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FIV and FeLV Testing: What do the Results Mean?
FIV stands for Feline Aids. FeLV stands for Feline Leukemia. Neither disease is transmissible to humans. The FIV/FeLV tests run at Ace of Spays, LLC are screening tests for these diseases. When negative, the cat does not have the disease. When positive, further investigation is needed. There is a more expensive test that can be sent to a laboratory to confirm infection. Pets testing positive for either FIV or FeLV should be further evaluated. Until a final determination is made, it is best to keep these cats separate from non-infected cats.
The screening tests are used because they are inexpensive and results are obtained within 15 minutes. Pets will have a positive result when exposed to or infected with the disease. Sometimes, an exposed cat will be able to eliminate the disease before it fully enters the body systems. In these cases, a screening test taken a month later may be negative. Kittens born to infected queens can test positive for FIV up until 6 months of age even if they are not infected themselves. The positive queen makes antibodies (proteins that fight the virus) that are excreted in her milk. The kitten ingests these antibodies while nursing. The screening test checks for these antibodies so the kitten tests positive even if there is no virus in the system. Re-evaluation after 6 months of age is needed. Though the FeLV test is also an antibody test, maternal antibodies do not interfere with the results.
What to do With a FIV or FeLV Positive Cat
Once these diseases fully enter the body systems, there is no cure. However, these cats can live for years. For families with only one cat or with a few infected cats, keeping these pets indoors is a great option. Multiple cat families with some unexposed cats must consider transmission issues when making a decision. FIV is rarely transmitted from cat to cat other than by bite wounds. FeLV, on the other hand, can also be transmitted by mutual grooming or shared food and water dishes. Ideally, infected cats are kept isolated from healthy cats. Dr. Cobb will be happy to discuss options with caregivers of any cats testing positive at out clinics.
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Contact Ace of Spays, LLC 1485 Route 38 Hainesport, NJ 08036 Phone: (609) 267-6770 |
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Copyright © 2005 Ace of Spays, LLC. All rights reserved. Want to borrow content? Click here. |
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Ace of Spays, LLC |
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High-Quality Spay/Neuter Clinic |
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“Comfortable Care for Both Your Pet AND You” |
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(609) 267-6770 |
