Vet Tales

Author: Natalie Keith

We are veterinarians who are passionate about educating the pet-adoring world. This podcast is like having a chat with your favorite veterinarian over morning coffee. Here you can learn about the ins and outs of veterinary medicine so you can take the best possible care of your pet. We believe that educating pet caretakers is the most important thing we can do. After all, your pets care is our passion!
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Language: en

Genres: Kids & Family, Pets & Animals

Contact email: Get it

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FIV vs FeLV: What Every Cat Owner Must Know
Episode 66
Wednesday, 5 August, 2026

Drs. Brackeen and Dame return to discuss FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) and FeLV (feline leukemia virus): how they spread, how we test and interpret results, and what positive results mean for care. They explain that FIV is usually transmitted by bites, can be managed with careful monitoring and vaccination of affected cats, and that maternal antibodies can cause false positives in kittens. FeLV is more serious—causing anemia, lymphoma, and often fatal disease—so testing before vaccination, strict isolation or risk mitigation, and prevention are essential. Practical takeaways: test outdoor or exposed cats regularly, vaccinate and reduce exposure, act quickly on illness in positive cats, and consider pet insurance to help cover unexpected costs.