FeLv testing

We are getting down to the last cats to test - the fractious, difficult ones. Chloe tested positive this morning for Feline Leukemia.

 

Oh no Maureen. ((((Chloe))))

 

I'm so sorry!!!

HUGS....Kitty, although he had to be separated from the other cats, did really well for Two Years with FelV. He was not sick until the end...

 

Remember, the test is only 80% accurate, and many kitties who carry it never get sick or live a very long happy life before they do.

Have you ever been to this website Maureen? the owner was active on the lymphoma board and I thought very knowledgeable about Felv pos. kitties :

http://felvpositivefelines.org/index.shtml

I hope Chole is one of the lucky ones .

(( Maureen ))

 

I am curious where you found the 80% accuracy number. Here is the link to Idexx's Snap Test accuracy page.
http://www.idexx.com/view/xhtml/en_us/s ... b=Accuracy

 

Hi larry. I got that number from alley cat allies. I linked a post to a paper on the old board. couldn't google it out( i still miss using the old board search function , so I went back to alley cat allies looking for the paper . They now state this:

Moreover, FeLV tests can provide inconclusive results:

* A cat in the initial stage of FeLV infection may test negative.
* A cat exposed to FeLV may test positive during the transient phase of the infection and then test negative if the virus is overcome.
* Tests are not 100% accurate and can yield false positive results.

They have changed their numbers. My own vet quoted me the same statistic many years ago when I took in a stray. I am guessing tests have improved over the years ! A very good thing. I know the local rescue always tests a second time if a cat is positive. I'm glad they do for the above reasons. If the cat is healthy, but confirmed positive, they will adopt it out as an only cat or to a home with another confirmed "+" cat.

Thank you for bringing this to my attention. It also gave me the chance to do some reading and find a great new write ups on their web site with links to other resources.

Here is their "overview page" on feLv and FIV:
http://www.alleycat.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=456

Felv:
http://www.alleycat.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=458

they reference and link the feline practitioners web site along with other nice resources.

Thanks again larry for prompting me to get updated.

Maureen -- I hope this information is able to help you a bit with the difficult situation at your sanctuary.
Best to you and your kitties.

ed: typo