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[admin]

Hi Cindy

There just had to be an infection – I’m very sorry they didn’t start treatment sooner, despite us saying we strongly suspected infection, but that’s water under the bridge now. It will take a few days for the antibiotics to take effect, then she will start feeling more like her old self. I’m so happy to read she is getting looked after so well now. I would also push like crazy to get her started on thyroxine – this is vital if she is hypothyroid – even if she wasn’t, thyroxine should be given to all our dogs, regardless.

Quick explanation of why not to transfuse above 25″ish” PCV. The kidneys cleverly monitor the amount of oxygen in the body. If there is not enough, they will produce more erythropoeitin (EPO) which stimulates the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. Once a PCV of 25 is reached, the production of EPO drops & the cell production slows down. Therefore if you over-transfuse, it will slow down the body’s natural production of red blood cells – you do not want this to happen as it dampens the natural recovery process. We want Abby pumping out baby red cells herself. Let’s hope she will not need another transfusion anyway – crossing everything that she doesn’t. If you have heard about the recent doping scandal in athletics/cycling etc, people are using EPO to cheat & up their red blood cell count! The long explanation is here if you need it:
https://www.secondchanceaihadogs.com/AIHA_Terms/transfusion/

I don’t actually know if Abby is classed as non-regenerative or not because I haven’t seen a figure for her reticulocytes. I suspect she isn’t producing enough as her PCV has not improved, but I can’t be sure. It would be very useful if you could get the figures for me, please. And if you send any new blood tests, that would be great!

I think Abby will be improving at a rate of knots now they have got to the bottom of what’s happened. A combination of hypothyroidism & infection is certainly part or all of the cause. Finding the cause is always a bonus!

Lots of love to you all & big hugs too
Sheena & the boys xxxxx

[admin]

Hi Wendy

Yes – you CANNOT lower the pred/atopica until he gets into normal range – even then, it needs o be done slowly to prevent a relapse. These are the “rules” with this disease, I’m afraid. Sorry to repeat myself. Any infection slows the recovery rate, so please don’t worry if he doesn’t come up too quickly. Once the infection has gone, he will get better. You also need thyroxine, you really do. I sent you Dr Dodds thyroxine information ages ago for your vet – if you want me to e-mail it to you again, that’s no problem.

Many of our dogs have had bone marrow failure – my dog included. At Frank’s PCV, he does not need hospitalisation, so I don’t understand why they are saying that- & don’t let them push you into a bone marrow biopsy either. The treatment is EXACTLY the same regardless of it being IMHA or bone marrow failure.

Love Sheena x

[admin]

Hi Cindy

I’m sure they will make a big effort to find & treat what’s going on with her breathing – her neutrophils have been high the whole time, usually indicating infection, so maybe it’s just that and some antibiotics will kill it off. Hoping it’s something simple to deal with.

Transfusions should not normally be given to take them over the PCV 25 mark (roughly) with this disease (there is a very good reason not to go over that level – see our glossary), but I do think she desperately needed some help. Do you think she is less weak, despite the breathing? Fingers crossed she will soon be feeling much better – tell us as soon as you can what’s happening. You also need to approach the thyroxine question with the vets – I sent you Dr Dodds info by e-mail- hope you got it OK. Ups & downs, Cindy – ride them out!

Loads of love, Sheena xxxxx

[admin]

My boys are panting at the screen as I type with LUUUUUUVVVV for Sadie in her new outfit! Too cute, Miss Sadie.
Sheena, Worzel & Ollie xxxxx

[admin]

Dear Cindy

I’m so sorry to read what you and lovely Abby are going through. It is absolutely a case of peaks and valleys and yes, it does seem to get the “special” ones. We often refer to this disease as a rollercoaster because it is so very up and down. You did absolutely the right thing to take Abby in and I am sure that her transfusion will boost her up. It’s amazing to see the difference it can make to how they feel. Some animals are able to tolerate lower PCV’s much better than others, for various reasons, and it sounds like Abby was struggling. Please do let us know how she gets on, and I hope she will soon be home with you.

Best wishes,

Mary and Mable x

[admin]

Hi Wendy

A belated very Happy 1st Birthday to beautiful Frank.
I’m sorry you have had this latest scare with the skin infection and cellulitis and very glad he is now on antibiotics. Fingers crossed they will soon kick in and he will start to feel better. Patrice has given you lots of awesome information which makes it easier to understand why these things can happen.

Best wishes,

Mary and Mable x

[admin]

Hi Pam

Thank you for updating us on Emily’s check up. So very frustrating that there is no change. I hope she’s still healing up ok from her surgery? Did she go back to the specialist or are you planning to stick with your regular vet? If so, Dr Dodds can work with the regular vet if that’s ok with you and them (Vally – thank you for your post – Pam has been in contact with Dr Dodds).

I’m concerned that the 5mg pred doesn’t seem to be boosting Emily’s PCV, and wonder if either a larger dose of pred and/or starting Chlorambucil might help. Does anyone have any thoughts on B12 and/or thyroxine? I’m just trying to think of other things that might give her a kickstart. Of course it is so difficult to know without having a diagnosis.

I think it would be worth contacting Dr Holland just to see what she advises, and whether she thinks there could still be an infectious cause even though the tests so far have been negative. Have they ruled out IBD? Do you know how her platelets and neutrophils are now?

Happy to know she is still tolerating the Mirtazapine and that it seems to be helping her eat more. I’m so sorry this is still ongoing with no answers. You are doing an amazing job with looking after Emily and I hope you are looking after yourself too.

Best wishes,

Mary and Mable x

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Hey Marla

What wonderful news about Dewey’s PCV. You must be thrilled to bits! I’m so pleased he is doing so well. I can’t help on the smelly ears I’m afraid but hopefully it’s nothing to worry about. As Sheena said, just keep an eye to make sure there is no inflammation.
Lovely news :)

Mary and Mable x