FIV and Liver Disease

Question:

I just ordered Moducare for my beloved 13 year old cat who was recently diagnosed FIV positive (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) and with liver disease. I am also giving him Hepato Support by Rx Vitamins for the liver which was available where I live. A products called Zentonil has been highly recommended to me as well (for liver) but I see you do not carry this.  I wonder if this is something you do not recommend? It seems to be a form of S-Adenosylmethionine which is a different approach to the liver from the Hepato Support or the Thorne products you carry.  Is there any harm in giving both?

I would also be interested in your recommendations for what to give a cat with these conditions who comes down with a respiratory infection. He seems to have one right now and I am a bit worried about it. I will try to give him echinacea and goldenseal.

Thank you very much for your help.
Mindy H.

Answer:

Thank you for your inquiry to Holistic Pet Info. Hepato Support is a very good product for liver health as it does contain many ingredients important for protecting and maintaining the liver. Zentonil contains sam-E which does also support the liver but does not seem as effective as milk thistle (sylibum) products. You may use it in conjunction with the Hepato Support without complication.

Thorne’s Hepagen-F is also an excellent supplement specifically dosed for cats. Immune health is also crucial in an FIV positive cat and Moducare should help with the respiratory issues.

Be careful when giving multiple supplements as it may decrease your cat’s appetite, watch closely for any adverse reactions such as vomiting. If your cat is an outdoor feline, I would strongly suggest you keep him inside. This will decrease his exposure to other cats with respiratory diseases.

Echinacea and goldenseal are both exceptional for respiratory issues but is used only during the condition and only for 2 weeks at a time. Best of luck.

Sincerely,
Colleen Smith DVM, CVA