Forum Replies Created
Danielle, I’m so sorry you’re here because I know how worried you are.
First of all, you’ve done everything perfectly. A quick response is what Savannah needed and you did that, you got her immediate treatment, and that is so very important.
First of all, the transfusions only buy time for the drugs to work, they are not treating anything, and it’s very normal to see the blood count drop after a transfusion for that reason.
It does take time for the drugs to kick in.
If you have a copy of blood tests, can you use the Urgent Advice and attach a copy. If you don’t have a copy, can you ask for a copy as Patrice, the site owner is a real whiz at understanding them.
https://www.secondchanceaihadogs.com/urgent-advice
Its good too that they’re not doing huge transfusions because by only doing small ones, it keeps Savannah’s body working to make the blood cells.
Mycophenolate can cause stomach issues, as can the other drugs. Is she on stomach protection? Like Sucralphate? That is the best as it lines the stomach and protects it.
The drop from 24 to 22 is not too bad because it can vary by how hydrated they are, how stressed they are, hot hot or cold – all those things will affect the blood count. If Savannah has drunk more water than usual, her count will be lower for no other reason. If she’s a bit my dehydrated, her count will be higher, so don’t panic over little drops. Progressive drops are more worrying.
She is not in pain (unless her tummy is hurting from the drugs) My vet told me my boy was not in pain, just very tired. Keep her food low fat, white chicken or fish with watery sushi rice is good. It’s very easy on the liver, which will be effected by the drugs, but the liver recovers as the drugs are reduced. If her liver count goes up too high, there is another drug which works wonders.
I know you’re terrified right now, and we all understand and can remember that, so yell out whenever you need to.
The drugs will be making her feel sick, that’s what you’re seeing. Her oxygen is also lower because of the low red blood count, so keep her quiet. She won’t have much energy right now.
If you have a regime of medications, I’d be happy to help with a chart.
See if you can get those blood tests.
Vally
Hi Amy, I’m sorry you’ve come looking for help because I know how worried you are.
A couple of things. Don’t reduce prednisone and atopica together. It’s really important to only reduce one at a time, preferably the prednisone because that is the one that has a lot of side effects. We recommend super slow reductions of not more than 25-33% of a drop in the dose, after checking that blood levies are holding.
Amoxicillin is NOT an antibiotic our dogs should be on as it can be a trigger for the disease. See here:
https://www.secondchanceaihadogs.com/AIHA_Terms/drugsantibiotics-can-trigger-aiha
You’ll see that cephalosporins, sulfa drugs & penicillins are to be avoided unless there is no choice.
The better drug would be doxycycline if possible. If they’ve done a test and found that the UTI is resistant to different drugs, that will make choice harder.
Is your dog on stomach protection? Sucralfate is the best as it coats the lining of the stomach. Prednisone is very hard on the stomach.
How are you dosing the drugs. Prednisone always with food, atopica away from food. Can you give me a list of all the drugs being given at the moment.
Do you continue with the atibiotic? I’m worried that if it is a penicillin, then it’s not good for him, unless there is no choice in antibiotic. Can you raise this with your vet.
I used to carry a list of the drugs which can’t be given, and I would always have that on hand whenever Bingo went to the vets to be sure they weren’t used.
Ask anything, I’m in Australia, so being a different time zone, could be a delay, but I’ always checking.
Vally
Terri, I’m so so sorry. This is a miserable disease and sometimes no much how much we fight, it just won’t be beaten.
Give yourself time to grieve. We live in a world where we’re expected to just get over it, but I know how impossible that is.
When you feel ready, visit the Bridge page. It was written by one of our ladies and it’s lovely and I know it will help you.
https://www.secondchanceaihadogs.com/the-bridge
My deepest condolences.
Vally
xxx
Terri, Mycophenalate is known to cause stomach problems in some dogs, so perhaps that’s the problem, although I would not expect to see red blood for stomach issues. Stomach blood is much darker. Red blood usually indicates a colon problem.
Her blood count is still at a safe level, even though not normal. I suspect when the diarrhear is stopped, her count will be good.
I’m so glad she’s on thyroid and liver medication. I’m sure you’ll see a different.
My best, Vally
Kerrie, I’m thrilled that there has been a bit of an increase. 17% is a good jump from 12%. It’s even above the 3% give or take to allow for whatevers.
No, Bristol and you aren’t by any means out of the woods yet, but I’m so so so hoping that she’s turned a corner.
I mean this from the bottom of my heart, having Dr Dodds on your side, is a really good thing, and if you vet accepts her advice, you can’t go wrong.
I’ll be hoping and praying for Bristol that her number start to climb.
Vally
xxx
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