Ashki, 3 yo Golden IMHA

[Hope]

Hi Tamara —

 

I just got a chance to read through your posts — Ashki (who is absolutely GORGEOUS by the way…I’ve wanted a retriever since I was a kid) is super lucky to have you as her mom. You are SO on top of things and really researched in this awful awful disease. I’m glad Ashki is doing well right now! You are definitely in my thoughts and prayers!

 

Hope and Steve

[Tamara]

Ashki’s PCV is holding at 19, he has clear serum, and he gained a pound!  And he felt well enough today to roll in the backyard and get all dirty :)

[admin]

That’s great news Tamara! I’m so glad it seems to have stabilised and will keep everything crossed that at his next PCV check, it will have started to climb. Also great to hear he is happy in himself and that he’s gained a little weight. They can lose so much in the beginning when their appetite goes, so it’s nice to hear he’s eating well.

Keep up the good work Ashki! (And Tamara! You are doing a wonderful job!)

Mary & Mable x

 

 

[Tamara]

Ashki’s PCV is down to 16. We are doing bloodwork, should have results tonight verbally and I’ll ask them to email them to me tomorrow.  I am worried and upset.

We did start B12 injections, once weekly, first one today.

Ashki is tired, but also seems to be in good spirits.

Tamara and Ashki

[Hope]

Hey Tamara!

Hugs to you and sweet Ashki – I don’t know nearly a bit of what everyone else on here knows but I was told that a fluctuation of 5 PTS either way is acceptable. Indeed when Steve dropped 4 PTS in one day my vet said he was not concerned with it in the least. Apparently a lot of things factor into PCV. Keep your heads up!!!

 

Hugs. Xoxo hope and steve

[admin]

Hi Tamara

I’m sorry to read that the PCV is down a little and I completely understand you feeling very worried and despondent. Hope is right, that it does fluctuate a little for various reasons. Have you noticed any change in his behaviour? How is his gum colour? Appetite? These are also important indicators.

Looking back to your original post, he was being treated with prednisolone, cyclosporine, and mycophenolate – is that right? I know he’s on many other protective agents, but is his immunosuppressant list still the same? Any change in doses?

What did your vet say about it? I’m sorry for all the questions. As hard as it is, try not to panic. If the current regime isn’t quite doing the job, there are lots of other medications which can be tried. Cyclosporine is often effective, but it doesn’t work for all of them, and some do better with a different drug. It will be good to get the results of the bloodwork to give a better picture of what’s going on. Hopefully they are also repeating retics.

I’m sure you are out of your mind right now. This illness is more of a roller coaster of ups and downs than any other I’ve known, but you are doing a superb job and Ashki is so very lucky to have you for his Mummy. 

Keeping everything crossed for some good blood results. Do let us know when you can. Sending lots of positive vibes your way.

Mary and Mable x

[Tamara]

Hi Mary and Hope, thanks so much.  I am out of my mind with worry.

His gums are pale, but they don’t look more so than they have been.  He is tired today, but in pretty good spirits.

Yes, he’s still on all three; we reduced the pred to 20mg BID.

The internist suggested that we may need to accept that Ashki is not responding to treatment.  I have contacted Dr. Dodds again and ordered a consult.

Yes, we are repeating retics, CBC, chem. He is still eating well, though left more food from his lunch.  He seems to lose his appetite when his PCV drops below about 18.

The doctor is going to call me when he has the results of the bloodwork, tonight or tomorrow morning.  I’ll have the report tomorrow and send it to you all.

thank you —

Tamara and Ashki

[Brigitte]

Hi Tamara,

sorry I have not posted in a few days. I just got back from a big agility trial here in BC Canada. There was a beautiful white Standard poodle named Mercedes that was diagnosed about 4 years ago with AIHA that was successfully running agility all weekend. How did she recover? her owner got in touch with Dr. Dodds and followed all her recommendations. Of course Dr. Dodds can’t promise miracles and there is never a guarantee, but if you get her involved you will get the best vet on board to help Ashki get better. But obviously you already know that:) What I want to say is, don’t listen to the internist! A low PCV is no reason to give up, neither is the fact that Ashki has not yet responded to the medications. Sometimes it just takes a bit longer and Dr. Dodds will certainly never give up as long as she sees there are still things that need to be explored.

Thinking of you, best wishes,

Brigitte