Forum Replies Created
Hi Colleen and welcome.
I’m so sorry Hunter is so sick right now, but you’ve done every right and reacting so quickly is most likely why he’s still alive right now.
First of all, Mycophenolate Mofetil is really a last resort drug, Cyclosporine is definitely the better way to go. What you’re describing about Hunter’s reaction to the Mycophenolate is not uncommon at all. See here:
https://www.secondchanceaihadogs.com/AIHA_Terms/mycophenolate-mofetil
I believe Cyclosporine is the better drug to go with and whilst with my boy, Bingo, it worked very quickly, it can take time to start working. It’s important if you do use Cyclosporine, there can be some gastro issues to begin with. Ideally it’s given without food and away from other meds, but if gastro issues present, then it’s better to give it with a little food.
Make sure prednisone is always given with food. Omeprazole, ideally 30 minutes before food and famotidine can be given with food.
Clopidogrel is also important as clots are a big problem here. I understand your concern though with the melena. I’m hoping that the famotidine and omeprazole will help with that.
Ideally I think Hunter would be better hospitalised right now, especially if he’s not eating and throwing up, but I understand cost can be a big factor.
Try doing small meals and maybe make a broth (no onions) and syringe that into Hunter (no needle of course).
Speak to your regular vet and ask for the cyclosporine. You could also ask for a prescription and have it filled at a pharmacy. That’s usually a cheaper way to get drugs as vet’s prices are usually much higher.
Please ask anything, happy to help.
Vally
I would say definitely the prednisone. You’ll see here:
https://www.secondchanceaihadogs.com/AIHA_Terms/prednisone
muscle wasting is common and the trembling is most likely a result of that.
It’s not forever though, when Sophie can be safely weaned down and off the prednisone, you should see a difference.
Happy Easter.
Hi Tracy, and welcome to the site. I’m sorry to hear about Bernie. A steady PCV of 20 is good in that it’s not dropping.
It’s not unusual to drop after a blood transfusion because the transfusion is just really there to give them time for the drugs to start working. It doesn’t do anything to correct the problem. The drugs will do that.
The prednisone dose I believe is a little low, and yes I do think the cyclosporine dose is high. The recommendation is 5mg per kg. This is the link to the resources and you’ll see cyclosporine is the second item on the page. If you click on that, it will open up the product insert. 30lb should be 50mg.
https://www.secondchanceaihadogs.com/AIHA_Terms/cyclosporine
and
https://www.secondchanceaihadogs.com/medication-resources
I would ring your vet and mention the bad diarrhea and check the dosage – I’m wondering if they are doing a double dose to start with – but ring them. Some dogs do have a gastro effect when starting to use cyclosporine and it does settle. It should be given with no food and away from other meds.
Prednisone should always be given with food instead.
Don’t worry too much about extra supplements for now. You can go to the Dog Aware site which has some fabulous information about feeding. Start here:
https://www.secondchanceaihadogs.com/nutrition-resources
Please don’t hesitate to call out. Happy to help.
Vally
Hi Drew,
I’m sorry to hear about Sophie, but glad she’s feeling better now.
With diet, it’s usually best to avoid a rich diet whilst on prednisone, as it can cause pancreatitis. I think stick with what you’re doing right now and wait until Sophie is off the prednisone before changing anything.
It looks as though she’s had an infection of some sort, but her WBC is coming down nicely.
All the best, and don’t hesitate to ask anything.
Vally
Hi Chris, I’ve had no dealings really with stem cell treatment for AIHA, other than the post you have found here.
Can I refer you to Dr Jean Dodds perhaps. She is brilliant in this disease and has helped many of our dogs here. If anyone is up to date on stem cell work for AIHA dogs, it would be her.
We have a link to her site from here, but it’s not happy right now. You can try here:
https://www.hemopet.org/holistic-care/online-consultations-with-dr-dodds/
If you decide to go with drug therapy, happy to help you any way I can.
My best, Vally
Hi gg, and welcome to the site.
There are a lot of resources on the site – go to AIHA Terms and you’ll see a glossary with lots of information. If you have any specific questions please ask.
As to freezing, I’m quoting from another forum reply by Patrice, the site owner:
“You know how some things you get, whether food or medications, have storage instructions on the label? Well on the cyclosporin package the instructions are to store it in carefully controlled temperature, neither hot or cold and to avoid freezing.
I also checked with Dr.Dodds who has dosed this to dogs for at least 20years or more. She is a clinical vet so she has plenty of experience treating dogs. She said to follow the storage instructions, don’t freeze.”
Cyclosporine can sometimes cause stomach upsets, vomiting etc and that’s when some people have been told by their vets and others to freeze the drug. Rather than freezing it’s better to give it with a little food – cyclosporine should be given WITHOUT food and away from other drugs, however if you must, give it with a little food only.
Tips, keep the dog quiet, don’t reduce medications too quickly, good nutritional food
All the best,
Vally
![bingo-14-5_1200x775](https://www.secondchanceaihadogs.com/wp-content/gallery/aiha-dogs_2/bingo-14-5_1200x775.jpg "Vally\'s Bingo \\"Smile\\"")
![Brigitte_Cleo_Ripley_Enzo_4](https://www.secondchanceaihadogs.com/wp-content/gallery/aiha-dogs_2/Brigitte_Cleo_Ripley_Enzo_4.jpg "Brigitte\'s Cleo, Ripley, Enzo and Guest \\"Rockin\\"")
