Abby, the Shih Tzu

[Cindy]

Thanks Bridget. Her gums throughout this whole ordeal have been almost white, a tinge of pink maybe. I have never seen them changed colors even from 13% t0 19%. One question I do have….if her PCV does continue to rise, do they lower the dosage of these medicaitons and will they eventually come off these or will they be on them for life ?

[Patrice]

Hi Cindy,
Please check out some of Our Stories on this website, you can read how different each of our dogs responded to treatment.

There are introductory videos that are easy to watch. We also have an extensive glossary of AIHA Terms. We also are beginning to add many Resources with articles and links to information.

You will find a wealth of information to read. Ask questions about anything you don’t understand.
My best
Patrice

[Brigitte]

Cindy,
yes eventually the drugs will be very slowly tapered down. Before that happens you will want Abby to be in a normal range (37) or at least close to that. Some dogs can get off the medications, some will stay on a small maintenance dose to prevent a relapse. But that is a very small price to pay.
As Patrice wrote, try and inform yourself as much as you can. I know it is a steep learning curve, but the more you know and understand, the better you can advocate for Abby.
Best wishes,
Brigitte

[Cindy]

I am just reading through everyones post…I am crying here because you all are very kind and I really did feel alone. Thank you all. I have four Shih Tzus….I love them all, they are my babies even though I have two full grown children. However, Abby is the special one. She is just the sweetest, kindest little thing. We call her our gentle giant because she was weighing close to 17 lbs (yes I know, a little meat on her bones). She is down to 15 lbs. but I guess that is okay since she did need to lose a couple pounds. She is eating well considering and drinking good, I guess due to the prednision. She really can’t walk more than maybe 5-6 steps at a time, hen lays back down. I pick her up to take her potty, when she is finished, she just looks at me saying “I’m done, pick me back up”. I leave a water bowl right by her side. I do hand feed her since she really doesn’t have the energy to get up and stand to eat. Abby will be 8 years old this Thursday. My concern is when my kids go back to school, who will be here with her. She will only be left alone no longer than 3 hours every day but nervous nelly that I am I’m thinking that might not be a good idea. I will certainly scan in all my reports and post. Vally, I am from Odessa, Florida, a couple miles from Tampa. I do have one other question, what % do they give transfusions…my vet tends to lean more to about 11%.

[admin]

Hi again Cindy

You never need to feel alone now – I felt the same until I found this wonderful group of people! Goodness, you must have a lively, happy household with all your lovely doggies.

I am relieved to see aspirin as part of Abby’s medications – this will prevent any clotting that our poor babies are often at great risk from – good call by your vet. So am I right in saying Abby is on cyclosporine (atopica) & azathioprine (Imuran)? Just wanted to be clear I’ve understood properly. These drugs do take a while to take effect fully, so we have to be a bit patient while they start to work. A PCV of 19 is a nice rise from before – good news, Cindy & I can see you’ve already got your head around the figures & abbreviations.

The level for transfusions is usually about 15 or below, but it depends how well they are coping – some dogs do not do well at all at 17/18/19, so it’s a matter of judgement sometimes. If it is only her red cells that are low (we can tell you when we see the tests) then she may only need Packed Red Cells, rather than a full transfusion. Let’s hope she isn’t going to need one anyway – fingers crossed! If she does, it should be small amount(s) & not take her PCV above about 25. If you want to read more about transfusions, have a look at
https://www.secondchanceaihadogs.com/AIHA_Terms/transfusion/

I couldn’t agree more with Brigitte – Abby needs to be on sucralfate – it’s really important to protect tummies from these drugs. I must re-iterate what she said about thyroid testing too – thyroxine supplementation is recommended with this disease, even if our dogs are not hypothyroid, as it encourages blood cell production.
Sorry to repeat these things, but they make a big difference.

You are going through a rough time on the weakness side of things – it does make them very lethargic. Worzel was in a terrible state at this level too – weak, wobbly & not able to do an awful lot. There are more ups & downs than a rollercoaster with this disease for sure.

Something you need to be aware about – pancreatitis which can be caused by the azathioprine (& the prednisone to a lesser extent). Please DO NOT get over-worried about this as it is easily treated by your vet (who sounds excellent) but it needs immediate attention. Have a good read:
https://www.secondchanceaihadogs.com/AIHA_Terms/pancreatitis/
My vet told me to stop the azathioprine immediately if I saw any signs of pancreatitis & to take Worzel straight in – there is a simple test for it. He tolerated the azathioprine just fine, thank goodness – most dogs do – but some don’t & we’ve had a few people on here who have had to stop it.

Take one day at a time – things don’t happen overnight. It’s a long road, but we’ll help you along it. Apologies if I’ve repeated anything!

Love & hugs to you all
Sheena, Worzel & Ollie (both in bed right now, waiting for biscuits!) xxxx

[Cindy]

Thank you kindly Sheena for your help. Yes she is on both Imuran and Atopica. Atopica for 3 weeks, Imuran 5 days. I take her back on Wednesday for another blood count and will certainly ask about the Sucralfate. I might end up taking her sooner. Yesterday was a good day but today not so good. I will download the bloodwork I’ve gotten thus far, I have one complete CBC from when this first started and a couple more test with just several things on it, mostly PCV levels. I do not have a scanner here at home but will download everything when I get to work tomorrow.

 

[Vally]

Hi Cindy, it’s ALWAYS the special ones. Yes, ask about the Sucralfate and also Soloxine. As Brigitte and Sheena said, Soloxine helps the marrow make those reds, so even if a dog is not hypothyroid, it’s recommended for our dogs.

Now having said that, there is now a shortage of Soloxine, so the next best to use is one called ThyroVet. Soloxine also needs to be given 1 hour before food or 3 hours after.

I know you will worry, but she’ll be fine for a few hours. Just be warned, with all the extra drinking, there may be some accidents.

Good luck on your next test.

Vally & Bingo
xxx

[admin]

Hi Cindi. I am so very sorry about Abby. She is absolutely adorable.

Everyone has given their usual wonderful, point on, advice. They have gotten my sweet cocker spaniel, Sadie, and me through many, many ups and downs. Her story is under ‘Our Stories’ with the others. As Patrice said, it helps to read them and realize how each pup or kitty is different, but yet, the same.

I want to say right away, I am in Tampa, Westchase, very near to you. I am going to send my phone number to you via e-mail. I am here for you any time, day or night. Okay? 😊

You have been through so much, but it dose sound like Abby is doing better. Changing vets was a a great move on your part. Way to pick up in that.

As all have said, please be sure Abby is on all the protections that are needed while these immune suppressants are trying so hard to do their jobs. It’s a must.

We will chat about all this. In the meantime, Sadie and I send huge, hang in there hugs. You just keep doing the great job you’re doing. Talk soon,

Linda and Sadie