Sunny

[Tamara]

Dearest Maura — I was completely freaked out when I picked Ashki up from his first transfusion and other diagnostic tests — so many meds!! It does get better, and easier, it’s amazing what we can adapt to. I never ever thought I would be able to function on 3 or less hours of sleep, with little 1 and 2 hour naps — but that is what I did for the first 8 weeks or so after Ashki’s diagnosis.

I work from home, and I work for myself, so I pushed a lot off after Ashki was diagnosed. My life has revolved around IMHA. I don’t always think that has been a good thing for me, but it is what it is. Honestly, I agree with Vally that it will be good for all of you to get back out in the world. There are lots of people who do this while working full-time and my hat goes off to them.

For Ashki’s “empty tummy” meds, I always give him a tiny little bit of food after, a few little bites of ham, to make sure he swallows them. Well, to be perfectly honest, I give him a tiny bit before the meds, then the meds, then a few little bites after. He LOVES ham and this way he minds less that I am sticking these meds down his throat lol. I also use pill pockets, which he loves, but the size of the cyclosporine is too big for that.

As far as being regenerative — I have never been able to tell by behavior, I always want to see the lab results so I know what’s going on there. I can get an idea about PCV by behavior sometimes, but not always.

I can’t remember if we’ve told you this, but when you’re checking Sunny’s gums, they will be paler after she’s been resting. This is true for all dogs, so don’t panic. Wait until after she’s gone pee and maybe even after she’s eaten a little, and then check. I even took pictures of Ashki’s gums in the early days so I could remember how they looked.

Thinking of you and sweet Sunny and your family and sending you much love and many hugs. Please give Sunny some gentle pets from here.
tamara and ashki xoxoxo

[maura]

Hi Everyone
Since adding the atopica Sunny’s med schedule is as follows :

6am : 1/2 famotadine, 1 prednisone (20mgs) 1/2 cipprofloxan , 1 solaxine

830am : Atopica

1030 am misoprotosal

6pm -the 6am meds
8pm -aziathyaprine

I think her tummy hurts tonight -she has not had a bm today.
it is gurrgling and she seems in discomfort from time to time. It is 220 am and I took her out to the grass but nothing. I hate nights.

[maura]

The 6pm pred is now 1/2 so – 25% less in total

[Tamara]

Maura where are her meals here? This is important as some of these meds should be given with food, others not. Sorry to be such a stickler – I know so many questions! We are just worried for you and Sunny. For example, the pred should be given with food, the soloxine should be given away from food. This can easily be fixed by giving the soloxine with the atopica in the morning and the aza at night, this is what I do with Ash.

It is common for the tummy to be gurgly and to be perfectly honest for them to have the worst gas ever with these meds. As long as she is eating and her poops are pretty good (not dark, not liquidy), I wouldn’t be too concerned. If that changes you may need to add something like sucralfate.

It may be worth thinking about adding some yogurt and/or a probiotic with meals (I’ve had good luck with Vet Rx Probiotics) , this cleared up Ashki’s mucousy poops. How is she eating?

love and hugs —
tamara and ashki xoxox

[admin]

Hi Maura
Tamara is right about the drugs she mentioned – it’s really important to give the meds properly & this makes your job a complete nightmare, especially of you have to go to work too! Don’t feel bad – it took me hours to work out a spreadsheet of what to give when. There is so much to think about & I know this is a bit of a pain for you.

Famotidine is a tummy protector and must be given separately from everything else
https://www.secondchanceaihadogs.com/AIHA_Terms/famotidine/

Azathioprine should be given with food to minimise the risk of pancreatitis & upset tummy.
https://www.secondchanceaihadogs.com/AIHA_Terms/azathioprine/

I also agree about adding the probiotics & sucralfate – this is wonderful stuff & made a big difference to Worzel’s tummy ache, but it must be given separately from everything else too! I found the last thing at night dose really settled him.
https://www.secondchanceaihadogs.com/AIHA_Terms/sucralfate/

Please could you check the misoprotosal – I can’t find a drug of that name. Maybe a spelling difference?

There will be ups & downs. Some days, Worzel had dreadful tummy ache & I felt so sorry for the poor little man. But we battled on & he got over it slowly. Keep your chin up & keep on being the best Mum

Love Sheena xxx

[maura]

Hi Sheena, Tamara & everyone
It is misoprostol (I can’t spell). Vet said it was for ulcer protection.

Today Sunny’s belly definitely looks jaundiced. I will have to take her in again. I thought it might be urine on her skin and tried washing it off.

She seems even more tired today. My daughter and I just held her on the couch where she loved to jump. She is sweet even while she is sick. Just snuggling with Jill.

I wonder which of the drugs is causing the jaundice. Probably the azathyoprine . She gets food with it.

I will make sure the fomatadine is given separately.

I;ll keep you posted today.
-Maura & Sunny

[maura]

And thank you for the advice on the soloxine – i did not know that was an empty stomach one. I take synthroid myself so I should have known.

[Patrice]

Maura,
What is the dose of Soloxine you have been given to dose Sunny? It should be something like .1 – .2 – .3?
my best, patrice