| FeLV
(Feline Immunodeficiency Virus)
Living
with FeLV
by Michelle
Bernard
Photo: Michelle Bernard
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Even though most adult cats have natural
immunity to FeLV, some will become FeLV
positive, occasionally even when vaccinated.
There are many different factors that
could cause a formerly FeLV negative cat,
such as Lexus, to turn positive. The virus
can hide in the bone marrow and lymph
nodes and avoid detection by customary
tests, while a cat that has been stressed,
whether by vaccination, poor nutrition,
suppressive medicine, disease or emotional
upheaval, is more susceptible to any disease,
including FeLV.
Your cat’s best defense is to avoid
exposure and maintain a healthy immune
system. Feeding a raw, species-appropriate
diet that contains antioxidants such as
vitamins A and E is very important. Taurine
plays a key role in maintaining a healthy
immune system, while B complex vitamins
help your cat deal with the stresses of
daily life.
How
is FeLV treated holistically?
Lexus was given a conventional anti-viral
drug called Interferon for her illness,
but reacted badly to it by developing
fevers after her injections. She was also
lethargic, and panting after light exertion.
Her caregiver sought homeopathic help
from Robin Cannizzaro, DVM, who began
treatment for both her respiratory and
mental symptoms. Lexus now eats a variety
of raw foods and some high grade canned.
She receives various antioxidant supplements
including vitamin C and Immuno-DMG Liquid
(an immune boosting medicine from U.S.
Animal Nutritionals).
Although Lexus continues to test FeLV
positive, she remained symptom-free until
February of last year, when she had a
severe asthma attack which was quickly
alleviated with a properly administered
homeopathic remedy. After her attack,
Lexus was started on a product called
Ambrotose (a glyconutrient produced by
Mannatech Inc.) and has remained symptom-free
ever since. She no longer has fevers,
lethargy or poor appetite, has gained
some much-needed weight, and happily rules
her guardian’s house.
Lexus’ caregiver has since adopted
several more FeLV positive cats as well
as several that are FeLV negative. All
the former are under Dr. Cannizzaro’s
care. None have died, nor have any of
the FeLV negative cats contracted the
disease.
So a diagnosis of FeLV is not always a
death sentence. Conventional medicine
offers little in terms of a cure, but
many homeopathic veterinarians have successfully
treated the symptoms. Cats will often
still test positive, but are symptom-free
and able to live normal lives.
Though not continued as long as many holistic
vets would wish, a study done on acemannan
(a complex carbohydrate extracted from
aloe vera, similar to the glyconutrient
used to treat Lexus) showed it may be
helpful in treating FeLV by apparently
increasing several types of white blood
cells within the immune system.
Orthomolecular medicine or megavitamin
therapy uses increased levels of vitamins,
usually antioxidants, to help stimulate
the immune system. In deciding which antioxidants
to administer, and how much, use the cat’s
natural prey as a guide rather than AAFCO
recommendations. AAFCO recommends 5,000
IU per kilogram of food for adult maintenance,
but the natural prey of cats can exceed
30,000 IU/kg. In times of stress or disease,
AAFCO allowances are probably not sufficient.
In her Acworth, Georgia practice, Dr.
Susan Wynn often recommends feeding FeLV
positive cats a raw diet with enhanced
levels of vitamins A, C, E, selenium,
and some herbs. Acupuncture, especially
aqua-puncture (injection of B12 into the
acupuncture point) helps increase poor
appetites in sick FeLV positive cats.
Dr. Wynn’s success in treating these
cats depends on what stage the disease
is at; obviously, the earlier treatment
is begun, the better.
Other products that may be beneficial
for stimulating the immune system or treating
a symptomatic FeLV positive cat include:
The herb
cat’s claw (Uncaria tomentosa)
Chinese Herbal
Virolyte (Thorne Research, Inc.,
www.thorne.com)
Feline Basic
Nutrients (www.thorne.com)
Immugen
(www.thorne.com)
Moducare
(www.thorne.com)
MICHELLE BERNARD,
AUTHOR OF Raising Cats Naturally: How
to care for your cat the way nature intended,
HAS SPENT NEARLY A DECADE DIGGING INTO
WHAT MAKES CATS BLOOM NATURALLY WITH EXCELLENT
HEALTH. SHE HAS BEEN KEEPING HER OWN CATS
VIBRANTLY HEALTHY USING A RAW MEAT DIET,
HOMEOPATHY, AND PLAIN COMMON SENSE SINCE
1993. MICHELLE, WHO BREEDS AND SHOWS AMERICAN
SHORTHAIRS, OFFERS NUTRITIONAL AND NATURAL
HEALTH CONSULTATIONS FROM HER HOME IN
NORTH CAROLINA.
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Published in
the February/March 2004 issue of Animal
Wellness
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