Adorable Lucas'Love
Rio de Janeiro,#2Consumer Comment
Wed, April 13, 2016
Regina Celia Duque
You can see my non coronavirus tested kitties at www.lilacpersiancats.com
catlover
bradenton,#3General Comment
Fri, January 18, 2013
I felt the need to add my two cents. I have had numerous cats my entire life. FIP is caused by a corona virus. It is not HIV. They are NOT carriers for FIP but can be carriers for corona virus. As long as they are not having diarrhea at the time they are boarding they will be unlikely to shed the virus. their is no prediction on which cats will get FIP from the corona virus....but it usually happens the really young and the really old cats. here is some more information on fip .....probably more than you want...
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)
Imagine a disease that is infectious yet not contagious, has 100% mortality, virtually no diagnostic test to confirm it, and no effective treatment. When feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) becomes a possibility for a pet cat, questions abound yet not nearly enough answers.
What is FIP?Feline infectious peritonitis is a syndrome that results from wide-spread infiltration of the bodys organs with a type of inflammatory tissue called pyogranuloma. The resulting global inflammation leads to the failure of the infiltrated organs, fevers unresponsive to antibiotics, and often an accumulation of thick yellow fluid in the belly or chest. The wet form of FIP includes the effusion of thick, yellow fluid as noted. The dry form is more insidious, leading to death over a much longer period (often years). Both forms are felt to have 100% mortality.
Is FIP Contagious?Very simply, the answer is no. How Can an Infectious Disease not be Contagious?Feline infectious peritonitis is a reaction to infection with the feline coronavirus. Most cats who become infected with the feline enteric coronavirus (often simply called feline coronavirus) essentially get the flu and never develop anything that can in any way be described as serious. Some cats, however, react with this devastating syndrome. What do we Know about the Feline Enteric Coronavirus?Some basics about this virus are: It is common wherever cats are housed in groups and it is readily transmitted between cats. Transmission is typically by contact with infected feces. This means that the litter box is the usual place where infection takes place. This infection is unusual in cats that free-roam outdoors (no litter box) or who live in homes where there is only one cat. The virus enters the new hosts body via the nose and mouth. An active infection lasts several weeks to a few months. Virus is shed in the infected cats stool during this period. If the cat is reinfected, virus sheds again for weeks to months. During this time, the cat may or may not seem at all ill. Some infected cats do not shed virus. Households with fewer than 5 cats eventually spontaneously clear of coronavirus. Households with more than 5 cats virtually never clear of coronavirus. Most household disinfectants readily kill coronavirus immediately. Room temperature kills coronavirus within 48 hours. Carpeting is protective to the virus and the virus is able to survive in carpeting for at least 7 weeks. Once a cat has been infected with the virus and recovered, the cat can be easily re-infected by continued exposure to infected feces. In this way, many catteries where there are always cats sharing litter boxes never rid themselves of this infection. The enteric coronavirus attacks intestinal cells and creates gastrointestinal (GI) upset. As long as the infection is confined to the GI tract, there will be no FIP. The process of immunological defeat of the virus involves a cell called a macrophage. The macrophage consumes infected material, packaging it in special structures that it floods with acids and digestive enzymes. Any virus is killed by this process and its components are then used by the immune system to help mount a specific immunological reaction (i.e., make the proper antibodies, send specific killer cells etc.) In some cats, a mutation occurs in the coronavirus. This mutation occurs during infection and allows the virus to survive the treatment by the macrophage. Instead of being killed by the macrophage, the virus essentially uses the macrophage to hitch a ride into the bodys core. The macrophage response mounts in an attempt to kill the virus but ends up producing heaps of ineffective macrophages and immunologic proteins which make up a special immunologic tissue called a pyogranuloma. FIP is basically the infiltration of normal organs with pyogranulomas. The mutation to a form of virus that can cause FIP is more likely to occur in a cat with an immune-compromise. Most cats with FIP are under 1 year of age (their immaturity being their immune-compromise). Crowding is also an important source of immune-compromise. Why isnt the Mutated Virus Contagious?We do not know why. We can inject fluids from a cat with FIP into a normal cat and cause FIP, but short of this kind of experimental transmission, the mutated virus doesnt seem to make it into the natural external secretions of an infected cat. This effectively confines the mutated virus inside the sick cats body, though the sick cat will still shed non-mutated virus. How is it Possible there is no Test for this Classical Disease?We used to think that the difference between getting the flu and getting FIP was all about the strain of the virus with which a cat gets infected. Lots of time and effort was spent trying to determine what made the FIP virus special. We no longer think there is a special strain of virus that causes FIP. FIP results, as described above, from a mutation that occurs in the virus after infection has happened. Whether or not this mutation occurs seems to relate more to the cats immune status than any factor in the virus. The more virus there is replicating, the greater the chance of mutation occurring. Having an immature or suppressed immune system means more virus replicating. Why Cant we just Test for Mutated Virus?The mutation isnt the same every time. There are two viral genes and the mutation pretty much always involves at least one of them but the mutation can occur in any number of places within either of these two genes. There are currently too many possible mutations to develop a meaningful test.
The FIP Titer
This test is often included on a feline blood panel and reflects a cats circulating antibody level against coronavirus. The problem is that exposure to coronavirus is common in cats and is not particularly meaningful in diagnosing FIP. Further, cats with fulminant FIP may not be producing FIP antibodies and have negative titers.
Please educate yourself with Dr. Addie, the true expert on FIP and the Coronavirus.
http://www.dr-addie.com/WhatIsFIP.htm
Miacovi
boonton,#4Author of original report
Sun, December 09, 2012
OLGA IS A DECEIVING, DISHONEST BREEDER AND PERSON. SHE IS A TRAVISTY TO THE BREEDING COMMUNITY AND SHOULD HAVE HER CFA LICENSE REVOKED. I HAVE THE POSITIVE TEST RESULTS OF THE MOTHER, THAT SHE EITHER MISTAKINGLY INCLUDED IN MY PAPERS OR INTENTIONALLY DID IT TO COVER HERSELF DOWN THE ROAD, EITHER WAY SHE KNOWINGLY SOLD ME THE KITTEN WITH THE MOTHER TESTING POSITIVE DURING THE PREGNANCY, DID NOT DISCLOSE IT AND MY OTHER PERSIAN FEEL EXTREMELY ILL MONTHS LATER, INCLUDING MONTH OF DIARREA, WHEN THE PERSIAN IS AN INDOOR CAT FROM AN EXTREMELY SOLID BLOOD LINE AND REPUTABLE BREEDER. IT'S APPARENT THEIR IS A VERY LIKELY CHANCE THE PERSIAN HAS BEEN INFECTED BY THE KITTEN AND OLGA SOLD ME THE KITTEN W/O INFORMING ME. I WOULD NEVER HAVE PURCHASED THAT KITTEN. DON'T BELIEVE HER. SHE SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO BREED ANIMALS FOR THEIR PROFIT/GAIN. SHE'S A MORALLY UNETHICAL PERSON AND ANIMAL ABUSER. I'VE ATTACHED MY KITTEN'S CFA PAPERS AND THE POSITIVE TEST OF THE MOTHER SO YOU CAN MATCH THE NAMES AND TO PROVE SHE IS A LIAR. I WILL BE HAPPY TO DISCUSS THIS HORRIBLE SITUATION WITH ANYONE AND SHOW THEM THE PROOF/PAPERWORK.
Olga
Parsippany,#5REBUTTAL Individual responds
Mon, December 03, 2012
This is in response to the negative report regarding FIP.
FIP is very difficult to diagnose. There is no definitive blood test currently available that is specific
enough to differentiate FECV from FIPV. In other words, although serology tests are commonly used to check for the presence of antibodies to the virus, a positive antibody titer is not diagnostic for FIP. A positive test simply means the animal has been exposed to FCoV and has produced antibodies against it.
Healthy cats may be seropositive (meaning they have antibodies against FCoV), while cats with the wet form of FIP may be seronegative because the virus in their body binds with the antibodies, rendering the test inaccurate. To further complicate matters, test results must be interpreted cautiously because
laboratories are notorious for producing inconsistent results when testing for this particular disease.
We make every attempt to insure that all our cats are healthy. If we were trying to be dishonest and deceiptful why would we give her the test results showing a positive titer? Our Vet told us this is common and the titer level was in a normal range and that we shouldn't worry. But we didn't stop there, we then took another set of tests and the second set came back NEGATIVE which we then provided to the author of this complaint. See attached test results.
We went to great lengths and expense well beyond what many breeders would go through to make sure this new kitten owner received a healthy kitten.
Most cats will have at one point or another been naturally exposed to the FIP virus and many will produce antibodies within two to three weeks of exposure (seroconvert) and the vast majority of them do not develop FIP.
When the author of this complaint informed us that she was concerned about the first positive antibody test of the mother, we explained that many cats will show FIP antibodies as many cats in the U.S have either at one point or another been exposed or the test results are just not reliable. But we didn't just stop there and left it at that. In order to further re-assure her, we went and ordered a new set of lab tests of both the mother and father since FIP antibody tests are notorious for being inaccurate and showing false positives. We have attached the lab results to this rebuttal showing both the mother and father tested "NEGATIVE". Please realize these are very expensive tests and most breeders will not go that extra step as we did to alleviate the concerns of a new kitten owner as we did at our expense. Just ask around. Especially since many breeders don't even test their cats for FIP because they know there is no reliable test at this time for FIP. Even so, MyExoticFurs still does the Titer antibody tests on all our cats at great expense.
Maybe we should stop if this is what happens.
MyExoticFurs has a long and impeccable reputation as a top breeder of show-quality Exotic Short-hair Persians. As you can search for yourself, even though we've opened our cattery over 15-years ago, this is the ONLY complaint you will find in our entire 15-year history breeding these beautiful animals. That should tell you something about how dedicated we are to breeding healthy and social cats. This is truly a passion of love for us as these animals are part of our family. We take every possible step and precaution to make sure all our cats are healthy and free of decease.
We maintain a 'closed" cattery and quarantine and test any new arrival into our cattery before introducing to the other cats.
We are a small and "cage-less" cattery and all our cats live here with us underfoot and receive enormous amounts of love and attention. Unlike what you see in your common "Kitty Mills" where cats spend most of their lives in cages.
As is the problem today with the Internet, how do you defend yourself against a negative comment? How do you disprove a negative?
The author of this complaint admits herself we gave her the FIP titer anti-body test results of the mother (and father) before she took the kitten home. Everything was disclosed upfront in writing which I might add, very few catteries do. Usually all you get is a health certificate of the kitten. MyExoticFurs cattery goes a step further and provides every new kitten owner the actual laboratory tests of the parents as well as a kitten Health Certificate and a "Health Guaranty" guarantying the health of the kitten against any life-threatening decease. There is a reason why most of our kitten owners come back to us for a second or even third kitten.
Not many catteries will also provide the titer results to new kitten owners, we did. and for this we are being accused of being "Sneaky, abusive and neglegent"?? Really.
Our kitten contract also clearly states that we will reimburse the purchase price or replace the kitten with another one of same quality should a life-threatening decease be diagnosed by a licensed Vet. This 100% Health Guaranty is provided to every kitten purchaser.
Something that strikes us as odd is that there is no mention of the actual "health" of the kitten that this negative report is based on? Does the kitten actually have FIP? or is the complaint simply that the mother tested for anti-bodies?
We will gladly take this kitten back and either reimburse the adoption fee or replace with another. Why weren't we contacted?
As far as the author's comment about "1/2 price", it was the author herself who came to us asking if we could reduce the price because she didn't have enough but really wanted this kitten. We felt bad and said OK, we'll take less bacause we liked the new owner and felt she would provide a good home. Now out of the blue we're bad peaple?? Our main and ONLY goal is that every kitten we place go to a good and loving home. We felt since the author of this complaint already had a Persian cat at home and was an experienced cat owner that this would be the ideal home for one of our kittens. She also came to us at some point later and asked us for advise because her other Persian cat was sick and we gladly helped her and advised which medication to give. We are always there for anyone who needs our help when it comes to cats.
We also have to question why the author of the complaint did not come to us immediately if she still had concerns about the kitten even after we sent her the new lab results showing all negative tests and waited almost two years after she purchased the kitten from us to go online and write a negative report rather than coming to us? She know's how responsive we are and get right back to her whenever she called. She was told on more than one occasion and it is also spelled out in the kitten contract that we as the breeder, who is ultimately responsible for every kitten we bring into this world, need to be informed of the kitten's health and well being for the life of the kitten. Again, why weren't we contacted?
Attached please find the lab tests all showing Negative findings. We submit this as proof and to contest the authors allegations. MyexoticFurs has submitted proof that the complaint by this author holds no water and is invalid.
We have also already contacted the Cat Fancier's Association (CFA) who we have been a highly recommended registered breeder with for over 10 years and reported to them this unsubstantiated and unfair report against our reputation.
Anyone is free to contact me any time should you have any further questions or concerns regarding this matter as we stand by our reputation and will defend it to the end and don't hide behind anonymous allegations. Phone # provided below. The author of this complaint is also free to contact us at any time to discuss this matter as well. We now really need to know how is the health of our kitten? Please contact us as it's your responsibility to inform us if the kitten is in bad health.
We are very concerned.
We can also provide upon request many testimonials from all the happy kitten owners MyExoticFurs Cattery has had the pleasure of placing kitten with throughout the years.
Sincerely,
Olga Giro
(973)900-4006
Olga
Parsippany,#6REBUTTAL Individual responds
Mon, December 03, 2012
This is in response to the negative report regarding FIP.
FIP is very difficult to diagnose. There is no definitive blood test currently available that is specific
enough to differentiate FECV from FIPV. In other words, although serology tests are commonly used to check for the presence of antibodies to the virus, a positive antibody titer is not diagnostic for FIP. A positive test simply means the animal has been exposed to FCoV and has produced antibodies against it.
Healthy cats may be seropositive (meaning they have antibodies against FCoV), while cats with the wet form of FIP may be seronegative because the virus in their body binds with the antibodies, rendering the test inaccurate. To further complicate matters, test results must be interpreted cautiously because
laboratories are notorious for producing inconsistent results when testing for this particular disease.
We make every attempt to insure that all our cats are healthy. If we were trying to be dishonest and deceiptful why would we give her the test results showing a positive titer? Our Vet told us this is common and the titer level was in a normal range and that we shouldn't worry. But we didn't stop there, we then took another set of tests and the second set came back NEGATIVE which we then provided to the author of this complaint. See attached test results.
We went to great lengths and expense well beyond what many breeders would go through to make sure this new kitten owner received a healthy kitten.
Most cats will have at one point or another been naturally exposed to the FIP virus and many will produce antibodies within two to three weeks of exposure (seroconvert) and the vast majority of them do not develop FIP.
When the author of this complaint informed us that she was concerned about the first positive antibody test of the mother, we explained that many cats will show FIP antibodies as many cats in the U.S have either at one point or another been exposed or the test results are just not reliable. But we didn't just stop there and left it at that. In order to further re-assure her, we went and ordered a new set of lab tests of both the mother and father since FIP antibody tests are notorious for being inaccurate and showing false positives. We have attached the lab results to this rebuttal showing both the mother and father tested "NEGATIVE". Please realize these are very expensive tests and most breeders will not go that extra step as we did to alleviate the concerns of a new kitten owner as we did at our expense. Just ask around. Especially since many breeders don't even test their cats for FIP because they know there is no reliable test at this time for FIP. Even so, MyExoticFurs still does the Titer antibody tests on all our cats at great expense.
Maybe we should stop if this is what happens.
MyExoticFurs has a long and impeccable reputation as a top breeder of show-quality Exotic Short-hair Persians. As you can search for yourself, even though we've opened our cattery over 15-years ago, this is the ONLY complaint you will find in our entire 15-year history breeding these beautiful animals. That should tell you something about how dedicated we are to breeding healthy and social cats. This is truly a passion of love for us as these animals are part of our family. We take every possible step and precaution to make sure all our cats are healthy and free of decease.
We maintain a 'closed" cattery and quarantine and test any new arrival into our cattery before introducing to the other cats.
We are a small and "cage-less" cattery and all our cats live here with us underfoot and receive enormous amounts of love and attention. Unlike what you see in your common "Kitty Mills" where cats spend most of their lives in cages.
As is the problem today with the Internet, how do you defend yourself against a negative comment? How do you disprove a negative?
The author of this complaint admits herself we gave her the FIP titer anti-body test results of the mother (and father) before she took the kitten home. Everything was disclosed upfront in writing which I might add, very few catteries do. Usually all you get is a health certificate of the kitten. MyExoticFurs cattery goes a step further and provides every new kitten owner the actual laboratory tests of the parents as well as a kitten Health Certificate and a "Health Guaranty" guarantying the health of the kitten against any life-threatening decease. There is a reason why most of our kitten owners come back to us for a second or even third kitten.
Not many catteries will also provide the titer results to new kitten owners, we did. and for this we are being accused of being "Sneaky, abusive and neglegent"?? Really.
Our kitten contract also clearly states that we will reimburse the purchase price or replace the kitten with another one of same quality should a life-threatening decease be diagnosed by a licensed Vet. This 100% Health Guaranty is provided to every kitten purchaser.
Something that strikes us as odd is that there is no mention of the actual "health" of the kitten that this negative report is based on? Does the kitten actually have FIP? or is the complaint simply that the mother tested for anti-bodies?
We will gladly take this kitten back and either reimburse the adoption fee or replace with another. Why weren't we contacted?
As far as the author's comment about "1/2 price", it was the author herself who came to us asking if we could reduce the price because she didn't have enough but really wanted this kitten. We felt bad and said OK, we'll take less bacause we liked the new owner and felt she would provide a good home. Now out of the blue we're bad peaple?? Our main and ONLY goal is that every kitten we place go to a good and loving home. We felt since the author of this complaint already had a Persian cat at home and was an experienced cat owner that this would be the ideal home for one of our kittens. She also came to us at some point later and asked us for advise because her other Persian cat was sick and we gladly helped her and advised which medication to give. We are always there for anyone who needs our help when it comes to cats.
We also have to question why the author of the complaint did not come to us immediately if she still had concerns about the kitten even after we sent her the new lab results showing all negative tests and waited almost two years after she purchased the kitten from us to go online and write a negative report rather than coming to us? She know's how responsive we are and get right back to her whenever she called. She was told on more than one occasion and it is also spelled out in the kitten contract that we as the breeder, who is ultimately responsible for every kitten we bring into this world, need to be informed of the kitten's health and well being for the life of the kitten. Again, why weren't we contacted?
Attached please find the lab tests all showing Negative findings. We submit this as proof and to contest the authors allegations. MyexoticFurs has submitted proof that the complaint by this author holds no water and is invalid.
Anyone is free to contact me any time should you have any further questions or concerns regarding this matter as we stand by our reputation and will defend it to the end and don't hide behind anonymous allegations. Phone # provided below. The author of this complaint is also free to contact us at any time to discuss this matter as well. We now really need to know how is the health of our kitten? Please contact us as it's your responsibility to inform us if the kitten is in bad health.
We are very concerned.
We can also provide upon request many testimonials from all the happy kitten owners MyExoticFurs Cattery has had the pleasure of placing kitten with throughout the years.
Sincerely,
Olga Giro
(973)900-4006
CFA Cattery Reviews
Alliance,#7Consumer Comment
Mon, November 19, 2012
You can view an image of the cat breeder who owns the My Exotic Furs Cattery