Heart murmur

[admin]

Hi Jen

Poor you, poor Maggie. These things always happen at the most awkward times, just to make us worry more. Sorry you have this to contend with on your trip – Patrice has explained everything possible already. I suspect it might be vestibular too – it sounds a bit like what happened to my old Border Collie. He was suddenly very dizzy & nauseous, fell over, walked in circles & developed the rapid side to side eye movement called nystagmus. He also had pee & poo accidents as he didn’t know where he was. He was much more badly affected than Maggie by the sounds of it & he was soon back to normal. If that happened to us, we would be sick & dizzy too! Like the Horner’s syndrome, they are not in any pain.

It is very distressing to watch, I know, & it really upset me to see him like that. The good news is that it usually resolves in a couple of weeks but you will probably need anti-nausea medications (motion sickness pills for dogs can help) & some vets also give other meds depending on the cause. It is likely that this ear discharge is an indication of an ear infection. I agree with Mary. That, together with the palsy, makes me suspicious about an infection too. Ketoconazole is used to kill fungal infections, not bacteria, so you might need an antibiotic instead – I would not use the ketoconazole again without asking a vet first – some drugs should be avoided with the AIHA medications & if it isn’t a fungal infection it won’t work anyway. Maybe you could pop into a vets & get them to have a look in her ear & get an antibiotic instead if necessary – simple – problem solved! My specialist told me never to use penicillin based antibiotics with Worzel because of the AIHA, so if the vet doesn’t know what’s happened with Maggie, you need to to tell them that & make sure they know what medications she is taking too. If in any doubt, post another message & I’ll gladly check for drug interactions etc for you. Going to a vet will stop you worrying & then you can enjoy your trip in peace – you deserve a good time after being such a great Mum to dear Maggie.

Keep us all posted on how you are getting on

Love & hugs
Sheena & the boys xxxxx

[Jen]

Thanks Sheena, I may take you up on your offer to research drug interactions. I called vet but he was with a patient. The tech said her results revealed some elevated numbers but couldn’t discuss w me. I’m waiting for vets call. Very much hoping a simple solution & not devasting news. Thank you all for advice & support! It makes enjoying a family vacation very difficult.

Jen & Maggie

[admin]

Jen – send me anything you need help with, including test results. I am around all day.
Sheena x

[Jen]

Hi Sheena, Maggie was prescribed 250mg cephalaxin. I do not believe it is a form of penicillin, is it? Do you know of any interactions? It is taken 3x day. She is on 10 mg pred, 20mg azathioprine every other day, 100mg cyclo every other day ( alternate btwn aza & cyclo), a stomach protector, Sam E, melatonin, milk thistle, & pet tinic. Phew- that’s a mouthful. Any info would be helpful but absolutely don’t feel obligated if you can’t get to it. Her rapid eye movement has improved throughout the day:)
Dr said results of CBC -elevated WBC & thyroid baseline test was borderline low ( .7 I think in range of .8-?) he suggested conducting the second thyroid test, which I will. I think he hopes/ thinks it’s middle ear infection…. But without actually seeing her it’s a best guess. Her HCT was 41:)

Xo
Jen & Maggie

[admin]

Hi Jen & sweetie pie Maggie

Cephalexin is great for ear infections, I can’t see any major or even moderate drug interactions either & it is not penicillin based – good choice by your good vet. Fantastic that her eye movements have diminished (it was probably the middle ear problem then). Keep an eye on the thyroid – better to be under than over with anaemia – having said that, a PCV/HCT of 41 is excellent & NORMAL, so she’s not strictly anaemic any more unless her haemoglobin is still low. We love normal. Elevated WBC (do you know which particular type of WBC?) I’m guessing is most likely to be the ear infection anyway.

There might be some tummy side effects of the antibiotics (we’ve all suffered that, haven’t we?), but it is generally well tolerated. Unfortunately, I don’t know of any drug (or supplement for that matter) that doesn’t have a potential side effect, but that’s life! This is the best choice for Maggie’s problem for sure.

Sooooooo enjoy your holiday – that’s an order!!

Keep in touch & let us know how things are going – have a really good time & give Maggie a big hug from me

Love Sheena xxxxx

[Vally]

Jen, let me know if you want a med chart made up. I’d love to do it for you.

Vally
xxx

[admin]

Hi Jen. Have been away a few days and just reading about Maggie. Goodness. I hate that you and Maggie are dealing with all this. It does sound like an ear infection. Sadie has had some of those symptoms with an ear infection. The tilting the head, rapid eye movement. You’ve gotten the best advise here. I bet, with the antibiotic, she’ll start feeling better soon.

Please keep us posted and if you need me, e-mail or call.

Much, much love and huge hugs, Linda

[admin]

PS – Vally’s med chart – I’m STILL using it!!! It’s been a huge help!

xo Linda