Topic: How to care for an FIV+ cat (Read 49139 times)

Christine (Blip) · « **Reply #41 on:** September 25, 2007, 13:34:47 PM »

Good that you're going to chat with your vet (or should I say, Tabby's vet!) about him. Meanwhile, I have PMd a couple of folks and drawn their attention to this thread.

carole1b · « **Reply #40 on:** September 25, 2007, 13:24:58 PM »

hi thats great thanks. He has has Royal Cannin but he wont eat it hes rather a fussy boy. He is eating but if i put tree barks on it he is now leaving the food, this is suppposed to build him up. I will stop using this see if his stools get firmer or if they get worse I will try to tempt him with it again. The vet is due to call me today to discuss him in more detail.

Christine (Blip) · « **Reply #39 on:** September 25, 2007, 13:21:16 PM »

I see that no-one has spotted your question about Purina Delicate or about weight gain foods. I will bump this up and contact a couple of people by PM who may be able to help.

Does anyone know where Carole can get Purina Delicate? And what sorts of foods might be good for Tabby's weight gain? Would that very tasty after-surgery food (can't think of the name

) be suitable?

Turbogirlie · « **Reply #38 on:** September 24, 2007, 23:40:49 PM »

Hi Carole & Tabby

It's good to hear there is some improvement with Tabby.

Thinking of you both

carole1b · « **Reply #37 on:** September 24, 2007, 16:23:47 PM »

Hi everyone hope your kitties are well. Tabby is eating a little but appitite not great. Hes got more of a cow pat than liquid stools. He is on high protine food 12% with chicken or fish. Can anyone offer more advice for weight gain he has not lost much more but i would love to build him up. He is also on probiotic and Tree Barks powder not sure if its working hes been on it 2-3 weeks. He is no longer on Anitbiotics and he seems no worse for not having them. Can anyone help me ?

carole1b · « **Reply #36 on:** September 07, 2007, 08:30:51 AM »

i think i will stay away from them at the moment he is eating well and seems ok in himself I will need to see what hes like when the antibiotics wear off. I dont want to give him a load of injections etc at the moment. If he gets ill then i will consider it. Many thanks to every one for advice. Can anyone tell me where to get purunia delicate ? pets at home done stock it ?

Schmew · « **Reply #35 on:** September 06, 2007, 21:31:21 PM »

The steroids thing can become quite a difficult one - they often control things well for a time but there can be side effects with long term use, which is usually the case with FIV cats later in life, so either way it's a bit of a no win. Personally I've used them where needed as I think the time the cat has left should be as good as possible and if steroids are the answer but shorten their life, then at least what time they have is more comfortable than if not treated with them.

Millys Mum · « **Reply #34 on:** September 05, 2007, 17:16:11 PM »

They can lower the immune system and not so good for old organs but if they give him some good months then it would be worth a try. Best to discuss the pros/cons with your vet.

Good luck

carole1b · « **Reply #33 on:** September 05, 2007, 08:34:54 AM »

for that, i looked at Tesco foods the finest one with chicken in the little tins only have 12 % protien he seems to prefer his biccies in the last few days hes sooooooo fussy. I have ordered almo and coama for him to try and i will get his some puruna biccies at weekend the delicate ones see how he goes on with them. Hes eating but he just wanys treats all the time hes a fan of crisps !! its the crunch i dont try to give him many but he did dtel doritos off me last night bless. Thanks for all the dupport. Can anyone tell me if steroids are a good idea the vet said he may put him on them but i hear they do cause upset tummies also they have an affect in white blood cells with him FIV i dont want to lower his blood cell count further !

clarenmax · « **Reply #32 on:** September 04, 2007, 16:57:42 PM »

That's very true, as can anti-inflamatories (well they can in humans anyway!)

Millys Mum · « **Reply #31 on:** September 04, 2007, 16:52:03 PM »

Antibotics can cause a runny tum just to warn u

carole1b · « **Reply #30 on:** September 04, 2007, 09:06:04 AM »

whats the Tesco one called please. I have Tabby on Tree Barks can I conbine with Lacto B ?? I dont want to over load on stuff. I have decided not to go with the interferlon injestions for the time being. Hes on Anti biotics and the vet has said he will see how he is next week with no treatment and see how he goes on. He mentioned that maybe to run him on anitbiotics alsong with steroids any one had this type of treatment. They put him on steroids at first this did seem to make him a bit more weighty but hes lost that weight now it do not get rid of the trotts. I noticed last night his stools are a bit fimer now.

Millys Mum · « **Reply #29 on:** September 03, 2007, 17:15:21 PM »

www.zooplus.co.uk sell several brands, almo nature and cosma are both high meat and not rich. I would go for the poultry varietys.

Tesco sell their own version of almo nature for 59p i think.

Its nice to hear that Tabby is more spritely

Christine (Blip) · « **Reply #28 on:** September 03, 2007, 16:52:01 PM »

Quote from: carole1b on September 03, 2007, 16:17:51 PM

great where can I buy this in the UK

I get Blip's at our local pet shop. There is a stockists' list, by area, at http://www.almonatureuk.com/

Tiggy's Mum · « **Reply #27 on:** September 03, 2007, 16:29:35 PM »

Hi Carole

A few on here that have had trouble with runny poo's have had great success with a supplement called Lacto-B. I've linked to a few threads that discuss it, I know the reason for the loose stools is not the same but hopefully it will be of use.

http://www.purrsinourhearts.co.uk/index.php?topic=7110.0

http://www.purrsinourhearts.co.uk/index.php?topic=6767.0

carole1b · « **Reply #26 on:** September 03, 2007, 16:17:51 PM »

great where can I buy this in the UK

Christine (Blip) · « **Reply #25 on:** September 03, 2007, 16:15:50 PM »

Quote from: carole1b on September 03, 2007, 16:02:03 PM

Is there a wet foos out there that is bland but will give him the meat content and vitimins he needs apparently the more meat in food the better it is for him.

There are several brands that members swear by - I like Almo Nature which has a very high meat content and there is a chicken and egg variety which might be just the ticket for Tabby.

carole1b · « **Reply #24 on:** September 03, 2007, 16:02:03 PM »

hi Tabby has been on antibiotics and Tree Barks powder for a few days and seems quite spritely in himslef. He even had a little play last night. His stools are now more like a cow pat then liquid so I hope this is going to be an ongoing thing. The problem i am having is feeding him. He is really fussy loves cat food unfortunately he keeps stealing my other cats normal wiskas seniour. I think this is to rich for him, I have been feedeing him Royal Cannin sensitive but hes really not to keen on it. Is there a wet foos out there that is bland but will give him the meat content and vitimins he needs apparently the more meat in food the better it is for him. Any reply would be helpful thanks. If he stops eating I am worried he will get worse.

carole1b · « **Reply #23 on:** August 30, 2007, 10:53:41 AM »

I have just ordered some thanks, your moggy looks well xx thanks for the help

Millys Mum · « **Reply #22 on:** August 30, 2007, 10:40:42 AM »

You can buy protexin pro soluble from vet uk and if you visit the site through a rescue link they earn a little commission

http://www.purrsinourhearts.co.uk/index.php?action=links;cat=7
Ela and Desley have links on their sites too.

carole1b · « **Reply #21 on:** August 30, 2007, 09:38:39 AM »

i will have a go thanks

LittleLijah · « **Reply #20 on:** August 30, 2007, 09:31:02 AM »

I've never given either of my cats pro-biotics so I don't know much about them. I would give Tabby 4 drops of oil of evening primrose on his food. Have you tried crushing the pills up and putting them on his food (maybe oil of evening in the morning and garlic in the evening)?

carole1b · « **Reply #19 on:** August 30, 2007, 08:59:51 AM »

Thanks what about the pro biotics ? how much oil of evening primrose shall I give. I have garlic tablets for cats but they seem big i am scared he will choke hes good at taking pills noever bothers. But he will not have garlic he hates the smell hence the pills i dont know if to carry on with them they are for cats they are coated and blue but do seem big for a cat !

LittleLijah · « **Reply #18 on:** August 30, 2007, 08:42:41 AM »

Garlic and oil of evening primrose are both beneficial for lowering cholesterol and reducing the risk of heart disease. Oil of evening primrose would be easier as you can just put a few drops on Tabby's food (unless he is one of the rare few who don't mind having tablets

).

carole1b · « **Reply #17 on:** August 30, 2007, 08:34:21 AM »

thanks for all of your support the feacle samples show nothing so may try pro biotics can anyone tell me where I would buy this type of thing please. Also does anyone know the benifits of garlic tablets and oil of evening primrose ?

Schmew · « **Reply #16 on:** August 29, 2007, 21:43:48 PM »

Thought I'd posted a reply on here at work but it's gone awol!

Welcome to Purrs Carol, sorry to hear about Tabby but as you've guessed there's a community on here with FIV cats!

The three oldie FIV cats I've lost in the past 6 years have had weight loss alongside kidney problems, if your vet hasn't checked this it may be worth looking into. Two in particular also had the runs frequently as they got older.

My friend has a positive cat who has inteferon injections, apparently this is something given to humans (I also think I've seen references to it on here but not linked to FIV?). I haven't looked into it myself, partly due to cost and partly as I was a bit dubious - I think my friends words were that it may prolong the cats life, which of course is a good thing but I don't know how we know how long they have got and therefore how we would know if it had worked? If that makes sense.

Please keep us posted on how Tabby is doing, he looks lovely!

x

Millys Mum · « **Reply #15 on:** August 29, 2007, 17:03:12 PM »

For his tummy you could try a probiotic supplement, called Lacto B or protexin pro soluble.

Tickles to Tabby

carole1b · « **Reply #14 on:** August 29, 2007, 15:24:08 PM »

dont know if hes been tested for thyroid problems i will ask the vet and like you say of nothing comes up on fecal samples i think i will get another Vet
thanks

Ela · « **Reply #13 on:** August 29, 2007, 15:18:01 PM »

Quote

IThis is Tabby my baby boy he used to be a big cat untill about 6 months ago this is when he started to loose weight it was gradual at first but has got worse over the last few months

As others have said weight loss could be down to many things. To be honest most of our FIV cats have not really suffered from weight loss.

Quote

The vat has not said naything about on going care he is a bit vauge and seems to either want him put down or thease exensive drugs. Until I get the feacal sample results back the vet is putting him on anitbiotics.

If thyroid problems have been rules out I would suggest a full bloods apart from Thyroid, FIV and FeLV of course. Then dependending on the results I would perhaps seek a second opinion.

carole1b · « **Reply #12 on:** August 29, 2007, 13:45:35 PM »

He does go out but only in the garden we have another Cat as well who is 13 thay have lived together all this time she shows no signs of illness at all. He has never had a fight with her so think she will be safe. No other issues hes fit and well apart from the dicky tum and a bit skinny but a few have said this can be down to his age this is my other cat Dennis she is a nutter likes to play all the time yes Dennis is a girl the lady in the pet shop stitched me up ! had her since a kitten as well

clarenmax · « **Reply #11 on:** August 29, 2007, 13:34:05 PM »

I would imagine the sample will prove whether there's anything underlying with the tummy etc linked to weight loss.

You may even find that he's had FIV for years and years, and that the 2 'problems' are not even linked at all!

Is he still an outdoor cat now?

I know certainly that when an FIV cat is placed in a new home, owners are advised to keep them as indoor only, as this not only protects other cats from having the virus passed on (through biting primarily), but it also stops them being exposed to potential viruses/illnesses from other cats.

......but, and I say this hesitantly until other peeps may give further insight, as he's an oldie and not much of a fighter now, he may not pose much of a threat to any other animals

Presumably he's up to date with his vaccinations etc with no issues?

LittleLijah · « **Reply #10 on:** August 29, 2007, 13:29:17 PM »

Hi Carole

Firstly I would like to say I'm sorry that your cat has been diagnosed with FIV and I know what a shock it is but don't panic! I have a FIV+ boy called Louis who's 8 and rehomed him knowing this after losing my tabby in February (he was also FIV+). Did the vets say how long they thought your tabby had FIV for or can you think when he might have contracted it (deep bite wounds from an infected cat are the main cause)?

I'm not sure what drug your vet is offering you but I would say it is an anti viral drug used for controlling HIV. I found a website but the information doesn't seem to be very up to date http://www.geocities.com/joelkehler/ Might be worth a read though.

I know I asked my vet when my tabby (Georgie) was diagnosed about these drugs but they said the results didn't show much improvement in the cats given the drugs. That was about 5 years ago so things may have moved on.

It's difficult to know what to do to help them keep in the best of health...as he's 15 you must have been doing all the right things already though! I did give Georgie oil of evening primrose to help with his coat. He suffered with eye ulcers and I couldn't find any supplements that would have helped with that. Also you've got to remember that as animals get older they lose muscle tone so that may be why he's losing weight (Georgie was a huge cat too)!

I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for Tabby (if that's his name) to get well soon.

Kelly x

carole1b · « **Reply #9 on:** August 29, 2007, 13:25:11 PM »

Yes hes called Tabby hes 15.5 years old i saw him born from my other cat so had him all his life. If anyone can help me that will be great. I have just got him some vitimins from the pet shop hope they help as well. His teth seem fine what few he has left. The vat said he could have had it for years he did used to fight a lot even tho hes has been spayed. He soft with humans and cats now though hes really a sofie. He eats and drinks very well indeed. The vat has not said naything about on going care he is a bit vauge and seems to either want him put down or thease exensive drugs. Untill I get the feacal sample results back the vet is putting him on anitbiotics.

clarenmax · « **Reply #8 on:** August 29, 2007, 13:14:50 PM »

Hi Carole

Did the vets give any indication as to how long Tabby may have had FIV for?

I'll be honest I'm not sure how weight loss is linked directly with FIV, and I'm assuming that the vets tested for other things as well such as thyroid problems, as I know that they can cause weight loss. How's is Tabby's appetite generally, is he still eating and drinking as usual? He looks very handsome by the way

What advice have the vets given you so far relating to his ongoing care, other than the injections of course?

Sorry about all the questions, its just useful to find out what you've been told already so we dont duplicate anything

The main supplements I give to my boy is Plaque Off, its a dried seaweed substance which is supposed to stop plaque forming on their teeth, as Max had a dental a few years ago with a few extractions. FIV cats are more prone to have problems with their teeth and gums.

Christine (Blip) · « **Reply #7 on:** August 29, 2007, 12:41:12 PM »

Hi Carole, yes, most of us on here live in the UK. I see that several of the people who have FIV+ cats are not online at the moment - may I suggest that you keep an eye on this thread for a day or two at least as I am sure they will come up with a lot of reassurance and information for you.

I'll keep an eye on it too and bump it up for you if necessary.

Is Tabby his name?

xC

carole1b · « **Reply #6 on:** August 29, 2007, 12:15:16 PM »

Hi there he had the runns for a while this kept on coming and going I tried him on different feeds but in the end nothing worked. I took him to the Vets in June they gace him steroids via injection and pills again this did not work. So they did blood tests they came back with low white blood cells the blood was then tested again for FIV and Lukema. They told me the bad news yeaterday. IThis is Tabby my baby boy he used to be a big cat untill about 6 months ago this is when he started to loose weight it was gradual at first but has got worse over the last few months

Christine (Blip) · « **Reply #5 on:** August 29, 2007, 12:04:20 PM »

Copied from Carole's post on the other thread:

"I have looked it up on the net ATZ or somethig its called liek I say it can be used in humans. Can anyone offer any advice on helping him live a good life and vitimins and nutrition info please. As he is 15 I relise he is old but thught i may have got a few more yeatd of love from him. Is this site Uk based the treatment may only be in the uK. The vet said its 5 injections one week then a further 5 the week later. If I want to go ahead hes not sure if it will work its to boost the cells will cost £250. In the mean time he is putting him on antibiotics. If i just keep him on those and give a good diet will this clear up the diorehha hes got or is this due to the FIV virus ? I relly need some help guys"

Carole

clarenmax · « **Reply #4 on:** August 29, 2007, 12:01:26 PM »

Hi Carole,

Right, with the thread in the right place, it would be useful to get some background on information on your cat as well, i.e. how come he was tested, any sympoms he had which caused him to be tested, that sort of thing! Piccies are also a must, we like piccies we do

Defo do not worry, FIV is not an immediate death sentence as some books etc would lead you to believe! Cats with FIV can live happliy and healthily

Ela · « **Reply #3 on:** August 29, 2007, 11:58:09 AM »

Quote

The vat will give antibiotics and has given me the choice of having thease injections at £250 i want to know if they work. Help

What injections would they be? Having taken in FIV cats for years and homed many I have not heard of this.

Christine (Blip) · « **Reply #2 on:** August 29, 2007, 11:52:55 AM »

Carole

to Purrs. As you see, I have moved this here for you. The first thing is not to panic - there are many people on here with FIV+ cats leading happy and healthy lives. I am sure some of them will advise you here.

C

Author Topic: How to care for an FIV+ cat (Read 49139 times)