Charlie's IMHA

[Ramona]

P.S. I just did a quick online check for blue-algae. I don’t like what I see. Not going to use it.

I will try the Milk thistle again, if I can get it down his throat and I still need to get SamE.

• This reply was modified 8 years ago by Vally.

[Vally]

Ramona, don’t ever apologise for not answering quickly. There is so much stress wound into our lives with this miserable disease that you just do what you can. I’m sorry to hear you have other personal problems to deal with right now too as well as a bad back. Sheeeesh. A day at a time.

I’m so pleased to hear that Charlie has improved. I’m thrilled your vet has agreed to add in the thyroxine. It really has turned many dogs around. If you can choose the brand, Thyro-Tabs are the better brand as recommended by Dr Dodds. It’s always possible that a low thyroid may have actually started this all off. Bingo was found to be hypothyroid when we were trying to work out what was wrong with him, so I suspect it may have been the trigger for Bingo.

I’ll be honest, reducing the two drugs at the same time is scary and none of us would ever recommend it. I understand what is meant by anaemia of chronic disease though, so I’ll hold my breath with you. Keep checking Charlie’s gums and eye sockets for colour. He’ll probably feel bad for a bit as you start reducing too. So just bear that in mind.

I suspect you’ll see a change in the liver enzymes with the reducing of the drugs. Have you been able to get SAM-e? Truly magic stuff.

I have a whole freezer shelf and fridge shelf for Bingo. He eats better than the rest of the family. Despite that, the wretch turned his nose up at his dinner last night and breakfast this morning. He hates my cooking. He just wants raw chicken necks (which have no nutritional value at all. I keep telling him) and tinned dog food.

We’ve done some research on the algae here and have not found any evidence that it can help, so I’m glad to see you’re not going there.

More prayers and good wishes for Charlie and Co.

Vally and Bingo

[Vally]

Look at those eyes !!!!!

[Ramona]

Thanks Vally, they are his super power! xoxo Charlie!

[Ramona]

Hi friends! I do not have clinical evidence yet, but just from observation, Charlie has been doing much better over the last week. His appetite has returned with a vengeance! At first, I thought it might just be his new fish and potato/sweet potato diet, but he just wants to eat anything and everything. Giving medication is now a breeze. When I’m home, he stalks me all day and constantly tries to lead me to the kitchen. I also noticed that his eyes stopped watering and his poop looks normal (Yay! Makes cleaning up the lawn less challenging.)

We went to our local vet for a blood test today and will get the results tomorrow. Prayers going up and fingers crossed for good PVC numbers.

[Vally]

Ramona, Charlie IS sounding better. Fingers crossed for some good results. If he’s acting better though that is a good indication. Hoping for good numbers. Don’t panic if it’s down a little, remember that hydration affects the results too. More hydrated, lower PCV, more dehydrate, higher PCV.

Good luck !!!!!

Vally and Bingo
Xxx

[Ramona]

Hi friends–As of last Wednesday, Charlie’s number went up a tiny bit to 26, and I let out a tiny sigh of relief! No more tummy issues, and he continues to be excited and bossy about food. Normally, I would try to correct the bossiness, but right now it’s music to my ears. So with our baby step progress, our specialist was comfortable with another reduction of the Prednisolone. It always makes me anxious, but I know we have to do it. And so far, he appears to be tolerating it well. Last two nights we didn’t have to get up for potty breaks. On Wednesday, we see our specialist again. I hope and pray for another increase in his PCV.
Good night, sweet dreams—Ramona & Charlie

[Vally]

Ramona, this is great news. I’m so pleased. I know it’s only a little step, but it’s in the right direction.

Yes, nothing like our rude boys to make us happy.

Good luck on Wednesday.

Vally & Bingo