Abby, the Shih Tzu

[Cindy]

Another update. Abby had her transfusion last night. She was at 13% and when we picked her up it went to 32%..yippie…but the downside…it did not affect her breathing..still very labored. The eclinic told us to take her to her day vet, which she is there right now. He mentioned several things, fluid, phuemonia or clot. The doctor will be there around noon today but at least she is being monitored right now. Boy I tell you, when say rollercoaster, that was no lie !!

[admin]

Hi Cindy

I’m sure they will make a big effort to find & treat what’s going on with her breathing – her neutrophils have been high the whole time, usually indicating infection, so maybe it’s just that and some antibiotics will kill it off. Hoping it’s something simple to deal with.

Transfusions should not normally be given to take them over the PCV 25 mark (roughly) with this disease (there is a very good reason not to go over that level – see our glossary), but I do think she desperately needed some help. Do you think she is less weak, despite the breathing? Fingers crossed she will soon be feeling much better – tell us as soon as you can what’s happening. You also need to approach the thyroxine question with the vets – I sent you Dr Dodds info by e-mail- hope you got it OK. Ups & downs, Cindy – ride them out!

Loads of love, Sheena xxxxx

[Cindy]

Abby is home with us!!!!! Breathing was better when we picked her up but it is starting to get a little worse again, but not like it was (for now). Doctor said exactly that Shenna, her white count was high and he did put her on antibiotics. She still has no energy and I hoping it’s because she has stayed in two different clinic the past two days and just worn out. He PCV was 32% last night and 31.3 this morning and went back to 31.9 when I picked her this afternoon. IV cathater is still in her and will need to take her back to vets tomorrow for another blood test. If all is okay, they will take the IV out. I will read about the PCV being too high after transfusion. Thanks Sheena

[Vally]

Hi Cindy, hope she’s starting to feel a bit better. As Sheena said, it’s normal for a PCV to drop after they’ve received a transfusion.

Vally & Bingo
xxx

[admin]

Hi Cindy

There just had to be an infection – I’m very sorry they didn’t start treatment sooner, despite us saying we strongly suspected infection, but that’s water under the bridge now. It will take a few days for the antibiotics to take effect, then she will start feeling more like her old self. I’m so happy to read she is getting looked after so well now. I would also push like crazy to get her started on thyroxine – this is vital if she is hypothyroid – even if she wasn’t, thyroxine should be given to all our dogs, regardless.

Quick explanation of why not to transfuse above 25″ish” PCV. The kidneys cleverly monitor the amount of oxygen in the body. If there is not enough, they will produce more erythropoeitin (EPO) which stimulates the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. Once a PCV of 25 is reached, the production of EPO drops & the cell production slows down. Therefore if you over-transfuse, it will slow down the body’s natural production of red blood cells – you do not want this to happen as it dampens the natural recovery process. We want Abby pumping out baby red cells herself. Let’s hope she will not need another transfusion anyway – crossing everything that she doesn’t. If you have heard about the recent doping scandal in athletics/cycling etc, people are using EPO to cheat & up their red blood cell count! The long explanation is here if you need it:
https://www.secondchanceaihadogs.com/AIHA_Terms/transfusion/

I don’t actually know if Abby is classed as non-regenerative or not because I haven’t seen a figure for her reticulocytes. I suspect she isn’t producing enough as her PCV has not improved, but I can’t be sure. It would be very useful if you could get the figures for me, please. And if you send any new blood tests, that would be great!

I think Abby will be improving at a rate of knots now they have got to the bottom of what’s happened. A combination of hypothyroidism & infection is certainly part or all of the cause. Finding the cause is always a bonus!

Lots of love to you all & big hugs too
Sheena & the boys xxxxx

[admin]

Cindy & anyone interested
EPO:
https://www.secondchanceaihadogs.com/AIHA_Terms/erythropoietin/

[Cindy]

Good news for my sweet Abby. Yesterday afternoon her PCV was 31.9% a day after her transfusion. We just got back from the Vet where they took out her IV and ran another PCV….it was 35.7% !!!!!!!! What wonderful news. We know have a little reprieve now and she doesn’t have to go back until the middle of the week.

[admin]

Oh, that’s wonderful, Cindy! Hang on in there sweet ladies – you can beat this now the treatment for the infection has started. I like the change from Zantac (ranitidine) to Pepcid (famotidine) is much safer for our pups.
Much love Sheena xxxxxx