Another Update on Smokey

[Dee & Evan]

We got a called from our vet today on the results of Smokey's lab work 
that was sent away since their equipment could not read his blood.  His 
red blood cell count is at 30, 29 is at the edge of low for anemia, so 
he just missed that.  But she had more bad news about the little guy.  
He has the parasite Hemobartonella Telis (Hemobartinella).  The vet said 
he will have to be on antibiotic (Doxycycline) for at least three more 
weeks to battle this parasite.  Does anyone else have any experience 
dealing with this?  The feline leukemia home page says it is a 
contagious disease, 1/3 of cats die from it, & the ones who don't will 
have it for life.  Once again I'm freaking out!  We are to consult with 
the vet tomorrow on a "game plan" for Smokey. Wendy, you had said 
something about putting him on probiotics.  What is probiotics?  Can you 
give me a name brand, dosage, etc I can ask our vet about when we 
consult with her tomorrow?  I want to put him on at least the 
Interferone & Lysine but I don't know if this will be too much with the 
long regiment of antibiotics he will be taking.  How much should I worry 
about my other cats?  Everyone is on Frontline Plus.  Just when you 
think the little guy is going to turn the corner something like this 
happens....
Any information or advice would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks.