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8 Year Old Labrador

Vally
Keymaster

Jane has posted:

Hi. My 8 year old Labrador was diagnosed with AIHA February 2016. She was prescribed Prednidale steroids. Her blood count has risen but she has a lot of muscle loss and doesn’t seem to be getting it back. Is this normal and her muscle will return? or does she need to be on something else to help? Her dose of Predinale has been reduced from 7mgs every 12 hours (14 mgs per day) to 4 mgs every 12 hours (8 mgs per day) But still she seems week with no return of muscle. I hope there is a way of building her muscle back up. Thanks. Jane

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Vally
Keymaster

Hi Jane, I moved you over to your own forum entry – hope that’s okay.

Just wanted to say hi and I’m sorry your girl has been diagnosed with this.

Prednidale is Prednisolone which is very similar to prednisone. Prednisone once processed by the liver produces prednisolone.

Yes, this absolutely does cause muscle loss and yes the muscle will return when it’s safe to slowly decrease. Pred has a lots of side effects – if you see this –
https://www.secondchanceaihadogs.com/AIHA_Terms/prednisone/

The best you can do is feed good quality high protein lean meat. Also feed more smaller meals during the day to help. I’m sure your girl is hungry. That’s one of the side effects of pred.

What is her current blood PCV? Great to hear that it’s risen.

Any questions, just ask.

My best, Vally & Bingo (diagnosed Nov 2011, in remission)

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Sheena
Guest

Hello Jane

A big welcome to you – glad you’ve joined us. What is your dog’s name? It is a rotten disease to deal with & I’m sorry you are going through this.

Vally has explained everything beautifully about the pred. I couldn’t agree more – my Worzel lost masses of muscle, then it all came back when we lowered the prenisolone, so don’t worry. We all have to live through the side effects of these life-saving drugs.

Any other worries you have, please feel free to tell us & we will try our best to help. Weaning the pred slowly & carefully is always the safest way with this disease. It’s really worth sticking to the guidelines here:
https://www.secondchanceaihadogs.com/AIHA_Terms/prednisone-dose-reduction/

All our best wishes
Sheena, Worzel (diagnosed Dec 2012, in remission) & his friend Ollie

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amy
Guest

Hi Jane! I am so sorry you have had to come to this forum but I am so pleased you have posted. Everyone here is amazingly helpful. I am not educated about AIHA since my pup has IMHA but I did want you to know that every one here is holding you and your pup in our hearts and praying and sending positive thoughts. Please do not hesitate to ask questions. Someone will get back to you I promise!
Warmly,
Amy & Coal

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Linda
Guest

Hello Jane. Just checking in on you and your pup. Did we get his name, sorry.

I hope we hear back from you and that you both are doing well. No question is too trivial or silly – as all have said, ask away. We have all been right were you are and know it’s very overwhelming.

Love and hugs, Linda and Sadie

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