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Thank you Sheena and Brigitte. I am definitely going to look into the coconut or fish oil for her. She’s ok at the moment but it would be good to have something to use if the flea treatment affects her (we’re still holding off at the moment). Thank you also for Dr Dodds’ protocol which is very useful.
I took Mable back to the vet on Friday, despite a PCV of 42% earlier in the week. We weren’t able to see someone who knew us but we saw a new vet who was very nice. I burst into tears immediately and thought Mable had pale gums. The vet read Molly’s notes which meant I didn’t have to go back through it all. She tried to reassure me about how rare it is, and seemed to think that Mable is not at particular risk. Anyway, I asked her to show me how to properly check Mable’s gums, which she did and I feel a bit more confident with it now. Also, she suggested monitoring Mable’s weight as an overall indicator, and that if it drops without an apparent reason that is a good time to get her checked out, which I thought was quite sensible. It’s a conundrum really, because I know Mable hates going to the vet, I know it isn’t good for her to see me upset, and obviously it’s expensive (I also took her at Christmas for ‘pale gums’ which went bright pink the minute we got there). However, I will always remember how subtle Molly’s symptoms were and that it was my ‘paranoia’ which got her diagnosed. The vet’s point of view – which I understand – is that even if caught early, it’s not going to make a difference to the treatment. The difficulty for me is that I’m a terribly anxious person by nature and find it very difficult to cope with uncertainty. Anyway, this is a ramble! Sorry!
So, I think the lesson in all this, for me at least, is to consider titres every year (I felt much more confident with vaccination after having titres last year), and to make sure we see someone who suits our (my) needs! We didn’t have another PCV done, as the vet checked her over and didn’t see a need. Of course, I panicked it had dropped from 48 to 42% since last year, but then last year I panicked that 48% was too high and she might be polycythaemic. The vet said it was purely down to her hydration status, and I suspect she is right.
Much love as ever, from Mable, and her very paranoid owner!
xxx
Hi Mary,
you must be so frustrated with these vets that can not get your worries and fears! I am so glad that all the vets I am seeing now know our story and totally understand when I am obsessing about something. I think you should ask for the ones that know you and your story in the future. Of course they should tell you what your cat is immunized against and I would make sure there is a need for it.
Of course you can post anything related to cats or dogs here, that is my understanding anyway. And titers and vaccinations are pretty related to AIHA so you are fine either way:) Unfortunately I am of no help when it comes to cat immunizations but then I remembered that Dr. Dodds should have something and sure enough , here is what I found:
http://drjeandoddspethealthresource.tumblr.com/post/66885321280/dodds-cat-vaccination-protocol-2013-2014#.Vrq-ouZvA6E
Maybe you have already seen this? I am also no help when it comes to flea treatments, all the names you mention are new to me. Would fish oil and coconut oil maybe help with the flaky skin?
Best wishes,
Brigitte
Hello everyone
Miss Mable was vaccinated again yesterday. They were 2 months late , by design. I decided I’d delay them for a while but get them done in time that she wouldn’t need to have the full set again.
I didn’t do titres this year. I remembered that she was strongly positive for panleukopaenia (feline parvo), so asked the vet if she was being vaccinated against that (I think it’s every 3 years). ‘No, just leukaemia and flu’, said the vet. You’ll understand my surprise when I saw in her vaccination book that she was indeed vaccinated against panleukopaenia yesterday. I checked the vaccine label online. I’m a bit upset about it because I’m not sure I would have consented to it had I known.
We also had a ‘Wellpet’ blood screen (kidneys, liver, thyroid, glucose) and I asked for a PCV too. I think this was my mistake, using terms such as ‘PCV’ and ‘titres’. I (as always) mentioned my concern about vaccines and IMHA and Molly. It all seemed to fall on deaf ears and I felt she was quite dismissive of my concerns. Even asking for the vaccine to be given into the leg rather than the neck (which I always do, due to risk of fibrosarcoma in cats) seemed a huge surprise. My vets are usually very good but it is a big practice and we often see someone different. Sometimes we are lucky and see someone who knows our history and my paranoia, so I think we’ll try to see one of those in future. I will also be mentioning the additional vaccine. I don’t think it was an error, I think it was due, but I’d prefer to know what she is being given. Nor do I think the vet intentionally didn’t tell me, but I’m just not pleased about it.
I know this is all kind of non-IMHA and I hope it’s ok to post. Mable was very quiet last night, and it was a relief to find on looking here that she was quiet post-vaccination last year too. She seems better today, thankfully. This vaccination business is an annual worry that makes me feel sick. We’re going to try a new flea treatment too. She’s continued to lose her fur and get scaly skin with Stronghold, so I’ve ordered Advocate. No sign of fleas at the moment and I’ll be holding off until I feel she’s recovered from her vaccines. Thankfully the skin sores of the summer are long gone, but I’m anticipating it will return this summer. Her PCV last winter was 48%, the winter before it was 45%. I’m going to have to try not to panic if it is outside either of those.
Anyway, love, as always, from us.
Mary and Mable x
Hi Jill
How is Snoopy doing? I hope he’s still feeling brighter. Did your vet give you the PCV result yesterday? (That’s the blood count %).
You are doing so brilliantly in looking after Snoopy and trying to get answers from the vet. This is a rare disease and many vets are not experienced in treating it. Mine had never seen a case, but fortunately sent Molly on to a specialist when it was beyond her scope of practice. Sheena’s ‘leading questions’ are a great idea, and well done for asking them. A blood smear and reticulocyte count are basic and essential. Can you confirm – has a bone marrow biopsy been done? I’m quite surprised they would have done this without a smear and retic%. The reticulocyte count helps to show if the anaemia is regenerative (meaning the bone marrow is working overtime to replace the destroyed blood cells), or non-regenerative (meaning the body isn’t making up the destroyed red cells, or that they are being destroyed when they are baby red cells).
In my opinion, you wouldn’t want to stop the Azathioprine now. Prednisolone is very important but often it isn’t enough to stop the destruction of red blood cells. If it were me, I would continue. I know it is hard pumping them full of medication, but it is lifesaving and there are many supplements which can be used to help with side effects. As Sheena said, do watch her closely, due to the risk of pancreatitis.
You can get Libbys 100% pure canned pumpkin in the American foods section in Tesco, or in the tinned fruit section in Waitrose. Let me know if you’re struggling – I’ve got a can in the cupboard I can happily send to you. The dog owners (everyone else except me!) can help with advice on milk thistle vs. slippery elm vs. SamE. I *think* all can be given (the milk thistle and SamE for liver, and the slippery elm for tummy), but I’d just like someone else to confirm that.
Please don’t worry about not knowing the cause. As Sheena said, that is true in most cases. If the cause can be found, that’s good and hopefully can be reversed or prevented in future, but there are many cases where it is never found. I note your vet is asking about onions, which can cause something called Heinz body anaemia. I’m wondering why they are asking about this without doing a smear, as I think I am right in saying heinz bodies would show up on a smear (is that right Sheena?)
Many cases of IMHA present very fast, others slowly. Molly also developed symptoms very slowly and it was just subtle signs that made me take her to the vet.
I’m not sure why Snoopy was on antibiotics if he has not had an infection. It may be they did it ‘just in case’ – some vets do.
Some vets are a bit umcomfortable about people getting advice online. It’s understandable – you do need to be careful about what advice you follow, but everything we tell you here is based on evidence and experience and if we don’t know, we will say so. I am glad to know you are feeling empowered – that’s so important. It’s vital to be working together with this – the vet with all their knowledge and experience of veterinary medicine, and the owners with all their knowledge and experience of the animal! I’m glad you are able to email your vet, I think that’s a good lifeline to have.
Anyway, sorry for such a long email, but just wanted to catch up and send my very best wishes. Give Snoopy a cuddle from us
Mary and Mable x
Hi Alyssa
You are a star, and so is Sassy. Wonderful to read that she is feeling such a lot better, and what a relief you are not dealing with pancreatitis. Your vet sounds awesome – I wish they were all like yours, I really do.
Please give Sassy a cuddle from me. I’m so glad she’s doing better.
Much love,
Mary and Mable x
Hi Alina
I’m so sorry you are going through this nightmare with little Inka. Alyssa has given you great advice and asked lots of relevant questions. I agree with Brigitte at this point – Inka is very poorly and I think she does need to see an emergency vet. If you can possibly get her to an internal medicine specialist, that would be ideal. She needs to be able to keep fluids down – this is essential.
I had a quick glance at her blood tests. I’m not as good at interpreting them as some others, but I see her white cells are very high and I’m wondering if she has an infection. I assume this is why she is on co-amoxiclav. Antibiotics containing penicillin are best avoided with this disease where possible, and we usually recommend doxycycline. Doxy can be harsh on the stomach, and I think it would be good if Inka could be on sucralfate.
With high platelets, I would also ask whether she needs to be on anti-clotting medication.
I’ll not say more now, but yes, I think it’s always worth getting a second opinion if you feel unsure. No-one can tell you if and when that time has come. If you are not sure, keep going. You know her best and you will know if enough is enough. Please do get her to the emergency vet right away. We’ll be thinking of you.
Good luck, and very best wishes,
Mary and Mable x
- This reply was modified 8 years, 9 months ago by admin.
Hi Alyssa
I’ve been reading through and am so sorry that you are going through this horrid time with Sassy. I’m glad her poor tummy is feeling a bit better. Have you heard back from the vet? I will be interested to know what they say about tapering off the aza and starting cyclo. Completely understand the dilemma you feel and hopefully this will be an option.
You are doing such an amazing job of looking after your little lady. She is lucky to have you, and I will keep everything crossed you get some answers soon and that Sassy carries on getting better.
Much love,
Mary & Mable x
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