Elvis, 4 month old dachshund puppy

[Vally]

Terri, there’s something about Elvis that reminds me of THE Elvis. He’s so cute.

Bingo is pleased Elvis at least was given a blue bandage. His previous local vet sent him off to the specialists in a PINK one to his humiliation.

Vally

[Amy]

Oh my goodness I am so thrilled to hear Elvis is doing well. I was fearful he had not made it since you had not come back to post. Oh my heart sings!!! I know I am only a few weeks ahead of you but I have such an amazing team of specialists taking care of Coal and one thing they did say was no medication for heart worm or flea and ticks. I asked about the heart worm and my vet said I was going to have to use natural bug repellant on her for awhile and that the heart worm meds were not a risk they were willing to take. Also she recommended Seresto flea and tick collars because they work well but are not absorbed into the skin. Also please ask your vet why Elivs is not on aspirin? It’s important after the blood transfusions to reduce the risk of clots. Everyone here as been amazing to me and have been so helpful so I am sure others will chime in but for now don’t worry about the heart guard. Try not to take him out during peak mosquito times. He should be fine. Lots of love and healing prayers for Elvis and hugs for you!! Warmly, Amy and Coal

[Terri]

Thank you for all the great information. I live on the beach in Jacksonville, FL. so i now there is a risk. Just trying to make sure I know everything i can to make the best decision. I given little Elvis his medicine at 8:00 every morning, he does okay during the day, always hungry… First thing in the morning I have my little boy back he is playing acting like a puppy again, and then I have to give him that medicine. He is suppose to go back to internal specialist on April 8th. Hoping we can decrease this meds again. Thank you again everyone for your support and it is such a comfort to know I am not alone and that UNFORTUNATELY there is this going on with our animals. I have had dogs and cats all my life and never had heard of this. I am committed to OUR little Elvis to do whatever I can for him to enjoy his little life on this earth.

[Amy]

I know you want to reduce the meds but I urge you to go very very slowly. Please take a min to read through all the posts in my thread about Coal. There are a few responses that really gave me good insight on what should be done for Coal. Also I drive my doctors crazy but they are awesome about answering questions and if they don’t know something they make sure to find out. As for the risk of the heart worms. You can always use a natural bug repellant or sink so soft from avon works well. He may smell like a petunia but he won’t be getting any meds that could cause issues with his healing. There are a few natural bug repellants out there and you can also try attaching on of those bug bands that kid wear on their wrist to his collar when you go outside. Blessings, Amy

[Sheena]

Hi Terri

Couldn’t agree with Amy more – reducing the meds slowly & carefully is so important to avoid a relapse.

Here is our information on the safe reduction of pred:

https://www.secondchanceaihadogs.com/AIHA_Terms/prednisone-dose-reduction/

Keep us posted on how things are going!

Love Sheena & the boys xxxxx

[Terri]

Thank you Amy and Sheena, I did write Dr. Dodds about Elvis issue also. She advised not to give him any heart worm until he is at least 5 months old and healing. Plus right now he does not even go outside at all. I live in a condo and have a porch potty for him to go outside on. We have a follow up today with the internal specialist he is still doing good just need more medicine and they said to bring him with me so they can take a look at him. Hopefully good news. Luckily living near the Ocean i have not ever had a problem with fleas with my other doggies. And I am jus scared about the meds because he is so young and i have read that it could cause a growth problem. But i am taking it day by day. Thanks again

[Vally]

Good luck with the appointment. Crossing everything for some good results.

Good to hear what Dr Dodds has recommended. I would absolutely go with her advice and, having paid her consult fee, keep the email because whenever you have any other questions, reply to her email and she’ll get back to you again. We’ve all done that.

With the question of heartworm, well mosquitoes really, this came up before as well and I like Amy’s idea of using a natural bug repellent. I have a fabric collar for the summer months that I put tea tree oil on before walks.

You can also get doggy bandanas with permethrin impregnated into the fibres. This came up once before and I found this mentioned by Patrice:

“Permethrin is a man-made derivative of Chrysanthemum flower extract that is impregnated into clothing fibers. It usually lasts through up to 70 washings. And before you ask, no it can’t weep onto the skin or into water. They have tested this significantly since it is used for American Military clothing and have found that the only way Permethrin leaves the clothing is via dryer lint. So both of us have head to toe ExOfficio clothing and I put big red bandannas on the dogs. Search for Doggles Insect Shield Bandana, but there are many brands.”

Topic was on NexGard: https://www.secondchanceaihadogs.com/forums/topic/nexgard/

Regards, Vally & Bingo

[Terri]

We just got back from the Specialists, and his number is 46!!!! So it went from 42 to 45 Still going up, they are decreasing the prednisone. We go back in two weeks… So good to see my Little Elvis’s personality coming back. Thank you again for all the advise. I will be doing everything I can to help him get healthy and stay healthy. I will definitely keep in touch with Dr. Dodds. Thank you!!