admin - 16. page

[admin]

Hi JLS

No wonder you’ve not had time to keep to post – don’t worry about that. I’m sorry to hear about your other dog – osteosarcoma is an evil disease too – it is amazing how well they can cope with 3 legs (I have a couple of friends with 3 legged dogs) & I hope he will continue to be happy & get good quality of life for as long as possible.

Here is the guide for milk thistle from Dr Jean Hofve & Dr Jean Dodds – see dosage & administration.
http://www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com/milk_thistle.htm
It says you can safely use 200mg per 10 pounds, so maximum 1000mg for a 50lb dog. Have a read about the doses they suggest. I would go for a much smaller amount first, then increase it gradually as it can cause diarrhoea, so introduce it gently. Are her enzymes very high?

& for Sam-e
http://www.nutralifepet.com/sam-e-for-pets – it says ” 10mg of SAMe for every pound of body weight” therefore 50lbs = 500mg.

Hope this helps!

Love Sheena xxxxx

[admin]

Hi Erica

Oh, poor baby – I’m so sorry to hear you had to carry her – so terribly weak. Pancreatitis makes them feel absolutely rotten. Now she is in the right place, thanks to your prompt action. I hate leaving them at the vets too, but sometimes there’s no choice. You have been absolutely brilliant getting her the right care quickly. Keep us posted as to how Justice is doing – I will be thinking of you. As Brigitte says, don’t let this small glitch hold you back!

I’m sure you & Cindy will really help each other too – it’s great to have someone else who’s going through the same battle.

Sending love & hugs
Sheena xxxxx

[admin]

Hi Pam,
I am glad Ella was not bothered by her bad skin. Dogs are so great at adapting to what ever hits them. Having calcinosis cutis for the rest of her life is probably not the worst thing that could happen to her, she is alive and has lots of quality of life! Now this is not scientific by any means, just my gut feeling. Have you ever checked Ella’s thyroid? If this were my dog I would consider doing a FULL thyroid panel. This would mean T4, free T4, T3, free T3, and TgAA. Hemolife does these tests. I know that if you just get a regular thyroid test, they usually come back normal while if you get a full panel they are low. Just a thought, maybe something to look into.
Best wishes,
Brigitte

[admin]

Good morning Erica,
I am so sorry that Justice is not well and I know that pancreatitis can be painful. This is however something your vet will be very familiar with and it can be taken care of. I guess if they will keep her on fluids she will have to stay at the vets over the weekend. Not what we all were thinking when we saw those great blood results. But you know what, Justice is where she needs to be right now and where she will be taken care of. The good thing is they will be able to give her all the meds through her IV so her tummy can take a rest from all the harsh medications. I know that most dogs don’t want to stay at the vet, but I also think that they somehow know that there is no choice. If you can I would visit her and just talk to her quietly. Talk to her and tell her it is all temporary and she will be home again soon. Of course she will not understand the words, but she will recognize that you are calm, that there is nothing to worry about and that you got this. Yes you got this! Don’t let this bump in the road get you down Erica, Justice will beat this and be home again soon!

Best wishes,
Brigitte

PS: Great you have connected with Cindy!

[admin]

Hi Erica

I’m sorry to hear about the vomiting – I agree it sounds like pancreatitis & this sometimes happens with our dogs – azathioprine and/or pred can do this, I’m afraid. The vets can test for this easily & get her sorted out. No food or pills, or even water by mouth is the usual procedure, so they’ll probably put her on a drip. No wonder she’s been feeling so poorly.

She may need to change to cyclosporine (atopica) instead of aza – my specialist told me to stop it straight away if Worzel showed signs of pancreatitis (vomiting & / or diarrhoea) & we would change the meds, so it’s no big deal. Having such a wonderful PCV is going to help her get through this more easily too.

I have searched through sick looking for pills on several occasions (Worzel has a heart medication), so you’re not weird at all, just being a careful, vigilant Mum!

Please tell us how Justice is doing

Love Sheena xxxx

[admin]

Erica,
I hope you wake up after some well deserved sleep and Justice is feeling better! I am sure your vet will sort this out no matter what it is, ulcers, pancreatitis… all things that will get better. She had a great PCV so she is showing that she will get better. Thinking of you and sending best wishes,

Brigitte

[admin]

Hi Erica,
I am sorry Justice is not feeling well. I am not sure if I would dose with pred/aza again. Just try and give the next dose. Since you have given her Carafate wich is similar to Sucralfate I think Patrice is on the right track that Justice has pancreatitis. You have mentioned that she is not very lively, that could be because she is not feeling well at all. Pancreatitis is very much a side effect of prednisone so don’t blame yourself, you have been doing a great job! Going through vomit? Sounding gross? You bet, but these are the things we do! At least now you know she did not digest these medications. I would definitely try and see the vet tomorrow and confirm or exclude pancreatitis. As little food as possible and if she is getting interested in food, as lean, no fat as possible. Sorry Justice, salami is out:)

Best wishes,
Brigitte

[admin]

Erica,
I think that Justice is still pretty weak because there is lots of healing to be done in her body. The prednisone is taking it’s toll but like Patrice said it saved her life! It will take time but Justice will be back to her old self, you have to believe that. I have heard of prednisone reductions that were done this fast and it all went well. 40mg per day is still a fairly high dose so Justice will be fine next week and hopefully not feel the side effects quite as much. It sounds that your vet is very passionate and very knowledgeable, that is very important.
Best wishes,
Brigitte