Currently Liz is doing exceptionally well, and reminding us, once again, how different each elephant can be. Little Lizzie is proving to be more sensitive than Misty, so we are supporting her in that respect.
Finding the right Anti-TB medications for elephants can be very tricky: some cannot be absorbed rectally, others are difficult to acquire, some that have been used successfully to treat elephants in the past are no longer manufactured, and each drug affects each individual elephant differently. Unfortunately there is an element of trial and error which can be frustrating for the caregivers, but we continue to be reassured by the TB advisory team that this is totally normal and we should be thrilled with how things are going. To be quite honest, part of this frustration comes from so little data; some previous treatments have not been well documented, while other institutions are not sharing their information and experiences. Caregivers’ emotions are sometimes compounded when Liz goes through difficult periods like she did at the end of March and beginning of April. She was not eating well, was lethargic and understandably reluctant for treatment.
After three weeks of ups and downs, constantly working with our homeopathic vet to find a remedy that would help strengthen her system and increase her tolerance of her medications and food, allowing us to provide additional supplementation, Lizzie now looks as radiant as ever. She continues to thrive with her sisters, Frieda and Billie by her side. Lizzie is eating and drinking well, and remains exceptionally cooperative for daily medications. Presently Liz is on two drugs; a third drug will be arriving soon which she will have to be on for two months in order to comply with the treatment guidelines. We remain hopeful that the right combination of supplements, homeopathy, and a whole lot of TLC from her ele-friends and caregivers will carry her through this challenging drug therapy, leading to a healthy future.
Today on the Lizzie scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 being the best), she appears to be a 9.
Special note from Scott:
I need to add my sincere and humble appreciation to the caregivers. Treating elephants with TB can be a very difficult and trying process. It is hard enough to tend to an animal when they are sick from factors outside of our control, like tending to Ned who was in poor condition when he arrived. But, when you add in the element that the treatment we give her has actually caused Lizzie’s acute symptoms, the struggle is enough to rip our hearts in two. Times like we are experiencing now, when Liz feels great, rumbling, honking and squeaking, eating well, grazing on the spring grasses and napping with sisters, help to remind us of the long term goal; to help provide Liz with a long and healthy future.
Thank you, Richard, Barbara and Ashleigh, the three primary caregivers for Liz, Frieda and Billie and an extended thanks to Sam and Angela, primary caregivers for Lottie, Ronnie, Debbie and Minnie. This team is what makes the life at the Sanctuary for these lucky seven possible. These caregivers are in the foreground of their care; they are the ones that hold open hearts for healing, providing extra support and security when the elephants need it most. Anyone in the caregiver/healthcare provider role knows that this life can be overwhelming and exhausting, but it can also be infinitely rewarding. For those in our Quarantine barns, where extra precautions are needed, hot and sweaty tyvek suits, bulky respirators, extra disinfection, and intense medical treatments, dedication, commitment and tolerance hold a special value.
We all owe a debt of gratitude to the caregivers and providers on the ground floor, they are the first response in the good and the bad, and their dedication is what makes Sanctuary for Liz and the fourteen other residents possible. All hats off as we praise their work! Please remember to join in the elephants song and joyous celebration when life is good; their light and undeniable appreciation carries us through.
2010-04-30
