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- "Safe" Antibiotics for IMHA Dog w/possible bladder infection?
Hi there! My Max was diagnosed in early June with non-regenerative IMHA. He very recently started regenerating, and is actually in the bottom of the “normal” range for PCV. He is still on prednisone, mycophenolate, plavix, and prilosec. He has an appointment to see our regular vet (he is also being seen by a internal medicine specialist) to check him for a possible bladder infection. This morning he stopped to try and pee several times (after going pee relatively normally) within a few minutes of each other, on a short walk. This alarmed me, as I know with the immune-suppressed, infections are a real danger. Even more alarming to me is that Max is prone to oxalate bladder stones as well. So my question is – if indeed he has a bladder infection, what antibiotics should I make sure he steer clear of? While our vet is really great, she does not seem to be extremely experienced with IMHA dogs (why I consulted a specialist). We aren’t taking him to the specialist because they are way across town from us, and Max needs to see the regular vet for his PCV check this week anyway. Sorry so long. :)
Hi Trish
Glad you’ve found us & that Max is doing well. Infections really are more common for our pets.
Antibiotics to be avoided are the following groups
Sulfa drugs, cephalosporins & penicillins
We have a work in progress in our glossary about drugs & antibiotics that can trigger or could be risky for our IMHA pets
https://www.secondchanceaihadogs.com/AIHA_Terms/drugsantibiotics-can-trigger-aiha/
but it will never be complete.
I would advise you to e-mail your specialist before giving any drug to check it’s 100% safe. I always do now as I nearly made a big mistake myself.
I’m glad you are cautious – it pays to check everything out! Let us know how you get on, please…. you would be welcome to come here anytime
Sheena, Worzel & Ollie
Yes, I was thinking that myself, and am glad to hear that I am not being overly cautious by wanting to doublecheck any meds with the specialist. While I hate for my regular vet to feel second-guessed, Max’s health is my first priority. Thanks so much for the link, I will definitely check it out. These forums really are a blessing; while going through this is horrible, it really does help to have the support of people that understand what we are going through!
My local vets are used to me going back & telling them I’ve checked things! And NO, he can’ t have this or that. They’ve never seen a case of this before, so I can’t expect them to be perfect.
We would love to hear more about you & Max – it helps new people who are faced with the panic & overwhelming confusion to hear what has happened to others.
Sheena & my boys xxxxx
Hi Trish, isn’t the “bottom of the normal range” just great.
I carry this list around with me now just in case – I know, only 3 items, but I walk into the vets (and doctors for that matter – white coat phobia) and my mind is mush – I was at my local vets (not the specialist) – my vet was overseas at the time and there was a lovely locum in. She had been warned about me and Bingo. I suspect that means she was told I was a total nut case who is totally paranoid – and Bingo is cute.
Bingo had diarrhea at the time and she thought he could do with a shot of penicillin. I said, hang on a second, pulled out my list and said no, that’s not safe for him so we ended up with something else which was safe, but totally useless. Sheena and Dr Jean Dodds to the rescue again.
Keep up the good work Max – you too Trish.
Vally & Bingo (diag Nov 2011 in remission)
xxx
Vally, thanks so much! That’s an excellent idea, to have that list handy. I am going to do just that. This is such a complicated disease…it just seems like everything has to be rethought, rechecked, and examined, to make sure it is not at odds with treatment…it’s exhausting, but having Max get well again is worth it. I appreciate everyone’s kindness and input here. Thank you.