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Cats/Ways to increase my cat's low blood count?

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Expert: - 7/26/2011


Question
My 2 year old cat was diagnosed with Feline Leukemia in December 2010. Since then shes been on Interferon. Lately she hasn't been acting like herself so I took her to the vet. Found out she has a white blood count of 16. More Interferon was given but the veterinarian predicted she would just live for a week. I'm looking for ways around this, is there anything I can do to help her increase her white blood count?

Willing to try anything! Don't want to lose her :(

Answer
Charniece,

I'm so sorry to hear about your kitty's health... Unfortunately beyond a transplant of white blood cells or prayer I don't know of any options to raise her white blood cell count. I know that this is a very difficult time for you but I would certainly suggest spoiling your baby rotten and making the time she has left (however long that might be) quality time even if it's not great in terms of quantity. My heart is breaking for you, she's such a young girl to be so sick and I really wish that I had better news for you.... I would ask your vet about referral to a specialist hospital that might consider performing a blood transfusion which might give your baby girl some more quality time - be forewarned that you may be expected to adopt the donor cat though and it would be important to keep him/her separate from your little girl to prevent transmission of feline leukemia from her to the donor kitty. Do all of her favorite things, show her how much she's loved and remember that sometimes miracles do happen and she may come around on her own even without a transfusion - if you have a religious faith pray for her, but above all love her for who she is and the time she has left. I'm more than willing to help you through this phase of your kitty's life no matter how long she has to be with you so please don't hesitate to contact me at any time - I'm more than happy to help you in any way that I can. If you have any further questions or concerns please don't hesitate to contact me again - I'll do whatever I can to help you and your precious girl along the way.

Kind regards,

Ali

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Ali

Expertise

I am the proud guardian of 5 mixed breed cats ranging from 12 weeks to 13 years old and one purebred ragdoll. I have 20+ years experience working with mixed breed cats from a variety of different situations. I have fostered cats/kittens with special needs/behavioral issues. I have rescued/rehabilitated/re-homed a variety of stray/abused cats. I can offer advice on managing feral cat colonies, rehabilitating strays and finding them forever homes. I can help you to determine whether a cat is stray or feral, there IS a significant difference. Improperly introducing a new cat/kitten can result in aggression between newly introduced cats because cats are territorial by nature and they don't like sudden changes in their environment. To learn more about a peaceful way to introduce a new cat into a home with other cats please check out my previous answers on this subject. Proper nutrition for cats can be confusing, I recommend checking out catinfo.org which was created by a veterinarian (Dr. Lisa Pierson) who takes a common sense approach to explaining feline nutrition. Cat behavior and instincts are different from those of humans, I can help you understand your cat's needs so that you can meet them adequately and have a balanced, psychologically and physically sound kitty. Cats vary in personality, energy level and intelligence, different approaches may be required to achieve results in terms of training and interaction with your feline companion. An intelligent, high energy cat must be kept busy or they will make their own fun. I am NOT a licensed veterinarian and I can't offer medical advice. If your cat is ill/injured my advice is always the same: get prompt medical treatment provided by a veterinarian. If finances are an issue I will try to find resources in your area that can help with medical costs or make other choices to ensure the welfare of your cat.

Experience

I have fostered feral and stray cats, rehabilitated and homed cats that many people recommended euthanasia for. I am willing to make an effort to do the research and ask questions because I care enough to find solutions to behavioral problems rather than giving up. I have an interest in the use of alternative therapies to help provide the best possible care for all cats and I can say in all honesty that I've seen some incredible things happen for some incredible cats and their human caregivers when the right alternative therapeutic modality is used by a qualified veterinarian with expertise and experience in the field.

Education/Credentials
I've earned my diploma as a veterinary assistant with honors.

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