Jessie's Blood Test Results

Her T3s look fine and there is no other indication of thyroid problems, her
BUN and creatinin levels are perfect.

The only abnormality was a low white blood cell count. This is ominous
because it's the second time within a year that she's had a low white blood
cell count (the last time was back in June of 2005) and that could point to

polonca12000...

Maybe a low white blood cell count is normal for her?
We are hoping and purring it is nothing major,

CatNipped...

That's what I'm hoping too. She's had 3 doses of her Clavamox and it's been
4 days since she got the worm medicine and she's positively bouncing off the
walls today. I think I'm still going to have the FIV/FeLV test done,

Christina Websell...

That's such good news that she's now feeling great. In your position I
wouldn't bother with the FIV/FeLV tests at the moment but that's just a
personal opinion.
The chances of her being infected by a few minutes/hours outside on a couple
of occasions are miniscule.

jXwXeXrXmXoXnXt...

Hooray!! I'm really glad to hear this!

though.

Lisa Katt...

I am so happy to hear that dear Jessie feels better!
Elisabet

Polonca and Soncek

FIV. I have to get on the phone to all her past vets to see if she has ever
been immunized for FIV because if she doesn't spring back to health in the
next week or so they want to test her for it (and if she's ever been
immunized for it, it will show up as a positive reading).

They gave her some Clavamox to keep her from getting any secondary
infections while she's in a weakened condition.

Any ideas anyone? Comments? Like experiences? Do you think I should take
her to her regular vet (this would probably involve about a $300 - $400 fee
if they want to retest, and it was her regular vet who'd tested and found
the low white blood cell count less than a year ago).

Howard C. Berkowitz...

Unless there were clinical changes, I'd hesitate before retesting. Most
tests are semi-automated these days, and very trustworthy. When I
check blood sugar today with a fingerstick, I laugh when I remember a
1964 laboratory where one centrifuged, mixed, boiled, mixed, and
eventually did color comparisons -- about an hour on the bench rather
than 10 seconds. Those lengthy manual tests were less accurate than
today's.

Cheryl Sellner...

I know nothing about FIV other than what others have said, that it is
commonly tranmitted via deep bites and mating. While researching cats
coexisting when there is a FeLV+ cat, I came across many articals
saying FIV+ is easier on the housemates than FeLV+ cat housemates.
Comment about the hypoT test, I know that Phil has written many times
that a T3 test isn't enough, and that a T4 is required for accuracy.
Again, I have no experience with these tests.

I'm getting kind of panicked here - do you think she could have contracted
FIV in any of the short forays she's spent when she escaped outside? Should
she be segregated from my other cats?

Yoj...

I can't tell you what to do, but if I were in your position, I'd probably
take her to my regular vet. I'd ask the one you went to, or have your vet
ask, for a copy of the reports from the tests they took, so they don't have
to be repeated. Your vet could then make a finding based on those results
or decide if any further tests were needed.

Best of wishes to you, Jessie and the gang.

rrb...

I only take exception to this statement. I would just as many references
from Vets in a quick web search that states that it is possible but
unlikely to be transmitted this way as those who agreed with you.

Kreisleriana...

I have no advice except Stinky had a similar episode a few months ago,
plus anemia, and he is fine now. Purrs for Jessie to be herself again
soon.

Theresa

Make Levees, Not War

Helen Miles...

First step is to take a deep breath and calm down. :o) Good, now you've
done that... ;o)

FIV+ (IF it is FIV) can live perfectly well with non FIV cats with
little or no risk of transmission. I have a friend who has a 50/50 mix
of FIV+ and FIV negative cats in a large multicat household with no
problems at all. (She has about 6 or 7 cats)
So IF Jess is FIV+, the only thing you need to be is extra vigalent with
infections, vet visits etc as they are immunocomprimised. Most FIV+ cats
live long, health active lives.

Yes, I think if it hasn't been done, you should get a complete blood
panel done. At least then you can compare it and see if there are any
changes. However, the price you quote seems very steep. In the UK an
FIV/FeLV snap test is about $50, lab tests about $70 and a full blood
panel sent to the lab around $150 (max).

Purrs and prayers coming.

Helen M

Helen M

Steve Touchstone...

I'm late readling this, but reading others' comments I hope help calm
you - at least a little, since I know you worry about your furkids
like I do. Purrs that Jessie is back to fighting form soon