Update
Just after the New Year 2024, we had Chiana tested again for FeLV. In addition to checking her viral load, our vet drew blood to assess whether raltegravir was affecting her liver or kidneys. The results were mixed.
The good news: the 25 mg dose of raltegravir, given once daily, is not affecting her organs, which is a big relief. However, her FeLV viral load has increased for the first time since starting the drug.
Test Results
| Date | Status | Viral Load |
|---|---|---|
| 9/28/23 | REGRESSIVE | 0.59 x 10⁶ = 590,000 |
| 1/2/24 | Progressive | 6.32 x 10⁶ = 6,320,000 |
Analysis
Her viral load increased from regressive at 0.59 x 10⁶ (590,000) to progressive at 6.32 x 10⁶ (6,320,000). The cutoff between regressive and progressive is 1 million (1,000,000).
While we’re not thrilled about the increase, it’s somewhat reassuring that it wasn’t drastic, especially considering she started at 90.98 x 10⁶ (90,980,000).
This result challenges the original theory that her viral load would consistently decrease. Why the sudden increase? We’re not certain, but her significant weight gain might be a factor. When Chiana started on this drug in March 2023, she weighed just 6 lbs (as of 2/18/23). As of 1/2/24, she’s a robust Maine Coon weighing nearly 14 lbs!
Next Steps
- Increase her raltegravir dosage from 25 mg once daily to 50 mg (25 mgs twice a day.) This adjustment started on 1/4/24.
- Schedule her next test at the beginning of April 2024 to monitor her viral load.
No comments:
Post a Comment