Libby Lab Mix

[Sheena]

Hi Carol

Everything looks fine except for the high neutrophils. Red cells are excellent, platelets a teeny bit high but nothing to worry about. I am concerned that the high neutrophils indicate an infection – the band neutrophils are double what they should be & absolute neutrophils slighly high – the usual cause is an infection. Tell me how Libby is doing & if she has any problems – high temperature, bad tummy, diarrhoea, ear, skin, eye infection – anything unusual. Apart from that, all looking pretty fine! As these results are from the 7th July, I’m assuming Libby is OK?

Sheena xxxxx

[Carol]

She doesn’t have any of the infections you mentioned. She is eating good, back to dry dog food.The vet assistant recommend fruits and veggies for treats, trying to get weight down. Not a lot of energy but it’s been hot here in northwest PA, and I don’t have air conditioning. Tring to get hold of local vet to decide when more blood work. I don’t think he knows much about AIHA, need to call animal hospital they said she’ll be on steroids for 9 to 12 months. Thanks for all your help. I’ll keep you informed. Carol

[Sheena]

You can certainly wean the prednisone now if you haven’t started already – here’s the protocol recommended:
https://www.secondchanceaihadogs.com/AIHA_Terms/prednisone-dose-reduction/

Reduce the pred to zero or as near as possible, then the srcond immunosuppressant – all should be well.

Sheena x

[Vally]

Hi Carol, yes, as Sheena said you could start to reduce the prednisone. There is no set time. Once they’re stable and have been there for a little while, you can start to reduce the prednisone.

Vally & Bingo
xxx

[Carol]

Hi. Haven’t been in touch for a while. Libby has no muscle tone in back legs can’t even stand now. She is still on predizone and vet told me to start mycophenolate 500mg last month. Had urinary tract infection on antibiotic. Not sure what to do? Vet says don’t take her off predizone, I started reducing it anyway and she seems worse. Blood was a t 30% with the infection. In disagreement here at home on what to do. Thanks carol

[Vally]

Carol, I’m so sorry, you must be very worried. What’s the dose of the prednisone right now and what was the blood result before the infection.

I’m sure the prednisone is causing the problems and Libby needs to start to come down. I’m going from memory, so please forgive me, but I thought Libby was in the normal range???

The muscle wasting is from the pred and she’d be having problems fighting the infection because of the pred too.

Can she walk about? Is it standing that is the problem? Bingo has very weak back legs. I’ve been using dog socks (with rubber on the bottom) on his back feet for a little while now as he slips very easily because of very poor muscle tone.

Vally
xxx

[Carol]

Hi sad news Libby went over the rainbow bridge today. Thanks everyone your were all very helpful and supportive. Best of luck for everyone dealing with this, my prayers are with you.
Carol

[Vally]

Carol, I’m so very sorry to read this. Libby was much too young. She sounded very bad yesterday so I have no doubts that you’ve acted in the kindest way. It’s a gesture of love so don’t doubt it. When you feel up to it, and it may not be for a while, go to the Bridge Page. It’s beautifully written.

https://www.secondchanceaihadogs.com/the-bridge/

I hope all the good times come forward and help to overshadow the sadness of the most recent times. Thank you for letting us know.

My deepest condolences.
Vally
xxx