help with feline leukemia?

help with feline leukemia?
I'm really worried that my cat is susceptible to feline leukemia as my brothers cat, Domino, has just died from it 2 days ago. this is my first cat so i didn't know much but i found out its contagious! my cat use to share the same bowl to eat and drink out of and even the same litter box. He doesn't have his shots yet either, I plan to take him to finally get vaccinated on the 21st, but im afraid im too late. when i got home after Domino passed away i did my research and found it was contagious so i cleaned the bowls, changed the litter box and cleaned it, and even took him a shower. My cat sleeps all over the house though but i read the virus dies in a couple hours. I need help and I'm scared, do you think he has felv and if he does and its at early stage, is it curable? I dont have money to get him the test so is there also a way i can check if he does have it this early? any help will be fine, thank you.

I also plan to get him more food that will make his immune system stronger as i heard felv targets the immune system? should I?

- M M T
At this point there is nothing you can do but wait. The cat has already been exposed to the virus and if he/she is going to get it, there isn't anything you can do to prevent it.

Yes, getting vaccinated now is too late. Either the other cat should have been tested and vaccinated before coming into the same house or you should have had your cat vaccinated.

No, it is not curable, you can prolong life a bit with some medications and taking special pains with the diet but it's pretty much a death sentence. I was unfortunate enough to get a kitten that was infected from birth (mother had it) and the kitten was pretty healthy for about the first year. We did not see a 2nd birthday. At that point, I was "stupid" about feline leukemia too. Not any more.

I have 4 cats that are all inside cats. Each cat before it came into the "group" was tested for the disease and then if all was clear, vaccinated.

I'm sorry but there is little that can be done.

- MOHAN
A vaccine against feline leukemia is available. Vaccination is advised for:

* cats that go outside
* cats that live with FeLV-positive housemates
* cats that have contact with other cats of unknown status (foster homes, group housing, etc)

Some veterinarians also advise vaccinating kittens but not all veterinarians believe this to be necessary if the kitten is to be housed indoors and is at low risk for contact with feline leukemia.Feline leukemia (FeLV) is caused by a retrovirus which infects cats. It is passed from one cat to another through contact with bodily fluids. Your cat can become infected by exposure to a FeLV infected cat through grooming, fighting, sharing food or water bowls, or sharing litter boxes.
Healthy cats with a positive FeLV test should:

* be examined at least twice a year by your veterinarian
* be spayed or neutered
* be on a monthly medication to prevent spread of internal and external parasites
* be vaccinated depending on your cat's lifestyle and as your veterinarian recommends
* be monitored closely for signs of illness or disease
* be confined indoors
* be fed a nutritionally balanced diet, avoiding raw food because of the risk of bacterial and parasitic infections.
Go vaccinate her.

- E-Fox
You should get him vaccinated and hope for the best. I would completely throw out the bowls and litterbox the other cat has used or clean it with a strong detergent, just to be on the safe side.

During the first few weeks after the initial infection, cats may have the following symptoms:

* Blood cytopenias (deficiency of any of the various cellular elements normally present in the blood)
* General malaise
* Lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes)
* Mild fever >103 degrees F

There's really not a way for you to find out without the test. If you have any other cats that could get it from him if he's infected, you should get the test somehow.

As for treatment:

There is no current medication that will kill this virus. Treatment is aimed at keeping the immune system as strong as possible and utilizing medication as needed. In reality, we are treating the symptoms of the secondary diseases that occur because of the immunosupression caused by the virus.

As in other viruses, the symptoms associated with FeLV can wax and wane, so it is usually advantageous to treat for several days to help a cat get over what is hopefully a temporary episode. Our nursing staff excel at treating cats with the significant diseases associated with FeLV, and these cats can be treated much better if they are hospitalized.

Some of the more common treatments include:
Antibiotics

Are commonly used to help these immunosuppressed cats fight off bacterial infections. The blood sample above showed a cat with a very low white blood cell count due to the virus. This cat is more susceptible to infections because of this.

If Hemobartonella (FIA- Feline Infectious Anemia) is present in the bloodstream, a special antibiotic will be used to help suppress it.
Immune Stimulators

Medication can be given that can help boost the immune system. Their effects are variable and usually are worth trying in some cases. Immunoregulin and interferon are the common medications here.

Immunoregulin is an intravenous medication made up of a killed bacteria that helps stimulate the immune system.
Cortisone

The most common form of cortisone used in cats with cancer from FeLV is prednisone. It can help reduce the size of a solid tumor (lymphosarcoma) and decrease the number of circulating cancerous cells in a cat with leukemia. Unfortunately, the mechanism that allows prednisone to cause these cancers to temporarily improved also suppresses the immune system to the point that the cat is now much more vulnerable to secondary bacterial infections.
Vitamins

These cats do not eat well and can become anemic, so supplementing with B-complex vitamins might be of some benefit. A high quality cat food should also be fed. assist feeding should be utilized in cats that are not eating anything at all.
Fluids

Cat with fevers and those not eating well will routinely become dehydrated. Giving fluids will substantially help these cats fight off some of the FeLV associated diseases. They will also help counteract the fever that commonly accompanies this virus and also when secondary bacterial infections have set in.
Red Blood Cell Stimulators

A hormone called erythropoetin can be supplemented to help minimize anemia. Unfortunately, the body might eventually makes antibodies to this oral medication and the anemia returns, sometime in a more severe form. Use of this medication requires adhering to specific protocols and close monitoring.
Blood Transfusions

These can be extremely beneficial in anemic cats that are not producing adequate RBC's due to the virus. It must be fully understood though that this is only a temporary measure.
Appetite Stimulants

Some medications, especially a drug called Periactin (cyproheptadine) can increase the appetite in some cats.
Anabolic Steroids

These medications might help counteract anemia, increase appetite, and promote on overall feeling of well being.
TLC

A warm peaceful environment with plenty of attention are extremely beneficial.

Cats that are positive for the FeLV and are normal acting present a dilemma. These cats have a chance of dying from this virus in several years, and are the potential source of infection for other cats, yet they are perfectly normal otherwise. If the positive cat lives alone, and will not go outside, then it is reasonable to take the watch and wait approach. Much of the decision on these cats depends on the individual circumstances of your household, especially how many other cats you have. FeLV positive cats should never be allowed to roam outside. These cats should not be bred since there is a great likelihood of passing the virus to the kittens.

Switching food for healthier is always a good call, check out these websites or contact me via e-mail since I don't have any more space here :-)

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