Bingo's latest blood test

[Vally]

I thought I’d let you all know that Bingo finished his last cartrophen injection last week. Since then, his drinking has gone back to normal and his weeing seems normal too. I could tell he was drinking heaps more by the amount of water gone from his water bowls. That’s how I know it’s more normal again.

Sheena found some information on reported side effects of the cartrophen, which the vets say doesn’t exist. Of course reading that is scary stuff, as is reading all side effects of everything. One side effect mentioned was sinply stated as genitourinary – with 4% reported. I choose to believe that that is what Bingo has gone through, as well as suffering lethargy and depression. They were at the top of the list of side effects reported. All side effects were supposedly mild and short lived.

The plan was to go back to the vet (local) with a urine sample in another few weeks and perhaps go for another blood test.

HOWEVER – we’ve had 2 lots of staggering again – so much for the tight collar theory – just threw that out the window. I have managed to video it this time and I’ve made an appointment with the specialist this Saturday – lucky for me, he’s not usually in on Saturdays and I’ve just used up my day off.

Anyway what happened tonight was it’s almost dinner time. His whole body seemed to tense and shudder and then he lost his balance. He then instantly jumped back up and started barking at me – yes for FOOD. Something very similar happened last night, so this time I had the phone ready.

I’ve realised a couple of things which may help to solve the puzzle.

1. It’s always just before his dinner – sugar low perhaps?
2. Over the last 4 weeks, there were no incidents – that’s why I thought it could be the collar, but the other thing that changed 4 weeks ago, was that I upped his pred dose back up to the last dosage (because I thought he was lame again). 1 week ago, I dropped it back down to the wimp version of 1/4 tablet every second day (being every day 6 he gets sneaked 1/8 tablet).

I’ve checked previous “episodes” and they all seem to occur soon after I’ve done a reduction, so I’m thinking it’s pred related. Could the pred be causing low sugars or low pressure. I’m more inclined to think sugar, because it’s happening when he comes looking for food and is made to wait.

Anyway, I’m glad I’m seeing the specialist soon – that way I can mention the kidney issues to him. Bloody politics here. The specialist is supposed to be looking after the AIHA issues. If it’s a kidney problem, and I don’t really believe it is, that is supposed to be looked after by the local vets, who don’t impress me very much.

It’s now 10pm and he’s decided he wants to go out the front for a walk – sure Bingo – there’s obviously cat poo out there :o

I’ll keep you all posted – naturally.

Love Vally & “The Troubled One”.

[Vally]

Well I can post back that there was no cat poo out there tonight – so he’s decided he’ll settle for a biscuit. He also thinks it’s now time to play with his ball and blanket. You can tell who gets up a 6 in the morning to go to work and who can sleep all day can’t you.

[admin]

Hi Vally & the troublesome poo searcher outer!

MMMMmmmm! Blood sugar – a possibility. I’m also thinking cortisol – is the excitement of food causing a release of adrenaline and those glands are trying to settle down to the new doseage? Too much of a coincidence now – it must relate to the pred dose lowering in my opinion. Filming is a great idea, Vally.

I admit to being a bit of a skeptic when vets mention kidney problems unless they have irrefutable proof. I have been conned with this a couple of times in the past with non-fasting blood tests & vets not being aware of variations in breed too. Example: Greyhound/sight hound types are inclined to have higher than “normal” creatinine levels naturally anyway it is normal for them. I know this doesn’t apply to Bingo as I don’t think his genes contain any greyhound bits, even though he has the blue boots!!!!! One of our new local vets said Worzel was getting kidney problems until I whipped out my sheet of normal greyhound results, then she said, Oh OK, he’s fine – sorry about that. They don’t have greyhounds in France. BUT I believe you should be comparing a fasting test to what his levels have been in the past and when he is completely free of cartrophen before you go worrying about things. I also think a second opinion wouldn’t go amiss. That is what I did with one of my previous dogs & the second vets said there was absolutely nothing wrong with the fasting test.

Bingo – sleep when your Mum sleeps or I’ll not be sending any more cuddles! (only joking – of course I will)

Let us know how he is – is there any way of trying to keeping calm with the food? Ha Ha – Easier said than done.

Love as always Sheena, Worzel & Ollie xxxxx

PS loved the Dad in church story & the speling eroors wot the teechurs did!

[Tamara]

Vally, thinking of you and Bingo and hoping that he straightens right up. Ugh – vet politics – really lousy to deal with. What is most important is Bingo of course and not their silly egos!
lots of love and give Bingo some scritchies please :)
tamara and ashki xoxox

[Ruth]

Hi Vally, I don’t really have any knowledge of kidney disease, but a repeat test and a scan to be on the safe side sound like a plan. Really hope all goes well for Bingo! Xxxxx

[Vally]

Bingo saw the specialist today.

He had seen the test results from the the local vets over the kidney issues and thought there was no need to worry about them, especially looking at the low creatinine result. Sheena, as you said, high creatinine results are usually the first indication of kidney disease. I mentioned I had suggested to the local vets that I would retest in a short while and he agrees that’s good. He said overall the results didn’t raise any alarms with him.
So that’s great.

I showed him the video of the “episode” the other night. By the way, I think he did a little stumble last night too, but it wasn’t obvious – I couldn’t say I was sure it happened. Nothing (so far) tonight and he’s already eaten.

He feels the reduction of the pred dose is just too low for it to be causing the problems with the adrenal glands, but then again, it is odd for there to have been no problem for the 3 weeks the dosage was put back up and it’s happened since it’s been lowered.

He thinks the things to check are his glucose levels (which tested on the low end of normal today), and the next thing would be his heart – although they’ve never heard anything abnormal with his heart.

So this Thursday he’s checking into (shhh he’s beside me) the DAY SPA (ie hospital) where he’ll get a massage, facial, manicure, pedicure etc (ie fasting glucose testing throughout the day). He’ll also skip his pred that day, even though he’s due to take a quarter tablet (the bigger dose) that morning, to push the testing even more.

If nothing shows there, the next step is he may wear a heart monitor for a few days, but he said they’re not terribly reliable.

I’ll let you know.

Love to all my friends.

Vally & pin cushion.

[admin]

I think the tests are such a good idea – it’s always better to know exactly what is happening & then you can deal with it. There has to be someting odd related to food, barking, excitement & pred lowering. I don’t believe in coincidences either, so let’s hope Bingo’s Health Spa routine will reveal all. I hope they provide free towelling slippers, otherwise I’ll have to get to work quickly to get them to you by Thursday! I’m sure he’ll enjoy the fillet steak & a nice glass of Bordeaux rouge.
Love to Mr Pampered but Poked and Prodded & yourself from all your good friends
Sheena, Worzel & Ollie xxxx

[admin]

Hi Vally

Tell Bingo to have a wonderful time at the Health Spa tomorrow. Seriously though, wishing you all the best & hoping for some answers. I’ll be “lurking” around to see any messages!

Love as always, Sheena, Worzel & Ollie xxxx