I was so sure you were going to mention FIP, that that's what I read, not FIV. Nasty disease and in its dry form can cause such a variety of symptoms it's not easy for vets to diagnose.

I've seen cats do what Brandi is doing many times. I should add here that I've fostered sick and hospice cats for the clinic of a local sanctuary for about 7 years now, as well as caring for my own cats throughout their, usually, long lives. To me, when a cat picks up food and then drops it, it indicates the cat feels hunger but then feels nauseated by food, any food. I've seen it with cats who are fully recovered from lipidosis when they are starting to eat by themselves, and I've seen it in my CRF cat, Sam, when she's recovered from a virus. That's why I feel you are doing the very best thing by force feeding Brandi, she needs to get used to having food in her stomach to get over the nausea. Cats don't have to drool, gag or throw up when they are nauseated; sometimes they don't do anything except drop the food back in the bowl or simply not eat. I don't give drugs unless I absolutely have to, but in your place I'd give Cerenia (if your vet will agree.)