Dewey, the Dachshund

[admin]

Just wanted to thank everyone for jumping in to send some support to Marla, and sharing your amazing stories of courage and hope.

We encourage everyone to post on the forum for this very reason. Everyone has something to share and contribute, and the support from others who have been through this nightmare is truly worth its weight in gold.

Thank you, wonderful people (and your wonderful pups!)

Mary and Mable x

[admin]

Hi Marla. So nice to see your post here. There is so much that you are going through with Dewey that will help other pups and their fur parents. This forum is to bring us all together; to console, advise, listen, and help. The combined knowledge and background of this forum, coupled with the glosserary, links and professional page for Dr. Dodds, are just a few of the reasons to be here with us.

We were, and many still are, right where you are now and we know this continual roller coaster can grip your soul. But, you ARE doing an awesome job with Dewey and hanging tight and are being adamant with your vet, insisting that he do as you request. We know how difficult that can be. Unfortunately, like others have said, many – too many – vets just don’t get the ins and outs, the tries and try something else, the protective supplements, even the weaning process. None of it, some of it, most of it – it’s not enough – they need to know ALL of it to fight this disease. And they need to keep an open mind. Then, this stinking darn disease CAN be beat. But it’s two steps forward and one back, much of the way. Stay strong.

We are thinking of you. Keep posting, keep plugging along (like me, the old woman, remember?!?). AND stay positive.

Love and huge hugs,

Linda and Sadie

[admin]

Hi Marla

I really hope everyone’s messages have given you some support (thanks everyone) – you know now how much we all care about each other – that includes you & Dewey. All of us have thought our dogs were going to die from this evil disease – I did too – there were times of utter despair. Without the people I now know so well on here (I consider them to be close friends now), I think the loneliness – the isolation – of IMHA would have really got me down to rock bottom. It’s a long & winding road, Marla, sometimes with twists & turns along the way, but we will always be here to help you.

Love Sheena, Worzel & Ollie xxxxx

[lynn]

hi marla,
Sheena a beautiful woman with even a more beautiful heart could not have said it any better… it upper post. these wonderful ladies pulled me up and gave me such hope…. I could never have made it without them…. as my little Hayley was so very weak and sick for so long… before her medications kicked in. These wonderful people being through this disease they knew what works and what doesn’t … and dr. dodds emails she too is a very loving kind vet and loves our fur babies to… and, believe me she knows so very much about treatments to help our fur baby. she did not change the treatment my babies vet had her on … except for sam-e added to the milk thistle.i trust everyone on this forum with my life and most of all I trust their advice on my baby… they care as sheena said in upper post… this I do know. my baby was 7 years old when hit she is now 11 years old… they can make as hayleys pcv was only at 8% the day she had her transfusion. I do not know you as well as the wonderful ladies here… but I do care and have kept you and dewey in many good thoughts each day. all the very best to your sweet little boy dewey and his so very dear sweet face those eye’s are just the most he has… you see the sweet heart he has. all the very best of happyiness to you and dear dewey. lynn & hayley

[admin]

Hi Marla. Just checking in on you and Dewey AND hoping your weekend has been good. How was the ice cream outing? Great, I hope!

Keep us posted okay?!? Sending our love and HUGE hang-in-there hugs,

Linda and Sadie

[Marla]

Hi all!!
Another Dewey update for you.
His complete blood work came back from the lab today. The vet said everything seems quite positive!! His new pcv levels are 25.9 from 24 yesterday. Could be a different machine I’m sure, but I’d like to think he’s improving!! I hope I’m correct ( I’ll get a copy for my ladies on Friday) but his reticulocyte count was 6.5. There were so many numbers being thrown my way I could be mistaken! He said the body is making baby red cells. The lab has him labelled as ” moderately anemic with regenerative something something! I was so happy to hear regenerative!!! So he will have pcv checked on Friday again and possibly next week start tapering off cyclosporin. I guess this is where the true test begins- to see if he maintains or drops. Scary stuff!! I just want time to stop right now so i can enjoy my little boy!!! Can I get feedback from everyone when their babies started tapering off meds? I just like to know what I can or cannot expect!
I know I’ve said it before, but you all have helped me come back to life from a very dark hopeless feeling place. You all have made a special mark in my heart as well as Dewey’s and I can’t thank you enough for guiding me through! If anyone has hesitations about posting their fears or questions about this awful disease- DONT hesitate! These ladies are truly earth angels that will guide you and help you with incredible words of wisdom from their own experiences.
Love you all!!!

[Linda]

Oh Marla – here, sweet girl, and reading these wonderful words. REGENERATIVE – the greatest word ever!!! We’ll take that, right?!?!!!

This is the best news ever. However, don’t start the weaning process just yet. Let’s talk about that.

But for now, bask in the glory of all you have accomplished – a long journey worthwhile! So very proud of this – you and Dewey are amazing.

Sleep well, with this little ‘yes! did it!’ on your face, because you worked, worried and came through!!! Congratulations!!!! :)

Much, much love, Linda

[Brigitte]

Hi Marla!
I am grinning from ear to ear! I am so happy for you, finally a great result! Should I say it, should I? I will whisper…. I told you so:) You and Dewey are a great team and your diligence and his will to fight got you here. for both of you, a job well done!
I agree with Linda, bask in the success but lets discus the weaning. I think you want those numbers to climb a bit more before you think about decreasing the immune suppressing drugs. Keep doing what you are doing for now. The petinic will help and Dewey has not been on the thyroid supplement for very long so I am sure he will improve from test to test now. Usually the weaning does not start until the values are in the low normal numbers (around 37) Unless the side effects are really bad. Don’t let this discourage you please! There has clearly been an incredible improvement and you should focus on that. If Dewey keeps going like that it won’t be long until you can decrease the meds. It is usually done no more than 25-33% every 2-3 weeks, only one medication at a time and preceded by a blood test.
Dewey is on the way to recovery and you made it happen. Take a deep breath and give yourself a pat on the back and a chin scratch from me for Dewey!!!
Best wishes,
Brgitte