Case challenges: The FeLV screening test is positive – now what?
Ocho Rios
Ocho Rios is an approximately 6-year-old neutered male cat. He was transferred from another animal shelter into the FeLV adoption program. On entry to the shelter, Ocho Rios tested positive for FeLV p27 antigen using anticoagulated whole blood on SNAP Combo.
Crayola
Crayola entered the shelter at two months of age. On entry to the shelter, Crayola tested SNAP Combo positive for FeLV antigen using anticoagulated whole blood. He was enrolled in the study at 3.6 months as a neutered male when he reached the minimum weight of 2 pounds. When retested at this age, he was negative on SNAP Combo.
Monsoon
Monsoon is a 2-year-old spayed female cat who was transferred to the shelter’s FeLV adoption program from a pet rescue group. Upon entry to the shelter, Monsoon tested positive for FeLV p27 antigen on SNAP Combo using anticoagulated whole blood.
T-Rex
T-Rex is a 1-year-old intact male cat who was relinquished to the shelter by his owner. On entry to the shelter, T-Rex was screened for FeLV and FIV using anticoagulated whole blood on SNAP Combo and tested positive for FeLV p27 antigen. Testing with plasma and serum also produced positive results.
Follow-up testing to identify FeLV level and risk for early mortality
Follow-up testing for proviral DNA (quantitative PCR) and p27 antigen by microtiter plate ELISA (PetChek) was used to classify each cat’s infection status as either ‘High’ or ’Low’ positive or retroviral status uncertain according the to diagram below.
