Vally - 215. page

[Vally]

Ditto :)

[Vally]

Mary I read that they actually do better in rheumatoid arthritis because it works as an anti-inflammatory.

[Vally]

Hi Tamara, it’s nice to “meet” you.

Ashki is just gorgeous and looks so happy in his picture.  He’s so very lucky to have you for his mum.

First of all I’m thrilled to read that there are some baby blood cells happening.  That’s wonderful news.  Fingers and paws crossed that Ashki just gets better and better from now on.

You certainly have a drug regime going.  If you need help with a drug chart, let me know. I’d be happy to make one up for you.

The bio algae also jumped out at me.  I had read that it’s great stuff and ordered some spirulina for Bingo, got it home and read up on it and found out that  it works against cyclosporine, so please check on this.  It may be safer to drop this one for now.

Also the weight loss could be caused by the prednisone as it affects the muscles.  They often lose muscle mass when on high doses of prednisone.  Bingo went from 8kg down to 6kg in the first few months.  It was terrifying to see.  He became a walking skeleton with a huge belly BUT the effects of the prednisone (and there are many) all start to go away when the prednisone can slowly be reduced.

The prednisone also affects the liver and the liver enzymes will be out while on the higher doses, but the denamarin will be doing it’s bit to help the liver cope and the liver is such a clever organ that heals.

You might want to post the results here when you get them, or if easier, you can scan them and use the Urgent Advice tab up the top which will email them.  Patrice and Sheena on this site are brilliant at interpreting results and can help you to understand what’s happening.

Your vet sounds great .  The early days are crucial and it looks like they are certainly a dedicated bunch.  You are brilliant to have noticed the pale gums and acted, even changing vets to get better advice and action. This has probably saved Ashki.

The people here are wonderful.  We all hold each others hands through all the worries that we have to go through.  We all love our dogs to bits.

Love Vally & Bingo (diagnosed Nov 2011 – in remission)

 

[Vally]

Ashley, I’m thrilled to hear Lola is doing so well.  It’s wonderful to see them feeling better and congratulations Lola on your 6th adoption birthday.

I must also add my concerns about the reduction though.   I’m guessing you have already reduced the prednisone from 20mg because to go from 20mg to 10mg every 2 days is a 75% reduction (yes Brigitte, your maths is spot on) and that is way too fast.

Bingo relapsed twice when doing 50% reductions, meaning we had to go back up in prednisone dosage and do the reductions all over again.  After the second time that he relapsed, we have done the reductions much much slower.  Never more than 25% at a time over a period of 2 months each time.

What is Lola’s PCV?

Good luck with your next check up.

Vally & Bingo

 

[Vally]

Oh Bunny, I’m sorry you’ve been sick.  Wendy is being a star by being her 100% for you.  Good luck on Monday.  You take care of yourself.

Vally & Bingo

[Vally]

“stages of doneness” – technical term.  The blood test and PCV video is a brilliant idea that I really want to see.   I’ll bring popcorn. Patrice, this site, I think today, is the best there is but you just keep amazing me with your fabulous ideas.

[Vally]

Yes Brigitte, I think you’re right. Let’s see them.

[Vally]

Mary, the GLM are great for people.  I have put dad (turned 91 on Thursday) on them as he was having difficulty walking as his knees were giving him grief.  They are great for knees and within about 2 weeks he even admitted that MAYBE they were doing something.  He never likes to admit he’s feeling good.

Dad still takes 2 x 500mg daily.  I also take them for back issues, except I only take 1 a day (used to take 2 a day, but it got too expensive at one stage and I figured Bingo needed them more -sigh).

I also recommended them to an older friend of mine who was having physio because her knees were giving her grief and she was in a lot of pain.  She had been having physio for a while but said it wasn’t really helping.  I told her about the GLM and, because she has some sort of leukemia, I told her to make sure she spoke to her dr about them.  He okayed them and she started taking them.  She says she’s convinced that the GLM have done wonders.  Her  knees are a lot better and said she noticed a difference in that they were less painful within a week.

I’m not taking a commission for them :)  I have just been really impressed with the way they have helped some people and dogs around.   Pregnant and breast feeding woman should not use them.  Side effects can be diarrhear.

Love Vally