Any experience with Veraflox? FortiFlori questions? Hawthorn berry for heart & liver disease?

Veraflox is a relatively new drug, so I wanted to be certain it was 'liver safe' since originally my vet was ready to put a cat with ALT levels almost 6 times high normal on 6 weeks of low-dose metronidazole for clostridium perfigens, even though this drug had lost its effectiveness early on in this 3-year battle and from what I've read is hard on the liver. Also, Willow's stools have improved since switching him over to frozen raw - solid for the most part, except for maybe the last inch of a bowel movement - not smelly - no more gas - and if I use FortiFlora his stools seem to darken up a bit from their normal light tan color, which surprises me because it seemed to trigger explosive diarrhea just a couple of months ago.

I also have questions about FortiFlora as I understand there are some concerns about the animal digest in it as well as the type of bacteria included in it, enterococcus faecium? Any input? I know when I tried other probiotics they either made his diarrhea worse or did nothing at all.

Also, I ordered 'Denamarin' for his liver and 'Young at Heart for Cat Heart Disease' which contains Hawthorn Berry for his heart. Originally I was worried that I'd hurt his liver trying to fix his heart with this, but I'm finding that Hawthorn Berry might also be beneficial for treating liver problems, diarrhea, even tapeworm. Below are the ingredients of the 'Young at Heart for Cat Heart Disease' supplement as well as an article about its heart/liver benefits. Anybody ever try this supplement? I'll keep everybody posted as to whether or not it helps. Right now Willow is pretty listless, so it's really my only hope at this point. I just can't lose this cat - he's my everything. I feel so bad that I never really bonded like this with my other cat.

The Hawthorn Berry in History & Today:

http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Hawthorn-Berry-in-History-and-Today&id=510247

'Young at Heart for Cat Heart Disease' ingredients:

• Hawthorn berry, buds and leaf (Crataegus spp.)*:  Hawthorn is comprised of a variety of thorny shrub species from the Rose family. Traditionally, the berries have been used but there is mounting evidence to show that the flower buds and leaves contain high levels of useful constituents as well. Hawthorn is high in antioxidants (flavonoids) including OPCs, similar to the powerful flavonoids found in grapes that fight free radical damage. Hawthorn is used for the overall function and vitality of the entire cardiovascular system. It is used extensively in herbal medicine to support the heart muscle, heart rhythm, arterial system and coronary arteries, blood pressure and general circulation.
• Arjuna bark (Terminalia arjuna)**: Arjuna is a botanical with traditional roots in India, where it has an extensive history. It has been used for supporting the cardiovascular, digestive, urinary and respiratory systems. In the past 10 years, it has received more attention in the west for its ability to help maintain cardiovascular health, including heart muscle strength, heart rhythms and heart rate. It also supports normal blood viscosity and normal blood vessel elasticity.
• Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)*: Motherworts action is twofold. Although it is considered an herb for supporting heart function, it also has been used for restlessness and agitation. This herbs actions are to support normal blood pressure, the hearts electrical impulses and help to maintain healthy circulation.
• Nettle herb (Urtica dioica)*: Nettle supports the bodys ability to excrete fluid through the kidneys. It is also high in minerals that are needed by the cardiovascular system, including calcium and potassium.
• Fo-ti root (Polygonum multiflorum)**: Primarily used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (also called He Shou Wu), Fo-ti root has a long folkloric past as an herb for youthfulness and vigor. Today, we also know this plant for its useful application in supporting heart function. Traditional claims of this herb are that it "nourishes" the heart, possibly due to its ability to support the blood vessels that carry blood into and away from the heart and maintain healthy lipid levels in the blood.
• Schisandra fruit (Schisandra chinesis)*: Extensively used in eastern countries, the berries of the woody Schisandra plant are known to be supportive to many parts of the body. High in antioxidants, these berries support strong immunity, the liver, stress reduction, cognitive function and the cardiovascular system. Schisandra helps to maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
• Gotu kola herb (Centella asiatica)*: This is an herb with considerable use in both Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. In the latter discipline, the name Brahmi was given to this herb, meaning "of divine origin". Gotu kola is known for its ability to help support the venous system and blood flow to extremities. Do not confuse this herb with Kola nut (Cola nitida or C. acuminata), an herb that contains caffeine.
• Ginger rhizome (Zingiber officinalis)*: Ginger is used in very small quantities in this formula to help promote circulation.
• Glycerin based

Total of  375mg / 20 drops (1ml)

Herbs are *certified organic or **ethically wild-harvested

Inactive ingredients: Deionized water, natural bacon flavor, vegetable glycerin

Hi,

I'm not familiar with Veraflox and so can't offer an opinion. 

I've seen fortiflora used extensively and it seems to be helpful, but i'm not familiar with your specific concerns.

Denamarin is widely used for specific liver issues and is best on an empty stomach.

I have only recently heard about Veraflox; although, I have not used it. One of my vet learned about it at a recent conference and mentioned it to me. I am still trying to get more information on it.

As for FortiFlora. I have used it multiple times over the last 2 yrs; however, as I personally have several cats with protein allergies/intolerances, I am starting to use more humane probiotics. I just don't want to take the risk. Culturelle is what I am using at the moment; but, have only been using for a short period of time v

Thanks for the replies. I didn't know denamarin should be given on an empty stomach, so thanks. Is it a liquid? Or must it be pilled? I've been putting milk thistle in his food because his denamrin hasn't arrived yet - I'm not even sure if it's a pill or a liquid - I was just anxious to order it.

I'm worried about the FortiFlora too because I think it might have chicken in it, and I'm still not sure if allergies are a part of the puzzle.

Denamarin is ideal on an empty stomach because when combined with food the enzymes it contains are eaten up in the digestive process.  Yup its a pill.  My cat hates pilling so my vet said to use a pill pocket between meals and he showed significant improvement despite that a small amount of food was combined with the pill.

Thanks, I never had to pill this particular cat before, but I'm hopeful it will go smoothly because he is a pretty laid back guy. Wish me luck!

Have you ever used pill pockets?  Hollow treats that you hide a pill inside.  Here is alink to them on thecatsite.com and they are generally aailable also at et stores and vet offices, amazon etc.

http://www.thecatsite.com/products/greenies-pill-pockets-for-cats