How is "FeLV" pronounced in conversation?

[LynneAV]

I know all about Feline Leukemia Virus, but how is the abbreviation "FeLV" pronounced in conversation?  I ask because whenever I pronounce it verbally with people who know about cats, I get blank stares while they try to figure out what I'm saying. Nobody has corrected me, though.  I have been spelling it out, "Eff Eee Ell Vee."  Is that not right?  I have a vet appointment this afternoon for our brand new kittens, and I'd like to not sound like an idiot ...  

[LynneAV]

Thank you, everyone! When I went to our vet appointment, the tech brought up the subject of FIV and FeLV testing, and she spelled out the acronyms. "Fee Leuk" is a good idea, too -- it would be understandable to everybody, and it's fewer syllables.

We haven't done the testing yet, Pip, but the vet thinks our new little furbies are very healthy.

[PrettyKitty1]

You are right. But because not everyone knows what FeLV stands for, you might as well stick to saying the name of the illness to be better understood. But really, it is the same as IBD, which you just spell the letters.

[nancyjac]

It is an acronym, so you are right in that if you use the acronym, you say the letters FeLV.

[Piparskeggr]

Heya;

My wife and I just say "Fee Luke."  We have a friend in our home brew club who is a vet and she's never corrected us.

My wife had a cat, Junior, who was diagnosed with FeLV at age 2.  He was over 16 when he died after living a life as an outdoor (mostly) cat.

Hope your kitties are fine - Pip