In just one month's time, I have already seen some positive changes in Jemma. What is simply amazing to me are the blood test results. We re-ran the same blood tests approximately four weeks after the vet appointment...
Her bile acids value was already within reference/normal range in the first test a month ago, but this time, not only did it continue to stay normal, but the value actually went down by quite a bit, becoming even MORE normal than ever before.
In January 2010, her post bile acids value was 18.3 (normal is 0.0-22.0 umol/L). In November 2010, her post bile acids value was 18.0. Four weeks ago, her post bile acids was 18.1. So you can see a trend there - it usually stays in the 18 range.
Now in July 2011, it is at 11.1, which is just about at the midway level of the normal range. This is her all-time low since being diagnosed with MVD four years ago. Excellent!
This indicates that she has lower bile acids circulating in her blood 2 hours after eating a full meal (than in previous tests), which is a GOOD thing. It means her liver is doing really well. With MVD, bile acids tend to run high as the organ is impaired and unable to work as efficiently.
It is amazing how much diet can affect the health. Okay, I always knew this, but I did not imagine that the incorporation of TCM properties in a liver diet could produce even better blood results.
I've always believed that everything happens for a reason and this time, perhaps there was a specific reason why she had to become ill at the same time we were out of town...we would not have had such a great vet experience otherwise! Oh, and the diagnosis for her feeling unwell in the first place? It was a stomachache afterall.
Jemma is proud of her 9 years old self. Yes, she turned 9 in the midst of all this. We'll make a post on that later.
P.S. For those who asked for more info on the diet and foods in Part I, I promise I will get back to you, just give me some time :) I'm behind on a lot of work and have to catch up first. Thanks!
Same goes for catching up on all your blogs. I'm so bad, I know.