Split: For Hope and Steve

[Hope]

Hey all!

So Steve went in to the vet today — he’s up to 34%… YAYYY!! So happy! Hope he’s stays on an upward slope!

However, the vet said there is a small black dot on his xray somewhere near his lung (I wasn’t there so this was told to me by husband) . He made it seem to husband that he’s not really concerned about it “because it’s so small.” ANY size clot anywhere near his lungs is BAD news, right? I know he’s on the Lovenox and 20mg aspirin a day but a clot — especially near the lungs — is bad I thought. Husband made him do another xray right then and there because he knew I would freak out and the vet is supposed to call us with results today. What can be done about that? Anything?

Help!

xoxo Hope and Steve

[Hope]

Hey Tamara!

Yea I already told husband that STeve will be going in every other day… it’s $11 per blood test but I don’t care. Monday –> Thursday is too long to me.

[admin]

Hi Hope

Excellent news about Steve’s PCV today! You must be really pleased. And yes, welcome to the crazy paranoid club. We are all the same, don’t worry.

What did the vet say about the black dot on the x-ray? Did he think it was a clot? I’m out of my depth on this one I’m afraid and hoping someone else will see it soon and have an answer for you. My “guess” is that the size of the clot is quite important, and it sounds as though your vet is unconcerned as it is small. However, I really don’t know how big they need to be to be considered serious, and would suggest you speak further with the vet about this. You could always speak with your general vet if you are uncomfortable about asking the specialist, but the specialist would probably be best.  I know there are some “clot-busting” drugs used for breaking down clots, but I am unsure about this in dogs. Have you managed to contact Dr Dodds yet? She might well have some valuable advice about this.

I’m really sorry I don’t have much of an answer for you, but fingers crossed you’ll get good news from the repeat x-ray. Again, I’m so pleased about the rise in PCV. A step in the right direction!

Mary & Mable x

[Vally]

Hi Hope,  Yay on the PCV result.  That’s almost edging into the normal range again.

The clot.  I believe the size of the clot is important because if it’s large enough to block a vein, then that’s where there are problems.  It’s possible it is small enough not to raise concerns.  But yes, speak to the vet about this and find out if they plan to do anything about it.

Love Vally & Bingo

[admin]

Hi Hope

Sorry not to have been around for a few days – great news on the increased PCV – lovely news & I’m really pleased for you! Don’t panic – spots on x-rays are not always clots or anything sinister- it could easily be something benign, or even scar tissue. Please let us know when you hear from the vets. Even if it is a clot, Steve is on 2 anticlotting meds, thank goodness. If you see Steve having any breathing difficulties such as shortness of breath or coughing, please go to the vets immediately though.

The lovenox is a type of heparin & heparin is often used for people & dogs to disperse & prevent clots, but discuss the dose with your vets to put you mind at rest as it may need to be increased – Mary is right about suggesting clot busting drugs, but I’ve no idea if they’ve been tested/given to dogs either. Please could you also mention the interaction of metronidazole with anti-clotting medications as it might be advisable to change to another antibiotic. I think I mentioned it also interacts with mycophenolate & famotidine, so it’s worth thinking about changing it. Everything is so complicated isn’t it!

Let us know how things are going when you can – I will be crossing everything for you – & don’t worry – clots are treatable, if it is that.

Love Sheena & the boys xxx

[Hope]

Hey all!

The clinic called and said that the second X-ray came back clear?!! I’m thrilled of course but a little confused how it could be there in one and gone in the other. I asked what else it could have been and the vet said possibly an artifact(?) but that it’s not there yet and that’s what matters.

 

Sheena – the emergency clinic stopped using the metronidazole at some point this week, tho not exactly sure when. Since it interacts with mycophenolate maybe then? Now we are “just” using 25 mg pred BID, 10mg Pepcid AC BID, 250 mg mycophenolate in AM, 125 mg mycophenolate in PM, 10mg aspirin BID and 22mg Lovenox TID.

Steve was eating awesome up until last night..he really didn’t eat much last night at all, this AM only 1/2 can wet food and this PM only a few bitefuls of wet food. He’s still drinking up a storm. He also seems a little less perky todayand it’s making me nervous. His gums are okay looking, not as pink as they were pre-diagnosis but okay. I’ve already decided to bring him in tomorrow am for another PCV but do y’all think I should bring him in tonight?

[Hope]

He also keeps licking his lips — he’s got access to ample water and is drinking. Is that a sign of anything?

[admin]

Hi Hope.

Good news about the x-ray. Sometimes this can happen with x-rays and other types of scans. An artifact is basically an imaging error which can be caused by various things. I am guessing this is why your vet repeated the x-ray. So, that’s really good news and hopefully nothing to worry about.

I’m not sure what time it is where you are, but I’d be inclined to give the vet a ring tonight to see what he suggests about Steve’s reduced appetite and change in behaviour. It may just be that he is tired, but see what they say and if they are happy to wait until tomorrow. I’m a great believer in “owner knows best” and if something feels wrong to you, give them a call. Go with your gut feeling and if you feel you want him to be seen tonight, go for it. I definitely agree with having a PCV tomorrow.

I’m unsure about the licking of lips, but I have heard others say their dogs have done similar things when they have felt sick. I wonder if this could be the cause? Some of these drugs, whilst essential, are hard on the system (especially the stomach and liver) and this could be the cause of the lip licking, and perhaps reduced appetite. Is Steve on any liver protection at all?

Love, Mary & Mable x