Liz grazing in the pasture
Liz is doing quite well, and she's being incredibly patient with us, as we continue to search for the right combination of treatments that will work for her. Treating elephants for TB has been described by some as a 'year of hell'. Although we wouldn't go that far, it has definitely been challenging and sometimes disheartening.
For a while Lizzie was not absorbing the drugs well; other times there was conflict with one medication cancelling out the others' effectiveness. Other times her body rejected the treatment, rapidly expelling the rectal drugs. The frustrating part is that these treatments have worked well in other cases, so why not with Liz? No one has the answers. A few weeks ago, Liz reached a point where she was only eating a couple of flakes of hay, a few branches of willow or elm and a few pieces of bamboo each day. She didn't want anything else, and trust us, Liz's caregivers tried just about everything under the moon. Occasionally Liz would eat one or two pieces of fruit or vegetables, then wouldn't touch them again for a week.
Recently, after discussing our options with the veterinary TB advisory group, we took Liz off her meds for a week; giving her a break before we started her on another drug, hoping for better results medically as well as helping Liz to feel better. During this break she bounced back rapidly—within a few days returning to her normal diet, with a special fondness for cucumbers and green peppers.
Now she is eating like our old Lizzie, and we are able to once again get her to consume her probiotics and other supplements that help reduce the side effect of the medications. When Liz was not eating grain, or produce, or jello, or smoothies, or homemade peanut butter oat cookies… we were also unable to get Liz to take any of her supplements, which only compounded the effects that she was feeling from the medications.
For a caregiver, the worst feeling in the world is the realization that the treatment we are providing is making our loved one feel worse. While we wished we could have given her this break sooner, the problem is that the more time Lizzie is off this treatment after it has already started, the greater the probability of developing a drug resistant strain of TB.
Lizzie is now on a new treatment regimen that her body appears to be handling quite well. Lizzie remains bright and has maintained a hearty appetite. She always conveys soft, warm rumbles when we are treating her, which is then followed by the chorus of singing, honking and squeaking when she goes back to be with her two best friends, Frieda and Billie.
While we would like to be providing more frequent updates on Lizzie, this roller coaster ride that we've shared with her has made it difficult, since her status has changed so often; one day showing signs of an improved appetite, the next, symptoms she was rejecting her treatment. Our fingers are crossed right now with anxious anticipation as we continue to move forward, finding the balance of keeping Liz comfortable while also meeting her medical needs.
Many people have asked us why treating TB seemed so easy with Misty, but so challenging with Liz. Just like people, no two elephants are alike. Some tolerate medications better than others, and if you just look at the two physically, Misty could be described as an impenetrable tank, while Liz is petite and leaner. Another factor is that one of the treatment drugs that Misty and most of the handful of elephants that have successfully undergone TB treatment in this country received is no longer available, and the alternatives tend to have more side effects. Without the human demand for this drug it is no longer manufactured, adding yet another obstacle towards achieving successful treatment for elephants.
Yet throughout all of the highs and lows, Lizzie's spirit has never wavered. At times she has needed more rest and has not had quite as much energy, but her wakeful time has still been filled with rumbles and playful time with her sisters. She continues to be herself in all ways;in outlook, demeanor, and cooperativeness. The light that Lizzie has always emanated continues to strongly shine through.
We will keep you posted!