feline moral dilemma

Apr 02, 2012 14:50


I need advice from the other pet parents on my Flist.  Please.  (and I know there is sat least one vet who may be reading this)

Elliot was just diagnosed with FIV.  Which I understand is most definitely -not- a death sentence. The vet tells me that with proper care he can lead a full healthy life.  And I don't want to give him away!

Herein is my ( Read more... )

via ljapp

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fuzipenguin April 3 2012, 00:43:20 UTC
To continue...
Firstly, I would consult with your vet first, as he/she is likely to know your home situation and animals the best.

Secondly, to reiterate, if you vaccinate with FIV vaccine, the test will come up positive for quite a while after. The vaccine itself is not impressive. Considering the other kitties have been with your infected kitty for several months, I would consider them definitely exposed by this point. It's a pretty contagious disease, although definitely not as destructive as FELV (which pretty much has a life expectancy of 2 years or less).

Personally, I would test everyone who hasn't already been to see where they're at. Afterwards, I would just treat them all as if they're all positive, even if they are negative. I wouldn't introduce any new cats into the household until your current population is gone.

As to vaccinating... it's debatable. If you expect anyone to get out, you have a responsibility to the other cat population in your area. But then you also will have difficulty determining if a positive result is truly positive or just from the vaccine.

Again, speak with your own vet as they know your situation best. Giving advice over the phone/internet is always tricky buisness.

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