After a big discussion (argument) with hubby who thinks that I'm running wild with taking animals to the vet, here is the plan for Jim:
Jim is off wet food, except for a small bit every other day for his prednisilone. He hasn't had any wet food since yesterday and he is doing quite well today and is very playful.
I'm also not going to take him outside when the neighbours are burning wood and debris as they were yesterday. I think the smoke in the air is what prompted his rapid breathing, which is what I noticed as soon as I brought him from their outdoor enclosure. As soon as I opened the cage door when we got back inside, he walked a foot and then laid down breathing rapidly. Today he is back to normal with regard to breathing so it may have been the smoke.
I have also been looking into two other things that I think will help him. I've ordered Transfer Factor for Tiger and it is supposed to help build up the immune system and can help cats with IBD. So, I'm going to give it to both of them. The only thing is, it is in capsule form and I have to mix it in with wet food, but I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.
The other thing is Slippery Elm, which is supposed to be helpful for IBD. You mix the powder with water on the stove and then mix a measured amount of the cooled mixture in with food.
My two main concerns right now are his breathing and his weight loss. His breathing is regular today which I'm so grateful for. If I can get his digestion healthier, I think I can get him back on track.
All this being said, if he is not improving within one week. We're going to the vet. That is something my husband and I have agreed on.
I'll keep you posted.