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Wendy – this is the best news ever!!!! You’re doing a fantastic job!!! I know you do want to scream – NOW you can AND celebrate!!! Frank IS a fighter and so are you and your boyfriend. Keep up the awesome, great, fantastic, incredible job of getting Frsnk on his way to wellness!
Doing the happy dance (as our lovely Lynn sayes) for you all, Brandy included!!!
Love and congratulations hugs, Linda and Sadie
Hi Wendy
What a story – Frankenstein makes sense now. Poor Frank a had a rough start – no wonder you had to adopt him. How could you not? I can tell you & your boyfriend have hearts of gold. What is your sweet Rottweiler’s name, by the way? Our “other” dogs get a bit left out sometimes – poor Ollie was such a little darling when Worzel was really ill – he knew his friend felt terrible & stayed very quiet.
How are things today? I wonder if Frank’s health history has a bearing on what’s happened – maybe his illness made his immune system a bit prone to this disease. I don’t know for sure obviously, but I would guess it certainly hasn’t helped at all.
Love Sheena & the boys xxxx
Hi again. Wednesday’s PCV is still 22%. We drew a CBC to send out, back when it’s back. So, here’s the plan – another PCV on Friday – we’re going up. That’s the plan.
I started Soloxine this afternoon. My vets don’t know. Yikes! But those that I know, love and trust recommended I do it. I’ve been teetering all week, as one vet (Blue Pearl) said no, and the other said – hmmmm….don’t think she was really opposed, said she’d leave the decision to me and that we can always the her off, agreeing with the low dose, 0.1 mg.
Sadie’s conventional thyroid tests are normal, even the free T-4. But, I swear, either the cyclosporine kicked in tonight or the Soloxine works REALLY fast, because she sure seems perkier! And then, it may be my imagination and wishful thinking. 😋
The only plans that fail, are those that fail to plan. So, we have a plan. 😍
Love, hugs and positive thoughts, Linda and Sadie
Hi Wendy. I just wrote an entire post and hit submit and lost it all. I did not fill out the pre-information, thinking I was logged in and was not. Lost all when I hit submit. Rushing, but wanted to tell you:
I just got back from Costco. This is what I paid for Sadie’s scripts:
Atopica: One package (15) 25mg, $35.67
Cerenia: One package (4) 24mg, $15.98
Prednisone: 28 20mg, $7.20
Prednisone: 28 5mg, $5.04
The savings is great. This is a one month supple. I typically get a three month supply, which your vet can request. He needs to call or fax the prescriptions to Costco. They are pretty good about calling when the scripts are ready, but by all means, don’t travel there without having heard from them or calling first. Also, the prices may vary, they’ll be able to tell you how much before you go.
And I heard Walgreens gives pet discounts. You might call and ask your local Walgreens. Although, I know they can not compete with Costco. But you may be weighing the benefits of driving/cost. Worth a call.
Please don’t give up. Frank CAN beat this. He needs the additional immune suppressants. The sooner, the better. Atopica (cyclosporine) takes time to kick in. Sadie was at 9% – she’s now at 22% and holding. She’s still far from normal, BUT she’s not going backward. Hang on. Frank can beat this!!!
Sending positive thoughts and lots if supportive hugs, Linda and Sadie
Hi Wendy
Worzel didn’t have “standard” IMHA either – our local vets were completely clueless, but at least they admitted they were out of their depth. Worzel was also on pred only to start with – and got much, much worse. The second immuno-suppressant plus the supplements etc turned him around – not overnight – it took a couple of weeks for him to become properly (highly) regenerative. Worzel started off with NO reticulocytes at all & that was so depressing I can’t tell you how hopeless I felt – at least Frank is producing some reticulocytes, but no where near enough to replenish his red cells fast enough. Frank is in a better position than Worzel was, so there is no reason why Frank shouldn’t make a full recovery & get into remission too. Please, please be happy about that.
Sheena x
Hi Angela
Vally is absolutely right – prednisone is the “tricky” one & you should follow the guidelines here:
https://www.secondchanceaihadogs.com/AIHA_Terms/prednisone-dose-reduction/
Normally, the prednisone is reduced first SLOWLY down to nil OR the bare minimum dose needed, then reduce the cyclosporine. I would follow Dr Jeans Dodds method that Vally mentioned to be on the safe side. There is no reason why most dogs cannot be drug-free, but some dogs will always need a small dose of prednisone to keep them healthy & happy! You will see a huge improvement in their body condition & well being when you lower the drugs – it’s amazing how they perk up & return to their old selves. And it’s a lot cheaper without the drugs too!
Sheena, Worzel (in remission) & Ollie xxxxx
My local vets are used to me going back & telling them I’ve checked things! And NO, he can’ t have this or that. They’ve never seen a case of this before, so I can’t expect them to be perfect.
We would love to hear more about you & Max – it helps new people who are faced with the panic & overwhelming confusion to hear what has happened to others.
Sheena & my boys xxxxx
![bingo-14-5_1200x775](https://www.secondchanceaihadogs.com/wp-content/gallery/aiha-dogs_2/bingo-14-5_1200x775.jpg "Vally\'s Bingo \\"Smile\\"")
![Brigitte_Cleo_Ripley_Enzo_4](https://www.secondchanceaihadogs.com/wp-content/gallery/aiha-dogs_2/Brigitte_Cleo_Ripley_Enzo_4.jpg "Brigitte\'s Cleo, Ripley, Enzo and Guest \\"Rockin\\"")
