Forum Replies Created
Hi Trish
Glad you’ve found us & that Max is doing well. Infections really are more common for our pets.
Antibiotics to be avoided are the following groups
Sulfa drugs, cephalosporins & penicillins
We have a work in progress in our glossary about drugs & antibiotics that can trigger or could be risky for our IMHA pets
https://www.secondchanceaihadogs.com/AIHA_Terms/drugsantibiotics-can-trigger-aiha/
but it will never be complete.
I would advise you to e-mail your specialist before giving any drug to check it’s 100% safe. I always do now as I nearly made a big mistake myself.
I’m glad you are cautious – it pays to check everything out! Let us know how you get on, please…. you would be welcome to come here anytime
Sheena, Worzel & Ollie
Hiya Wendy
Don’t even think about relapses – as Linda says, they usually happen because the medications are weaned too fast – fact. If you follow the rules (there are guidelines on this site), it really is rare to have a relapse. No-one can guarantee anything, of course, but I promise we’ll guide you though weaning when Frank is stable. Let’s get Frank up into normal levels to start with – you are getting the drugs tomorrow & adding the PetTinic etc – you’re doing everything you can.
I can remember Brigitte telling me something like “dogs don’t know they are ill” when Worzel was diagnosed – she’s absolutely right – a very wise lady! They just want to be beside us & are happy with the little things in life like love, cuddles, food & fun.
You are doing a GREAT job for Frank
Love Sheena & the boys xxxxx
Wonderful news, Wendy!!!!! I know you are grinning ear to ear. And should be!!! Going UP is always good and reason to be optimistic. We know that feeling of being afraid. Each and every one of us here. But you know what, be happy, be very, very happy – because Frank cam sense that and will only promote him to do better and better.
Of course you are afraid, but Frank has youth on his side AND he’s a strong boy. Sadie’s 1st relapse (we are certain) was due to weaning too fast. Just remember, when Frank becomes stable enough to start weaning (not back to regular PCV, but stable), start to wean SLOW, SLOW, SLOW. Do just as Patrice outlined – she is right on the mark. But we’ll deal with that later. He’s on his way. Be a bit guarded, but this really is cause for a yippee dance and celebration!!!
Way to go with being awesome fur parents. Frank is one lucky boy to have both of you, your love and determination!!! 😍
Love, Linda and Sadie
Hi Wendy
Frankenstein! No way, he’s too gorgeous. You are right – the pred does give them one huge appetite, which is nice when they haven’t been eating. Worzel was literally starving – couldn’t keep up with feeding him!
Thank goodness you job lets you be with Frank – none of us want to leave them when they are this poorly – we didn’t go out together for about 2 months as I couldn’t leave Worzel alone for a minute. Too paranoid for that.
I feel for you with all this hassle & the vet’s reluctance to use Dr Dodds treatment – you are stuck in the middle & it is always very difficult. Like Brigitte, I am concerned about his PCV – he needs the drugs Dr Dodds has told them to use to get him going properly. I am crossing everything that you get him started on the right treatment immediately. Are you using a local vet AND UC Davis? I’m not sure what’s happening there? I still think if you are getting nowhere with them, you should go elsewhere – they are slowing Frank’s recovery down by refusing to listen. Many people on here changed vets & it was the best thing they ever did, so don’t be afraid to do that. I’m so sorry for you – this would be driving me insane too if it were me. If I can help in any way, tell me.
In the meantime, stay strong – please, please let us know what happens with the medications – he needs them without delay.
Sending love & hugs
Sheena x
Wendy – no problem! It was a pleasure to help.
Just get the medications Dr Dodds says & I will be happy – don’t take no for an answer & stick to your guns – if you have a problem, change vets – don’t hesitate for a second.
Only you can help Frank get through this now you have the right information – go get him sorted out
Love sheena xxxx
Hi Wendy
Please do not be disappointed – this is partly my fault – I apologise – & I should have explained that the protocol that I sent you is entirely Dr Dodds work – I pre-empted Dr Dodds because it was a Saturday & you were frantic to get the medications – she is kind & generous enough to allow us to pass on her protocol – it confirms that she agrees with what we thought was the matter with Frank – he needs that additional immunosuppressant without delay. I am NOT a vet, so of course I wanted her to confirm our suspicions. Also you need thyroxine. Frank’s high cholesterol is a good indicator of that, & all our AIHA dogs need it during this critical time, regardless.
What she is saying is that your vet must do exactly what she says in that protocol – so go in & fight for that at the vets – your local vets will do fine. Ask for the drugs listed at the dose listed – I know you can do it more cheaply locally. Dr Dodds is always happy to work with other vets if you need her to. The other thing to remember is that all Dr Dodds work is for charity – it is a non-profit making organisation & she is the best value for money on the planet in my opinion. She charges a lot less than my specialist here in France – by a long, long way.
I totally agree with Patrice & Linda – your local vet can EASILY cope with this if you follow Dr Dodds guidelines – it will save you money for sure as teaching hospitals are always a bit pricey. Dr Dodds will always be there for you if you need her as things spring up along the journey – but you must follow what she has sent you implicitly. You will probably need her many times in the future as this disease leads to many “complications”, for example what they can take in the future in the way of medicines, etc – I have consulted with her often about various things, months, years after Worzel’s original diagnosis & she has never let me down. This road has many ups & downs!
Good luck tomorrow – let us know what happens.
Love Sheena x
Hi Arianne
Wonderful to hear how well Carsten is doing! Yes, we all love ragamuffins, so no worries on the grooming front! I’m sorry you had the scare with his sclera, but it’s fine to get these things checked out and they turn out to be nothing – much better that way than the other. And yes, we are all platinum members of the paranoid pet owner’s club. I couldn’t tell you the things I’ve taken Mable to the vet for since we lost Molly. And sure, it’s kinda embarrassing, but I’d always rather err on the side of caution and feel a bit silly but know she’s ok. On the flip side, if was very vague little signs that made me take Molly in the first place when she turned out to have IMHA. So, carry on trusting your instincts, and if something seems wrong, get it checked out. It’s nothing to be ashamed of :)
Anyway, again, it’s so good to hear how well your Carsten is getting on. I’m so happy for you and wish you well for the upcoming tapering medications. Slowly, slowly…
Much love
Mary and Mable x