Forum Replies Created
Thanks Vally – I am a gut feeling gal sometimes, going with the heart, rather than the head. I think we can all sometimes make illogical decisions about our own dogs, Probably the aza dose isn’t doing very much as it’s so low & I know that it can cause DNA/RNA mutation, so I am not really sure either way. Because he is getting old now, maybe I’m using it as an insurance policy. In my silly head, it took about 10-14 days to start working, so it must be doing something? yep – daft. My husband Phil feels we should carry on with the aza, rather than take any risks at all. I am NEVER indecisive, so this is a rare feeling for me!
Patrice – thank you – much appreciated advice & a brilliant suggestion – I will contact Jean Dodds about the titer test if I can’t get one done here. I am sure there is an Idexx Lab in Toulouse – I will find out if they can do this via the local vet. Rabies vaccines are not required by law here, thankfully for Worzel. Many local people don’t have their dogs vaccinated as cases are so very, very rare these days. It would restrict us from travelling back to the UK though – it is the law in the UK that any dog coming from the EU must be vaccinated or they have to go into 6 months quarantine. You are so right about the piroplasmosis & that is my fear with the ticks, however the vaccine is only around 75% effective because of the different strains that appear (a lot better than nothing though). I pushed the vet on this & he is pretty confident that the treatment works very well if caught in the early stages. I am happy you said about the spleen being able to fight this – made me feel better! I am highly suspicious that it was this pirodog vaccine, combined with the infection (?ehrlichiosis) that triggered the IMHA in the first place, hence my reluctance. One sneeze/cough/under the weather day, he’ll be straight down the vets!
Thank you for your opinions – what would I do without you?
Sheena & Worzel
Megan,
if everybody says this is the best vet but you don’t feel comfortable, then it is not the best vet for you or Sophie,
If traveling is not what you want or can do, there is always the possibility to ask your vet to consult with a specialist (internal medicine) or Dr. Dodds at hemopet. If she is willing to do that she could learn and Sophie could benefit. If she does not want to consult she might have an ego that is a bit big. I think for many of us there are red flags going up and you need to take action.
About the sucralfate the vet is correct, it can block absorption, but if you give it away from the meds and food it will do the trick and the meds will still be absorbed. You could give it over night for example.
I really wonder how much experience this vet has with AIHA. Vets are care givers for our pets, but they are also business people and have to make a living. If you feel the business side is too important for this clinic it is probably worth changing rather sooner than later.
Best wishes,
Brigitte
Megan
Your vet is right about the sucralfate stopping absorption – that’s why it’s important to give it completely separately from the other drugs. If you do this, it is NOT a problem and it is often prescribed for dogs with AIHA. Worzel was given sucralfate & I swear by it. Giving it last thing at night, at least 2 hours AFTER any other medications, is perfect. It forms a lovely soothing barrier which heals ulceration. I have taken milk thistle myself & it gives me terrible heartburn, unless I take it with food! If your vet is unwilling to answer your questions, don’t worry – someone on here will have the experience & knowledge to help you. I was a real pain to everyone when Worzel was ill, wanting to know everything possible, so you can ask away. As Vally says, cyclosporine (atopica) can be toxic & it does depend whether you give it with our without food as to how potent it is. I have no personal experience with it, but am aware that “trough” tests can be done to determine the right dosage. Everything seems so difficult at this stage – do not get disheartened. I do think the mycophenolate could be causing the lack of appetite because of upsetting her tummy. Contacting Dr Dodds- she is just incredible – and asking her advice on why Sophie has stopped eating would be good if you are not getting any help from your “local” vet. As I said in my e-mail, she should be ravenous with the prednisolone, so something is upsetting the applecart.
Speak soon
Sheena & Worzel too
Joe
Thank goodness you have her at home with you. You are such a kind person & this is just not fair. I am so sorry to hear she’s not doing so well – please let us know what’s happening when you can. Thinking of you & hoping Dr Dodds has something positive to say.
Best wishes always
Sheena & Worzel
Patrice
I am so looking forward to helping people & their dogs again. It is very important to me to help to save dogs lives & support owners during such a distressing time. I just love dogs with a passion, always have. A big thanks to you, Patrice, for all you do and to all the others who are giving their time to get this new forum going. It WILL be worth it. I am honoured to have “met” you all & I know we can continue to beat this disease together.
Best wishes to all my friends on here
Sheena & Worzel
Hi Rosemary
Glad to hear the great news on the PCV – wonderful! Hoping her WBC will have dropped on the next test. These things are sent to try us – in the early stages, Worzel always had something out of range on his blood test, just to worry me even more! Keep us posted – crossing everything for you
Sheena & Worzel
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