1
My kitten is merely 10 weeks old, and we recently found out he has FIV. After seeing the vet twice a week for two weeks the vet is fairly sure of the diagnosis, and does not expect to see him again. He gave me a high calorie, high vitamin food paste, and a medicine w/anti-inflamatories, pain relief, and some kind of antibiotics, to keep the hat as comfortable as possible. He says larger cats respond to steroids, but my cat is too weak and young to expect a turnaround. I'd like to prove him wrong. Is there anything I can do to lengthen his lifespan? And, what information do you have on FIV? I'd like to understand it better
2
My cat Sox has feline FIV. He seems very healthy but I would like to know more about the prognosis for his future.
1
My kitten is merely 10 weeks old, and we recently found out he has FIV. After seeing the vet twice a week for two weeks the vet is fairly sure of the diagnosis, and does not expect to see him again. He gave me a high calorie, high vitamin food paste, and a medicine w/anti-inflamatories, pain relief, and some kind of antibiotics, to keep the hat as comfortable as possible. He says larger cats respond to steroids, but my cat is too weak and young to expect a turnaround. I'd like to prove him wrong. Is there anything I can do to lengthen his lifespan? And, what information do you have on FIV? I'd like to understand it better
The feline immunodeficiency virus is a relative of the feline leukemia virus and causes a disease syndrome similar to AIDS in humans. Cats are most often infected by being bitten by another infected cat although other modes of transmission are possible. Mild symptoms may occur shortly after initial infection followed by a long phase where the virus remains dormant and few signs are present. Stress or other diseases may later initiate active illness.
Following exposure, a mild fever and enlargement of the lymph nodes may be present. During the latent (dormant) phase no signs or only a mild lymph node enlargement may be present. During the active phase, lesions in the mouth and on the gums are most often seen. Other times, chronic diarrhea, generalized weight loss, fever, unusual behaviors, seizures and various infections are possible.
Diagnosis is based on history, clinical signs, FIV testing, FeLV testing, blood counts, serum chemistries, urinalysis and X-rays. There is no treatment or vaccination for this disease. AZT, an antiviral drug, may slow the infection and antibiotics can be used for secondary infections. Good general care, high quality diets and prompt attention to any symptoms that arise can help keep these cats living a relatively healthy life.
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2
My cat Sox has feline FIV. He seems very healthy but I would like to know more about the prognosis for his future.
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus Infection (FIV) is caused by a lentivirus. The infection disrupts the immune system and can result in recurrent infections and illness. Signs depend on the metabolic system affected. Some cats will also show behavioral signs. The disease is slowly progressive; as a result, some cats can remain healthy for years. Infected cats should be kept indoors to protect them from infection and prevent other cats from contracting FIV from them. Infections can be treated as they occur and some cats benefit from other immuno therapies. Many cats live for some time, with up to 50% remaining without symptoms for up to two years after diagnosis.
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