For Hope and Steve

[Tamara]

Oh — just to be clear, it’s the pred that’s making them pee so much.

And check Costco for med prices, I save about half over what the clinic charges.

hugs — Tamara

[Hope]

Hey Tamara!

 

thank you so much for responding — I may wait until Monday to see how Steve’s PCV is to ask for a consult, but I think I may contact Dr. Dodds at least for information now.

And thank you for the help with the pee pee issue..I feel much better now!

Hugs to you and Ashki as well!!

xoxo Hope and Steve

[Tamara]

Hope, I can send you all the info she sent me — my email is (deleted)  if one of the moderators could delete my email after Hope says she has it, that would be great.  Not to say you shouldn’t contact Dr. Dodds, just thought I would offer!

xoxo Tamara and Ashki

• This reply was modified 10 years, 6 months ago by Vally.

[Hope]

Hey!

 

Thanks so much — got your email! Messaging you now!

 

Thanks!

[Tamara]

Please also delete Dr. Dodds’ email. Thank you!

[admin]

Done :)

[admin]

Hi Hope

I’m so glad to hear that Steve is home. Tamara is spot on – the prednisolone makes them drink and urinate a lot. You may also find that Steve feels very hot and he may pant. It can also make them very hungry. You can read more about prednisolone here:

https://www.secondchanceaihadogs.com/AIHA_Terms/prednisone/

It sounds like good news that his PCV seems to have stabilised somewhat, compared to how it was before. You can also tell a lot by how they are clinicially, so it is likely your vet has been monitoring his overall presentation (heart rate, breathing, gums, behaviour etc) as well as his bloods. You will also be able to monitor his behaviour at home, since you know him best. This is really, really important, and if you notice a change in his behaviour that concerns you, always get it checked out.

I’m not up on urate stones in dogs but I know the others will be able to advise when they see your post. Molly had a few urate crystals in her bladder and used to get idiopathic cystitis, and she did pee a lot of blood at these times (long before IMHA) so I would guess it’s possible but certainly will need to be monitored, as Steve can’t afford to be losing a lot of blood right now. I would keep a close eye and if you see more blood in his urine, take him back to see the vet.

From what I can tell, his medication list looks pretty good (I’m unsure on dosing) and I’m very pleased they are covering him for clotting. The prednisolone dose looks much better, and it’s great that they are giving famotidine to protect his tummy. When the others read your post, I think they will suggest some sort of liver protection also, and there are a variety of supplements used for this. I have not come across the mycophenolate before so I really don’t know about that, but your vet seems to have his reasons for choosing it.

The PCV will fluctuate slightly for a variety of reasons . This can be due to dehydration, stress, samples being taken from different sites, clots in the sample etc. Clots the the sample is a different thing to clots in the bloodstream. I could be wrong, and I will ask that others correct me if so, but I do not think that the fluctuating PCV is an indication that Steve is suffering from clotting. Do ask your vet this too.

What does the vet have planned for follow up? Steve should have regular PCV checks and follow up visits at the moment to ensure he is responding to his medication.

I’m so glad he’s home with you now. Give him a big cuddle from us

Mary and Mable x

[Hope]

Hey Mary!

He is due back tomorrow for a PCV re-check.. the doc had said that if it was good, we could re-check on Thursday again. But I’m a paranoid and terrified mommy so I think I’m going to ask him if we can do at least every other day. I’d like to do everyday but that might be mean to Steve.

He’s been pretty good all weekend — eating, drinking and urinating up a storm. He seems a little knocked out but I suppose that is to be expected.

I’ll let everyone knows how tomorrow goes! Fingers (and paws) crossed!

xoxo Hope  and Steve