What is FeLV and FIV and why treat your cat with LTCI

CAT OWNER INFORMATION

What are FeLV and FIV

FeLV and FIV are the most common, life-threatening infectious diseases in cats. An estimated 3% of all cats in the United States are infected with FeLV, and a similar number suffer from FIV. These infection rates are dramatically

higher in stray cats and in house cats that are allowed outside. These widespread, incurable viruses, like HIV/AIDs in humans, suppress the immune system and result in an increased risk of other infections, including pathogens (like fungi, which cause ringworm) and bacteria (such as those that cause stomatitis and upper respiratory disease). They are the most common causes of cancer in cats.

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FeLV and FIV Can Now Be Treated…with LTCI.

Veterinarians and cat owners have been looking for a viable treatment for FeLV/FIV for decades. Now there is an option to the sad refrain that ‘There is nothing to be done’ for a cat with FeLV or FIV.

LTCI is the first –and only– USDA-approved treatment aid in the United States for cats suffering from FeLV and FIV infections, the blood disorders they cause and opportunistic infections.

Because LTCI is new to the market, it will take time for its scientific information to reach veterinarians and animal health organizations.  Pet owners have been very active in spreading the ‘buzz’ that FeLV and FIV are no longer death sentences for their cats.

How does LTCI work?

Bone marrow and the thymus gland– the central regulatory organ for the immune system — produce infection-fighting, specialized white blood cells called CD4 lymphocytes.

CD4s are like stem cells for the immune system. Their production of certain products (cytokines, especially Interferon and Interleukin-2) cause the body to produce another type of white blood cell, CD8 lymphocytes. CD8s are the “killer” cells which go to infection sites, gobble up bacteria, find and destroy viruses in the body and then knock out cancer cells.

Retroviruses, like FeLV and FIV (and HIV/AIDS), attack the thymus, bone marrow and target CD4s. Once inside the CD4s, they prevent the production of the critical cytokines, Interferon and IL-2. Consequently, CD8s are not produced: The cat’s viral load (count) increases, the door for opportunistic infections is opened, blood problems develop and cancer cells grow unchecked.

LTCI is a naturally-occurring, immune-modulating protein that helps restore your cat’s ability to fight infection. It eliminates impaired CD4s which allows new, normal CD4s to produce the cytokines that lead to increased CD8 populations and the reduction of viral load, blood problems and opportunistic infections.

LTCI is not a cure for FeLV or FIV, but when effective, it aids in the treatment of these deadly diseases by restoring (modulating) your cat’s normal immune system.

What are Lymphocytes?

Lymphocytes are immune cells that help the body identify and destroy viruses and certain cancers.

How is LTCI administered and how often?

LTCI is administered by a simple, painless injection under the skin. In the first month of treatment, LTCI is usually given once a week. Subsequently, it can be given once a month, or as needed, depending on the cat’s response and your veterinarian’s advice. Veterinarians will often treat critically ill patients with a more aggressive treatment schedule.

When should my cat feel better?

Response to treatment will vary, depending on the cat’s condition and immune status. Clinical studies show that some cats respond in the first few weeks.

How safe is LTCI?

LTCI has passed a formal scientific, clinical safety study in which no significant adverse events were reported.

Is LTCI natural?

Yes, LTCI is a naturally-occurring, treatment aid and is not synthetically made.

Where can I get LTCI?

LTCI is only available through licensed veterinarians in the United States. Please contact your clinician to discuss LTCI treatment options.