Both Jazz and Grace started acting sick about two weeks ago. Grace responded with Dox, and I tried to get away with splitting a vial of VO over two days for Jazz, (no Dox, Jazz has never been on Dox, and I didn't know if it was appropriate). She seemed to get a little better, than she got worse. I just started her on VO again 2 days ago, I'll do the full five days with 4cc each day, (I'm running out, but more is on order). This is the first time she's not responding, at least not yet. I also started decided to go ahead and put her on Dox, (also two days ago), but I've only been giving it once a day. Today I'll start giving Dox to her twice a day (as called for). Grace has always responded well to only once a day, but something else is going on with Jazz. She's hanging in there, she seemed a little bit better this morning, (a bit more alert than last night). She's not eating well, (She's off her regular food altogether, she is eating a little bit of baby food, but not everytime I offer it, especially if I try and slip in some Transfer Factor). Her third eyelids have been up for the last week, and I've seen her licking cement, (sign of anemia). I tend to panic, for good reason; we have an appointment at 5pm at the internist tomorrow. I'm praying she'll drastically improve by then. I've been focusing so much energy and attention on Gypsy, (who is improving slightly with oral Pred), that I let Jazz's situation get away from me. I tell you, I'm tired!
The one thing I've found, is that the VO can be, and is, a life saver. The problem is that it hasn't proved to be the cure I'd hoped for, at least not in the cases of cats that have reached the stages that Jazz, Grace and Brissle seem to, I'm guessing they're all at stage four. It's an excellent weapon in our arsenal for keeping them asymptomatic, though. I'm still hopeful that it will prove to be enough of a boost to clear the disease for those fortunate enough to use it during the earlier stages.
I've been thinking about the new members. The IBD list that I recently joined, (a real disappointment in many ways, I wrote to James to thank him for spoiling me without my even being aware!), has a questionnaire they send out to all newbies. I think that's an excellent idea to save time in addressing common problems and help with solutions. We could send each new member an off-list email with questions about their cat, his symptoms, and what, if anything they've already done. Along with the questions, a few paragraphs about common treatments, and diet etc.would be a real time saver, (something like Kerry's already been doing). What do you think? I guess we should talk to the list administrators about this.
Once again, thank you Kyle and everyone else for your continued support and help,
Much love to all of you,
Nina
Melbeach wrote:
Nina, what's going on with Jazz? Is she not responding to VO? I'm so sorry to hear about this. We think we have the pot of gold, and no? I'll be praying for you guys.
-Kyle
