Vally - 6. page

[Vally]

If they do a PCV test, they only take a minute amount of blood, so ask for a PCV test.

Remember too that if they are hydrated, they will always have a lower result and if dehydrated a higher result. Stress affects results too.

Constant drops are more of a worry than an up and down result.

I’m so glad to read about the other results.

Vally.

[Vally]

Katharina, please DO check about clotting. This is very serious in this disease. My boy, Bingo, did not need anticlotting medication, however many dogs do, and Clopridogrel is commonly used.

When you have the thyroid results, send them to Dr Dodds. Send a reply to her email to you. There is no need to do a further consult. She will answer your email.

I’m so glad the results were older. I worried when I saw the 15%.

Take care.

[Vally]

Ask Dr Dodds about using Epogen.

[Vally]

Tharin, is Milk’s HCT 15%? That’s getting low. Is the vet suggesting a transfusion?

The EPO, could indicate kidney issues, or very low thyroid.

Did you get a response fro Dr Dodds? Send her the updated results and see what she says.

[Vally]

Oh, and no walks right now. You’re right, with a low blood count, it would be too much for her. Also, immunosuppressants lower resistance to any other disease, so it’s best to keep her quiet and at home for now.

[Vally]

Hi Tharin and Milk

Welcome to the site. I know you must be very worried right now.

Do you have a copy of blood test results? If you do, can you send them by attaching to the Urgent Advice link.
https://www.secondchanceaihadogs.com/urgent-advice

Patrice, the site owner is very good with understanding them and she can help you to understand what’s happening.

What does Milk weight, how old is she and what is her breed?

Also can you list the drugs and doses she’s on right now. I’m not sure if I understand if she’s still on the cyclosporine or just the mycophenolate. Mycophenolate is not a favourite of mine because it can cause a lot of gastro problems. Cyclosporine is the drug of choice (that’s my opinion anyway – also, it’s what worked with my dog, so I’m biased). Is Milk still on prednisone?

Prednisone is what usually starts working quickly. Cyclosporine usually takes a bit longer to start to work. Prednisone has a lot of side effects though, so when it’s safe, it’s better to start to reduce the prednisone and leave the other immunosuppressants.

Also, has Milk’s thyroid been tested. Dr Jean Dodds, who is a specialist in this disorder, recommends using thyroid medication (even if a dog is not hypothyroid) as it helps to stimulate red blood production and platelet function. The dose is 0.1mg/10lbs given twice a day.

This is a link to her protocol for treatment.
https://www.secondchanceaihadogs.com/hemopetresources?mgi_25=17007/dr-dodds-imha-disease-and-bone-marrow-failure

Tharin, ask anything. Happy to help.

Regards, Vally

[Vally]

Hi Chantelle, I’m so sorry your boy is sick.

Yes, my boy Bingo, survived this, as has many others. The early days are the worst as they will always look worse before the drugs start to kick in. The drugs themselves are harsh, with lots of side effects, but it’s only for a while. Once they start to work, you can slowly reduce them.

This is Bingo’s story:
https://www.secondchanceaihadogs.com/our-stories/bingo

Is your boy still in hospital? The transfusion is there to buy time for the drugs to work. The transfusion itself doesn’t do anything except give the drugs time. It’s the drugs that can turn the disease around.

Ask anything at all. Happy to help.

Regards, Vally

[Vally]

Amanda, I’m so sorry to find you here because I know how worried you are.

I agree with Patrice, I think you need a second opinion quickly. Please do go to an internist for help. Your boy is not stable right now and, yes, I also think he is much to sick to be home.

Mycophenolate can make many dogs feel sick as well. It’s not a favourite of mine for our dogs. If your boy does have AIHA, then cyclosporine is a better second drug to prednisone.

Please let us know how he’s going.

Regards, Vally