4mo pup IMHA

[Amy]

No offense was taken. I just was just curious as to what I would be gaining through the process. I don’t want to spend money that I don’t really have. I appreciate everything that has been offered to me thus far and I look forward to being able to get to know everyone and continue to get the help Coal needs be it from the vet or advice I am given on here.

[Brigitte]

Hi Amy,
I think your vet has done well in treating Coal. Most of us here have consulted with Dr. Dodds and gotten good advice at some point. That does not mean you have to in order for Coal to recover. Like Sheena said, just keep it at the back of your mind. I tell you our story. My dog, also a Standard Poodle recovered pretty good for the first few weeks. Then he got “stuck” in the low 30ies and our vet was also stuck on how to proceed. She suggested we go see a specialist. We live on northern Vancouver Island and that would have meant a 5 hour trip (one way) including a 1 1/2 hour ferry trip. I was not going to do that with a dog in that condition. I had heard of Dr. Dodds from this forum and suggested it to my vet. She was very exited about that idea and consulted with Dr. Dodds over the phone. After that we made some changes. Kahlu was put on azathioprene (Coal is already on that) we started giving him supplements, B12, iron and folic acid. This is available in a product called petinic. Dr. Dodds also recommended Kahlu was put on thyroxine a thyroid supplement. I insisted on testing him first (could have saved that money) he came back hypothyroid and we gave him the thyroxine. This made a big difference in him producing more red blood cells. So for us that consultation was money well spent. I consulted with her a couple more times on other issues and there was no other cost. My vet also commented on how much she learned from Dr. Dodds. She gives lectures all over the world. We all know that this disease is very costly so we would never recommend something that is a waste of money. But right now, if Coal is doing well, you can wait and just keep that suggestion in the back of your mind.
Standard Poodles have a special place in my heart, I happen to have two! I hope Coal is better today and you can relax a bit.
Best wishes,
Brigitte

[Linda]

Hi Amy. Please forgive my tardiness in responding. Everyone here has given spot on advice. This is a most amazing group. Without them and Dr. Dodds, Sadie would it be here.

Sadie, too, had (he no longer has a regular practice, doing rescue work) an awesome vet. At onset, He did all the right things and she responded well and in a little over four months, we were weaning her from the life-saving immune suppressants. But…we weaned her too fast and she relapsed. Back to square one.

This group warned me about the weaning, but Sadie’s vet thought he knew best and I went with him instead of listing to those here. Sadie’s vet felt horrible with her relapse and agreed to consult with Dr. Dodds to get Sadie back on track. He was totally impressed with her and to date, I continue to e-mail her and she continues to help me with Sadie. No more cost than the original consult fee (although I have contributed to Hemopet a few times, as this has been going on for years).

But, no pressure, you are on the right track and your vet is doing a fantastic job. We all know, as others have said, the financial stain is gripping.

I am so very sorry for all you’re going through with Coal (love, love, love the name!). But, as others have said too, the rebound had already been very promising.

Stay with us, any and all questions are welcome. Nothing is too trivial or silly to ask. We have ALL felt the angst of this horrible, stinking disease. BUT, it can be best. Let’s get Coal well.

Love and huge hang-in-there hugs,

Linda and Sadie

[Linda]

Please forgive my usual phone typos……,😱

xo Linda

[Amy]

Thank you again for all the support. I just wanted to report that Coal’s PCV was 30% today! Praise God! Her behavior has improved as well she is much more lively. We are staying the course for the weekend as far as her meds are concerned. The vet sent her blood out for analysis she wanted everything checked and said she would have that when she comes in monday morning. Coal is not on a immuno-suppressant drug. We will also talk about that on Monday. They would like to see if they can start lowering her does of prednisone. They are worried about her being so young on such a high dose. I will let you all know how that visit goes on Monday. Until then have a great weekend!

 

[Sheena]

Hiya Amy

I was just about to go to sleep ( I’m in France) when I saw your message – I am so happy for you – a great improvement is wonderful. I think your vets are right to be very cautious with such a young pup. Things sound so much better in a short time! Little miss is one tough girl – glad I didn’t offend you – I would not wish to do that for the world. I will sleep better for hearing Coal is doing so well.

Sheena x

[Vally]

Oh Amy, I’m so very happy for you. Doing the happy dance.

I guess we’re all fans of Dr Dodds and we’ve all had her help over the years, for different things as well. I’ve been corresponding with her just recently over another matter. When things are complicated (and Coal being such a young dog), it’s good to have her help. But yes we all know the expense of this thing. I’ve been joking lately that I’ve got my old boy getting acupuncture and chiro for spinal issues when I had to GIVE UP my chiropractor when he got sick as I couldn’t afford it. So we all absolutely get it.

Good luck with the next test.

Do you want to send a photo through so we can see Coal? Use the Upload Your Photo on the right. It takes about a day before it shows up – that’s to protect the site from spammers.

Love Vally & Bingo

[Brigitte]

Hi Amy,
this is wonderful and a significant improvement, I am so happy your girl is doing better! Sorry I probably got Coal mixed up with an other dog, she is not on azathioprene but on prednisone. Prednisone in high doses is actually suppressing the immune system.
Best wishes,
Brigitte