Worried Again. What's new?

[Arianne]

Hey all,

Well, I’m worried about Carsten again. It’s been a week since we’ve been to the vet. The last time we were there his RBC was 39, up from the low of 16 when he had to be transfused.

He is taking 20 mg. of prednisone, and taking his plavix, and prednisone as well, though I don’t recall the doses of those at the moment.

He is eating well again, more playful, just more himself. He is also much pinker. His gums look good. His tongue looks good. The tips of his ears and his tummy are pink as well.

Here’s what else is pink: the whites of his eyes. I am very startled by this. It is not streaky as if they are bloodshot; there are no obstructions; his eyes aren’t leaky. He is not scratching at them. He doesn’t have any growths like a stye. They’re just pink. I noticed it a few days ago and figured that it would resolve, but now I’m getting worried and can’t sleep. We have an appointment tomorrow afternoon when I get off of work, but I just needed to come to you guys even sooner.

Every time something with him changes–his breathing, his cuddling, his eye color, any of his responses at all, I pretty much convince myself that he is going to die…because we almost lost him. I have been googling to no avail. I did read a short blurb that said it could be a sign of infection? Does that mean within both eyes (because they’re both pink) or elsewhere in the body?

Patiently (well, sort of) awaiting your wisdom,
Arianne and Carsten

[Arianne]

Edit: Meant to say also taking plavix and pepcid. So many P drugs that make him pee!

[admin]

Hi Arianne,
this is really strange, I have never come across a dog having pink eyes. Are you sure it is pink and not yellow? Sorry, that might sound silly, I know you know the difference between yellow and pink. It could be that he has jaundice, the liver struggling with all the medications. But like I said his eyes would be yellow.
We all here totally understand the panic, we have been there. The slightest change gets you into a state of worry. Most of the times we worry for nothing, but you certainly don’t want to miss anything. I am glad you are seeing the vet tomorrow. It could well be an infection. These dogs have a very suppressed immune system and are very much exposed to any infection. Urinary tract infections are very common so why not an eye infection. Just because I have not heard it does not mean it can not happen. It would make sense and I am sure it would be easily treated with antibiotics. One thing that we always say is, this disease is like a roller coaster. It hits you hard and then the dog gets better and you are so happy. Before you know it there is something else. It is two steps forward one step back. The main thing is that you focus on moving forward and don’t let that little step back discourage you. The fact that Carsten is more like himself is huge! The side effects of the drugs are not nice, but he will slowly but surely get better!

Best wishes,
Brigitte

[Vally]

Hi Arianne, I’m searching the forum as I’m sure someone else had this. I’ll keep looking. I think then, it turned out to be an allergy. I’m sure the vet will sort it out for you and I don’t think it’s anything serious. I’ll keep looking and let you know if I find it.

Vally
xxx

[Vally]

Okay, I’m dreaming, I’ve searched through the forum and I’m not seeing anything about allergies causing pink eyes.

I’m thinking Brigitte is probably right and you’re looking at some sort of an infection.

Let us know what the vet says.

Vally
xxx

[admin]

Hi Arianne

These things are sent to try us – don’t worry – it’s probably just conjunctivitis or “pink eye” – easily treated with some drops. I’m really please to hear his PCV is holding well & he he’s a happy boy. I’m sure the vet will sort this problem out for you. Just be careful if they give you pills – some antibiotics (in tablet form) are not suitable for AIHA dogs – the three groups to avoid are the sulfa drugs, penicillins & cephalosporins. Hope all will be well at the vets. Keep us posted!

Sheena x

[Arianne]

Thanks for all of the responses, everyone. I’m probably just being a paranoid puppy parent. I looked at his eyes again, and they seemed white. Maybe it’s the lighting? The time of day? At any rate, I’m going to let my vet. sort it out this afternoon because it’s clear I have no idea what’s going on.

Le sigh. :)

Thanks,
Arianne

[admin]

Arianne
There is a possibility that this could be a tick disease – some diseases cause strange looking reflective eyes – Worzel had this with ehrlichiosis – almost like rabbits in headlights even when the light wasn’t strong – have you had a Snap4DX test done? Tick panels are always worth doing & the result is instant with the Snap4. As you know tick disease cause anaemia & sometimes AIHA too.
Sheena x