The most famous feline virus infections are
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV), Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP).
During my practice as a veterinarian in these cases ,we used to said to our pets parents or that we can’t do anything or that we can do very little for their loving ones.
But now time is changed ,now maybe we can do some certain things. In this article i will explain how to recognize these conditions and how can you help to your pet.
How to Recognize These Diseases
The signs all vary ,but they are all having a chronic suppressed immune system and it varies as to which organs are affected. In all diseases you can see weight loss, severe dental disease (gingivitis), chronic poor skin, cancer (lumps, enlarged lymph nodes), ongoing diarrhea, recurrent fevers. In FIP you see inflammatory tissue cells all throughout the body. The organs may fail, fevers develop, and fluid accumulates in the chest or abdomen. FIP cats are often thin cats with large distended abdomens.
Causes Of Illness
FIV is caused by deep bite wounds that occur during fighting. It is similar to the Human AIDS virus, although signs may not occur for more than 5 years after infection.
Mutation of Corona virus causes FIP ,begins in gut .FIP the coronavirus leaves the intestinal tract, and causes other organs to be attacked by the immune system. FIP is not contagious – most cats never get FIP even though Coronavirus is common.
Feline Leukemia Virus is caused by a virus spread through by the saliva of infected cats, via blood (cat fights) and via mother to fetus in pregnancy. Most infected cats eliminate the virus and become immune. In those cats that do not develop immunity, the virus spreads to the bone marrow.
What are the Solutions
If your cat has some serious, chronic ongoing diseases, then have your vet test and rule out these infectious diseases. Unfortunately, nothing we give will cure your cat of these diseases, but we can do a lot in extending your pet’s quality of life. It is important to not spread the disease to other cats, and know how to prevent it with your other cats. If you have a FIP/FeLV or FIV positive cat, then I would advise testing your other cats for this disease, and vaccinating them with FeLV or FIV vaccine. FIP is not contagious, so there is no reason to use that vaccine.
Alternative Medicine
Probiotics
These are the beneficial bacteria that support the immune system, and they are particularly important to potentially help prevent, and manage a cat with any of the infectious diseases. One cat study on FIV said this:
'...These results suggest a novel role for FIV in upregulating transcellular transport across the gastrointestinal epithelial barrier and demonstrate the potential therapeutic use of probiotic bacteria to restore intestinal homeostasis.'
Quercetin (beneficial flavonoid found in apple peel)
Boston University School of Medicine study shows a link between a nutrient-dense diet rich in quercetin plus other antioxidants and a lowered risk of cancer. Quercetin seems to have potential chemo-preventive activity and might have a unique antiproliferative effect on cancerous cells, making it an effective addition to any natural cancer treatment approach.
Colostrum
This is mothers 1st milk, and now increasingly being looked at for it's immune supportive properties. A great option to consider for a cat with any of these diseases (or even help prevent them). Bovine colostrum (BC) has attracted the interest of numerous researchers investigating its anti-cancer potential.
Safe, minimal side effects, good supplement option. Doses of 100mg/10lbs daily.
Cannabinoids
CBD and the other cannabinoids may be beneficial for a cat with FIV/FeLV or FIP. Here is what one review article said:
'…Since they play important roles in the regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation and survival, endocannabinoids (ECS) have emerged as a cell regulatory mechanism involved in protection against cancer development.' Standard CBD dose of 3mg/10lbs once-twice daily.
ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS are considered pharmaconutrients
Preventive: low levels of EFA’s in mammary tissue increase chance of serious cancer
Studies show that people who consume the most omega-3s have up to a 55% lower risk of colon cancer. One study in particular showed impressive evidence for using Krill Oil. Krill oil extract suppresses cell growth and induces apoptosis of human colorectal cancer cells
MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS.
Turkey Tail Mushroom: Used conventionally in Japan for over 30 years for many types of cancer, esp colon cancer. Safe, limited/no side effects, works with chemotherapy drugs. Animal dose of 100mg/10lbs twice daily.
Reishi Mushroom. If your cat has lymphoma, maybe you should use REISHI mushroom. The studies showed that this is the most beneficial medicinal mushroom for Lymphoma. The Reishi dose is 100mg/10lbs once-twice daily.
Artemisinin
Artemisinins are a unique class of antimalarial drugs with significant potential for drug repurposing for a wide range of diseases including cancer. Artemisinins have an excellent safety and tolerability profile as well as being affordable.
A good option to consider for pets with cancer. Cat doses: 30mg/10lbs once-twice daily.
Panacur . (Fenbendazole).
Panacur for Cancer. This is an old veterinary dewormer, that is very safe for cats, and showing to be helpful for some people, and some animals with cancer. Dosing regimen of Panacur. 50mg/kg 3 days on/4 days off for 30 days, if working continue for another 90 days or 10mg/kg once daily. I would use this on my cat with FeLV/FIV or FIP
These are the methods that you should try if your cat is diagnosed with these three deathly incurable diseases. It will not cure your cat but certainly can with appropriate healthy food ,improve their quality of life .
Written by Imrana Sljivo DVM
No comments:
Post a Comment