Sharon (New Orleans, La, Us) on 02/26/2012:

You name it, I had every blood screening test done for liver, heart, diabetes, thyroid and whatever else was available including urinalysis. This is a somewhat "boutique" veterinary practice that is solely dedicated to cats so it is pricey, we're talking annual physicals w/shots at over $450. Urinalysis and fecal testing was extra as well as the various blood testing panels which put the bill a little over $900. The vet thought that it could be the possibility of aging or some kind of bacteria issue. She was convinced that since nothing else was wrong with him that this could be controlled since everything else had been ruled out. He had never been sick before and has never had to be medicated for anything.

I wasn't crazy about antibiotics but agreed that my poor guy was so miserable that we should go ahead and get rid of whatever evil bacteria was causing the problem as parasites had already been ruled out and follow up with a course of probiotics. The vet also was insistent on a ZD prescription diet to the tune of $35/4lb bag as well as an anti-inflammatory and vitamin B12 subcutaneous injections since it appeared that he was not absorbing nutrients from his food.

Within three days of the antibiotics the frequency of Leo's bowel movements dropped from 6/7 to 3/4 a day but still diarrhea. After 8 days of tricking leo into eating the two pills with the greenie pill pocket we were ready to start the probiotic phase that included capsules and a stool firming paste. We were to start the Prednisolone and B12 injections after 10 days of administering the probiotics, at which time I was to come pick up the prescription and report Leo's reactions. After the 10 days Leo was still having the diarrhea but the frequency of bowel movements did not increase.

Because we were administering so many different medications I decided to hold off on the B12 injections and tricked Prince Leo into eating the first Prednisolone with a greenie pill pocket on Wednesday the 22nd. It was administered at 6:30 PM that evening. By 9:30 PM Leo was vomiting profusely and having extreme diarrhea, he would not eat or drink any fluids. I immedidately got online researching diarrhea in cats and found Earth Clinic.

I always have Raw Organic Unfiltered ACV with "the mothers" since I am a vegetarian and make my own salad dressings. I also researched food. I was up all night administering the 1/4 teaspoon to 8oz filtered water with a water syringe (the kind you get from the vet to wash down medication) in three hour intervals. It was very difficult to get him to ingest the vinegar solution so I made sure that I applied some liberally to his paws since cats always lick themselves clean. I also did the 50/50 solution to the back of his neck massaging into the skin. I continued to coax Leo into drinking water and letting him rest.

Cats are not designed to eat grains which is a common ingredient in all cat foods. Notice those prescription diets never say GRAIN FREE!! I researched grain free cat foods and knew that one of my local grocery stores carried a human food grade grain free cat food by Wellness. The store opened at 7:00 AM and I can assure you I was the FIRST customer!! I avoided any of the fish flavors and stuck with the chicken, turkey & beef/chicken combo.

Whenever Leo hears a can opening he runs to the kitchen, although he was very weak, he sashayed his way in. I put a little of the oral solution I had mixed up in with two tablespoons of the cat food and some water. He gobbled it down immediately. Then went to lie down. He kept it down too!! I let him eat as much as he wants whenever he paws at me for food. He is now beginning to "fill out" in the spine area and his coat is glossy and silky. His stools are still soft but are beginning to form like mini logs and he is urinating just fine.

Who'd have thought a $6 bottle of organic ACV with "mothers" would be such a miracle cure. I will be continuing with this treatment until his stools are firm and then will cut back to 3 to 5 drops in his food for the future. This website is now my #1 bookmark for myself and Leo's health!!

Note: It is very important not to use ACV full strength from the bottle. Follow the dilutions and you will see improvement within 24 hours. Be prepared for the bowel movements to be very odorous!! To me that must be the bad bacteria being pushed out.