Ashki – new thread

[Tamara]

Thank you dear Hope. :)

I forgot to tell y’all — Ashki’s weight is up to 63.3 pounds!!! That is right where I’d like him to be as long as he’s on pred, so I’m going to have to start watching closely to make sure he doesn’t gain any more weight!! I’m just so thrilled.

love and hugs —
tamara and ashki xoxox

[Tamara]

Ashki is still on the 30s, 34 today! I am very happy. We also did an iron panel and the results are very interesting. Ashki’s serum iron is still high, but coming down. His ferritin is normal, but his total iron binding capacity (TIBC) is so low it was not measurable. The vet called the pathologist and they discussed it. They think that because his transferrin is so low (the protein to which iron binds to be used and basically what TIBC measures) that all of the receptors were bound. This can indicate a few things, one of which is anemia of inflammation, so we are thinking it is an indicator and validation that we are on the right track. In my reading this week, I found that serum iron can be high as a result of hemolytic anemia, aplastic or hypoplastic anemia, and glucocorticoid administration! As well as transfusion, of course. And high serum iron can cause an increase in hepcidin, which can slow down erythropoiesis. It’s not simple, is it. Sheena found for me that sylibin chelates iron, so there’s another reason for denamarin or milk thistle.

sending you all love and hugs —
tamara and ashki xoxoxo

[Vally]

Hey Tamara, I like the number 34.

Love Vally & Bingo

[admin]

Hi Tamara
Whoopeeeee!!!! I am so pleased about 34 – I like that number as well. This iron puzzle certainly is complicated – I think you are our resident expert on it now, you clever thing.
Love & cuddles to you both
Sheena, Worzel & Ollie xxxxx

[admin]

Thirty four sounds really fantastic to me! Keep it up!

L
xx

[Tamara]

Thank you Vally, Sheena, and Lynda! Our next reduction will be cyclosporine, from twice daily to once daily as long as we maintain. , The vet is concerned the cyclosporine is part of the problem with Ashki’s kidneys and the proteinuria is a result of inflammation and we really want to do everything we can to address that inflammation. A big reduction but I’m okay with it due to that reasoning.
tamara and ashki xoxoxo

[admin]

Tamara

Wonderful news that Ashki is holding his own. 34? We’ll take that! I don’t pretend to understand the iron puzzle very well but kudos to you for doing so much reading and learning. Ashki is so lucky to have you fighting his corner.

Give the clever boy some ear rubs from us!

Mary and Mable x

[Tamara]

Thanks so much Mary, Ashki says thank you for the ear rubs. Please give sweet Mable some ear and chin rubs from here!

I’m taking Ashki in early for a PCV check, his gums have been pale though his energy and attitude have been very good. We did go ahead and reduce the cyclo by half, but I think it was just too much.

I’m doing okay, I’m viewing this as information that we will just need to go slowly with weaning. I’ll let you know how it all goes.

love and hugs to you all —
tamara and ashki xoxoxo