Dorian kitten

[yourdesertrose]

So, I had Dorian neutered and the vet did bloodwork that I didn't authorize and found out he has Feline Leukemia Virus, which is the equivalent of HIV in humans. He really shouldn't live with other cats, though Raina's cats have been tested and they're fine. They've also been immunized, but I guess that's only 70% effective

Comments

[yourdesertrose]

I don't think it's practical for us to separate everything. It's kind of a small apartment.

I dunno, it seems like if I have to keep him confined to only my room for his entire life that he'd be better off dead.

[yourdesertrose]

Right now he's not separated from the other cats. I'm not sure what we're going to do.

The vet seemed optimistic that they'd lived together for months already without catching it and that Raina's cats are older and now are immunized.

[naanie]

Oh no! Poor kittenface! :( That's awful; I'm sorry.

[arturis]

I'm sorry to hear this. Unfortunately we already have a cat that can't live with other cats (for personality reasons) so we're a bad fit.

Though I think you should help spread this disease throughout the feline kingdom since it seems already pretty non-lethal and the more cats that get it the more likely one will develop an immunity to it.

[yourdesertrose]

40% fight if off, and develop immunity that way. Maybe Dorian with be part of that percent.

[arturis]

Hayley just said that 40% of cats fight it off. That's huge. While for humanity I generally advocate the research for vaccines route to curing diseases, but for cats that's just silly. And while I don't begrudge any cat owner trying to protect their own cats from disease, the better tactic overall is to just get all cats infected and within a generation or two you'll have near 100% immunity. What could be easier?

[naanie]

Do you know why the vet did the unauthorized blood work?

[yourdesertrose]

I was probably going to have it done anyway later when I had more money and told them as such. She said she did it then because it's easier to take blood when they're passed out. She offered to let me pay for it in a couple months time, but I needed to help pay for Raina's cat's tests and vaccines anyway.

Though honestly, they didn't have any problems taking blood from Raina's awake cats. I should call back and see if he was doing anything suspicious. And yes, I am a bit peeved that she did it without permission.

[naanie]

Yeah, I would be peeved too, because now you have to pay for it. Now you know about the feline leukemia, though, but it's the principle of the thing.

[ketiya]

Sounds like you have good reason to refuse to pay for the bloodwork. Just tell them you won't pay for something they weren't supposed to do. They are running a business and should eat the cost for their mistake. Sure, it's a good thing you know now, but that doesn't change the principle.

I hope your kitty is ok and that you figure something out or find a good home for him. Sending good luck and hugs your way.

[hereticchick]

i had a cat who was diagnosed with FIV (not FLV), and was told that was the equivalent of HIV. also, that's a common misdiagnoses in cats. you might consider bringing him to a different vet. by the way, my FIV cat (Kenshin) has been living a very healthy life indoors. he hasn't had any major issues and i was told he can live a very long, healthy life as long as he stays indoors. i would really suggest keeping him. it may not be as bad as it sounds. *hug*

[yourdesertrose]

I'd be fine keeping him, but he shouldn't live with other cats that are uninfected.

oh and

[yourdesertrose]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!