Per, Brigitte, et al.,
I just spoke to the breeder about Louie's treatment. The suspected culprit was indeed coccidia and the drug that they sent me last month, to combat it was Marquis, not Clavamox. I don't know what made me say "Clavamox", but my apologies for the error and confusion. In any event, the problem was NOT coccidia, because the Marquis did not clear it. The breeder went on to tell me that they give probiotics to all of their kittens at weaning to ensure that any associated stresses are headed off before they can become an issue. They get the intestinal flora whether they need it or not. Their kittens are wormed before given up for adoption. Their facility is scrupulously cleaned and disinfected at all times.
Dale Hummel received his Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Sciences from the University of Illinois and his graduate degree in Animal Nutrition. First teaching at the University level, he now holds a position at Joliet Junior College where his curriculum includes Animal Science, Genetics, Nutrition, Live Animal Evaluation, and a Companion/Exotic Animal class. I have spoken to him at length about Louie's elimination "problem". WITHOUT ANY PROMPTING ON MY PART, he said that the condition is very possibly caused by premature elimination of the stool from the bowel, before proper moisture absorption can be completed. THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT I HAD IN MIND, AND WHAT I POSTULATED IN AN EARLIER POST, ABOVE. This morning, again. Lou defecated in front of me just as soon as I approached his litter box. The last 1/4 of the stool was soft and light colored, with the first 3/4 being normal.
If this is true, then the condition will probably not be corrected by any additional measure of repopulating or supplementing the intestinal flora. With this in mind, it is logical as to why the ProZyme, although beneficient, did not produce the desired result. If this is true, then there is no logical explanation why/how some cats do this, and it can only be hoped that he will grow out of it.
Dale and I also discussed the possibility that the EVO Turkey and Chicken kibble might be too rich for him. Remember that I was feeding Royal Canin before the EVO, and the situation was the same.
I will continue to explore possibilities, although now I am resigned to the fact that this may be a condition over which there is no solution.The upside of this is that Louie appears to be suffering NO distress whatsoever. He is growing nicely, energetic, with a shiny and healthy coat. There is never any blood or mucous in the stool.
FWIW, if anything, I should add that Lou has the "hiccoughs" occasionally. Take this as additional background. From my perspective, it means nothing, but an expert might see that as a clue.
Which do you recommend that I use next: Proviable KP, Proviable DC, or Probios?