Confused !! Results on Western blot are indeterminant

We adopted a 4 yr old kitty at shelter (she been there 6 months, was turned in as stray).  Took her for well check and she came back positive for FIV with Elisa test.  Vet called yesterday and spoke to my husband.  The western blot came back indeterminant.  Vet explained that the test needs two bars for a positve and zero bars would be a negative.......my Mona came back with one bar.   What now ??

Hi There!

The simple answer is that a follow up western blot in a couple of months will likely resolve as either positive or negative.  The good news is that even if its positive, many many cats with FIV live long happy lives.  And while it is contagious to other cats, it is difficult to pass and generally needs a bite to transmit it, so even if you have another cat they are probably safe. 

Cats with FIV are prone to dental issues, and cats with an underlying medical condition may see it aggravated by FIV, but generally cats can do very well.  I've seen cats die of old age at 17 with FIV.

Below are some links:

Long detailed article on testing procedures and what it all means:

http://www.fivtherapy.com/fiv_testing.htm

a TCS thread on the subject:

http://www.thecatsite.com/t/273611/fiv-testing-elisa-vs-western-blot

Stephen

There is really nothing "to do" at this point since even if she was exposed to FIV and is testing half-positive, it doesn't mean she has any active disease.  It is not easily transmissable to other cats in the household, if you have any, because it requires the cat to bite another cat, and even then it may not pass the virus.  Just love Mona, keep her inside, and don't bring any new cats into the house at this point.  You might try adding bovine lactoferrin to her food (available through Amazon for about $18 for a bottle of 60, which is 60 days worth for one cat.)  It is derived from bovine colostrum and seems to be a miracle supplement for some conditions.  Search this site for "FIV" and "lactoferrin" to read a lot more about it.  It cannot hurt her in any case, and it might actually help her fight off the FIV virus if she has been exposed.  Even if she does end up testing positive, it doesn't mean she can't live a long full life so please do not stress about the inconclusive test results.

Also, a lot of cats will have a weak positive result because they were exposed, but their body hasn't "decided" which way its going to go, full pos or often times they shake it off and go full negative.

Stephen

Isn't FIV the one that they will test positive on this initial test if they have been vaccinated?  I know my vet told me that.  She doesn't like using it mainly for that reason.

StephenQ, it IS the FIV vaccine that causes a cat to permanently test positive for FIV. This is why vets do not recommend giving this vaccine.

I suppose a cat *might* test positive for FeLV 1-2 weeks immediately after the vaccine is given; however, a cat will not permanently test positive for FeLV after vaccination.

I know one of my kitties was vaccinated for FeLV as a kitten and has since tested negative.

CatPack said:

StephenQ, it IS the FIV vaccine that causes a cat to permanently test positive for FIV. This is why vets do not recommend giving this vaccine.

I suppose a cat *might* test positive for FeLV 1-2 weeks immediately after the vaccine is given; however, a cat will not permanently test positive for FeLV after vaccination.

Click to expand...

I stand corrected and I swapped FIV with FeLV in my head. I should have said there is no FIV vaccine in widespread use as the only one available is not recommended for use by the American Association of Feline Practitioners.  http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_fiv_vaccine.html

And you're right, FIV vaccinated cats will test positive, FeLV vaccinated cats won't.  I apologize for adding to the confusion!