Murphy the Wiener Dog

[Erin]

Just wanted to provide an update on Murphy, last PCV was 44! Nice little jump from 35, so the vet was pretty happy, and so were we! He also wanted to check another smear to make sure there were no spherocytes and there were not any they could see, so he is confident we have stopped the process. We are now going to start weaning his pred, we are starting with a 20% wean and rechecking PCV in 1 week. I’m excited because his liver enzymes are sky high (thanks Vally for the Denamarin tip, I got it off Amazon!) but I’m also nervous about relapse. Any other tips to keep an eye on while weaning besides overall demeanor and pink gums?

Thanks everyone!
Erin and Murphy

[Vally]

Erin this is fabulous news. Your vet sounds great too. 20% is a good safe reduction. Nothing worse than hearing about improvement in a PCV and then a vet suggesting a 50% drop in meds which happens so very often. One med reduction at a time. Usually first prednisone as it causes the most side effects. Regular checkups are the best way to keep an eye on things. Don’t panic if the levels drop a little. I always found they slipped back a little after a dose reduction and then seemed to steady and pick up. Big drops are the things to watch but by testing regularly and doing conservative reductions, that’s the safest way to go. Good luck !!!!!

Vally and Bingo

[Erin]

Just wanted to provide an update on Murphy, last PCV was 44! Nice little jump from 35, so the vet was pretty happy, and so were we! He also wanted to check another smear to make sure there were no spherocytes and there were not any they could see, so he is confident we have stopped the process. We are now going to start weaning his pred, we are starting with a 20% wean and rechecking PCV in 1 week. I’m excited because his liver enzymes are sky high (thanks Vally for the Denamarin tip, I got it off Amazon!) but I’m also nervous about relapse. Any other tips to keep an eye on while weaning besides overall demeanor and pink gums?

Thanks everyone!
Erin and Murphy

[Vally]

Erin this is fabulous news. Your vet sounds great too. 20% is a good safe reduction. Nothing worse than hearing about improvement in a PCV and then a vet suggesting a 50% drop in meds which happens so very often. One med reduction at a time. Usually first prednisone as it causes the most side effects. Regular checkups are the best way to keep an eye on things. Don’t panic if the levels drop a little. I always found they slipped back a little after a dose reduction and then seemed to steady and pick up. Big drops are the things to watch but by testing regularly and doing conservative reductions, that’s the safest way to go. Good luck !!!!!

Vally and Bingo