Stubborn herpes infection? Add Lactoferrin in addition to Lysine

pinkman · Dec 29, 2013

I may slowly decrease the amount of Lysine for Bagel as well. I definitely saw more of an improvement, a drastic one that is when I added Lactoferrin, and lowering the Lysine dosage so far has not done him bad. I'll update in a couple week again.

betsygee · Dec 29, 2013

That's exactly what I've found, pinkman. Molly seems to mind the lactoferrin less than the lysine. Or maybe it's the combo she doesn't like. But it seems to be working giving her just the lacto.

pushylady · Jan 5, 2014

I'm going to give this a try with Pushkin. He's on Lysine now 500mg twice a day, plus Interferon eye drops three times a day. There hasn't been a huge improvement with his weepy eye and I'm at the point where I really want to hammer away at this virus and try o get it under control. I don't mind if I have to give him Lysine and/or lactoferrin every day from now on, I just want his eye to stop weeping constantly.

Does anyone know if lactoferrin interacts badly with the interferron or the famcilovir pills which we're starting him on tomorrow?

ldg · Jan 5, 2014

It doesn't. I found the lactoferrin on the FIVtherapy site, and some FIV kitties are on interferon and lactoferrin is part of their standard protocol - and famciclovir is just an antiviral, so no, lactoferrin will not interfere. It might make them not needed if they're being used for a stubborn herpes infection. Give it a try for a few weeks, and see. I've recommended it to quite a few people at this point, and I'm getting so many reports back - this is REALLY helping, whether it's sneezing or weepy eyes. Obviously at some point, we're going to find a kitty that doesn't respond as well - and I hope that isn't Pushkin. :vibes:

oneandahalfcats · Jan 6, 2014

When our Thomas (Tuxedo) showed up at our door a year ago last October, he was very skinny, and we figured only about 4-5 months old, tops. We had no idea where he came from or what had happened to bring him to our door. We noticed that his eyes were perpetually teary but other than this he seemed perfectly fine. Thinking he might have been abandoned by his human or mother, I did some reading on bovine colostrum and decided to add this to thomas's food for the first month that he was with us, to boost his immunity in case he was lacking. Actually everybody got a little come to think of it. The teary eyes cleared up and these days Thomas is thriving and seems perfectly healthy. It makes total sense that colostrum and lactoferrin, given how they are derived, can be good for health conditions where the immune system might be compromised. Its great to read that these supplements can be effective in treating feline herpes of which it seems that so many cats are affected.

@LDG: I have read that there is lactoferrin content in colostrum but not clear whether lactoferrin is a single substance or always in combination with colostrum. From what I have read of colostrum it can be good as a lifelong supplement for optimum health.

betsygee · Jan 6, 2014

Adding lactoferrin has really helped Molly. She hasn't cleared the weepy eyes 100% but it's significantly better than it was on lysine only. I'll be keeping her on the lactoferrin indefinitely.

ldg · Jan 6, 2014

Betsygee, that's great!

I've recommended this to a number of people on FB too. One person confused the dosage of L-lysine with the dose for lactoferrin, and her KITTEN'S weeping eyes, runny nose, and sneezing cleared up in less than a week. :lol3: I'm not sure I'd recommend intentionally doubling the dose.... I know that at the recommended dose there aren't toxicity issues.

But she is active in rescue, and their shelter is about to start using it for all their URI kitties. They've had so many the past year they actually have a separate section for them, and adoption programs geared specifically to them. They call them their "A-Choo" kitties. Of course, they're still very difficult to adopt out, because who wants a snotty kitten? :sigh:

I'll keep this thread updated with their results. They're looking into bulk ordering of bovine lactoferrin right now, but really want to start using it asap. (And yes, in the correct dose.

).

oneandahalfcats said:
When our Thomas (Tuxedo) showed up at our door a year ago last October, he was very skinny, and we figured only about 4-5 months old, tops. We had no idea where he came from or what had happened to bring him to our door. We noticed that his eyes were perpetually teary but other than this he seemed perfectly fine. Thinking he might have been abandoned by his human or mother, I did some reading on bovine colostrum and decided to add this to thomas's food for the first month that he was with us, to boost his immunity in case he was lacking. Actually everybody got a little come to think of it. The teary eyes cleared up and these days Thomas is thriving and seems perfectly healthy. It makes total sense that colostrum and lactoferrin, given how they are derived, can be good for health conditions where the immune system might be compromised. Its great to read that these supplements can be effective in treating feline herpes of which it seems that so many cats are affected.

@LDG
: I have read that there is lactoferrin content in colostrum but not clear whether lactoferrin is a single substance or always in combination with colostrum. From what I have read of colostrum it can be good as a lifelong supplement for optimum health.

Yes - the studies are in lactoferrin. But I would imagine that colostrum would have the same benefit, if not potentially more. I think part of the difference in long term use decision would be cost. But that's great, and I'm glad Thomas is doing so well! :clap:

:bigthumb:

I "found" the lactoferrin when researching how to help slow down the progression of the FIV virus in one of our kitties. But it just seems to be a very powerful immune system regulator, particularly targeting a number of different viruses.

oneandahalfcats · Jan 7, 2014

Thanks LDG. Yes, its great that there are natural solutions such as the lactoferrin, colostrum, L-Lysine and such. I was looking at interferon at one point for Max thinking that he could benefit from this to prevent the rodent ulcers he gets, but my vet and I agreed that this is a heavier gun and more appropriate for more serious situations such as FIV and FEL-V. I think the L-Lysine I am using on Max is making a big difference .. Max's eyes seem brighter and overall he just seems more alert and active than he has been. Although, pooping more often helps, of which we have had some marvellous breakthroughs recently.

ldg · Jan 7, 2014

Oneandahalfcats, I recommended lactoferrin to someone that volunteers as a foster for a local shelter. It cleared up her kittens' sneezies so fast, she recommended it to the shelter - apparently they have so many URI kitties (and have, for some time), they have a separate ward called the "A-choo Kitties" - and they've been working to develop strategies to get the snotty kitties adopted out.

They put a few days of their own research into it, and found a supplement they'll be bulk ordering. I found it REALLY interesting that it has colostrum AND lactoferrin in it (also "Lysozyme")! It's by Allergy Research: http://www.allergyresearchgroup.com/Laktoferrin-with-Colostrum-90-Vegetarian-Caps-p-119.html

This is a LOT more expensive than the Jarrow brand (also bovine) lactoferrin I'm using. But it'll be REALLY interesting to see what happens...

When I have any news, I'll update the thread.

oneandahalfcats · Jan 8, 2014

LDG said:
Oneandahalfcats, I recommended lactoferrin to someone that volunteers as a foster for a local shelter. It cleared up her kittens' sneezies so fast, she recommended it to the shelter - apparently they have so many URI kitties (and have, for some time), they have a separate ward called the "A-choo Kitties" - and they've been working to develop strategies to get the snotty kitties adopted out.

They put a few days of their own research into it, and found a supplement they'll be bulk ordering. I found it REALLY interesting that it has colostrum AND lactoferrin in it (also "Lysozyme")! It's by Allergy Research: http://www.allergyresearchgroup.com/Laktoferrin-with-Colostrum-90-Vegetarian-Caps-p-119.html

This is a LOT more expensive than the Jarrow brand (also bovine) lactoferrin I'm using. But it'll be REALLY interesting to see what happens...

When I have any news, I'll update the thread.

That's awesome about the lactoferrin being used to clear up the URIs - so much better than having to put everyone on Clavamox!

The Colostrum I purchased in case you're interested is strictly the Bovine lgG (bovine immunoglobulins), brand name Immu-Start 50 by Immutek. It is a 400g bag of powder which costs about $18 which I thought was quite reasonable. It's used on young calves as a supplement to boost their immune systems but also used by holistic practitioners for other animals and humans for the same purpose from what I researched.

Look forward to hearing more about the lactoferrin!

irinasak · Jan 8, 2014

Harley has a herpes virus flare-up since yesterday. He sneezes a bit but his already-damaged eye is so watery and it is obviously bothering him. We called the vet and he said that if the sneezing continues we should go for antibiotics. I am reluctant to put him on antibiotics as he already had 2 rounds in May and June/ July and he has a sensitive stomach. He is otherwise hungry as a pig and destroying the house as usual. In the meantime, I have increased the l-lysine from 250/250 to 500/500 and today I bought lactoferrin. I will update.

irinasak · Jan 12, 2014

4 nights ago I added lactofferin, so for 4 days Harley had 1000 mg lysine and 200 mg lactofferin daily, split in two (I know it should have been 250 mg, but he capsules are 100 mg and I did not want to over do it).

Three days ago we went to the vet as his eyes were so watery and his nose was stuffed, but as he did not have a fever the vet said only to give him eyedrops twice daily (tobramycin and dexamethasone) and methylene blue with a cough syrup for his throat (sorry to admit I wasn't really good in giving this to him for several reasons: I have not read anything about methylene blue in cats and I am reluctant in trying something new without researching first. Then, I never heard him cough or having a hoarse voice, and he is a talker. Lastly, my routine was a mess this weekend). I did give him the eye drops as prescribed.

I do not know what did the trick, but Thursday I was starting to panic as he was scratching his eyes and he was sneezing and tonight he seems perfectly fine, no gunk in his eyes and no more sneezing.

whatever · Jan 12, 2014

have noticed that no one seems to use an antibiotic eye ointment for their cats' eye problems. My Mia has like pink eye, eyes itchy, pink a little swollen and very teary. I started using chamomile tea compresses yesterday and it seems to bring a bit of comfort for her but if her eyes don't look better tomorrow I am going to call the vet and get her some ophthalmologic ointment for it. She has been really very sick with a URI for going on 3 weeks now. Already had a broad spectrum antibiotic shot but seems like she is never going to be herself.

ldg · Jan 13, 2014

whatever said:
have noticed that no one seems to use an antibiotic eye ointment for their cats' eye problems. My Mia has like pink eye, eyes itchy, pink a little swollen and very teary. I started using chamomile tea compresses yesterday and it seems to bring a bit of comfort for her but if her eyes don't look better tomorrow I am going to call the vet and get her some ophthalmologic ointment for it. She has been really very sick with a URI for going on 3 weeks now. Already had a broad spectrum antibiotic shot but seems like she is never going to be herself.

Actually, many people use an antibiotic eye ointment, and quite a few people have taken their cats with stubborn herpes infection presenting as weepy eyes to specialist opthalmologists.

Obviously vet attention is needed when symptoms of a URI, eye problems, etc. appear. But for ongoing issues, antibiotics really don't help viral infections, and many vets recommend cats take lysine. Sadly, many aren't familiar with the potential benefit of adding lactoferrin. I'd certainly never heard of it before, and it's obviously news to many people here.

I was at the specialist (neurologist) with Flowerbelle last week, and asked about lactoferrin (Flowerbelle lost an eye due to herpes infection when she was first rescued over 10 years ago). The vet was very familiar with lactoferrin, and was surprised to learn it's not common knowledge among the "regular" vet community. !!!! Her feelings are that any small animal or feline opthalmologist "worth their salt" is familiar with the benefits of lactoferrin.

The interesting news is that in her experience (even though this is not her specialty), or rather - her understanding - is that for herpes that presents as coughs and sneezies, the addition of lactoferrin can help quite quickly, but that for the weepy eyes, it can take longer to see the benefit.

whatever · Jan 13, 2014

Awww, thank you Laurie. Have been beside myself with Mia. I took in a URI kitten that was to be "put down." Kitten had (has) URI with conjunctivitis. She is near all better however, my 10.5 year old cat, Mia, picked it up and is just having a real struggle. For a while stopped eating and almost stopped drinking due to sore throat, lethargic. Oh I've cried so much. Purchased special critical care canned food and mix with warm water. She is doing pretty darned good with that and the Lysine sprinkles added. Her eyes went from bad to worse and she began actually scratching all around the swollen eyes so this morning I got her some Neomycin Ointment at the vet and just put in the first dose. Such a long road to recovery for my poor Mia and I feel broken hearted as this would not have happened if I didn't bring in the kitten......

feralvr · Jan 13, 2014

Laurie !!!!!!!!!!!! :hugs:

Thank you so much for pointing me out to this thread. I am BLOWN away by the improvement that some of the poster's are having with Lactoferrin. I just ordered exactly what you are suggesting from Amazon. Should have it in a few days.

I have not pulled up Perla's thread in a very, very long time only because she is no worse and no better. Her left is perpetually weepy - chronically. I clean it daily with the Vetericyn gel. My new vet recommended this for Perla and it does help with keeping the flare ups, redness and sores at bay - BUT it is a daily battle with that eye. I have tried doing nothing for up to two days and by then - crustiness and redness sets in. The Vetericyn really does help BUT does not help long term - just a daily ritual for us now. Here is the link if anyone is interested http://www.revivalanimal.com/Vetericyn-Ophthalmic-Gel.html She does get Poly-Neo-Dex drops when I see a sore erupting on her lid or if her conjunctiva is red. Her eye gets something each and every day.

I have tried EVERYTHING I know - even from the specialist. Very expensive anti-viral eye drops to OTC allergy eye drops to ointments and everything in between. Perla is no longer on Lysine and I wanted to give her a break. She will only go on the Lysine IF her eye becomes flared. So far, it is just constantly weepy.

I am going to call the specialist because I have noticed that her pupil in that left eye is a bit smaller than the one in the right eye. Not sure if this is from all of the drops/gels/ointments, etc. that goes into her eye on a daily basis. But is has me a bit concerned. No one would notice it but me, though. It is a very slight difference between the normal eye and herpectic eye pupil.

I will report back here when I get the capsules and begin to treat Perla with Lactoferrin. OMG - I AM SO HOPEFUL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :cross: :cross: :vibes:

p.s. My little Princess

rincess: Perla is such a GOOD GIRL. She is so used to my doing something to her that she almost asks for it each morning. Probably because she gets her favorite treat afterwards. :heart3:

feralvr · Jan 13, 2014

whatever said:
have noticed that no one seems to use an antibiotic eye ointment for their cats' eye problems.

I tried the Erthromycin ophthalmic ointment from the specialist for Perla. No good. It was VERY irritating to her eye and did not help. Most herpetic eyes will not get better with any antibiotic because it is viral in nature. BUT - still something the specialist wanted to try for Perla. There were a few steps involved in her treatment and that was the beginning step.

ldg · Jan 13, 2014

whatever, when you contact the vet about Mia, please ask about using lactoferrin as well!

And Lauren.... :cross: :vibes:

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

betsygee · Jan 13, 2014

Feralvr said:
This is Molly after her visit with the groomer a month or two ago:

IMG_2170.JPG

betsygee

Jan 13, 2014

A couple of disclaimers: I can't say her eyes always look that great, but she's far closer to picture #2 than picture #1 these days.

And it wasn't all the lactoferrin--her stress level is much less and the IBD is better under control. But I'm quite sure the big improvement in her eyes came after we started the lactoferrin.

ldg · Jan 13, 2014

Whatever the reason - she sure looks so much better! And it's so nice to SEE her beauty! She looks soooo much happier and more comfortable! :rub:

Stubborn herpes infection? Add Lactoferrin in addition to Lysine

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