Dewey, the Dachshund

[Brigitte]

Marla,
if it were me, I would contact Dr. Dodds once you have all the results and ask her how you should proceed with the tapering. Of course I would tell Dr. Lang that is what you would like. You have come so far, you don’t want to spoil it all now!
Best wishes,
Brigitte

[Vally]

Oh Marla, that is so very very wonderful to hear. Regerative and baby reds. You can’t wish for anything more than that for anyone that comes here.

You have done so much for Dewey. Your love for him was so obvious in all your distress and worry. We all certainly get that. We’ve all been there.

No, don’t reduce anything for now. As the others have said, unless there’s a really serious reason, like really severe side effects, then no don’t change anything yet. Wait and hopefully it won’t be too long before Dewey’s bloods move back into normal 37 and up. Hey I’ll take 35 and up. Once there for a couple of tests, then that’s the time to start reducing.

Also as Patrice mentioned in her email, the prednisone is usually the first one to be reduced, because that is the one that causes the most side effects, then the cyclosporine because that doesn’t do as much damage. Bingo actually only stopped the cyclo at the beginning of this year. That’s 3 years after diagnosed, although when we stopped, he was only taking 1 capsule every second day. The plan had been to reduce the pred to zero, but we couldn’t do that.

I know the cyclo is also the more expensive medicine, and it would be great to drop that sooner as pred is a lot cheaper, but with most dogs, it’s not normally done that way.

Can you remind me again, how much cyclo is Dewey taking right now?

I had wanted to email you earlier before this last test to say, don’t panic if it drops a little again because, it truly does, and will, do that. But I’m not saying that now because Dewey the Star has gone up AGAIN!!!!

Lots of happy hugs.
Vally & Bingo

[admin]

Hi Marla

So good to hear your patience & determination have paid off at last. Regenerative is the best news & I’m really happy for you & Dewey!

I certainly would not risk doing any reductions yet as he is is not in normal range. I would also strongly advise you to tell Dr Dodds about what is happening – let her tell you what to do on the reduction front. She will be thrilled to hear the good news too! I completely agree with what everyone else has said. The prednisone should be reduced slowly & carefully, but you should not start this until Dewey’s PCV has been normal for a few tests.

Worzel also had bone marrow failure & we only started the pred reduction after he was back in the normal range for a couple of weeks. We left the other drug (in our case, azathioprine) well alone – continued with the same dose – until he was completely off the pred. The atopica (cyclosporine) does not have the nasty side effects that the pred has, so there is good reason for lowering the pred as much as possible first. This is the usual way to do things, but there are always exceptions of course – as Vally says, can you remind us what dose of atopica Dewey is on? If he is on a higher dose than the maintenance dose needed, Dr Dodds may ask you reduce it. The last thing any of us want is a relapse – it means the treatment has to go on much longer because you have to go back up to full dose sometimes. No fun. Take things slowly.

Taking no risks is the name of the game with this disease. You also have to continue to be patient too – it’s really hard, I know!

You have been a really great Mum to Dewey – I am so proud of you & how you’ve battled your way through everything. You should be proud of yourself too, Marla. Keep up the great work!

Loads of love, congratulations & hugs to you both
Sheena, Worzel & Ollie xxxxx

[Linda]

Good morning Marla. In reading all the posts, I totally agree with all everyone has said. And we’ve sent back and forth few e-mails between the team. But, as much as can be posted here on the forum going forward, will help others appreciate your tough but determined journey. :)

You not only had a very sick pup, (in addition to having a family to care for daily!), but you also had a vet that was not quite sure he agreed with the protocol if Dr. Dodds or us (this, we see often, unfortunately). But you pushed on and stayed strong, and wella, Dewey is in his way to bring healthy again.

But as all said too, please check with Dr. Dodds to get her thoughts on Dewey’s latest (HUGE) accomplishments and how to move forward. She will love hearing that he is doing well, regenerating, continuing the thyroxine AND beginning the PetTinic (should be there this Saturday). Let her know the precise meds and supplements he’s currently taking. You could even scan and send Vally’s (super awesome!) med chart, as that has everything on it, at a glacé and organized? Also, inform her of your vet’s suggestions. As you know, Dr. Dodds works WITH vets all the time and is very diplomatic.

And ALSO (so many demands, but you know I love ya!), please send the blood results that were sent out, as you mentioned you would. I think you said you’d have them Friday? Perfect. Oh, and send to Dr. Dodds too, with Ned chart and Dr. Long’s latest suggestion about the cyclo weaning (which, again, we ALL think is a bit too soon).

You did it. You did it. Deep breath, relax a bit today. The journey continues, but you are over the biggest hurdle, regenerating new baby red blood cells. Sweet words indeed!!!

Huge way-to-go hugs from me and sloppy smooches from Sadie, to both you and superstar, Dewey!!!

Linda and Sadie

[lynn]

marla, I am so happy to hear new red blood cells and Dewey’s pcv going up… this disease really does make pet parents feel helpless…. you are doing a great job taking such good care of your sweet little boy with that dear sweet face… he is so sweet. and, yes these dear wonderful ladies have such love and kindness… they sure got me through this with my little girl Hayley. I am just so happy for you and dewey… with all my heart. lynn & hayley

[Marla]

Hi all
Dewey had another check today and he is still hanging in there with pcv level of 25!! So incredibly happy!!!
Next appointment is on Thursday July 2 at 3 and will be discussing tapering of cyclosporin!
All I can say is thank god this forum is available for anyone going through this devastating disease. Your world is totally dark when diagnosed but you start seeing hope through all the inspirational stories and advice that everyone can offer! By no means is Dewey out of the woods yet but for now I have my little boy!!

[Linda]

Dearest Marla and Dewey – I am so happy, happy, happy!!!! Grinning ear to ear!!! Now start that PetTinic and let’s see what Thursdsy brings.

Much love, Linda and Sadie

[Vally]

Hey Marla, 25!!!! See it wasn’t a false reading last time. Dewey is a star and you’re a megastar!!!

Make sure when you go on Thursday that you get a new script for the cyclosporine at 25mg as those capsules can’t be broken. That really does need to start coming down now as too much is not too good either.

Love Vally & Bingo