sassy is relapsing.

[Patrice]

Alyssa,
I am really sorry that this is happening.

Please read this page again:
https://sites.google.com/site/tickbornediseaseindogs/babesiosis

On this page see this information about the recommended treatment.
“If it’s caught soon enough, Imizol is effective in treating it. Also see the right hand column under Treatment for information on how to use Imizol. The link to the product label is also there in case your vet is not familiar with it.”

Please discuss this with your vet. Show him this website and this page.

Here is the drug info:
https://sploughus.naccvp.com/product/basic/view/1047111?prodnum=1047111&u=country&p=msds

See this page for how to use Imizol.
https://sites.google.com/site/tickbornediseaseindogs/treatment

This drug is expensive, but not as expensive as IVIG and much more effective. I know personally of a number of dogs who survived using this drug.
my best
patrice

[Alyssa]

Patrice, thank you.

Actually, yes, she was given imidocarb dipropionate which i believe is that drug? I just looked over the papers and it was administered for free, just in case. because we wont have the pcr results until Monday. so, she had imidocarb dipropionate and vincristine.

[Vally]

Alyssa, I’m so sorrt she’s do sick.

What about asking your vet to ring Dr Dodds and get her help.

I agree Sassy is too ill to travel to see the specialust right now.

Love Vally

[admin]

Oh Alyssa

I’m so sorry to hear this is happening. I know this must be so very frightening. It sounds as though Sassy is in very good hands with her vet. I think Vally’s suggestion of ringing Dr Dodds is a good one. See what your options are and what she suggests. I’m also pleased to know Sassy has had the drug Patrice recommended. Is Sassy home with you now or is she still in the hospital?

Thinking of you both, and keeping absolutely everything crossed.

Love and best wishes.

Mary and Mable x

[Brigitte]

Alyssa,
I think you are right, Sassy is too sick to see a specialist. A consultation with Dr. Dodds is much cheaper and no traveling involved! Dr. Dodds could also cross match the blood, I am not sure if the dog at the vet would be the perfect solution. It would be ok but I think blood from hemopet would be safer. Just my thought…
Hang in there Alyssa! Try and stay calm for Sassy, tell her what a superstar she is and that together you can beat this again!
Love and best wishes,
Brigitte

[Patrice]

The low platelets is a critical issue, as you probably know.

I just went over Dr. Dodds protocol for transfusing platelet rich plasma. It is recommended in some situations, but she does not recommend it for autoimmune thrombocytopenia because the platelets will be destroyed so quickly. There is a risk of developing a reaction to this kind of a transfusion as well, making for double trouble if you attempt it more than once. I am not sure where she will side on in this situation. She has some intricate instructions on her website for how to filter the platelets to reduce this reaction, something that could be done locally at a vet clinic by a talented tech. She also recommends vincristine, which you have done.

She recommends thyroid supplementation in order to promote platelet regeneration and increase the clotting factors:
“Use L-thyroxine therapy at 0.1 mg per 10 pounds body weight twice daily for 7-10 days. Start 48 hours prior to elective surgery where applicable. Continue thyroid replacement if patient is still bleeding or has thyroid disease. Thyroid supplementation promotes hemostasis by improving platelet function, stimulating thrombopoiesis in bone marrow and other sites, and enhancing protein synthesis of von Willebrand factor and other coagulation factors”

Find the full protocol at:
http://www.hemopet.org/canine-blood-bank.html
To open PDF click on: Treatment of Bleeding Disorders

At this point there is a high risk of Sassy developing DIC, disseminated intravascular coagulation. She must be kept in a clinic where they understand this and know how to perform an emergency protocol to stop this cascade of events. However, it would be risky to drive more than a half hour to be at any clinic, so your vet must help you decide what to do. Many local vets are very resourceful and have enough experience to understand what is happening, know how to test for the signs and resolve the problem. A specialist may have a staff that is more used to emergencies, but a compassionate staff will do whatever they can to assist the vet. In this situation you must rely on your vet to guide you.
my best patrice

[Sheena]

Hi Alyssa

I could not agree more with Patrice, Vally, Mary & Brigitte – get in contact with Dr Dodds urgently – she has the knowledge, experience AND the blood products available. She can help your vets get Sassy through this by advising them on the right way to treat her. I am relieved they have started Imizol treatment. I will be thinking about you & Sassy – keep fighting this damn thing – come on Miss Sassy – we are all sending our love.

Sheena & the boys xxxx

[Jen]

Alyssa, I am so sorry to hear sassy is relapsing. When my dog was initially diagnosed with Aiha & Itp ( Evans syndrome) she was put on cyclosporine, prednisone, aza, leflonomid ( I later read this drug is controversial ) and doxy. I apologize if you listed it already, but is she on an additional immunosuppressants beside pred. I see she was given imizol. The combo of the two conditions is tough but she can beat it. My dog needed 4 transfusions before she was stable so it maybe she needs more time for meds to kick in. Are they treating for clotting issues? I am thinking of you both !!!! Hang in there!
Jen