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[admin]

Hi Jen

Yes it could be a side effect of the meds, which often disappears when stopped, or it can be caused by the anemia itself. Here is a good article which explains it well & some diagrams. Anemia is mentioned in the extracardiac section.
http://www.vcahospitals.com/main/pet-health-information/article/animal-health/heart-murmurs-in-dogs/3912

Anemia can cause a “hemic murmur” http://www.provet.co.uk/equinecardiology/5a5a399.htm

I used to nurse on a cardiac ward – murmurs are far more serious in people than in dogs! Murmurs are pretty common & often not significant in dogs either. Worzel has had a heart murmur due to mitral valve prolapse (a leaky valve) for over 5 years (long before diagnosis) which is treated with pimobendane which stops him having tachycardia (fast heartbeat) & prilactone to prevent his heart muscle from fibrosing. Our vet did an ECG & specialised ultrasound to look at the valve & the blood flow. After only 24 hours drug treatment, he felt much better! Murmurs don’t always need treatment though.

Ollie also has a murmur which doesn’t need treating at all as he has no symptoms. Our previous dog also had an untreated murmur, so no need to worry – it’s not always a problem. Some dog breeds are more prone to murmurs than others, for example our greyhounds & their cross breeds.

So Jen, don’t worry too much, please. Is your vet planning on doing more tests? An ultrasound would be the best way to see what’s going on.

Hope that information helps
Love & hugs
Sheena, Worzel & Ollie xxxxx

[admin]

Hi Tamara

I’m so pleased to hear Ashki is hanging in there and it’s always nice to see a little rise in PCV. I like the sound of your specialist very much, and have a lot of respect for medics (human and veterinary) who are open to other opinions. What does she think is the reason for Ashki wanting to eat grass? Could it be pica? I know cats often eat grass when nauseous or needing to bring up a furball, but I wasn’t aware of this behaviour in dogs.

Omeprazole: I am a huge fan. I’ve never used it for my animals but have taken it myself for a long time and think it’s wonderful. Will you be continuing the famotidine alongside it or doing a straight switch?

Very interesting about the folate and maturation arrest. It will be great to hear how Ashki gets on with his new foods.

How is he feeling in himself? I hope he’s monitoring those cats! Mable sends him some gentle ear licks. And how are you? You are such a wonderful and dedicated Mum to Ashki, and I am so happy that you have such a great specialist who is willing to work with you.

Lots of love, Mary and Mable x

[admin]

Oh Lynda

There are just no words to express how sorry I am that this has happened. Life can be so terribly cruel and I know you and Consuelo have been through so much. I do hope that you have someone supportive with you whilst Consuelo is away. Shona touched all of our hearts and I am so glad she found you to love her.

Sending all my love and sincere condolences to you, Consuelo and Dora.

Mary x

[admin]

Hiya Tamara
Keeping this brief as hard to type on this weird foreign PC thing! Jean is not worried – it’s so good to hear that. Your vet wanting to work with her is such a relief, I bet, and I think you are the most patient owner already because of what’s happened. Interesting about the folate & late maturqtion arrest. Ashki will get there slowly but surely – you are one amazing Mum, Tamara, and I am happy things are looking so positive.
Love & cuddles from me & the boys
Sheena xxxxx

[admin]

Hi Tamara,
that sounds great! How wonderful that your vet is willing to work with Dr. Dodds, I really think that is an ideal situation. Also cost effective!
Do you mind me asking what you feed Ashki?I assume you cook for him?It would then be pretty easy to add the veggies that Dr. Dodds suggested. Please keep up the sucralfate, maybe even add pepcid or famoditine for the acid reflux. I make a lot of chicken soup or bone broth for my dogs. They love it and I think they get good stuff with that, especially when they don’t feel well or need some extra engergy at an agility trial. (Remember I don’t have an AIHA dog, thank heavens) Maybe this would soothe Ashki’s tummy a bit? Could not hurt to try.

Best wishes,
Brigitte

[admin]

I did not see your post while I was writing my first message because we were typing at the same time. That sometimes happens on here Terri.

[admin]

Oh my poor Lynda & Consuelo
I’m devastated for you. I don’t know what to say other than this is so unfair, tragic & awful, awful, awful for you both. You know, you are the two of the kindest people on the planet. I am crying for you both. Too much pain to bear in such a short time.
Much love & heartfelt sympathy
Sheena x

[admin]

We lost her. She went into a coma, and I had to take that b****y decision all over again. I don’t how much more of this I can bear…….
They though encephalitis, but they had no definitive diagnosis.