Nula (5yr old English Cocker Spaniel)

[Ruth]

Thank you Linda

[Ruth]

I hope Sadie’s PCV comes back ok Linda! Good luck! Xxxxx

[Ruth]

Update!! Test results for tick disease is negative. So definitely primary Evans. Clinically she is ok, she has been up and walked about a bit. But her PCV is down to 18 which is lower than they’d hoped. So she may need another transfusion in the next couple of days. She’s still not eating anything so they’re trying syringe feeding now but no joy yet. But really really good news is that I get to see her tomorrow at 2pm!! Yay!!!!! Taking chicken and salmon to try her on. So mixed news but definitely still hope for her. I can’t wait to see her!!!!! Missing her like mad!! Xxxxxxx

[Linda]

Oh Ruth – I love the positive attitude!! And rightly so! Samantha syringe fed Indigo for a long time. And, as you know, Indigo is doing great today.

You continue doing just what you’re doing and hang in there. Be use to give her a special hug from all of us!!

Love and huge, giganuious (is that a word? Well, I mean gigantic!) hugs,

Linda and Sadie

[Linda]

That was supposed to be ‘be sure’ !

Da. xo Linda ( not Sadie, no typos from her). ;)

[admin]

Hi Ruth

Thank you for the updates. It’s stupid o’clock in the morning and I am in night owl routine! I am sorry to hear that Nula’s PCV has dropped a little lower than hoped, but it is great news that she is clinically stable, and thank heavens it has not dropped catastrophically. They sometimes need several transfusions to get them through the initial crisis whilst waiting for response to the immunosuppressant medication. Were you able to find out whether she is on another immunosuppressant, in addition to her prednisolone?

I am so pleased you will be visiting Nula tomorrow, and I am sure she will be thrilled! I hope she enjoys her chicken and salmon. I used to go in armed with numerous food items. One day I met a lady who had come up from London with three roast chickens for her dog! Hopefully her appetite will return when she sees you. Try not to panic if it doesn’t straight away. Molly was given Mirtazapine as an appetite stimulant. I am unsure if this is used with dogs, but they might suggest it. As Linda said, the prednisolone may well also help with her appetite, and syringe feeding is perfectly possible if needed.

Anyway, I hope you have a really lovely visit with your precious girlie tomorrow. Give her hugs and ear rubs from us all :)

Much love, Mary x (and Mable, who’s a bit jealous of the salmon and chicken)

[Vally]

Ruth, I think it’s quite normal for bloods to drop a bit after a transfusion. I can’t remember why but it always seems to happen. If she’s gone for a bit of a walk, that is very encouraging news.

The 10 days Bingo was in hospital, he refused to eat the whole time. The first time I went there I took him some food and he ate a little from my hand, but that was it. Wouldn’t take food from them or me again. In the last few days he was there, they were syringing some food into him. What I’m trying to say is, don’t worry too much if Nula doesn’t eat while there. Once you have her home and the prednisone has kicked in, you’ll be wondering how to keep the weight off her.

Enjoy your visit. It will be hard to hand her back again, but you know they’ll be looking after her.

Funny story, the day I brought Bingo home. I carefully carried him into the car and gently put him on the back seat. Dad sat in the back with him. Driving home, I had to brake suddenly and I felt something hit my seat. Next thing, dad says “Where’s Bingo”. The poor dog had gone flying off the seat and was sitting on the floor. So much for tender loving care.

Lots of love Vally & Bingo.

[admin]

Hiya Ruth
I am thrilled to hear you can go & see your darling Nula baby – I bet you’ve been really lonely without her. As Vally says, their PCV can drop at the beginning of treatment & the transfusions will keep her stable, so don’t worry.
Don’t forget – ask about the other immuno-suppressant & remind them about not transfusing to a PVC over 25 – you’d be surprised how many times I’ve seen this happen. (Sorry – I just have to be an old naggy baggy!) Lots of dogs have had to stay in hospital, then come on leaps & bounds when they got home – they just don’t want to eat at the vets – I suppose it’s like us in hospital (yuk).
PLEASE give her a big cuddle from me & the boys & let us know how she’s doing when you can.
Best wishes as always, Sheena
xxxx