Doberman with AIHA

[Vally]

Hi Karyn, I understand frantic hubby.

Yes, I agree with the little walks, if it keeps Louis happy, but keep them short.

If he’s having trouble eating, I wonder if the pred could be causing problems with his tummy. Ulcers are very common at high dose pred. Sucralfate (Carafate) is excellent to keep this under control https://www.secondchanceaihadogs.com/AIHA_Terms/sucralfate/
It lines the stomach and heals any problems there. It can’t be given with other meds though, as it blocks their absorption. Any chance you could ask for this? It’s usually given 3 times a day and good if it’s given last thing at night.

I agree about hand feeding for now. Absolutely did that with my boy, and still do occasionally, because he’s taught me so well and he tells me he needs a pamper some times, because I’m hard work.

Lots of love, Vally & “I’M not hard work”

[Sheena]

Karyn

Vally is spot on – great call actually (she’s a very astute & lovely lady) – it would be good to get that added to the meds. BUT I have a horrible feeling UK vets often refuse to prescribe it from other UK owners experiences. At least 3 people were flatly refused it because it contains aluminium. Even though it’s the best tummy protector we know of! Karyn, please do ask though- other names for sucralfate in the UK I know of are Antepsin & Carafate. You can’t buy it any more unfortunately, even the it was over the counter purchase when we last lived there – it’s prescription only now.

[admin]

Hi Karyn – seems like such a rollercoaster. I do hope you and Louis (and your husband!) are all doing OK. Keep thinking of you. It’s such a vile disease. Please keep us all updated and tell Louis to keep on fighting. Every tiny little improvement matters. We are all rooting for you guys

Lynda

[jill]

Hi Karyn, I was so pleased to hear Louis blood has gone up ,that is great news! im sorry to hear about him being sick though, it is a worrying time for you guys, my heart goes out to you, I must agree with Sheen because I was worried about Snoopys muscle wastage as he went really skinny and lost weight, however he has alwaysbeen hungry and thirsty on the steroids, my vet put him on hills id gastrointestinal food but recently we have changed to royal canin which he loves , I also give him small amount fresh cooked turkey breast as a treat for protein, as he cant have chicken it makes him have a bad tum, he has put weight back on although he still has muscle wastage but im assured that will come back after he is off the meds, I take him 2 to 3 short walks a day, sometimes they don’t realise they cant go as far so you have to limit there distance.And I don’t let him run either , although I let him lead.He is still very tired inbetween times of being “normal”and his blood is of normal range now so these drugs do effect them so much, we are in the prossess of reducing the predon at the moment with Snoopy. You have been on my mind all night , we are all thinking of you and Louis he is such a lovely boy, I do hope he improves , love and hugs jill and Snoopy, xxxxxx

[karxlee]

Well… what a night, Louis vomited a bit of blood in the night and wouldn’t eat or drink. We called Rutland and they said to bring him over to them tonight at 17:00, but in the mean time get our local vet to give him an anti-sickness injection, which we did, and when John brought him home he drank a bowl of water and ate Olga’s breakfast! he then started to play with her, what a difference!

We are still going to take him for a check up and I’ll ask them if they will do a sneaky PCV check whilst we are there.

The roller coaster ride continues, than you for your support as always.

xxxx

[Sheena]

Hi Karyn

Goodness, you poor things – all of you have had a rough night.Thank goodness he’s hungry again – that makes me smile!

Vally’s instinct is right – Please could you push for more stomach protection tonight – sucralfate is the BEST thing for our dogs & will help heal any ulceration caused by the drugs – they are really hard on tummies, Karyn. I just hope you can get something quickly.The last thing you need is for him to lose any more of that precious blood.

I think you are doing an incredible job – good luck this evening – we are all beside you on this rollercoaster.

Love Sheena xxxxx

[Vally]

Good luck with the test. Crossing everything.

Love Vally and Bingo
Xxx

[jill]

Good Luck Karyn XXX