Red blood cell count decreased

[Hope]

Lita did have a bad infection UTI but medicine worked and blood count up from 23 to 25.. she gained a couple pounds also.. she does have sores / bumps on her feet legs.. is this from prednosolonr or cyclosporine?

[Hope]

In reference to heart worm prevention.. I noticed interceptor and Dimmitrol were mentioned but I noticed heart guard is recommended.. is interceptor okay? This is what Lita has been taking..

[Vally]

Hope, wondering if she may now have a staph infection. Vet might want to take a swab to check. It’s not uncommon to see this happen and it’s likely caused by the prednisone.

With heartworm, Dr Dodds has recommended the heart gard, so that’s what most of us has used as we know it’s safe.

Vally

[Patrice]

Hope,
The bumps and sores are due to high dose prednisone use. Please go to this page:
https://www.secondchanceaihadogs.com/dermatology-resources
and read the two articles about Hyperadrenocorticism. Atopica (cyclosporine) can also have some skin side effects such as excess growth of the gums and a few related skin growths.

But for the most part what you are seeing is the beginnings of a staph infection which can be treated easily with an antibiotic. See this page for more information:
https://www.secondchanceaihadogs.com/AIHA_Terms/staph-infection.

Dr. Dodds has always approved Interceptor, on a 45 day cycle, for dogs on our site. I have used it for years on my dogs, safely. I like it because it also worms for more dangerous worms a dog can contract.
my best, patrice

[Hope]

Thank you for all your help. I can feel at ease knowing interceptor is okay

[Hope]

Have another question this time about swollen paws.. Lita is still on prednisone and paws are swollen.. I see that people get swollen ankles from prednisone does this happen to dogs? I have been giving her hot dogs which are high in sodium.

[Vally]

Hi Hope, I’m not a fan of hot dogs for dogs as they are high in fat and sodium. It would be an easy thing to stop the hot dogs and see if the feet improve.

Vally

[Hope]

So I get a call from doctors office today. The tech states labs not good but doctor has chart so can’t tell me more. He has chart because calling other doctors with case.. Of course I am upset I have requested a copy ASAP!!
Lita was doing good before I changed from atopica to cyclosporine neoral generic. Instead of increasing the cyclosporine dose he put her on ketoconazole. I am now wondering if this drug is causing issues..