagious nor will she be showing any symptoms.
-PCR test for leukemia. This is a blood test that will check for FELV dna. This test can detect FELV even if the virus is currently dormant.

What we did was had her IFA done and also her PCR testing. Negative for both so she should be considered a FELV free cat. She probably contracted it with her old owner who let her go outside.

 

[kassandranoriega]

Ok if she's an indoor cat her risks are really mininal. This is really an outdoor cat disease. I went through a false positive scare and read everything I could about this disease.

Some info:
-As mentioned snap tests are known for false positives. So try to calm down. Next step is definitely further testing.
-IFA test. This is normally the next step. They will take a sample of your cat's bone marrow to confirm if your cat has an active infection.
-Feline Leukemia can lay dormant. At this time your cat is not contagious nor will she be showing any symptoms.
-PCR test for leukemia. This is a blood test that will check for FELV dna. This test can detect FELV even if the virus is currently dormant.

What we did was had her IFA done and also her PCR testing. Negative for both so she should be considered a FELV free cat. She probably contracted it with her old owner who let her go outside.

I will update once I get her results. I’ve had her since she was 6 months old. Of course I’m worried as she is so young too. Thank you for the information. I’ll also be doing research of my own to educate myself on this.

 

[Furballsmom]

.

 

[kittyluv387]

I will update once I get her results. I’ve had her since she was 6 months old. Of course I’m worried as she is so young too. Thank you for the information. I’ll also be doing research of my own to educate myself on this.

A good place to start at is reading the "FELV scientific studies" here:
National Veterinary Laboratory, Inc.

It will contain the studies performed by Dr. Hardy, the founding father of FELV studies. Hang in there and good luck. Let us know how it goes or if you have any other questions.

 

[di and bob]

I'm so very sorry you are going through all this, I know how gut twisting and heart wrenching all this not knowing is. I always tell myself it does absolutely no good to worry so much and get so upset until you have a true diagnosis, but I know it's impossible to do. Remember, there are a thousand possibilities right now, most NOT fatal, so try to concentrate on those possibilities and not the worse. Do not do a lot of internet research, especially those that explore people's opinions and experiences, most are very misleading and a lot are downright false. I have researched for a draining eye, and it ended up fatal on the internet, so try not to go there. I am an RN so know a lot about the medical world and all living creatures are amazingly alike in their needs and ailments. Right now, put your faith in your vets and let them find out what is wrong. The not knowing is the absolute worse, when you do get a real diagnosis, then you can concentrate on what can be done. And these days, much CAN be done.
Concentrate on your little one, and give what comfort you can, she needs you right now and that is all she wants. Don't let your mind consider all the bad that can happen, concentrate on sending all your love and healing powers to that sweet girl. you need support from people who have been there and this site is a very good place to be, both for advise and support. There are people, most like me, who have had cats for over 55 years and have much experience on about anything that can come up, many experts too around the world. Remember, it is nothing you have done, your only intent is to make her happy and healthy, to love her, and that is enough for right now. Miracles still happen every day, and with the power of your and many thoughts and prayers for her recovery on this site, she and you will beat this. YOU ARE NOT ALONE.... please let us help you in any way we can. Come here as often as you need, we will be here.
I'll pray for Ruby to get better. And for you to find the strength to do what needs to be done, no matter what. My heart goes out to you in your time of need, I ask the good Lord to watch over that little girl and to help her. I thank Him for the love and the bond you two have, there is no gretaer healing than that of love......
Sending healing vibes your way, and praying for Ruby right now.....

 

[kassandranoriega]

This was beautiful and I needed it. Thank you so much

 

[di and bob]

Thank YOU, only those who have gone through this gut wrenching time can relate, and believe me, I have been through many. The main thing is to know you are not alone. Give that sweet girl a kiss for me, let her gain strength from the power of love.....

 

[kassandranoriega]

I just dropped her off for her biopsy and hope to pick her up this afternoon. I’ll find out results tomorrow or Thursday. Just keeping positive.

 

[Furballsmom]

Bless your heart, hang in there and know we're walking this path with you

 

[di and bob]

Praying for good news! The waiting is the absolute worst!

 

[kassandranoriega]

10:45am update: Surgery was successful and he took a lymph node out to send for testing. She will be given two injections to help with pain and fever and I’ll be given medication for her at home to help with swelling. He said he is hoping for a negative result since her last two tests were completely negative but I’m not getting my hopes up. I’ll be picking her up at 5:30 this afternoon.

 

[Furballsmom]

Thank you for the update!

If she still isn't eating well, let us know. We can help with ideas, including B12.

For immediate possibilities if she's reluctant, try finger feeding the wet food and also try these recipes, they are viable for adult cats too
Kitten-Rescue.com

 

[kassandranoriega]

6:57pm update: Ruby is home and scarfing down her wet food
I will keep following up but until then I’ll be keeping close and taking care of her. I appreciate all of the love we’ve been receiving during this overwhelming time. It means the world and makes this process a bit smoother. My husband has been by our side as well. Hope y’all have a good evening.

 

[Furballsmom]

 

[di and bob]