VetNet®
VetNet® AIHA discussion forum
VetNet® Forum
Lifelong Learning Network
www.vetnetlln.ac.uk
Veterinary Recruitment
Premier Partner Program
Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Mercedes Bloodtest Results
| Hi Everyone, Well we got the results of Mercedes latest testing on Saturday. We were somewhat disappointed that her PCV had not gone up as much as we had hoped. She really seems to be feeling much better though, since we started her on the Thyroxine, Denamarin, Pet Tinic, and Pepcid AC. She has become quite active, chasing birds across the property, barking and playing with our other two poodles, etc. We were quite surprised to find that her PCV had only increased 2 pts.(from 27 to 29)as her activity level has been so much higher the past two weeks. The upside though, is her PCV numbers ARE going "up" and not going "down". Her liver numbers were slightly increased again this time. Although I find this very diconcerting, I know it will take time for her liver to begin to recover. We have cut her prednisone from 35mg twice daily, to 15mg twice daily, over the past 3 weeks, so I am hopeful that the results for both of the above, will be better when we retest in about 3 weeks time. The vet feels we should NOT do any more decreases in the prednisone, until such time as we have a "normal" PCV. She is still on azathiapine, and the doseage on that has remained unchanged. I do not have the exact numbers to post for you yet, as it was a long weekend here in Canada, and my vet clinic was closed until today. When I have the report, I will give you a more detailed accounting. Meantime, my thanks again, to all of you, for your continued support and encouragement over the past two months. It is truly appreciated!! Warm regards, Maureen and Mercedes |
| Maureen B.C. Canada |
| Well, I'll do a happy dance for Mercedes cause ANY increase in a crit IS a good thing! You know, a PCV of 29% isn't bad BUT it isn't the greatest either! I'd limit the activity some if I were you at least until the crit get a little higher. How long has she been on the denamarin for? Have you been giving her meds with food? I know you said that the food she is on is a good one but you could also consider switching to the liver cleansing diet that Dr. Dodds provides. I would likely be much better for her liver than the GO Natural by Petcurian you currently have her on. Did you send the blood to hemopet and Dr. Dodds or is this another place? I'd love to hear the rest of the report when you get it...if you have the time and don't mind. For the time being I'll keep her in my thoughts and prayers. Johnny & Tessy |
| Johnny |
| Maureen, I know it is hard not to be disappointed when the PCV numbers don't go up a lot and the liver numbers are not going down.I had dreams about Kahlu getting up in the morning, shaking himself and all would be good. The slow progress was very hard on me. You have to keep seeing the small positive steps Mercedes has been doing. I am sure in a few weeks she will be in the normal range. the fact that Mercedes is feeling and acting better is a clear sign that she is getting better!!! I agree with Johnny, to limit Mercedes activity. I am sure you have notices some muscle loss. I was told that the danger of injury is much higher at this point. I tried to keep Kahlu away from playing with other dogs because of the high risk of injury. This would be the last problem Mercedes needs! Best wishes and a poodle hug to Mercedes, Brigitte & the poodle boys |
| Brigitte BC Canada |
| Hi Bridget and Johnny, I agree the activity thing is a problem. I don't let her go "out" with the other dogs but Mercedes is so high energy that keeping her quiet "in the house" is also a little problematic these days. She tries very hard to engage the older girls in play---grabbing the end of tug toys and stuffies they have, barking in their faces etc. When she goes outside to potty she just flies around the yard and the hummingbird feeders are a constant source of "amusement" for her. She's only 18 months old and still very much a "puppy" so it is a challenge, for sure! We have noticed the muscle loss, as well. She has not been able to "jump" on our bed for quite some time now, and I get a wake-up call every morning between 3 and 4 a.m. by a little cream poodle, wanting to be up on our bed!! (What I wouldn't do for a full nights sleep again!!! LOL!) When I get to town again, I will ask the vet for a copy of the latest numbers and post them. This latest round of numbers were done by the same lab at the coast that has done all of them----with the exception of the one test we sent to Dr. Dodds. Overall, I am reasonably happy with Mercedes progress----at least it IS "progress" and we are not going backwards. We will keep our fingers crossed for a more significant change next tests, and I will try to stay patient!! Thanks guys, for all your input. Hope all your furry friends are keeping well. Talk soon. Maureen and Mercedes. |
| Maureen B.C. Canada |
| Maureen, I am so happy to hear that Mercedes' PVC rose, even if just a little, it still rose! Yay!! Sending good vibes for continued increases. Jessi & Toqua |
| Jessi BC |
This thread was discussed between 26/05/2010 and 27/05/2010
Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) forum index
This thread is from the Vetnet archive. The live Vetnet forum is active now.
