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Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Muscle Mass ?
| Is there anything at all that can improve loss of muscle mass ... Gunner's legs are so weak, he has a really hard time getting up. Is there vitamins, supplements etc ? There has to be something ... we try to get him up and moving for little walks but its so hard, he is a big guy 125 lbs. It just feels like his muscles are shrinking. Poor Guy, its always something ... gonna give him a hot towel massage now. BTW he is still on 40 mg of pred per day ! |
| jacki |
| Jacki, I am sorry but this is caused by the prednisone. Once the dose is reduced he will slowly regain his muscle tissue back. It is very important to protect his joints during this period of time so he doesn't injure himself, esp. at 125lbs. Very short walks, no jumping or running. Look at the first three photos in this photo set on flickr. They show the damaging effects of the prednisone on Chance and the gradual increase in his body tone as he recovered. http://www.flickr.com/photos/patricel/sets/72157602714279765/ It was very hard to see him get so awful looking, but it was wonderful to see him recover! Even his coat improved to normal again. It is possible for Gunner to return to near normal. It will take time. Use good nutrition, nothing special, that has high quality proteins, moderate fat and moderate carbohydrate. Avoid grains, soy and corn. You can use a quality canine supplement like Pet Tinic if you would like. If you want to read more about why this happens read this page on Cushing's Disease. The type of Cushings our dogs suffer is Iatrogenic, or caused by glucocorticoids and is easily reversed by removing the prednisone. http://www.kateconnick.com/library/cushingsdisease.html my best patrice |
| Patrice NYS |
| Patrice , thank you for your kind words, you always have an answer !! Thank you for sharing your photo's what beautiful dogs you have and family :) I am currently feeding Gunner Taste of the wild, mixed with homecooked chicken breast, carrots, some greens etc. He is on so many meds right now, I give him yogurt during the day as a snack to also help with his stomach ! He is such a good sport, he lets us do anything and everything to him. First the IMHA or so we think, then the hygroma, now his poor week muscles. I nurse him everyday several times a day. Hot towel massages, his wound on his elbow from the hygroma it's still open and not healed, I have medication to use on that, I wrap both his elbows everyday with extra padding since he insists on sleep ing on the hardwood floor !!!! Now the weakness in his poor legs ... it's just never ending !!! Honestly every week its something new, lol !! I wish I had my pictures on flicker so you could see my boys, if your on facebook friend request me ... either JAcki Dooley or jacki.fusion@yahoo.com Thank you once again for always taking the time to answer me :) You're a blessing ! |
| jacki jacki.fusion@yahoo.com |
This thread was discussed on 29/03/2011
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