Nula (5yr old English Cocker Spaniel)

[Vally]

Hi Ruth, I hope you’re getting some rest.

I’m glad she’s on the Atopica – this is very important. I’m certain this is what turned it around for Bingo.

Not eating much doesn’t worry me overly. Truly, Bingo would not eat while in hospital for 10 days.

I am forever grateful to his vet as in the early days, Bingo looked so very very bad, I made the decision to let him go. I didn’t know anything about this disease or had any outside help – I met this forum a few months after diagnosed. To be honest, he looked so bad, I was convinced the vets were just trying to make some money out of me at a time when I was very vulnerable. His vet convinced me to give Bingo 3 days to see if they could stabilise him and they did. After he came home, he went downhill again. We started the Atopica and in a few days went back for checking. Again, he looked so very bad. He could hardly stand up. Would fall over all the time. Was skin and bones. I went back to the vets, again with the intention to let Bingo go. His vet suggested one more PCV to see how he was going. I was so broken up I asked them to keep Bingo out the back because I knew I couldn’t hand him over again if the results were worse and I was expecting them to be. I actually think his vet may have lied to me with a slightly higher PCV of just 1 point because he knew it takes time for the drugs to start to work. Anyway, he came back and said his PCV was up by 1 point and we all went home. The next test showed further improvement. It breaks me to think I was ready to let him go twice. It was only his vet that convinced me to wait each time. He knew that they don’t improve in one day. It takes time for the drugs to kick in and start to work.

So what I’m saying is that the first days/weeks are terribly. Nula will look terribly for a while yet. Little steps forwards are giant steps. Eating a bit. Seeing little positive signs of energy. The first time you see some pink in her eyes and gums.

Crossing everything that Nula starts to make some of those baby reds.

Lots of love Vally & Bingo.

[Linda]

Vally – such a beautiful post. I know this will help Ruth – I teared up reading – but look at the outcome!

Ruth – this is the first time I really knew just how bad Bingo really was. So you see, dear Ruth, there is definitely hope. We have all been through so much with our dogs, but Vally’s story of a Bingo – wow – hits home for you, I know.

Love, Linda

[admin]

Hi Ruth

I bet it was lovely to have a cuddle! You must be completely shattered.This is a really tough time for you – none of us want to see our animals like this. They are not in pain, just very, very tired. It will take time for the Atopica to kick in, so you do have to be really patient, like Vally was. Nula will be poorly for quite a while & we can help you through this. I’m sure you will get inspiration from reading about others going through the same thing. It has cheered me up no end to hear that the treatment is going to plan now & I hope Nula will be able to come home to lots of love & attention soon. Miracles really do happen, Ruth. Bingo got through it – Nula can too.

Please let us know when you have any more news – thinking of you & send all our best wishes & cuddles to Nula

Sheena, Worzel & Ollie xxxx

[Ruth]

Not good news I’m afraid. They’ve had to cancel our visit today. Her PCV dropped to 10 so even lower than when she was admitted now. She’s on a blood transfusion. She was also sick again . Despite being on 2 anti sickness meds now. Gutted. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers!! It’s good to know they can turn this around, i just hope its soon!!!!! Wow Vally, your post had me in tears! It’s horrid making that decision to let a pet go, but I am SO SO glad Bingo and your vet fought back! I’m so glad he pulled through! Your story really gives me hope!! She looked so utterly miserable yesterday. It’s really reassuring to know she’s not in pain. I’m calling them this eve to see how she is. I’ll ask about Pet Tinic when I call. Thank you all of you for your replies!!! I don’t know what I’d do without you! Xxxxx

[Ruth]

P.S. I’m not sure what it’s doing to my posts?

[admin]

Hi Ruth. Sorry about the posts – have cleared it up a bit now although not sure why it did that :)

• This reply was modified 12 years, 6 months ago by .

[admin]

Hi Ruth.

I’m really sorry to hear that Nula hasn’t had a good night. Until the Atopica and Prednisolone kick in, it sounds as though her immune system is probably attacking the donor red blood cells. Again, this is not a painful condition, it just makes them feel very weak and tired. Try not to worry too much about her not eating. I am sure they will be keeping her hydrated. It’s very difficult when they won’ t eat for you – it’s our instinct as owners to feed them, as we are so used to them happily enjoying food. In cats, not eating can be quite an issue, but I am not aware that this is the same for dogs. The vets will try to tempt her to eat frequently when she is stable, and as before, she can be syringe-fed if necessary.

Vally – thank you for your very emotive post about Bingo. This is such a positive message of hope to those going through this horrible rollercoaster experience. It must have been a horrible time for you, but WOW, look at him now! Such a little star.

Ruth – one day at a time. As Vally said, baby steps. Definitely give them a ring for an update later and I will keep everything crossed that she will be feeling a bit better.

Much love to you. We are thinking of you and Nula so much.

Mary and Mable x

[Linda]

Dearest Ruth – I am do very proud of you and this team on the forum. This forum was started to help those in need and I am just blown away with what I have been reading, the wisdom and inspiration, and your commitment to hold on and keep positive.

This is such a critical time – but as they have all said, Nula is not in pain – just very tired. Keep that in mind when you see her next and try hard to promote that wonderful positive attitude you have. They feed off that too.

You are in my heart and thoughts. Please keep us posted. As always, we’re all right here for you.

Love and hugs, Linda