Nula (5yr old English Cocker Spaniel)

[admin]

Hi Ruth

Thicko here didn’t realise you were in the UK! Sorry. I am in France, by the way, but used to live near Oxford. I got in contact with Mary through a friend in Cambridge (who works at MRC) believe it or not!

Here is a UK bloodbank link
http://www.petbloodbankuk.org/about-us/
I saw a lady on The One Show with a very beautiful standard poodle who had survived AIHA thanks to many transfusions (Ithink about 12 or so) & the bloodbank was also featured on the programme.

As you say, this is even more rare in the UK, probably because we don’t have so many ticks & tick-borne diseases there, but sadly that also makes it rare for the vets to have come across it before. I’m sorry to be so hard on you about this, but it is VERY important that they add another longer acting immuno-suppressant immediately – Prednisolone on it’s own is not enough. Also treat with high dose doxycycline (or other appropriate antibiotic) if there is the slightest suspicion of an infection. I know it’s late now over there, but I would ask you to mention these things strongly to your vet as soon as you can. Maybe they are doing these things already, but you need to be sure for the sake of Nula making a good recovery. Be polite, but firm. I have had to do this over something & it is not easy, but any good vet should always welcome advice. We can provide you with veterinary research links if you need to back this treatment protocol advice up. I don’t want to make you more stressed, but I would never forgive myself for not pushing you to do this urgently.

Quick word on Oxyglobin – it doesn’t last long but buys time for a good cross match. It must never be used for dogs with Erlichiosis (which is a tick borne disease which can be transmitted by sheep ticks the UK) unless there is absolutely no alternative. It is also only for treatment of anaemia & will not help the platelet level.

I am so glad Samantha is with us – she of all people can reassure you that Nula can fight this – please keep positive – the early days are frightening & the worst time. Please be really positive in front of Nula too – they feed from our emotions & if you are confident, she will feel better too!

Try & get some rest too – I expect you are completely worn out with the worry. Apologies for pushing you so hard on this – someone on here did this for me & am eternally grateful to her.
Thinking of you & sending all our best wishes
Sheena, Worzel & Ollie
xxx

[admin]

Samantha! How lovely to hear Indigo is doing well – we’ve missed you both. Glad you here.
Sheena, Worzel & Ollie

[admin]

Samantha! How lovely to hear Indigo is doing well – we’ve missed you both. Glad you’re here.
Sheena, Worzel & Ollie

[Linda]

Hang in there – you are going through so much. Reach put to Samsntha – her Indigo went through much of what Nuka is going through.

Samantha – thank you. New need you here and I thank you so much for your help.

Thinking positive….with love,

Linda

[Vally]

Samantha. Yes fabulous to hear from you. Thrilled to hear about Indigo.
Vally and Bingo.

[Ruth]

Thank you all so much!!!I couldn’t sleep last night so called them at 2am and she has tolerated the transfusion, as in no allergic reaction. She’s stayed the same which is a good thing as they thought she might deteriorate. Not heard anything yet this am though they did say they will try to call with a quick update on how she is. Then this afternoon I’m expecting a call from her vet with an update on tests etc. They’re doing an abdominal ultrasound today and they’ll be testing her PCV again. I’ve given permission already for a second transfusion if she needs one. But they said first 24-48hrs are most critical right now, and she’s 23hrs in ok. So no news is good news still. Re tick disease, they are treating her as if she does have it while they wait for that result so they don’t lose time if it is positive. She’s on 2 steroids now and I’ll double check the name of the second one. She’s on antibiotics, the anti sickness meds and ones to protect her stomach. Luckily they have a good supply of blood. The lady who has her littermate has offered him as a donor, is this worth doing do you think? Xxxxx

[admin]

Hi Ruth

You are GREAT! You are doing a fantastic job at making sure Nula gets the care she needs. I am very pleased to hear that there is another steroid now – it would help if we knew exactly what they are giving her & in what doses etc, but it sounds much better on the treatment point of view. Promise not to laugh at me – I couldn’t get to sleep because I was thinking about Nula!

Many vets forget that only small (frequent if necessary) transfusions should be given to bring the PCV up to approximately 25, otherwise the body will not start to produce it’s own red cells again as it thinks it has enough. I was also thinking last night that transfusions can sometimes cause a drop in platelets in people, so I would imagine the same applies to dogs. Do you know if her platelets were low before the first transfusion? I know this must seem very complicated & worrying for you. Don’t forget you can order crossmatched blood & blood products from
http://www.petbloodbankuk.org/about-us/
That is the safest way to do it, unless her litter mate is an exact match, which is not always the case. We have information on blood transfusions on this site – when you get a minute, have a look at
https://www.secondchanceaihadogs.com/AIHA_Terms/transfusion/
You can print off any of the information in the AIHA Terms section & take it to the vets if you want.

If you can get as much information as possible from the vets, it would help us to help you more.

In the meantime, I am sending you my best thoughts – please know I am thinking about you & Nula all the time. She sounds like such a little fighter too. Keep us up-to-date with any news when you can. She really needs to be in hospital until she is stabilised – it is impossible for you to look after her at home while she is like this, so don’t be tempted to bring her home too early – and DON’T feel guilty about having to leave her there.

Big Hugs from Sheena, Worzel & Ollie

[Linda]

Hello Ruth. I love that you’re sleeping with her blanket. So precious. Taking it to her will give her much comfort.

So glad too, Nula is on the second steroid, as Sheena said. Please keep us posted often. You and Nula are so in my thoughts and heart, particularly in these critical hours.

Much love, Linda

PS – excuse the typos from prior post and misspelling Nula’s name. Was typing fast on phone. xo