Abby, the Shih Tzu

[admin]

Cindy
Should have said Abby is nowhere near the level to need a transfusion. The generally accepted figure for a transfusion is 15 or below – there is good reason not to transfuse until they get this low. The only exception would be if a dog was struggling very badly, i.e. completely lacking interest in anything, very lethargic, near collapse, unable to stand at all. So no need to worry at all just yet.

I would also be reluctant to add Arava (leflunomide) – in my opinion, she might become over-suppressed. Azathioprine & leflunomide can both suppress the bone marrow – cyclosporine does not. This is one of many reasons we’d like to see the blood results & reticulocyte figures. I can’t obviously say that Abby is over-suppressed – but it is possible & worth thinking about. OR there is another reason for Abby not coming up as quickly as we would like – infection is just one thing that would do that.

We have a lovely lady called Tamara who sometimes posts on here (Tamara we miss you by the way!!!!). Her dog Ashki was over-suppressed with too many drugs. This is as bad as not enough & Ashki hung around in the late 20’s early 30’s for such a long time – he really was one of the slowest dogs to recover that I’ve come across. He also had a very bad start in life with his health & care from a previous owner, which didn’t help either. BUT he did improve – slowly – she changed vets – the best thing she ever did for her boy. And he is absolutely gorgeous – here he is in action – very funny video of him picking up dog toys – a healthy boy.

https://youtu.be/4yuE72dbiqw

Love Sheena
xxxxx

[admin]

Also a tummy problem could be preventing her PCV rising – have you noticed anything?

[Cindy]

I agree about the Arava, I would have to think long and hard about that. No tummy issues thus far (knock on wood). The only thing right now is her paw pad. It started looking better but now not so good, really has not improved. She’s had this for over a week now and I would think it would look better by now being on antibiotic. We are taking her back in today and I am going to ask to give her a stronger antibiotic. Our regular vet did say if we didn’t see improvement on doxy, that it would be wise to change to a stronger one. She will not be back in town until Thursday (lost without her) but will take Abby to the emergency clinic in the interim. I really do feel that it’s the infection that brought her PCV down. My concern or I should say just not knowing what to do is……..when they hover in the high teens or 20’s, but still eating a little…what do you do ? Is it a waiting game to see if it rises or falls to a level of transfustion ? It is just so heartbreaking to see her laying there all day long and her 3 little sisters are playing around here and she can’t participate. I know she wants to, but she just does not have the energy..very sad :-(

Cindy and Sweet Sleepy Abby