Homer
Posted: Tuesday 19 October, 2004
We've had some bad news about Homer. He's had a viral pneumonia for about a week and has been attendoing the vet every second day. Because she was concerned that he wasn't getting better as quickly as might be expected, the vet has tested him for Feline Leukemia Virus (FLeV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). Unfortunately, Homer has tested positive for FIV.
On the bright side, he's recovered from his pneumonia, is eating well and looks great. He also tested negative for FLeV. He goes back to the vet on 30th October for a check up and, hopefully, his boosters and a vaccination against FLeV.
We're researching FIV but so far it doesn't look too drastic. Although there's no cure, cats can live quite healthy lives for a while after infection. We'll just need to cosset him a bit - prawns for tea! I'm also looking at possible homeopathic remedies to boost his immune system.
We now have to decide whether to have Cassius and Copper tested for FIV. It is possible that they could also be infected.
We'll keep you posted...
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Comments
Dave H
Very sorry to hear about this: we lost a cat earlier this year to FIV (well, to a follow on infection, technically) and our other indoor cat tested positive. According to our vet it's nearly impossible for an infected cat to live with another cat and not transmit the disease.
On the plus side, we've just watched Hagen very carefully since we discovered he was positive, and don't let him mingle with our barn cats. But he seems just fine, and we figure we can keep him around for a few more years if we just keep a close eye on him, and prevent the pneumonias and other infections that are deadly with a defective autoimmune system.
Good luck,
Dave H.
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Snowbabies
Wednesday 20 October, 2004 at 9:23am
We're so sorry to hear about Homer, that must have been very hard news to take. It's good to hear that he's feeling better and we'll be thinking of him along with Cassius and Copper.
Paul & Debbie