Sadie – Atopica reduction – PCV drop by 5%

[Linda]

Hi all.  I hope this post finds you and yours all well and “hanging in” going into 2014.

As far as Sadie this week and her PCV, yes, a little freaked – well, a lot freaked.  But as we all say, we do that, don’t we?

down 5% in one week.  We had done a reduction of Atopica (cyclosporine, for those that do not know) upon the 46 PCV, starting that evening, on the 11th.  The 18th was a week, to the day, even testing at the same time of day, 8AM.

We went from 20mg a day; 10mg in AM and 10mg in PM – to 10mg a day, in the AM only.  It’s hard to reduce Atopica because the lowest dose is 10mg and it’s a gel capsule.  So, I opted for the 10mg in the AM, thinking it would help through the day’s “excitement” as opposed to in the evening, when she sleeps.

She remains on the 15mg prednisone, 10mg in the AM and 5mg in the PM.  We’ll wean that more (if we indeed, can) after the total reduction of Atopica.  But…..

She goes in today again, late this evening (the 20th), for another PCV check.  Sadie will be with her greyhound friends tomorrow night and then with her “other” boyfriend, Buster, for two nights (Worzel, Bingo, she’s NOT two-timing you guys, promise).  I want to be sure she’s okay, before I leave her. Although, I’ll be close by and I can come home at any time, I don’t feel I can leave her at all if she’s not stable.

I know the lower percentage could have been dehydration or several other factors, including her body getting used to the new, 50% reduction, but it was such a large drop and as she has relapsed once already in June.  This 5% really got my attention.

Her other PCV drops while reducing the Atopica were not this significant. Prior PCV’s while weaning have dropped by only 1, 2 or 3%.  Yep, I freaked then too. We are dropping every 4 weeks, as to go VERY slow.  Over all, with the weaning of Atopica, she has been reduced from 50mg a day, to now 10mg a day.

Just when you think all is going tip-top……

Love and the most wonderful and happy holiday season to you all and your fur children.  Extra holiday hugs and kisses to all your pups from Sadie and me,

Linda and Sadie

[admin]

Hi Linda, Hi Sadie Baby

What was her PCV exactly?  I know you said a 5% drop, so does that mean about 41/42 now?  Let us know what happens this evening as soon as you can.  Don’t forget normal levels are 36-55 roughly, depending in breed – I know there is ALWAYS something to worry about, especially with a drop in PCV as Sadie relapsed before & you are wise to be very cautious.  Did everything else look OK on the tests?  Speak later – will try & stay up late to see what happens.

Loads of Love

Sheena & the boyz

xxx

[admin]

Sorry Linda – you couldn’t post because idiot here closed the thread by accident.  I must have clicked on close accidentally when looking at the details.  Many apologies

Sheena the Thicko

[joe]

Bear in mind, it is important to reduce these meds.  Keep a close eye and go for a PCV a couple times per week.  Meds can do long term damage but it is better than losing her.

In Dunes’6th year we stopped Atopica because what it did to her.  She did well on Mycophenolate.  To early to do that for Sadie.  Keep a close eye as I know you will.

I will pray.  It will be okay.  I know well the anxiety that comes with the disease.  It is merciless.  God bless.

 

 

 

[Claire]

Hi Linda, have been following Sadie’s progress! All the best to you both. This disease sends us slightly mad but it sounds as though she is doing well. Good luck with the reductions.

All the best.

 

Claire

 

[Linda]

Oh Sheena – you are so funny.  No problem. ;)

Thanks Joe and Claire. She’s back up to 44.  Doing good. Her mouth is pink. Yeah.

Sadie is with her greyhound friends and loving it. I miss her though.

Love to all, Linda