Hello -

My cat tested positive early this week for FIV.  Marked lethargy and
fever (his head felt warm) were the symptoms that prompted his visit
to the vet.  The doctors have so far been unable to find an underlying
cause for the fever, which has abated (101.5 yesterday).  

We are awaiting the results of a test for a particular flea-borne
parasite that could explain his periodic fever; however, his malaise
has now lasted a full week. I'm wondering -- with absence of a fever
-- what could be making the little fella so sickly? I guess I don't
fully understand this disease process ... other than knowing his
immune system is failing and that there will be recurring
opportunistic infections. I just can't fathom how he could go from
active to 'down' so quickly without obvious hints that he was ill to
begin with.

The cat spends all hours curled up in the bathroom floor (on a
makeshift bed), and is becoming a bit more unresponsive each passing
day.  Two trips to the vet for fluids and B12 produced only a 3 hour
window of responsiveness (walking, purring, eating very small meals)
each time.  He has no interest in water or food.

All of this leads me to believe that my cat is in the final stages of
the disease rather than the latent, or middle of the 'arc', so to
speak.

What can I expect if this last test comes back negative?  

Should broad spectrum antibiotics be considered? (a crap shoot, I have
to believe).

Interferon has been mentioned, but I can't see that route for a life
reduced to what appears to be foggy sleep on a bedded bathroom floor.

I guess I'm looking for an answer that I'll have to find on my own,
but perhaps someone reading has experience with FIV.

Thanks in advance ...