Split: Nula (5yr old English Cocker Spaniel)

[Vally]

Ruth, the stomach protection is because the prednisone is so very harsh on the stomach.

Bingo was put on sucralfate because he developed stomach ulcers from the prednisone – he’s never had issues with vomiting. He only stopped taking sucralfate about 6 months ago when we got his prednisone dose right down. He actually took it 1 hour away from meds and last thing at night as, has been said, it will stop the absorbing of the necessary drugs and food. Please ask for it. You have to dissolve the tablet (or half tablet as in Bingo’s case) in a little water and syringe it into their mouth. It’s a very safe drug.

Regards, Vally & BIngo

[Vally]

Ha can’t they just STINK.

You in a face mask – love it!!!

[lynda]

Glad to hear Nula is home! Agree with what others have said; we put a coat on Honey at night, because she does feel the cold more (which would make her shiver anyway) – and as it’s now spring, we leave the back door open all day and night so she can pee.
We devised a chart on the computer, to include the various drugs (which included one to take every other day, as well as supplements). If you send your email, I can send you a copy. We have found it is ESSENTIAL – it is so easy to forget where you are with such a complicated drug regime!

[lynda]

Ruth – I have just uploaded a scanned copy of Honey’s med chart, in case you find it useful to adapt. It was uploaded as a photo, so I guess Patrice will put it somewhere useful!

[Ruth]

Hello all, thank you for your replies! Nula’s had a good night, apart from one puddle. I’ve been letting her out during the night, but perhaps not at the right times? Though she does pee every time she goes out. She’s had a bit of blood in her stools yesterday and first thing this morning, but now it seems ok. I spoke to the vet and the shivering could be muscle twitching from the steroids. I wondered if the blood was due to the aspirin but he said not, and more likely down to irritation in her gut. I did ask about stomach protection again but he said that wouldn’t help with the bleeding as that’s further down. She’s quite perky today and her gums are ok, and Friday’s PCV was 26, so down from 27 but she’s holding her own on that. Not sure what else to do now… Couldn’t find pumpkin for if she goes back to runny stools, would butternut squash work? The slippery elm, would that protect her tummy enough because I don’t think they’re going to give me anything for her stomach. And what would Pepcid be in the UK? Would anyone in the UK mind sending me a link to a slippery elm powder and milk thistle that they’ve used and would reccomend? Worried I’ll get the wrong thing or one that’s not good quality etc. I hope you’re all having a good weekend and your four legged babies are doing well. Xxxxx

P.S. Thank you for all the offers of charts! Vally sent me one that’s keeping us on track. Xxxx

[lynda]

Maybe you should insist on gut protection; Honey has Zantac. It might be worth talking to a properly trained herbalist, and asking their advice on getting the best milk thistle etc.

[lynda]

Try viovet.co.uk

[Ruth]

Thanks Lynda! I’ll see if I can track one down… I think I might know where to find one, but Bank Holiday in the UK so will have to wait until Tuesday. Nula was on Zantac and Antepsid from our normal vet before going to Dick Whites. Are those both stomach protectors or just the Zantac? Might see if our normal vet will prescribe them again? Xxxxx