Hi everyone,
My 4kg female cat (currently asymptomatic, good bloodwork) recently tested positive for FeLV via PCR DNA and ELISA. The PCR test was qualitative only, not quantitative, so I do not have information about the viral load.
My vet provided a diagnostic roadmap to determine if the infection is progressive or regressive:
- Retest for the p27 antigen at least 6 weeks after the initial PCR.
- If positive (+), repeat the test after another 6 weeks.
- If the result becomes negative (-), it is considered a regressive infection.
- If it remains positive (+), it is likely progressive.
My cat is extremely stressed by vet visits. Since she is currently showing no clinical symptoms, is it medically safe to wait the full 12 weeks for a follow-up to confirm her status (regressive vs. progressive) instead of doing multiple tests?
I am particularly concerned whether the stress of frequent vet visits during this period could negatively impact her immune system and its ability to push the virus into a regressive state.
Also, the initial plan was to start giving the cat the human interferon (alpha), but it's not available anywhere in my country, so the vet suggested Virbagen Omega, for which I'm also worried is too early, given the fact that the cat is asymptomatic and had very good results in her recent bloodwork.
I've already asked the vet the same question via email - still waiting for reply, but so far it has been hard to get any straight answers as to what would be a good potential strategy, so I'm wondering about your opinions and experiences.
Thank you for any advice!