Fiv

vixen16

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We found out Fri that Pinky has FIV

Hes doing ok so far but lately hes been having a hard time eating and he cant hold his urine in... we'll have to make the decision on when to.. you know.. soon.
Just wanted to let you know. Sorry I havnt been on, ive been really busy lately cuz were moving again and a whole bunch of other stuff.
 

blaise

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Let me say for starters that I haven't read anything else you may have posted about Pinky's health...so, all I have to go on is what's in your one post, above.

So, based only on that and, putting myself in your shoes, I'll tell you what would happen here if one of my six were similarly diagnosed.

Having had the unfortunate experience of accepting incomplete/incompetent Veterinary advice on two occasions in the past, I would go and ask for expert advice from the real experts - people who have been caring for FIV kitties for years.

Now, if that's something you would like to consider, you will find a group of such people here.
 

momofmany

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Are you aware that if a cat was vaccinated for FIV that tests from that point on will show positive? I just read his bio and it sounds like you got him as an adult and don't have the history on him. With his background, perhaps dig a little deeper into what is causing his health issues. It might be something entirely different that is treatable.

Sending positive for Pinky.
 
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vixen16

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Pinky was tested by a Vet... so were sure hes FIV possative.
My mom cant afford the treatment.. so yea.
 

booktigger

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Is there anyway you can find the money to help him, as his symptoms are likely due to something other than FIV?
 

mer636

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have you thought about asking around to people who have delt with FIV before if they would like to adopt pinky instead of putting him down?
 

blaise

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Originally Posted by Vixen16

Pinky was tested by a Vet... so were sure hes FIV possative.
Maybe you didn't understand this
Are you aware that if a cat was vaccinated for FIV that tests from that point on will show positive?
So, if someone vaccinated him for FIV before he came to you, he would TEST positive, BUT HE WOULDN'T "HAVE" FIV.

Standard diagnostic methods
...false positive results have been attributed to antibodies following vaccination.




I'm not sure that "having a hard time eating" and "can't hold his urine" are symptoms of FIV.
The symptoms seen with FIV are mainly attributable to other diseases that develop due to the suppressed immune system of these cats. Initially, a low grade fever, lowered white cell count and enlarged lymph nodes may be seen. Months to years later, chronic gum (gingival) infections, chronic upper respiratory infections, chronic diarrhea, and chronic skin problems may persist. General sickly appearance and poor hair coat may be the only outward signs that a problem exists. A few cats develop vague neurological (nervous system) symptoms as well.




Originally Posted by Vixen16

My mom cant afford the treatment...
Just what treatment does she mean?
...Indoor-only FIV +ve cats who are fed well and taken good care of usually live to be 15-20 years just like any other cat. FIV +ve cats do not require anti-FIV drugs or special treatment. Preventative medicine...helps identify any problems early on and helps any cat live into their golden years with a high quality of life, and are especially important for FIV +ve cats.

ASKING first, is very affordable...as I said, you might very well find an answer here.


Please understand...I've read your stories of how Pinky and the others came to be with you, and your care and compassion just blows me away. That said, you did post about Pinky's problem...I'm simply offering a possible solution.
 

jen

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I really don't think not eating and holding his urine are related to the FIV...

I really don't think there is any treatment for FIV, you would just need to treat the urine and eating problems which likely aren't FIV related....

I also really don't think you understand the whole false positive thing and the fact that just because a vet tested the cat it is NOT 100% accurate. I would DEFINITELY get a second opinion.

As mentioned, listen to the people on here with first hand experience with FIV, check out that link provided above, read up on it all that you can. Don't just trust one vets diagnosis. I would trust the experts currently living with FIV cats, not necessarily the vets who are just relaying the information their Veterinarian textbooks taught them 10 years ago...
 

jackspence

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Originally Posted by Vixen16

We found out Fri that Pinky has FIV

Hes doing ok so far but lately hes been having a hard time eating and he cant hold his urine in... we'll have to make the decision on when to.. you know.. soon.
Just wanted to let you know. Sorry I havnt been on, ive been really busy lately cuz were moving again and a whole bunch of other stuff.
I'm sorry to read about Pinky. I have 4 cats with FIV and thought you might get some solace from my experiences.
I work at an animal rescue centre. Over the last 30 months I have taken home 4 cats, that because of proving FIV positive could not be rehomed. I'll just tell you about Charlie who was the first, coming to me in 2006.
Charlie is a 5 year old (approx), neutered, Persian cross.
After I'd had Charlie about 9 months he contracted a serious respiratory infection. He was very ill. He recovered 100%.
About 6 months later he managed to get a hairball stuck in his intestine. The operation and recovery were trouble-free.
Only one of the other 3 has had any medical problems at all. Oscar, your regular black and white had an abscess which was successfully treated.
The cats (and me) are fortunate that we live in the country and there are no other cats within, at least, a 1 mile radius.
I don't know anymore about Pinky than that in your article of 28th July, this is the first time I have used the forum. I do hope he stabilizes and has a long and happy life.


Jack.
 
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