Anyone have experience with feline anemia?

Hello

My cat Gayden was diagnosed with non-regenerative anemia and the Feline Leukemia Virus 16 months ago. They gave him shots of darbopoetin (or something) to stimulate the production of red blood cells. He had two or three shots, and improved significantly very quickly.

A year ago I had him tested again (an IFA test for the Leukemia and another blood test for anemia) He was still mildly anemic (but at least it was regenerative), and tested negative for the Leukemia. However, the vet said that the Leukemia Virus might still be a latent infection (whatever that means).

Anyone have any experience treating anemia?

I'm taking him to the vet this morning, obviously anemia is potentially fatal so I'm not hanging about waiting for any advice or anything. I was just hoping someone out there might be able to relate, share any stories and basically give me a virtual "hug" as I am so devastated!!! I love him so much and the last 16 months have been really emotional, constantly worrying about him and waiting for the day (which is today) when he's sick again

Hi,

I'm sorry you are going through this.  While anemia is a dangerous thing, it is slightly secondary to Feline Leukemia (FeLV) if Gayden is actually positive for it which seems now to be in doubt.  Some cats are able to throw off the virus and convert back to negative status which if true in Gayden's case would be fantastic because FeLV I'm very sorry to say is very serious.   It is not cancer, its an autoimmune disorder.

There are 3 types of FeLV, type C is very rare and causes anemia. See http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/infectious-parasitic/c_ct_feline_leukemia

A positive Elisa test simply means there is virus in the blood stream, it doesn't mean the cat is permanently going to convert to true infection.  A negative IFA test after a positive Elisa is inconclusive, the cat may have fought it off, or it may be dormant waiting for an opportunity to resurface.  This article recommends an IFA and Elisa re-test 6 weeks after a negative IFA.  See http://bestfriends.org/Resources/Pet-Care/Cats/Health-And-Care/FAQs-About-FeLV/

Additional info at:

http://www.vet.cornell.edu/FHC/health_resources/brochure_felv.cfm

There is hope though, cats can live a long time with FeLV.

See http://bestfriends.org/News-And-Features/News/Feline-leukemia-misconceptions/

Initially when he was diagnosed with FeLV I was absolutely devastated. The vet basically said he would probably not live very long. I did hours of research and came to the conclusion that it's possible they can live longer if they are fed well, no stress etc.

I also volunteered at a cat shelter and there was a room full of cats with the virus, some were 10 years old. That gave me hope.

After the negative IFA test I was told I should do an Elisa test, but I didn't. I guess part of me just didn't want to know. I give him B vitamins daily, and figured I would retest later. It's also all the money. We've spent about $5000 on him the last two years. He had crystals two years ago, so it's really just been one expense after an other.

Anyway. Only two more hours until we go to the vet. I'm hoping whatever is wrong with him is treatable and not going to cost us a small fortune.

Ok keep us updated and good luck!!!

Thank you