My 13 yr old just diagnosed – Page 9 – Second Chance AIHA Dogs

Keymaster

Hi Terri. I don’t understand the difference (Patrice?) but my vet said Pepcid and Sucralfate do different things. She opted for the Sucralfate – better protection (she said). Again, Patrice?

Also, dog-gone auto correct. It’s Clopidogrel (STILL auto correct thinks I’m nuts with spelling!). No, it is not a NSAID. Are you referring to pain relivers? Plavix is used with heart/stroke patients. Actually, Sadie’s vet had a stroke. He was blown away as he is not at all over weight, exercises (bikes, runs), in his early 40’s – but had a stroke that redefined his life. He sold his practice (yep, Sadie has a new vet) and now foes about 90% rescue work. He swears Plavix (Clopidogrel) keeps him going and upon Sadie’s AIHA diagnosis (he caught it immediately) looked into giving it to Sadie, knowing she needed an anti- clotting medication along with the good/necessary but harmful (in the doses needed for our pups/kitty’s). He researched it and found that more and more vet schools are using it for canine use. The vet that took over Sadie’s care, also promotes it. Hence, Sadie is on Clopidogrel. :)

And I think I told you – as good as the SEC is – it was too much for Sadie. If gave her bad diareha. But then MANY things go that to her. Fun. I have learned to stick to the basics and to keep it as simple as possible. I think Patrice, Sheena, Vally, Brigitte, and the others will agree – giving supplements at onset can be confusing and perhaps even dangerous. These medications; Sucralfate for tummy, Denamarin for Liver are proportioned in the correct amounts and WORK. AND, they are a must. We have all learned this.

I think you were using milk thistle and SAM-e, correct? I used it too, but ONLY after Sadie was stable AND she was on one immune suppressant at a low dose (near end of weaning). Also, the brand of milk thistle and SAM-e plays a huge part. They are NOT all the same. So, that too can be Russian Roulett.

Additionally – Sadie had some complications from the immune suppressants, both Atopica and Prednisone. She came down with Horner’s Syndrome (palsey in humans). She could not blink her eye – she needed eye pigment three times a day to keep her eye wet. She has it now, actually. Weird, she closes one eye (while sleeping) and the other has this RED second eyelid that covers her eye. Poor baby. Back to the ointment. Second relapse, second Horners. Apparently, cocker spaniels are prone to Horners with AIHA medications. It is NOT as common in other breeds. Lucky Sadie. :(

Any way – bottom line – medications needed for getting them well AND medications to protect. :)

You’re doing such a great job. Hang in there. Your diligence is commendable! Get some rest when you can – like eith an infant – you have to grab it when they do! ;)

Love and hugs,

Linda and Sadie

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