Worried about FIV/FeLV? New Natural Treatments
Can you really not do anything to help prevent/treat a cat with any of serious infectious viruses (FeLV/FIV/FIP)?
They are difficult to treat, and I used to say to clients… .‘Sorry, there is nothing we can do.’
Turns out I was partially wrong, and there are a bunch of alternative treatments that may be helpful. Some of these my even help prevent these in the 1st place.
Some of them include antioxidants, colostrum, medicinal mushrooms, and probiotics.
Our supplement ULTIMATE Feline has additional antioxidants, along with Colostrum, Medicinal Mushrooms, and Probiotics. Seems like a good idea to be on it 🙂
Dr Jones’ Ultimate Feline Health Formula
Feline infectious diseases can have a profound impact on the health of your cat. This article covers three significant viruses: Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV), Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), and Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP).
Causes of Feline Viruses
- Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is primarily transmitted via deep bite wounds during fights, akin to the Human AIDS virus. Signs may not appear for over five years post-infection.
- Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) results from a mutation of a common gut virus, the Coronavirus. It causes the immune system to attack various organs but is not contagious.
- Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) spreads through saliva, blood, and from mother to fetus. While many cats overcome the virus and gain immunity, others do not and suffer more severe consequences.
Signs of Infection
These viruses often result in a chronically suppressed immune system, affecting various organs differently. General symptoms include weight loss, severe dental disease, chronic poor skin condition, cancer, ongoing diarrhea, and recurrent fevers. FIP-specific symptoms include organ failure and fluid accumulation in the body, characterized by thin cats with distended abdomens.
Medical Diagnosis and Solutions
Early diagnosis is crucial. If your cat shows signs of chronic illness, consult your vet to test for these viruses. While no cure exists for these diseases, proper management can significantly extend a cat’s quality of life. Preventative measures include testing and vaccinating other household cats, especially against FeLV and FIV.
Alternative Remedies and Supplements
Probiotics
Administering a standard dose of 1 billion CFUs per 10 lbs daily can support the immune system, especially in managing FIV, as per one cat study.
Quercetin
This beneficial flavonoid, typically found in apple peels, has shown potential in cancer prevention. Recommended dosage is 50mg per 10 lbs daily.
Colostrum
Bovine colostrum is recognized for its immune support properties, with a suggested dose of 100mg per 10 lbs daily.
Cannabinoids
CBD and other cannabinoids might aid cats with these viruses by regulating cell functions crucial for cancer prevention. A typical dose is 3mg per 10 lbs once or twice daily.
Essential Fatty Acids
EFAs can inhibit cancer cell growth and improve chemotherapy responses, with a standard dose of 500-1000mg per 50 lbs daily.
Medicinal Mushrooms
Turkey Tail and Reishi mushrooms are particularly beneficial, especially for lymphoma, with doses of 100mg per 10 lbs administered twice daily.
Homeopathic Remedies
- Ferrum Phos: For fever management without other serious symptoms, 30C every 4 hours for 2-3 days.
- Pulsatilla: For urinary tract infections and immunosuppression, 30C every 4-6 hours for 2-3 days.
- Phosphorus: For weakness, alongside supportive care like rehydration, 30C every 4-6 hours for 2-3 days.
- Artemisinin: For cancer treatment, 30mg per 10 lbs once or twice daily.
- Panacur (Fenbendazole): Used in cancer treatment protocols, with a dosing regimen of 50mg/kg for three days on, four days off over 30 days.
Conclusion
Managing feline infectious viruses requires a comprehensive approach that includes regular veterinary care, preventive measures, and supportive treatments. By understanding the signs, causes, and available treatments, you can better protect your cat’s health and quality of life.
P.S. In some cases you can’t do much- but NOT for all cats, and some do respond to the alternative treatments, such as Colostrum, or the Cannabinoids.
P.P.S. About our cat supplement
Additional antioxidants, along with Colostrum, Medicinal Mushrooms, and Probiotics.
