Sunny

[admin]

Hi Maura
Just checking to see how Sunny girl is doing today. I’ve been thinking about you all & we are all wishing for lots of baby red cells to appear. When is her next blood test? If her appetite is good, then she must be feeling better – keep us posted!
Love Sheena, Worzel & Ollie xxxx

[maura]

Sheena and Everyone,
Sunny is still just laying on the floor-not much moving . I feel her breathing is labored so I turned the air conditioner on.
She still enjoys eating but then plops right down again. She is also still drinking.
Next blood test I will schedule for Tues or wed. I may go to the local clinic for PVC. I used to go to Transit valley small animal hospital but I have some disappointment now when I think about that June 16th vaccine. I may go to a place called Äll Creatures clinic” where they will draw the pvc for $36 plus the new pet fee.
I just do not see any improvements-and her breathing to me seems labored. My husband says it is just snoring-but I know my girl.
I am not giving up hope. She just looks less interested even in the chicken today.
The clinic said today they were on emergency hours and there was no vet to consult about how to space the meds for the best possible results. I think i have a good idea now.
The idea of a 3rd transfusion is here. I hate thinking about finances because I will do whatever it takes to save her. I do not want her to suffer.
well I have to get my daughter some school supplies and lunch. Every morning since we have had Sunny she sends Jill off to school with such sweet kisses and kindness.
I will write soon. Pray for baby blood cells for Sunny.
–Maura & Sunny

[admin]

Hi Maura

The breathing is the pred, the low number of oxygen carrying red cells & the heat, I’m sure. It’s really hard on them at this stage – Worzel wanted to lie on the tiles all the time to keep cool. I would be happier if you could get a local PCV done as soon as you can, just to make sure she hasn’t dropped too much. How do her gums look?

I know the medications are difficult, but Vally & Patrice have offered to do a spreadsheet for you – they are only too pleased to help with anything like this. Just give them the information on the packets & what the vets said.

Hopefully, Sunny may not need another transfusion. Some dogs unfortunately do need several transfusions before they get better. If she does, they need to be ultra-careful about cross-matching & the blood product (it must be as new as possible – see https://www.secondchanceaihadogs.com/effect-of-duration-of-red-blood-cell-storage-on-transfusion-associated-inflammation-in-dogs-with-imha/)
as she had a reaction last time. It seems from this research that “older” stored blood causes problems, i.e. stored for longer than 7 days. If I were you, I would insist on them sourcing it from Hemopet & request a less than 7 days storage. Here is the Hemopet blood bank link just in case you need it:
http://www.hemopet.org/canine-blood-bank.html
But let’s keep hoping she won’t need one.

It may be a while before Sunny does feel better. Remember they are not it any pain, they are just incredibly tired. We all sleep a lot when we feel like that – rest & sleep are the best things for her, as well as some yummy food of course!

If you are worried about anything, just ask. Your daughter Jenny sounds like a lovely girl – I know Sunny will appreciate her care & kindness. You are all superstars!

Wishing with all my heart for Sunny’s reticulocytes to pop out in great numbers & get her better.

Love Sheena, Worzel & Ollie xxx

[admin]

Hi Maura

I’m so pleased to read that Sunny is hanging on in there, and it does sound like things are a little better than they were a few days ago. Sunny will still be feeling exhausted from her illness, and as Sheena already said, the prednisolone will likely make her pant, drink a lot and pee a lot. It is upsetting when they don’t want to eat, but even little bits is better than nothing, and you are doing so well to keep persevering with this and timing things around the medication.

I am keeping fingers and toes crossed that you get some good news at Sunny’s next blood test. Remember, one day at a time, and little signs of progress are wonderful – hang on to them.

Lots of love,

Mary and Mable x

[maura]

Hi ALL
Sunny will get her PCV checked tomorrow. I expect low numbers. This would mean the transfusion lasted only 6 days.
Can she get another transfusion so soon and the more transfusions the more likely there are issues. This is so heartbreaking. I feel empowered by all of your stories and all of the support. BUT my girl seems fading-her eyes are tired. I will transfuse 1 more x but I fear her dying there at the clinic in fear. When I was with her last week at 1030 pm visiting hours were over and not that it shocked me but most of the dogs were alone in their cages. The techs are not always looking at out loved one. I was at one point just trying to get them over to fill her water bowl. I could sleep in my car outside the clinic and they could call my cell I suppose.
My dear Sunny is the sweetest shih tzu–she rescued ME. I will do anything. I am running out of non savings funds but that concerns me very little.
Keep us in your prayers. The night is here again and I vent and rant I suppose to keep calm.
maura and Sunny

[Vally]

Maura, absolutely you’re in my prayers. You can vent and rant whenever you want.

I know it’s hard not to freak about the breathing, but this is the prednisone. Bingo used to always sleep on the bed with me when he was well. But on the high pred dose, he couldn’t stand the heat and I had to make him up a towel blanket on the floor where it was cooler. He also seemed to prefer the hard surfaces.

Good luck tomorrow.

Love Vally & Bingo

[admin]

Hi Maura,
I feel so sad about the whole situation with Sunny. Please don’t fear the worst, who knows…. I remember once thinking my dog is at deaths door, driving to the vet at 8:00 pm. Our wonderful vet met me there and the PCV was around 35% we were both so surprised. You just never know. Please stay positive.
While I hope it does not come to an other transfusion, if it does you can always ask to be there with Sunny. I was with my dog the whole time in a separate treatment room, away from the hustle and bustle of the busy clinic. Some vets are not in favor of this, but if you say you will stay out of their way, quiet as a church mouse, maybe they will allow it. Just tell them that you think it would be crucial to Sunny’s recovery. Just say it the way you told us, that you are worried that she will die of fear and that you should be by her side. Friendly but firm?
Again lets hope it does not come to that but if it does you will have a strategy that will make you feel better.
I hope you will not have a dark and lonely night,please remember that all of us here are in Sunny’s corner and rooting for her!!!
Thinking of you sending best wishes,
Brigitte

[admin]

I am so sorry to hear this Maura – we are all, as Brigitte says, rooting for Sunny. But yes, it does happen that they need another transfusion so soon after the last. I agree with the others; if you need to be nearby, ask the vet, quietly but firmly.

You are both in our prayers

love

Lynda