Megan & Sophie

[Megan]

I wish, but all the vets (3) we’ve taken her to said this vet is the best in town for IMHA…but I tend to disagree, she doesn’t seem concerned about Sophie, just wants my money. She is on 4-5 drops of Milk Thistle twice a day….

[Vally]

Megan I’m sorry, but I really don’t think this vet is the best way to go.  She really isn’t helping you at all and is just stressing you out more.

Sucralfate is the best and safest for stomach ulcers or to protect the stomach from ulcers. It needs to be taken an hour away from meds that’s the only thing.  It doesn’t stop meds being absorbed unless it’s taken to close to the meds.

Wow I hate that you’re so stressed.

Sincerely, if it was me, I’d go back to one of the other vets and explain that you are just not comfortable with this vet.

It happened with my specialist.  I was supposed to go back to my local vet once Bingo was stablised, but I told him I had issues with them (I never saw the same vet twice) so he’s just kept Bingo under his care.

This vet may be the best in AIHA, but I think some of the stuff being advised is just wrong.

[admin]

Megan

Your vet is right about the sucralfate stopping absorption – that’s why it’s important to give it completely separately from the other drugs.  If you do this, it is NOT a problem and it is often prescribed for dogs with AIHA.  Worzel was given sucralfate & I swear by it.  Giving it last thing at night, at least 2 hours AFTER any other medications, is perfect.  It forms a lovely soothing barrier which heals ulceration.  I have taken milk thistle myself & it gives me terrible heartburn, unless I take it with food!  If your vet is unwilling to answer your questions, don’t worry – someone on here will have the experience & knowledge to help you.  I was a real pain to everyone when Worzel was ill, wanting to know everything possible, so you can ask away.  As Vally says, cyclosporine (atopica) can be toxic & it does depend whether you give it with our without food as to how potent it is.  I have no personal experience with it, but am aware that “trough” tests can be done to determine the right dosage.  Everything seems so difficult at this stage – do not get disheartened.  I do think the mycophenolate could be causing the lack of appetite because of upsetting her tummy. Contacting Dr Dodds- she is just incredible – and asking her advice on why Sophie has stopped eating would be good if you are not getting any help from your “local” vet.  As I said in my e-mail, she should be ravenous with the prednisolone, so something is upsetting the applecart.

Speak soon

Sheena & Worzel too

[admin]

Megan,

if everybody says this is the best vet but you don’t feel comfortable, then it is not the best vet for you or Sophie,

If traveling is not what you want or can do, there is always the possibility to ask your vet to consult with a specialist (internal medicine) or Dr. Dodds at hemopet. If she is willing to do that she could learn and Sophie could benefit. If she does not want to consult she might have an ego that is a bit big. I think for many of us there are red flags going up and you need to take action.

About the sucralfate the vet is correct, it can block absorption, but if you give it away from the meds and food it will do the trick and the meds will still be absorbed. You could give it over night for example.

I really wonder how much experience this vet has with AIHA. Vets are care givers for our pets, but they are also business people and have to make a living. If you feel the business side is too important for this clinic it is probably worth changing rather sooner than later.

Best wishes,

Brigitte

[lynn]

megan,

I am so sorry that your dear little girl sophie is going through this. i agree on all said my little girl too is small and special care has to be taken .do you have a training school for vet’s close by… they are really great and go out of their way many times…even hayleys vet sent Hayley to U.T. different times during treatment. when you can’t talk to your vet or the vet doesn’t take time to listen… I can see that you would feel concerned with this matter… I would say hey I need to ask a question may I? firm but nice… I have said many times to my vet who is a friend also… I am my fur child’s voice.you are paying for your sophie to get treatment and would be shocked if your vet wouldn’t listen knowing you are so concerned. I wish the very best for your sweet baby and so hope that the vet will take more time to discuss matter’s to you  as I know you are concerned.my best. lynn & hayley

[Vally]

Megan, I don’t think is the slippery elm cocktail is from Dr Dodds is it???

[Linda]

Hi Megan.  I have sent you an e-mail.

I am so sorry Sophie is not eating.  But I guess the good news is that her PCV is stable?  Right?

Just wondering – is there a reason why Sophie is still getting her meds (immune suppressants; Atopica, Prednisone and Mysophenelate) all at one time?  To me, this is reason enough for her to have tummy problems: medication overload.

Also, I would demand, as others have said here, that Sophie have the Sucralfate.  Everyone here has been through this and knows, it works (AND as all have said here, just give it at the right time, one hour before or after meds).  In addition to giving during the day, I used to give it to Sadie at bedtime, which was usually around 9:30PM/100:00PM – it helped SO much.

Too, ask your vet to look at this website.  I actually did that with Sadie’s vet (when we had VetNet) and he was so impressed.   AND Meisha’s Hope.  He admitted right away, that he learned much.  He also, with my consent, wanted to consult with a specialty vet place (both internal medicine and hematology) here as, in his reading, was able to accumulate questions.  This specialty vet clinic is Blue Pearl and they are extremely knowledgeable with AIHA.  There was no cost, because it was a consultation, but the combined efforts made all the difference.

It would be helpful for Sophie if your vet would try to have an open mind and be willing to learn from those that have actually lived it (for years!!!) and have success stories, as those here and on Meisha’s Hope.

I am not trying to make your life more confusing, but please listen to those here.  Together; your vet, those here – let’s work together to get Sophie doing well and feeling better, eating.

And last, but not least – does Dr. Dodds know Sophie is not eating?  If not, tell her immediately.  Today, without fail.  Also, will your vet call her?  Dr. Dodds talked with Sadie’s vet and was wonderful.  I have her number if you need it.

Love, Linda

 

[Megan]

The vet gave her sucralfate but only 1/4 of the 1g tablet per day…is that enough? She’s 5 lbs…