Sunny

[maura]

Hi Everyone,
What made me think Sunny was uncomfortable was the fact that every now and then she would do a whimper sound. Also last night about 12am she began getting really hungry and she kept seemingly like she was voraciously hungry. I could not tell what she was feeling-just not at all usual.
She has her tech blood draw at 1120 today. My husband agreed to go with me (luckily he is able to go).
I am holding up ok. I have to stay strong in front of my 13 year old daughter. Jill has a tough time in school as it is so I try to keep a calm exterior.
Well I will let you know what the blood work says.
–THX for all the continued support. Just knowing there is a site to talk about all this helps.
–Maura and Sunny

[admin]

Thanks for the update, Maura – let us all know what the blood results are!
Stay strong

Lynda
x

[maura]

Hi, I tried posting this so if you get the results 2x i am sorry my lap top is acting funny.
Sunny’s PCV was 18 and no new baby red cells are showing. My heart is sinking. I can’t even type-just gotta keep looking at my dear.
The pancreatitis test showed abnormal too-so it can’t be ruled out. I will write later.
Love,
Maura and Sunny

[admin]

Oh Maura, I am so sorry to hear that Sunny is not producing new red blood cells, and that ther pancreas isn’t working properly either.
I am not surprised you can’t even type – you must be frantic with worry. We are all praying for her to turn the corner.

I know it’s incredibly hard, but stay strong for her right now – and for your daughter, too.

Lynda

x

[admin]

Hi Maura
This is so disappointing & distressing for you, BUT 18 is not too bad a PCV for now. Many dogs do OK at that level, although it’s not ideal, and not all dogs respond to the medications immediately. I am so pleased she doesn’t need another transfusion for now – that’s pretty good news, Maura. Please, please stay positive, as Lynda says, you have to for Sunny & Jill. I haven’t seen any lab results come through yet – don’t worry if we get more than one lot – it doesn’t matter.
Keep in touch as often as you can – we are all willing Sunny better
Love Sheena xxxx

[Brigitte]

Hi Maura,
I know that you are very disappointed right now but as Sheena said, 18 is not too bad, definitely not low enough to do a transfusion. One thing you have to keep in mind, with this disease progress is slow. I remember thinking, I just want my dog get up, shake himself and be better. Unfortunately it takes lots of time. many people have said, it is not a sprint but a marathon. With this disease I have for sure learned to be patient.
No one can guarantee you that Sunny will get better as much as no one can guarantee she wont. But I can guarantee you it is much easier to deal with this disease when you have a positive attitude. Don’t get me wrong, I know how hard it is and how low a person can get with all this. But try to put all negative thoughts out of your mind, stay positive. have a good talk with Sunny and tell her that you love her and will do anything in your power. She however has to do her own bit too:) I honestly think there comes a point where it is out of our hands and the dog has to be willing to fight on. I am very confident that you will see if Sunny has had enough or will want to fight on. You are so totally connected with her, you will know what she will want. But for now, be positive, visualize Sunny running over a field with lots of energy and power or playing her favorite game. Hang on to those pictures and get all the negative out of your mind. Know that she can and will get better in time. Right now Sunny needs a lot of rest and TLC, you can provide that.
Were you given any advice what to feed her? How is she behaving? Do you still think she is in pain?
Take care, we are all thinking of you and Sunshine girl,
best wishes,
Brigitte

[maura]

Hi Brigitte, Sheena, Mary, Lynda, Patrice , Vally-and everyone I may forget,
Sunny is home resting. She is constipated so I am adding canned pumpkin to her next meal at 7ish. She seems wiped out from that vet trip.
The vet said PCV at 18 is not terrible but it still did drop from 25. and no new red cells.
Brigitte, you are right I adore my Sun Bun and I will stay positive for her. She deserves ALL I have.
Another night is coming. I get so worked up. I may call my dr for some relaxing help. The vet was kind and did say that my family is putting Sunny first and every thing we do , we do out of love and that is something to have no regret over. I just wish I had known those vaccines were not necessarily good for a dog with minor health issues.
I am hoping for a good night. My daughter (13) has already got lots of that math common core homework so she is busy and surviving.
The vet did cut the pred down again to 20 mg per day–2 half pills a day.
Love,
Maura and Sunny Girl

[admin]

Hi Maura

I’m sorry to hear that it wasn’t better news today, but well done you for focusing on remaining positive. I know that nights are always hard when we are so worried about something. It can feel lonely, but please know you are never alone and you can write here as much as you like, at any time.

Please, please don’t blame yourself for the vaccinations. You did what any responsible pet owner would do. I did the same. Molly reacted several times to her vaccinations and I carried on vaccinating her, believing I was doing the right thing because I knew no better. Eventually I stopped, after she grew necrotic fat masses, but that was because of an increased risk of vaccine site sarcoma (a rare cancer in cats). I knew nothing about IMHA until she had it, more than 2 years after her last vaccines. Most people don’t know about IMHA, even a lot of primary care vets have very scanty knowledge of this disease, because it is really quite rare. On the whole, I’m a huge fan of immunisation, but in animals I think we probably do over-immunise and the frequency of vaccinations should be looked at more closely by researchers. It is such a difficult balance. The diseases they protect against can be devastating, but no immunisation is completely without risk. This is NOT your fault in any way Maura. Again, you made the decisions you did out of love and a sense of responsibility, which is something every animal deserves. Sunny is such a lucky lady to have you fighting for her.

When will Sunny have her next PCV check? Is she still looking yellow to you? We are all rooting for her, and for you and Jill and hoping for some good news very soon. Give that sunshine girl a gentle ear rub from me.

Love, Mary and Mable x