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Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - question on reducing pred
| We are set to do our first pred reduction next week provided Riley's PCV has stayed up. The plan is to reduce it by 20%. He's on 100mg and will go down to 80mg. I'm just wondering about future reductions. I've read the recommendation of reducing 25-35% every 3-4 weeks. One thing I'm not clear on, is the 25-35% reduction of the original dose or of the current dose? He's really starting to show more side effects from the pred this week - his head feels more bony, and he is experiencing the muscle weakness everyone describes. I can just tell it's not making him feel good. Poor pup. I'm looking forward to reducing and hopefully resolving some of his symptoms. But I know we need to do it SLLLOOOOWWWW. |
| Jennifer |
| Remind me again what Riley's PCV was. If it's been stable for at least a couple of weeks and in the higher numbers then a 20% reduction would be good. You could even drop more if you are comfortable doing so and the numbers support it. Myself, on Dr. Dodds' recommendations, nwe reduced Tessy's prednisone every week...but by no more than 25% each time. She was also on azathioprine and cyclosporine as well though. The 25%-35% reduciton is ALWAYS for the current dose. Johnny & Tessy |
| Johnny |
| PCV was 36.3%. I am cool with being conservative for this first drop. I was just trying to predict how long it might take to get him off the pred, if all goes well, although I know things might not go according to plan. At what dose do the side affects, such as muscle weakness and bony head start to reverse? Or do they need to be off it completely for that to happen? I am really sad at what the meds are doing to my boy. |
| Jennifer |
| Hi Jennifer, We have all felt the same as you about the Pred, but you just have to remind yourself that this drug saved Riley's life. My Millie really started to come good as the Pred was down by about 75 per cent. Lucky she's a fluff ball, so I didn't notice her 'Pred Head'! Good luck with the reduction, Sam and Millie |
| Samantha Geelong Australia |
| Don't worry the effects of pred will begin to go away once you get to a lower dosage. I don't think you will see a difference going down to 80mg, but hopefully in a few weeks you can lower it again and perhaps you might begin to notice a slight improvement. Just be patient and go slowly to avoid a relapse. I know it is very difficult to see them like that. They do not need to be off the pred completely for the side effects to begin to go away, I am thinking at 40mg per day you will start to really see a difference. I am assuming Riley is a big dog. Glad Riley is doing better, when does he go for his next check? Cheryl & Ginger |
| Cheryl & Ginger Pinevile Pa |
| Yes, Riley is a big boy. He was 93 lbs. when this all started. He's somewhere around 85 now. Next check is next Fri... |
| Jennifer |
| Jennifer, Great to hear Riley is getting to start a reduction. Hopefully he will be back to "normal" soon |
| Penny Lytle Creek Calif |
This thread was discussed between 09/04/2010 and 10/04/2010
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