They say we all have a purpose on this earth. That being the case, Lexus Marie made her purpose here evident the moment she arrived at my door step. And she brought into focus my purpose too.
She was handed over by a lady who said she found her in the middle of the street and couldn't keep her......allergies.
Lexi was about 4 months old at the time.......very affectionate and full of that special kind of life only kittens have.
I took her to the vet for a check-up....started her on her vaccines and made arrangements to have her spayed when she turned 6 months old.
The day she was spayed, all went well. Then the next morning the vet called to say Lexi was critically ill........running a fever of 107 degrees and she would not be coming home as scheduled. Two days later, after massive drugs and chemicals, her fever was under control and she came home with all outward appearances of a healthy kitten.
Four days after coming home her fever spiked again, only this time the vet took a blood sample and announced that Lexus Marie was positive for FeLV.......there really wasn't much I could do except either put her to sleep on the spot or isolate her from the rest of my cats and love her till she died............which he advised would most likely be before her 1st birthday.
I was devastated...........my Lexi was going to die and I was helpless.
I got on the internet looking for answers........and while there is a great deal out there about FeLV, not much of it is positive.
My first attempt to help her was to get her on Interferon.....a human drug that is suppose to boost the immune system. Lexi went on this for 2 1/2 months but the side effects far outweighed the advantages and I wanted desperately to get her off this drug. Her personality changed and she became angry and defensive........she constantly ran a fever, was agitated and paced incessantly. Her breathing was labored while on the drug and any output of energy and she would pant for air.
I literally stumbled upon a list called CATWELL about this time, and a very knowledgeable lady named Irene de Villiers, I was encouraged to read and consider homeopathy and the potential of good nutrition. Through this list.....and this incredibly giving lady, I was given the tools and knowledge to make a difference in Lexus Marie's life.
It was as though someone finally turned on a light in a dark room. It all made so much sense............feed the animal what it needs to maintain it's health..........if there is illness support the system with natural remedies and foods......not drugs......and the animal's body will care for itself.
For the past 15 months, Lexus has been treated by a Homeopathic Veterinarian........not one who dabbles in it......but one who practices Classical Homeopathy. She, as all my cats, are on a much improved diet of human grade cat food with supplements. And those who will eat raw meat get it once a day. And Lexus, as all my FeLV+ kitties are given daily supplements of Dimethylglycine with Colostrum and Bio-Guard..........immune system boosters to help them in their fight.
She is no longer isolated from the rest of my cats. They all share the house. Those who originally tested negative continue to do so. And recently one of mine who had tested positive, tested negative after 5 months of good nutrition and supplements.
And so, this is why I say Lexus Marie has a definite purpose on this earth. She has led me on a journey that has not only benefited her and my other FeLV+ kitties but those who test negative. And we have opened our home to other kitties who are FeLV+ and looking for love and understanding.
Through her illness she has improved all my kitties lives by prompting me to research good nutrition and to finding a homeopathic veterinarian. Without her I doubt I would have questioned or investigated feline nutrition.........or homeopathy.
Our journey continues..........she is healthy, happy, and very active.......we address the issues brought up due to her leukemia when they happen through homeopathy.........and I cherish each and every day I have to share in her life.
Lexus Marie was two years old this month.......she begins a critical journey the next year.....as everything I read says a large portion of kitties diagnosed with FeLV die by the time they are three. Lexi has beat all the odds laid out in front of her so far.........so we'll continue addressing those issues that present themselves with good nutrition, supplements, and homeopathy in the up coming year.
For those of you reading this because you have been told your kitty is FeLV+....take heart.....there is hope......there is a healthy and happy life to be provided for your kitty. FeLV is NOT an automatic death sentence and these very special kitties are NOT disposable. They have much to teach us.......if we only take the time to learn and open up our hearts to their stories.
This is my Lexus Marie today......18 months after diagnosis and still testing positive........
but healthy......happy...........active.......and very much loved.
