Control tests for FIV and FeLV – 2017
Thai Cattery Viosna*PL from the very beginning is free from Feline Immunodeficency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) – dangerous contagious diseases.
All our breeding cats are also free from genetic disorder causing PRA – Progressive Retinal Atrophy that leads to blindness.
As every year in September it is time for annual check up. As usual we did routine diagnostic tests for FIV and FeLV to all our cats. Even Whisper, who retired this year and is no longer a breeding queen was checked for those. Also Dziabąg had those tests done despite the fact he’s spayed. Feline leukemia virus can spread not only by mating but also by other direct contact like for example fighting and biting with sick cat. Our cats don’t really have contact with other stray animals as they don’t go outside on their own. But we are this kind of people who prefer to be on the safe side and we still do annual check up. It’s easier because we already have a blood sample collected for control blood test so we just take two drops out of it.
Usually we try to run at least basic serum chemistry and blood count. That way we get preliminary results for among others liver and kidneys, and if necessary we can perform more parameters by just calling the lab. When it comes to Whisper and Dziabąg we did a bit more extended profile as they are our “special care”. It was also their second blood check this year. Our girl was spayed earlier this year and before surgery we did a routine blood panel. In April she turned 8 years old and slowly became our “geriatric” cat. That’s why we decided to do check ups every 6 months instead of 12. Early detection of any abnormalities helps to make an early diagnosis which always increases chances of treatment (to cure or to slow down the disease). Older cats can suffer some disorders that come with age. The most common can be degenerative joint disease, renal failure, hipertension, endocynological disorders. These can come in different age of a cat. Luckily Whisper seems to be ok and her blood results seem to confirm that.
During last year check ups, Dziabąg, who was 3,5 year back then, one kidney paranether was a bit higher tha usual. It was still within normal range but it worried me anyway. What it turned out to be You can read HERE. According to the tests performed earlier this year the problem seems to be solved for now. On Spring we also did control echocardiography. We took the chance that the very well known cardiologist from Warsaw – doctor Rafał Niziołek – had consultations in Bydgoszcz. we were really happy about his diagnosis because it showed that the previously detected problem (slight thickening of ventricular septum of Dziabągs’ heart) had reversed and now the measurements are within normal. Doctor recommended another cardio check up in 12 months. So we hope to see him again in spring 2018 during his another consultations in Bydgoszcz. (Or we’ll go to Warsaw if cannot come 😉 )
Meanwhile – considering last year troubles – we decided that Dziabąg also will be under special care and control. He will have blood panel run every 6 months as well as Whisper. That was why we repeated the test now. Almost all his parameters are within normal. Our boy’s cholesterol is the only one slightly elevated. But I suspect it’s because he was stealing kittens food (even despite that we forbid that and chased him away from those bowls). Now he will have more restricted diet and after some time – control test to see how it went. Luckily this time his renal parameters don’t worry me at all.
With other our cats both biochemistry and blood count don’t cause any objections. So we start to plan another mating for Elmirka and Helen. As soon as we know anything in that matter we will let You know.
When it comes to FIV & FelV tests – negative results for bothe diseases – for all our cats were easy to predict and turned out to be just formality once again 😉
For those who didn’t follow us earlier i remind that we read the result by receiving (or not) proper strips in the test window. How to do it we wrote in previous posts and it’s available HERE
Conclusion rom the above photo is that:
