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Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Question about exercise
| Ren has gained so much weight and lost so much muscle while on Pred. What is your opinion about exercise? Do you think it is better to let her get as much rest as possible or should she have some exercise to maintain the muscle she has left? I can see her body changing almost every day. Her legs look like little pencils; they are holding up this huge Chihuahua body. Sometimes her legs shake, I guess from the lack of muscle. I'm worried that if she just sits around all day that her muscles will atrophy. Any advice? Thanks, SUE |
| Susie Delaware |
| I personally took Ginger for a walk almost everyday, as long as she seemed up to it. Some days we would not make it past the end of the driveway and other days we could go a bit further, I would take the cues from her and never push her. Going for a walk was one of the highlights of Ginger's day even before she was diagnosed with AIHA and the walks seemed to cheer her up. I checked with my vet and she said short walks were okay as long as she seemed up to it, so you might want to double check with your vet. Ren is in our thoughts and prayers, Cheryl & Ginger |
| Cheryl & Ginger Pineville PA |
| By all means check with your vet. Your baby really needs all the rest she can get. but your vet is the best one to check with. Dolores |
| Dolores Wi |
| Susie, I am sorry about the muscle atrophy that Ren is experiencing. I remember watching Chance reduced to a mere shadow of his powerful self. He's back to nearly normal now, but it took a long time. Prednisone given in high doses alters the way the body metabolizes fat and water. It severely affects muscle tissue, causing the body to "waste" it. I know you want to keep her from losing muscle and I understand why you want to make sure she gets exercise to maintain it. Unfortunately that won't happen until the dose of pred is lowered. What Ren does understand is routine. If you become despondent that she is ill and she can sense this, it will upset her. Go through the motions of daily routine as if nothing was wrong. Be cheerful about all of these things with her. Get out the leash, put your coat on, attach her collar and start out for a walk. Even if you only make it to the end of the driveway, make it seem to her like she has done something very special. Give her treats, sit with her for a while watching the world go by. Give her the time of the walk, even if it just sitting together. When Ren is better, you will know when she is ready for walks. It will be a magical moment when you go for your first long 10 min walk.... my best patrice |
| Patrice NYS |
This thread was discussed between 27/02/2009 and 28/02/2009
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