Nula (5yr old English Cocker Spaniel)

[admin]

Hi again Ruth

Just saw your update…think we were posting at the same time! I am really sorry to hear that you are facing your own health issues too. That makes it even more complicated, I know. Just about the financial side of things – talk to them about it. When Molly was admitted, the estimate for full assessment (including bone marrow biopsy and oxyglobin – which is very expensive) was £2000-£3000. We went well over this, so it’s excellent that you have such good insurance. Nula’s fees may well differ to Molly’s as she is on different medications, and probably having some different tests etc. They are aware that money is a consideration and will be happy to discuss it with you.

A point about pet insurance – it is important, at some point, to look at the type you have. Many insurance companies will only cover a condition for up to one year. You have a very good cover for vet fees so I am hoping that you have a lifelong policy – meaning that they will cover the condition up to the named amount per year, for as long as needed. This probably doesn’t matter much right now, it’s just something to be aware of.

It is also worth looking at animal charities who are sometimes able to help with vet fees for people who are receiving certain benefits. Maybe RSPCA and Dogs Trust?

It is horrible having to think about money in this situation, but it’s good to be aware of the options so that you can plan for it and lessen that particular stress.

It’s brilliant that you are remaining so positive also. That is so important, and will be lovely for Nula to see when you visit her.

I hope you manage to get some sleep tonight

Mary x

[Vally]

Ruth, I’m so glad her numbers have bumped up and no problems have shown up in the testing.

As Sheena said, it is very very important that Nula is on a second immuno suppressant drug. Most likely Cyclosporine or Azathioporine. The prednisone is most cases is not enough to keep this disease in check. Go into the AIHA Terms at the top and check them out.

Money wise, it is a huge expense. I found that the early days is where most of the money was used – once stable, the meds and regular visits are not as draining money-wise. My insurance also covered $7,500 Australian on any one condition and in the 3 years I have now gone over that. Bingo understands he can’t get sick again. We are also looking for a paper run job for him so he can pay me back some money. We can attach a little trolley to him with papers in it. He just has to learn how to toss the papers over the fences. Yeah, he’s really worried.

Keep us informed. We’re all a bunch of worriers and we worry about all our dogs here together. Yes I too, checked my phone several times during the night to see how Nula was going.

Love Vally & Bingo (who’s still laughing at my paper job idea)

[Linda]

Oh Ruth – wonderful to read your news!! You are doing the greatest of jobs balancing all our recommendations (worthy ones!) and your vets – AND Nula really seems to be responding. Fabulous – This is the best news! Yes, we all care deeply about ‘our’ pups and kitties – family. Thank you for the incredible update. Keep them coming.

I am SO glad you have insurance. I did not with Sadie and it has been rough. But I’d do it again in a heartbeat. The PetAssure discount has helped, although I didn’t know about it at onset. However, Sadie, thank goodness, did not require too much testing, nor transfusions. Knock on wood. :)

I really like that this vet specialist group is communicating with you so well. That is key. And glad you’re writing it all down – good girl.

I don’t know what you’re going through health wise, but I know this good news about Nula has your spirits soring! I wish you the best of health too.

Vally – aren’t there ‘child’ labor laws in Australia?! ;). Thanks for making us all smile.

Okay – we’re all going to sleep tonight right? No, one eye open business. ;)

Take care of yourself Ruth. Nula is in good hands.

Sending you snd Nula lots of love and hugs,

Linda and Sadie

[admin]

Hi Ruth
Glad to hear all the news on Nula – sorry you are not a well bunny either. That must make it doubly difficult. Just a quick note as I think Worzel has broken a toe (he had a couple of broken toes when we adopted him), so need to see the vet again!!! Give your girl a hug from us when you visit her. Speak later
All best wishes possible from Sheena, Limpy Dan & Fat Ollie xxx

[Vally]

Oh no Sheena, what happened to Hop-a-long?

[admin]

Haven’t a clue how he did it – he was running like a ballistic missile round the garden, which his form of welcoming when I came back from buying some plants then started limping. His toe/foot is now a bit swollen – vets at 2pm!

[Ruth]

Update: Nula had a good night. She’s not needed another transfusion and they’ll call me this evening with an update on her PCV levels. Because she’s doing ok they’re not expecting them to have dropped drastically which is good. And the tests they do tomorrow will show if she’s making her own red cells and platelets or not. Re her brother as a donor, if they have to be over 50lbs I don’t think he’ll be big enough, but I did find out that they have several staff owned blood donors there that they can call on at any time if needed which is reassuring. She’s not eating for them at all, which doesn’t really surprise me. She tends not to eat unless I’m there even when she’s perfectly healthy. I can go and visit her tomorrow which is the BEST news!!!!!!!!! And they asked if I could bring in some tasty foods she likes to see if she will eat for me. I’m going to take her blanket in too which I’ve been sleeping with so hopefully that’ll comfort her a bit and maybe it’ll help her eat for them if I can get her started. So until this evening, no news is good news. But she’s out of the super critical 48hrs now and into the critical 2wks. Our usual vet called today for an update on her which I thought was really kind of them. I’ll check her insurance to see if it’s per year, or per condition, but I think it’s per condition… So I’ll update again soon as I hear anymore. And thank you all for your support!!!! It means a lot and it’s good to know she has so many people praying for her!! Oh no Sheena! I do hope his toe will be ok!! Poor boy :( Xxxxxxx

[Linda]

Ruth – in a hurry to get Sadie to vet for PCV check (we’re going every 10 days now, yeah!!), but wanted to read your post. This is GREAT to read. A perfect way to start our day, says Sadie!! That, in woof language, which I have mastered well. ;)

So glad you’re going to visit. This will cheer her for sure. And look for her to become very hungry in the months to come – the pred and other immune suppressants do that. But after not eating, it will most assuredly be a welcomed sight. Just be sure she always had clean, fresh, cool water always. They drink much on these meds (and go out a lot, of course).

Have an awesome day/evening. We will be looking for your updates.

Love and hugs, Linda and Sadie