Thanks, Jennifer.

Kate, it's possible, but not probable. Call back and ask. FeLV is a leading cause of other cancers in cats, so maybe they did check for it. Apparently, the ones that store it at a manageable level are very likely to develop cancers as they age.

What are we supposed to do? Drag all of them in for bone marrow aspirations? Not very practical and kind of risky.

Tsavo is still the same. Not better, but not worse. Just kind of lingering, emaciated. He eats just enough to stay alive and the rest of the time just lies under my bed. I'm afraid to put him to sleep too soon in case it's something treatable and he could bounce back, but I can't leave him like this forever, either. He lets Simon walk right up to him w/out whacking him in the face or grabbing his tail as he turns around...not good signs at all. He doesn't seem quite as weak as he did and is walking a little more, but w/his body condition, if he doesn't perk back up really soon, he will never make it, he is so beyond skinny. My poor Tsavo Little Cat.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d33/Jenwilliams918/Tsavo/Jan2009memorystick099.jpg

That picture is so adorable! I'm so sorry about everything you're going through right now

I thought of this, though it could be (and probably is) totally unrelated, especially since you've already tested and are now mostly concerned with the false positive/negatives.. You might have even already thought about it. But can Savannahs get canine distemper? I went to Tippi Hendren's Shambala about a month ago and was surprised to learn how vulnerable wild cats are to canine distemper. In fact it's their number one concerns, and they don't allow dogs on the property at all and make it very clear that they don't even want any hanging out in the parking lot either.

I don't really know much else about it, since I didn't even know it was possible. But Savannahs might not even be at risk. Either way, I hope this nightmare for you ends soon!

Sorry about this Jenni. Hope you find help soon.

Jenni, just wanted also say that I'm sorry to hear about this...

Katie, Jennifer, Michael, and Lynne...thanks.

Tsavo does not have FIP. His PCR test was completely negative. There are no false negatives on these; it's essentially a corona titer and he has no corona at all...unusual, but true, so it can't be FIP. Which means the FeLV positive is probably a true positive.

I brought all 3 of them back to the vet today and had snap tests (ELISA) done on Herman and Morgan. Morgan is negative and Herman is positive. Herman is the one who primarily grooms Tsavo and plays with him, and Herman used to test negative for it, so either he got it from Tsavo, or he's been storing it for a while and Tsavo got it from him. Or, Tsavo got it from his mother.

Either way, I have 2 cats with leukemia. I think I will probably put Tsavo to sleep this week. His bloodwork is getting worse and now he hisses at me when I approach him, and then seems relieved when I just scratch his head; he must be in pain and afraid I am going to hurt him. He is eating and continuing to lose weight and he pretty much stays under my bed or dressers now and won't jump on anything. Herman is fine, apparently. I am going to try to get his immune system as strong as I can and just wait and see what happens. I would separate him from Morgan for her sake, but I'm afraid that as sensitive as Herman is, the stress of being alone would send him into a downward spiral. Obviously, Morgan has already had plenty of exposure and has been ok...unless she's hiding it in her bone marrow and she's the one who got the others sick, although she tested/tests negative and seems healthy as a horse. Dr. Pitcairn states that it is quite unusual for a cat her age (13ish) to get it, so I guess I'll take my chances and just try to keep them as strong and healthy as I can.

If anyone has firsthand experience w/maintaining FeLV positive cats, please let me know.

Jenni, I am so sorry for what you're going through and the potential loss of your kitties I am still rooting that Tsavo can be saved but I know that in the end it is about his quality of life, not ours as owners. Know that you and your family (humans and animals alike) are in my thoughts and prayers and I hope that your other two will remain on the healthier side.

I am so very sorry for all this...the poor little guy.

Wish I had something positive to contribute in terms of the info you are seeking...

leih

Thank you both. They're 'just cats' to most people.

Oh, please know that you have empathy and support from folks on this board, even if we have no idea how to help.

I'm so sorry that your cat is sick, and the others are endangered. It's a horrible situation.

I am sooo sorry about your kitties. Leukemia is so heartbreaking to witness, I wish I could help you.