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[admin]

Hi Jill

I’m so pleased to read your update on Snoopy. What lovely news for you to hear. Maybe some of the medication is starting to take effect – fingers crossed. It’s great that he seems a bit better in himself.

I also had a look at your results but couldn’t see them I’m afraid, as they are too blurry when zoomed in. It would be great if you are able to get a picture close up.

Give Snoopy a cuddle from us.

Mary and Mable x

[admin]

Hi Eleonora

Just stopping in to send my best wishes, and am so pleased to see Camilla is doing so well. As everyone has said, it’s best to be really slow and steady with the reductions, and ideally one medication at a time.

I hope she keeps on getting better and better!

Much love,

Mary and Mable x

[admin]

Hi Hope

It’s so lovely to hear from you (and Steve!), and I’m so pleased things are going so well. It certainly sounds as though life is keeping you busy, but in a good way (apart from the broken ankle of course – ouch!)
Wonderful to hear that Steve is doing so well, and I also look forward to his story appearing on the site. I hope he is getting on better with his cat brother now – how lovely!

Take good care of yourself, and thank you for stopping by. I hope we will get to see the glorious video of Steve!

Much love,

Mary and Mable x

[admin]

Hi Liz

I’m sorry I’m a little late in posting this, but I just wanted to add my sincere condolences too. Your little Heidi was beautiful, and I can see what a long and difficult journey you have had. That is credit to you as her loving and devoted owner, and friend. I don’t know why, but this disease really seems to get the ‘special ones’, the ones who have really stolen a piece of our heart and take it with them when they go. They are not with us nearly long enough, and it is devastating when we have to say goodbye. Thank you for taking the time to tell us Heidi’s story. Everyone’s story is important here, and they all help us to learn a little bit more and help people to feel a little less alone when fighting this horrible battle.

Much love, and my deepest sympathy,

Mary x

[admin]

Dearest Kelli – I am so very sorry to read this. I know your heart is breaking. But you must realize that you were such a wonderful fur mom and you did everything right. This disease is merciless and unfair. Tear.

Please know my heart and thoughts are with you. I am sending much love consoling hugs.

Linda

[admin]

Dear Kelli.

I’m so very sorry to hear about your beautiful Rocky. I know your heart must be broken. If and when you feel like it, do have a look at ‘the Bridge’ page. This is such a cruel disease and I am so sorry Rocky didn’t make it.

My sincere condolences,

Mary x

[admin]

Good Morning Jill, and handsome Mr Snoopy.

Good to hear your vet has given some stomach protection. I’d never heard of sucralfate before this site, and am not sure if you can get it here. I would think there is something similar. I’m very surprised your vet has said cyclosporine isn’t available, but many dogs do well on azathioprine (Sheena’s Worzel is an example). Have you been able to ask about anti-clotting medication? There are a few cases where it isn’t needed, but it most cases clotting is the greatest risk with this illness. A simple test called a blood smear can show whether it’s needed.

I’m not too far from you. I’m near Cambridge, and often visit north Oxfordshire. I’m very happy to have a look and see which specialist vets are in the area if that would help.

Vally is amazing at making drug charts and helping to space everything out properly.

Please don’t worry too much about the transfusions. A specialist vet should easily be able to crossmatch blood if more is needed. There is another option called oxyglobin. It’s a synthetic blood substitute. It is not as good as real blood and has various issues (it’s pricey, for a start) but it is a possibility in an emergency.

I hope you’ve managed to get a reasonable night’s sleep. Is Snoopy home with you now?

Much love,

Mary & Mable x

[admin]

Hello Jill

I’m so sorry to hear about what’s happening with your Snoopy. We’ve all been there and understand what a truly horrible time it is.
I’m also in the UK, and my cat Molly had AIHA. I’m afraid I am not sure about the price of cyclosporine over here, but chat with the vet about it. I would absolutely recommend Snoopy has a second immunosuppressant, alongside the prednisolone. For many animals, prednisolone alone is not enough (although it is essential). Your vet mentioned another immunosuppressant which is quicker acting, and I am sure I have also heard of something faster (help guys! was it MMF?) but I do not know how effective or safe it was. Cyclosporine is generally the treatment of choice (with pred).

Waiting is very, very hard. Remember that Snoopy can be ‘topped up’ with transfusions if necessary, until the drugs start to work (and great news that the PCV has not dropped further!). Bone marrow biopsy is an invasive procedure. We did it – I didn’t know there were other options at the time. I don’t think it should be ruled out, but I think it should be a last resort. There are other tests which can help to show the vets what is happening, which are less invasive (and less expensive).

My Molly also started eating strange things – in her case, clay cat litter. This is most likely Pica and is common with anaemia. Make sure he cant eat or lick anything which might be toxic or a risk for him to swallow. We had to rush about changing cat litter, as that can cause an obstruction.

It’s also so tough when they won’t eat. This will probably change when the pred kicks in and Snoopy will probably get very very hungry then. I think the chicken and rice is a good idea, but in general, lean protein and low fat is recommended. If he will eat the sensitive dog food, I would think that would be ok? I’m the cat person around here, but the lovely dog people will be able to give you some suggestions for food – lots of them cook for their dogs and are very knowledgeable about nutrition.
They also recommend pumpkin for dogs with diarrhoea. Now, we had an issue getting this in the UK, but we discovered you can buy 100% pure canned pumpkin in Tesco & Waitrose (maybe others), so mixing in a small spoonful of that might help his tummy a little. Vally also sent me some seeds, so later this year I hope to be in full production!

I think your vet is wise to be checking out the ulcer, even if it’s already being treated. It might give some further information as to what is going on. Stomach protection is really important, as is anti-clotting medication (in most cases).

I know you must feel shattered with all this, and there is so much information to take in. You can always print things out and show them to your vet if that is helpful. I also second the idea of contacting Dr Dodds. She usually replies very quickly and it can be hugely helpful to get another set of eyes and another opinion on the best course of treatment.

Hang in there Jill and Snoopy. This is a rollercoaster but you can get through it. Please ask anything you like. Someone will know or will know how to find out.

Much love to you and to Snoopy.

Mary and Mable x